My Second Page

Principal's Message
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Lava Elementary School. We understand that when students walk
through the doors of our school, you as a parent are entrusting us with the most precious of all resources;
your own children. We take our responsibility very seriously in this regard. If you have any concerns about
your child's education, please feel free to contact the school early on so that we can work out the best
solution. Our challenge is to foster successful academic and social development in each and every child,
and we pledge the very best toward that end.

This handbook is filled with important information regarding school policy and procedures. I suggest that
parents and students review the contents together. If you have any questions that remain unanswered
after reading the handbook, please call the school office. We feel that the handbook will serve as a helpful
reference for parents as they seek to provide academic support at home. We deeply recognize the
importance of an open and clear communication between school and home. Communication is as a
critical component of our educational program. Lava Elementary School parents are our partners in the
important job of educating the children of this community.

School Rules
Use clean language; don't swear, tease, or make unkind remarks that may hurt another's feelings.

Treat each other with respect; don't argue, resolve differences peacefully, follow instructions, play fair,
be honest, leave other peoples things alone, take turns ,be courteous, obey staff instructions without
complaint, include others, avoid teasing, don't write on the walls or desks or books, and be friendly to
everyone.. Don't push or shove, or say anything or do anything on purpose which can hurt someone or
make someone feel bad.

Use playground equipment safely; don't stand or jump from the swings; use the jump rope for jumping;
don't throw balls at someone who isn't expecting to catch it; don't climb up the slide ; etc.

No tackle sports, rough play, or fighting (or play fighting).

Stay on campus during school hours. Get permission before retrieving a lost ball. If your going to have
someone check you out of school, pick you up, or ride to someone's house after school, the office must
have a written note or a call from your parents.

Avoid loud talking or running in the building.

Clean up after yourself. If you drop it, pick it up, don't throw food, clean up your messes, clean your
desk, hang your coat up, and help keep the school clean.

Use good manners. Wash your hands before you eat and after you use the rest room, don't play with
your food, be on time, take turns, be a good sport.

Be a good worker. Do your own work, get all of your assignments done on time, ask when you don't
understand, get plenty of rest try to be neat, get along with others, and help others when you can.

Discipline
Each staff member at Lava Elementary School accepts responsibility for the maintenance of discipline
and for the promotion of a program for the development of wholesome human relations. A student's
behavior should conform to acceptable standards of conduct as established by the principal and teachers.
The staff requests parental support in helping maintain appropriate conduct in the school. Children's
behavior should reflect self-respect and consideration for the rights, feelings, and property of others.

Dress Code
Students are expected to dress in a manner that shows respect for the educational environment and is
befitting the day's activities. Student's clothing and jewelry must not present a health or safety hazard or
distraction, which would disrupt the school's educational mission. A disruption is defined as reactions by
other individuals to the clothing or adornment which causes the teacher or administrator to loose the
attention of students, to modify or cease instructional activities, or to deal with student confrontations or
complaints. This includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Personal items such as clothing, paraphernalia, jewelry, backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags, water
bottles, etc. shall be free of writing, pictures, or other insignias, which are crude, vulgar, profane, violent, or
sexually suggestive.

2. Personal items which bear advertising, promotions, and likeness of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, or which
are contrary to the educational mission, shall not be allowed.

3. Hair, which is so conspicuous, extreme, or odd in color or style that it draws undo attention, disrupts,
or tends to disrupt or interfere with the learning atmosphere at the school, shall not be allowed.

4. All students are expected to wear clean clothing. Clothing, jewelry, accessories and piecing which are
so conspicuous, extreme, or odd that they may draw undue attention, disrupt, or tend to disrupt, interfere
with or pose a health or safety issue to the learning atmosphere at the school, shall not be allowed.

5. Students shall not wear clothes that are mutilated, cut off, or immodest, e.g. short shorts, mini skirts,
bare midriffs, halter tops, spaghetti straps, tank shirts, or similar clothing.

6. Clothing shall cover the midriff, underwear, back, shoulders, and cleavage at all times. Skirts, dresses,
and shorts must be at least mid thigh length or longer when the student is seated.

7. Jackets or clothing with insignias representing any branch of the U.S. Armed forces or insignias that do
not reflect the dignity of learning, modesty, and the principles of education are not to be worn.

8. Hats of any kind are not allowed within the building except as part of an approved activity or for religious
or medical reason.

9. Gang related clothing, colors, and paraphernalia shall not be allowed in school or activities.

10. Shoes shall be worn at all times in the building to ensure personal safety and hygiene.

School Visits
For the protection of the students and the integrity of the instructional program, ALL visitors to school are
asked to report to the school office prior to visiting any classroom. Parents are encouraged to visit school
frequently and actively participate in the education of their child. However, we request that parents avoid
conferring with teachers during such visits, but rather schedule an appointment with the teacher at a
different time. From time to time we are asked if a friend of a student might visit and attend school during
school hours. We believe this creates a distraction and an additional responsibility for the school staff
therefore, we ask that visiting friends and relatives not be allowed to attend school.

