VAN BUREN ELEMENTARY STUDENT HANDBOOK 2020-2021

VAN BUREN ELEMENTARY

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2020-2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Arrival & Dismissal Information 1

Birthday Treat Policy 9

Bringing Children to School 2

Bullying 8

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices 4

Field Trip Chaperones and Classroom Helpers 3

Fitness 360 6

Homework 5

Lunch Visitors 3

Media Center 6

Mid-Term Reports 6

Mission Statement 1

Newsletters 5

Parent-Teacher Communication 5

Party Policies 9

School and Personal Property 4

Student Language 9

Student Shoes 9

Use of School Property 10

TO THE STUDENTS AND PARENTS OF VAN BUREN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Van Buren Elementary School is a safe place where all students can learn and grow surrounded by caring teachers

and staff. Our staff encourage all students to try challenging work, to not give up when the work gets hard, to

care for and respect others, and to make our school a better place. All of our school programming and rules are

designed to support these core goals. We hope this booklet answers your questions. But if not, please ask any

one of our caring staff and they will be glad to help you.

Be a T.E.A.M. Student

ry challenging work—don’t be afraid of making errors because that is how we learn.

ven when your work gets hard, don’t give up. When you do this, you will succeed.

lways care for and respect others. When you do this to others, they will do the same for you.

ake Van Buren a better place. If every student does this, our school will be a wonderful place to be.

MISSION STATEMENT FOR VAN BUREN ELEMENTARY

Bringing joy to learning.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL INFORMATION

Student hours: 8:50 A.M. - 3:50 P.M. (Monday - Friday)

Students may enter the building at 8:30 A.M. The school cannot accept responsibility for supervision of students

who arrive before 8:30 A.M. or that have not been picked up by 4:00 P.M.

All students will remain outside the building until the first bell

rings at 8:30 A.M. If driving to school, parents are to wait with

their child in their car until drop off procedures begin at 8:30

A.M. No students are allowed to wait unsupervised. At that

time, students are allowed to enter the building and must be

seated in their classrooms and ready for the school day by 8:50

A.M.

For safety reasons, we respectfully ask that parents or

guardians not walk with their students to the classroom or

attempt to meet with the teacher unless it has been arranged

ahead of time. In special cases, exceptions to this can be

made by the school principal or guidance counselor.

Parents who drive their children to school are asked to observe cautious driving habits, courtesy, and a few simple

rules to help facilitate the easing of the traffic problem and help insure the safety of our children.

Bringing Children to School

Parents may pick up and drop off students in the following manner:

Cars will utilize the back circle drive near the playground in the AM and PM.

Morning drop off time is from 8:30-8:50; PM pick up begins after dismissal at 3:50.

Cars are to create a single-file line near the right curb closest to the building.

Staff will move cars up in groups to drop off or pick up students.

In the afternoon, cars MUST have a car rider number on the passenger side dashboard visible to staff.

Each family or group of students that ride home in the same car will be the same number.

Students will be dismissed from door 6 by number as the staff member sees cars arrive in the pick-up area.

Please note: No parents will be allowed out of their car to help students in or out of the vehicle- staff will assist

if needed.

Wait for the cars ahead of you to load or unload prior to pulling around to exit the school.

Cars may choose to then turn left or right onto Shaw to leave Van Buren.

If you need to enter the school for any reason just prior to or during dismissal, you may park in the north

parking lot and walk to door 1 in the front of the building.

Extra-curricular activities are a learning experience; therefore,

we encourage participation. Please show your appreciation by

picking up your children promptly after an activity. Also, your

promptness reduces your child's anxiety.

Expectations for Visitors

All external school doors are locked during the school day and all visitors must be buzzed in by an office staff

member. Visitors are required to present their driver’s license or state ID and must wear a printed name badge

provided by the school office.

Chaperones and classroom volunteers play an important role in schools. Without them, creative educational

experiences inside and outside of the classroom would be more difficult to accomplish. In order to keep students

safe, chaperones and classroom volunteers:

must spread out among the students when on the bus or in other large group settings.

may not use tobacco products of any kind while on a field trip.

photos may only be taken of your own child. Photos may not be taken of friends or other

students and should never be posted on social media sources without the consent of the classroom teacher and

the other parents.

should avoid making or taking phone calls while supervising students unless for an

emergency or communication needs on a field trip.

should not bring other children along on a fieldtrip.

must immediately report incidents or suspected incidents of bullying, physical, and/or verbal

aggression to a teacher.