P.T.O.
The P.T.O. is a vital part of our school program. We encourage parents to become active members. A
successful school needs the services of the P.T.O. Please contact the school office for a current meeting
schedule. We welcome your participation and support during the school year and solicit your membership
in the P.T.O. Working together, we will be able to reach our collective and individual goals. We look
forward to celebrating with you the achievements of our students.

Volunteers
We encourage parents and community members to volunteer in our school by reading with students,
tutoring struggling math students, helping with the music program, or assisting teachers in the classroom.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the school office or talk to a classroom teacher. Note: All
volunteers and visitors to the school need to check in at the school office prior to meeting with students or
school staff.

School Closure
When severe weather creates hazardous conditions, the regular school schedule may be suspended to
ensure students safety. It is the parent/guardians responsibility to monitor news reports via the local
television station (Channel 6). Announcements are normally broadcast between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
The school will make every attempt to call each student's home in the event of a school closure.

Telephone Use at School
The school telephone is answered between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Messages to teachers or
students will be placed in the teachers mailbox. Only in real emergencies will a teacher or a student be
called to the telephone during class time. Students will not be allowed to use the telephone during class
time. Students may use the phone during the day with the permission of the classroom teacher. Students
are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day.

Textbooks/ Library Books
Textbooks are provided free of charge for all students. The student may also check-out a variety of library
books at various reading levels. Students must accept responsibility for book care and safe keeping.
Parents will be asked tp pay for lost, stolen, or damaged books.

Student Performance and Evaluation
Report cards will be sent home at the end of each nine (9) weeks of school. This means informing
parents/guardians of the student's progress or lack of progress in each subject.

Grading Scale:
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
Below 70 D

Student Attendance
When your child is absent from school, please call the school office before 9:00 a.m. in the morning. The
teacher will be notified and will make a folder which includes the assignments for that day. Appropriate
books will be sent home when necessary. Homework assignments can be picked up in the office at the
end of the school day or sent home with another child if requested. Parents need to be careful about their
child missing school as absences negatively effect student learning. In addition, parents of students with
excessive absences may be referred to Juvenile Court for child neglect. Students who miss school due to
doctor's visits should bring a signed note from the doctor upon returning to school.
In the event parents need to check their child out of school during the school day, they are asked to
report to the school office and have the secretary arrange to have the student come to the office rather
than have the parent disturb the classroom. Parents will need to sign their child out at the school office
prior to exiting the building.
Sometimes we have individuals such as an ex-spouse or relative who should not have access to a
student due to a custody or legal dispute or protection. If this is the case, the child's legal guardian must
provide us with court documents which stipulate this restriction (i.e. restraining order, divorce decree, etc).
Please do not ask us to prohibit another parent without proper court orders.

Medication at School
Medication should be administered at home. Parents are encouraged to keep their children at home if
they are sick. If a student needs to be given medication during school hours, parents need to come to the
school office and fill out the proper paperwork. Students are not allowed to have in their possession any
medication while at school (this includes over the counter medications).Medications are to be kept in the
school office and administered by school personnel or in the presence of school personnel.

Daily Schedule
7:40 Doors Open (Breakfast Program Available)
8:15 Schools Starts
10:00 - 10:15 Recess
11:50 - 12:35 Lunch (time differs within this span per grade level)
1:45 - 2:00 Recess
3:45 Class Dismissed
4:10 Early Bus Departs
4:30 Late Bus Departs

Non bus students are not to arrive at school prior to 8:00 a.m.

Homework
School is a child's work. Our philosophy is to give a limited amount of homework each night. Exceptions
are special projects and work that is not completed at school. Each child is expected to read at home for
a specific period of time as required by the teacher and reported by parents every Friday. Homework
encourages a good work ethic, personal responsibility, and growth in the area of reading.

Fees
Students are required to pay an annual $10.00 fee for student assemblies. This fee is due at the
beginning of school and is payable at the school office.

Weapons Brought to School
Marsh Valley School District has a "zero tolerance" statement for weapons brought to school by
students. Students are not allowed to bring any type of knife, gun, etc. to school.

Field Trips
Properly supervised and planned educational field trips are an important part of the instructional program.
A signed permission form from a parent or guardian is required for all field trips.

Student Records
It is imperative that the school office be notified immediately of a change of address, home or office
telephone number, or emergency information during the academic school year. According to the Family
Rights Act of 1974, a parent/ guardian or a student over the age of 18 years of age or older is permitted to
inspect and review his / her educational records.Parent - Teacher Conferences
We welcome parent / guardian requests for conferences. It is very important that you know what is going
on with your child at school. Please schedule all conferences by calling the school office at 776-5204. At
this time the secretary will assist you in arranging a conference with your child's teacher. Formal
parent-teacher conferences are also established at regular intervals during the school year (see school
calendar).

School Lunch
Breakfast is provided at no cost to every student. The lunch program is also available at a minimal cost to
the students. For current lunch fees, please call the school secretary. Free and reduced lunch programs
are available for qualified students (Applications for these programs are available at school however, the
student is required to pay the regular price for lunches until approved).
Parents are invited to come and eat with their children at school on occasion, but must call and make
arrangements before 9:00 a.m., so our cooks can prepare enough food.