Volunteer classroom helpers must have a limited criminal background check on file. They must wear a

printed name badge on their shirt at all times and it must be visible (not under a sweater). With this badge, they

can be anywhere they are needed in the school.

Field trip chaperones must have a limited criminal background check on file. They must wear a white

“Fieldtrip Chaperone” badge and report directly to the classroom.

Lunch visitors must wear a printed name badge and it must be visible at all times. They are only allowed to be

in the cafeteria hallway where the lunch visitor tables are set up. Students may not invite their friends to join

them at the adult lunch tables. In order to help us keep the school safe, we ask that lunch visitors do not walk

their student back to their classroom or locker. Lunch visitors may not go outside to recess with students.

Appointments—If a parent or guardian has an appointment with a school staff member, they must wear printed

name badge and only go to the room where the meeting is taking place. A staff member will meet you at the

front office to take you to the meeting place. Please make appointments ahead of time or after student school

hours. Teachers want to maintain good communication with parents. For safety reasons, we ask that you don’t

show up unannounced. If the front office has not been notified of your appointment, you can’t proceed to the

classroom.

Substitute teachers must wear a light blue “Substitute” badge at all times.

Arrival and Dismissal—for safety reasons, we respectfully ask that parents or guardians not walk with their

students to the classroom or attempt to meet with the teacher unless it has been arranged ahead of time. In

special cases, exceptions to this can be made by the school principal or guidance counselor.

SCHOOL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY

The school is not responsible for money and other valuables brought to school. No child should sell, trade, or buy

items at school or on the bus.

Toys and electronic games should only be brought to school with teacher permission.

Students rent textbooks and materials. The child and parent should understand, however, that the student is

responsible for the care and safekeeping of all school materials and property provided for their use. Students will

be required to pay for lost and/or damaged school items.

STUDENT CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Student cell phones, iPads, Book Readers, iPods, and other wireless devices must be turned off and stored inside

the student’s backpack at all times during the school day. The only exception is if a teacher has given the student

permission to use it for educational purposes and can provide supervision. The school is not responsible for lost or

stolen electronic devices or cell phones. Please note that student lockers are not kept locked. Students should

never take or share photos with others through email, instant messaging (texting), or post on social media.

HOMEWORK

The State Department of Education has issued a statement that meaningful homework has a positive effect on

student achievement. Parent involvement has a direct relationship to student progress. We feel that homework

reinforces: skills taught in the classroom, responsibility, parent interaction, and independent study. It also

encourages the budgeting of time between play, after-school activities, and school work. Homework allows

parents to recognize individual needs, depending on your child's work/study habits. Every child has a "reading"

homework assignment Monday – Friday.

Student's assigned work will be graded and sent home each week. At some teacher’s request, a parent may be

asked to sign an attached form and return it with the student at the beginning of each week. This is to ensure

that the parent has an opportunity to see what and how well their child is doing during each school week.

Agendas are also handed out at the beginning of the year. This is a helpful tool that most teachers utilize on a

nightly basis. This should be signed and returned daily.

PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION

Maximum progress for your child necessitates a close line of communication and understanding between teacher

and parent. Parent-teacher conferences are probably the best means through which this can be realized. The

teacher or the parent can initiate a conference. It is preferred that an appointment be made for a conference.

This can be easily done by calling the school office, sending a note, or by emailing the teacher.

In October, teachers will conference with all parents so that we can get to know one another and share

information about your children.

If, as a parent, you have a concern about something that has happened at school, or if you feel there is some kind

of conflict that is causing your child to perform poorly, please contact the proper person at school.

Formal grade reports to parents will be made at the end of each nine-week period. These Report Cards will be

sent home on Wednesday following the end of the grading period.

Mid-Terms & Newsletters On-Line

The midterm report (half way through a nine-week grading period) will be available on-line through the Power

School Parent Portal. Parents who do not have access to the internet can request a copy of the mid-term report

from their student’s teacher.

Reporting practices should serve the purpose of motivating or encouraging the students, and they should keep

parents and students adequately informed of student progress, adjustment, and potential.

School and PTO newsletters will also be posted on-line and sent via e-mail to your e-mail address you provided to

us monthly along with a calendar of activities for that month. Occasionally we may send home a paper reminder

of upcoming events or any changes. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact the child’s teacher

and request a paper copy of the newsletters be sent home.

MEDIA CENTER

We are proud of our media center and each year we are making strides to improve it. As children use the library,

please remember we want books to wear out from use and not from careless handling or through loss.

Remember that library books, which are in desks or at home, are doing no one any good. During the shaping

years, we want to develop the habit of using the library and the responsibility of returning books "on time". Lost

and/or damaged books must be replaced; therefore, a charge will be assessed at current replacement costs.

FITNESS360

Fitness360 is 35 minutes of daily physical activity. Students will begin their time by jogging for a period of time

determined by the classroom teachers in order to get aerobic exercise. Following that, they will alternate between

free play and time on the Ninja equipment used to improve core and upper body strength as well as balance and

coordination. If a child wants to bring an item to school, they must obtain the classroom teacher's permission.

Students are required to bring a note if they are not to participate in Fitness360. Students will go outside to

Fitness360 if the temperature is above 20 degrees, and the wind chill factor is above 20 degrees, and it is not

raining or sleeting. See Section B, Page 4, for guidelines for requesting that your child remain inside for

Fitness360 due to illness, etc. Keeping every student safe is the mission of our school; therefore, our rules have

the purpose of keeping Fitness360 safe, fair, and respectful. Student responsibilities and expectations at

Fitness360 are:

All students must be active during Fitness360

We believe that daily physical activity is very important for students.

Students will need a note from a doctor to not participate. We will honor a parent note with a request to not

participate for up to 3 days but, must have a doctor’s note for longer periods of time.

Be respectful of everyone around you:

●

Have fun and help those around you have fun

●

Kick and throw balls back and forth to each other in places where you will not hit others

●

Do not hit, push, wrestle, or kick others

●

Talk to each other respectfully and avoid name-calling at all times

●

Remember the “hands-off” expectation between students of the opposite sex

●

Be obedient and respectful to the playground supervisors

●

Do not retrieve balls that go outside of the playground fence without permission from a playground

supervisor.

Be respectful of the playground equipment:

●

Return all equipment to the basket at the end of Fitness360

●

Do not kick or throw balls against walls or fences

Get Exercise:

●

Participate every day in a Fitness360 activity

●

Come to school prepared to participate—have tennis shoes and appropriate clothing for daily exercise

●

Invite other students to join your activity

Basketball Rules:

●

Play basketball on only one court area—no full court games

●

Follow the basketball rules and be considerate of others

Swing Set Rules:

The person swinging:

●

is to be seated

●

is to swing forward and back, not sideways

●

is to slow the swing before getting off - no jumping dismounts

●

is to be considerate of others and share time

Bystanders:

●

are to stay beyond the reach of the swings and swingers

●

may push willing swingers, but not run under them (no underdogs)

Other Fitness360 Rules:

●

Only 4 students should be on the see-saw at one time.

●

No bare feet outside or during physical activities anywhere

●

Keep snow and ice on the ground at all times. Building with snow is allowed at designated areas

●

Baseballs are not permitted during Fitness360 unless approved by the principal and Fitness360 supervisor

●

Two-hand touch football is permitted ONLY when supervised by a school staff member. Tackle football is

never permitted

●

Soccer is permitted ONLY when supervised by a school staff member

●

Dodge ball or ball tag are not permitted at Fitness360

● Electronic devices (Game Boys, CD players, cell phones, etc…) are not permitted at Fitness360

● Collector cards (such as Pokemon and others) are not permitted at Fitness360

●

Candy or food is not permitted at Fitness360. Gum is not permitted at any time while on school grounds

STUDENT SHOES

We try to provide all students with 35 minutes of daily exercise at Fitness360. Please be sure they wear or bring

tennis shoes every day.

STUDENT LANGUAGE

Students are expected to use respectful language when talking with adults and other students. All comments should

be said in a polite and respectful manner. Students should address all school staff by using their titles (Mr. _____or

Mrs._____ or Ms._____).

ANTI-BULLYING PROGRAM

We believe that all students must feel safe, physically and emotionally at school. Bullying is defined in Section B.

All students at Van Buren will participate in anti-bullying curriculum each school year to help identify bullying,

address it effectively, and empower students to help stop bullying.

PARTY POLICIES

Traditionally we have parties in the Fall, Winter Holiday, and Valentine's Day. Our PTO room parents have

graciously given their time to help with the Fall party. The teachers are responsible for the Winter Holiday and

Valentine parties. It is our desire to keep parties at a minimum. Parties will not begin before 2:45 p.m.

Birthday/Holiday Treats and Party Policies:

In order to provide optimum learning time and promote student wellness, classroom birthday

snacks, parties and special deliveries of balloons, flowers and gifts will not be permitted at school.

Additionally, in order to protect the feelings of all children, students are not permitted to pass out

any invitations at school even if the entire class is invited. Plainfield Schools understand that a

child’s birthday is very important to him/her. Therefore, each child’s birthday will be recognized on

the morning announcements. Also, every student will receive a birthday pencil and recognition from

his/her classroom teacher and principal. During the holiday season, parents are not to bring holiday

candy, cookies, or treats unless requested by the classroom teacher or PTO. The Van Buren PTO

currently furnishes a treat and a drink for every major holiday.

The school will not give out addresses or phone numbers of parents or students.

THE USE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

Due to the overwhelming number of requests that we have each year to use the school facilities for after-school

meetings, we feel it necessary to create guidelines for the use of school property. The guidelines will be strictly

enforced at all four elementary schools. The following are the guidelines for using school property:

●

Use will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis

●

Facility rental fees and custodial fees may apply

●

Depending on the size of the meeting, more than one group may be in the cafeteria at a time

●

A Facility Usage form and a current insurance certificate must be completed and on file

●

Groups must clean up after themselves

●

If the area is not left in a manner that is acceptable and/or there are reports of unacceptable behavior, the

use of the facility may be revoked

●

The area and building must be maintained properly

SECTION B

The following pages provide rules and guidelines for the elementary schools of the

Plainfield Community School Corporation.

B10

Absences

Research shows that students who have regular school attendance are more successful in school.

With this in mind, PCSC places an emphasis on attendance and encourages all students to be at

school, ready to learn, every day. The state considers a student who has missed more than six days

of school to be a “non-model” attendee. As students approach and/or exceed this mark, notices will

be sent home as reminders of our attendance policies.

ATTENDANCE AWARDS

If the school chooses to give perfect attendance awards, then students who have been present all day every

day will be awarded a perfect attendance award at the end of the year.

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

Students who accrue excessive absences will be sent a warning letter. If absences continue, once a third

letter is reached, the Division of Family and Children of the Hendricks County Office may be notified. It

should be noted that all absences, even those marked as excused or pre-arranged, accumulate toward

these totals.

Five Day Letters will be sent when any student has missed five cumulative days of school. The purpose

of this letter is to make parents aware of the number of days their child has been absent from school.

Ten Day Letters are sent when a child has reached ten days of total absences. Following the ten-day

letter, all absences must have medical documentation in order to be excused.

Project Attend Contracts are used in collaboration with the Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office to

help increase student attendance. The contracts are an agreement between the school and family to assure

that children have regular school attendance.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Excused absences are defined as absences that the school corporation regards as legitimate reasons for

being out of school. These are aligned with Indiana state law. Indiana Code allows five causes for an

absence to be excused. These include:

Illness verified by note or phone call from parent/guardian

Illness verified by note from physician

Family funeral

Maternity

Military Connected Families (e.g. absences related to deployment and return)

EXEMPT ABSENCES

Indiana Law prescribes which absences are exceptions and are not included as absences on a student’s

attendance. As per (IC 20-33-2) these include: (1) service as a page for the Indiana General Assembly,

(2) serving on the Precinct Election Board or the helper to a political candidate, (3) a student who is

issued a subpoena to appear in court as a witness in a judicial proceeding, (4) ordered to active duty with

the Indiana National Guard for not more than ten days, (5) Serving with the Civil Air Patrol for up to

five (5) days, (6) exhibiting at the State Fair, and (7) educationally related non-classroom activity.

B11

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

An unexcused absence is any absence not covered under the definitions of excused or exempt.

FAMILY EMERGENCY

A student may be allowed make-up work for an absence caused by a family emergency, even if it falls in

the “unexcused” category. This absence may not exceed one (1) day per incident and will count toward

the total number of absences. The parent should call the attendance office on the day of the emergency

and send a note of explanation with the student the following day; final determination will be at the

building principal’s discretion.

PREARRANGED ABSENCES

Vacations: Families should plan their vacations during times when school is not in session to avoid

student absences. The granting of pre-arranged absences is not intended for adding additional vacation

days to the school year, but rather for unavoidable absences or once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Taking a

student out of school for a vacation that does not count as an educational activity qualifies as an

unexcused absence.

The following applies to prearranged absences:

Parents must obtain and sign a form for a prearranged absence and return that form to the principal

or assistant principal’s office.

The form must be submitted ahead of time, allowing ample time for needed signatures to be

obtained and all stakeholders to be notified; recommended submission is five (5) days prior to the

absence.

If a student has previously been absent for several days, a conference may be required by the

administration to discuss the ramifications of additional absences.

Class work missed must be made up promptly upon the student’s return. Students need to check

with teachers regarding an agreeable timeframe for make-up work to be completed; the teacher may

provide work ahead of time at his/her discretion.

5. The prearranged absence will be reported as excused or unexcused according to the Indiana

Compulsory Attendance Law (IC-20-33-2), and make-up work will be allowed for credit. Students

and parents are reminded that even though make-up work will be allowed for credit, some classroom

activities simply cannot be replicated. The instruction missed during class time may adversely affect

their grades (especially in participation-type classes) and understanding of material.

Any prearranged absence(s) will count toward the total number of days absent.

No prearranged absence will be approved if a student is scheduled to take the state required

achievement tests and/or locally administered achievement tests during the requested time frame.

Parents considering pre-arranged absences should consult the school calendar and the classroom

teacher prior to making plans.

MAKE-UP WORK

If a child needs to miss school due to illness, make-up work will be sent home to the student by parental

request

only

after the student has missed

two days

of school and should be made by 9:00 a.m. on the day

you’d like to pick up work at the end of the day. If a request for homework is made on a day that a

substitute teacher is in the classroom, the work will be gathered upon the teacher’s return. Upon returning

from an absence, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the teacher to receive missed assignments.

B12

A note or phone call explaining any absence is required to permit a student to make up missed work. The

number of days a student has to return make-up work for credit shall be equal to the number of days

missed, plus one. Beyond that, assignments may only receive credit if the teacher has approved it.

MEDICAL INTERRUPTION

It is recommended that parents schedule any medical, dental, counseling, or eye appointments outside of

school hours. If this is not possible, the following guidelines apply. Students absent due to a medical

appointment shall be indicated on the report card as an MI (Medical Interruption) during each grading

period. The rules are as follows:

Medical appointments count as time absent from school and will be reported as such on the report card.

Such medical interruptions will count against a perfect attendance record for the grading period.

For the MI notation to be applied, rather than “tardy,” the student must present a note from the medical

institution indicating that the student was seen. The note is to be given to the nurse upon returning to

school.

REPORTING AN ABSENCE

Parents are expected to notify the school by 9:00 a.m. when their child is going to be absent.

Please use the following

appropriate phone number to report absences or to communicate with our school’s nurse

Brentwood Elementary Clinic

(317) 838-3652

Central Elementary Clinic

(317) 838-3643

Clarks Creek Elementary Clinic

(317) 203-7770

Van Buren Elementary Clinic

(317) 838-3648

The school will make every attempt to contact the parents when a student is absent and parental

notification has not been received.

RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER AN ILLNESS

If a student has been ill, he/she must be fever-free without the aid of fever- reducing medication for

twenty-four hours before returning to school. Students experiencing vomiting or diarrhea as a result of

illness should also be symptom-free for twenty-four hours before returning to school.

PHYSICIAN’S VERIFICATION OF ILLNESS

If a student is absent five consecutive days or more, the student must bring a doctor’s note stating the

reason for the absence and that the student is able to attend school. If an absence is due to a contagious

disease, a doctor’s written approval must be provided for readmission.

TARDIES

Students are expected to arrive at school on time and be prepared for class when the school day begins.

Students, who arrive at school late up to ½ day or leave before the school day is over, shall be considered

tardy, unless proof of a medical appointment was submitted to the school. Students arriving to school after

8:50 a.m. must be signed in by an adult at the main office and will be counted tardy. All students need to

be in their seats at 8:50 ready to begin the day.

B13

Academics

Plainfield Community School Corporation is proud of its history of academic success and tradition of

excellence, including many designations of our schools as FOUR STAR SCHOOL award winners.

Through rigorous curriculum and intentional instruction, our students are able to make the gains needed to

be successful in school and beyond. Unique experiences, such as odysseys in The Imagination Lab, and

time spent developing the skills of design thinking and the 4C’s (cooperation, communication, critical

thinking, and creativity) also add to the academic program and prime students to become empowered

learners.

CONFERENCES

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled as needed. It is our intention to keep the lines of communication

open between school and home throughout the year, If you’d like to request a conference with your child’s

teacher, please make an appointment by calling, emailing, or writing a note to the teacher. Parents arriving

without a scheduled meeting time will not be allowed to go to the classroom to conference with a teacher

during instructional time, but we will attempt to schedule your meeting quickly to resolve your concerns.

CURRICULUM

Plainfield School Corporation follows the Indiana Academic Standards to create a cohesive program of

instruction for every grade level and subject area. Detailed curriculum maps are created by teams of

teachers across the district. These maps integrate a variety of instructional strategies, including use of

individualized instruction, large-group instruction, and activity-centered instruction. Curriculum is

enhanced by the use of multiple resources, including technology, adopted textbooks, and many more.

Additional instruction is provided in Art, Music, Physical Education, Technology, and Special Education.

A strong emphasis is placed on reading, writing, language arts, and mathematics. Plainfield Community

School Corporation utilizes a Response to Instruction (RtI) model when addressing students who

demonstrate a need for enrichment or support.

The instructional program is designed to assist students to acquire the competencies and achieve the goals

established by law, as well as the goals and standards established by Plainfield Community School

Corporation. These goals and standards are shared with parents in a manner that will enable them to

monitor and improve the educational achievement of their child.

ELL—ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

Enrollment Procedures

In accordance with federal guidelines, all schools are required to administer a Home Language Survey to

identify the first (native) language(s) of all students enrolled in the school corporation.

The Home

Language Survey

shall elicit the following information:

•

the first (native) language of the student;

•

the language most often spoken by the student;

•

the language most often spoken at home.

Documentation of a student’s native language shall be recorded in the student’s permanent record.

W-APT Placement Test

Students enrolling in an Indiana public school for the first time who indicate a language other than English

on the Home Language Survey must be assessed for possible identification as ELL using the W-APT

B14

Placement Test within thirty (30) days of enrollment at the beginning of the school year or within two (2)

weeks if arriving after the start of school. The W-APT Placement Test will be locally administered and

scored. Placement Test data are used only to identify students who need support services as English

Language Learners (ELL) for placement in an English language development program. Others whose

Placement Test results reveal that they are already proficient will be exempt from further programming

and ELL testing.

WIDA Access Test

Students who are identified as ELL and have not yet reached English language proficiency will be assessed

on the annual WIDA Access Test. Students continue to take this test annually until they have become

proficient, at which time their progress will continue to be monitored for two years. After two years of

monitoring, students making expected progress will be exited from the ELL program. Students who need

additional language support may be added back into the program at any time.

Parental Notification

Notification of a student’s English language proficiency level must be sent to the responsible parent or

guardian within thirty (30) days of testing (or within 30 days of receiving the scores in the case of the

annual assessment). The notification letter will either state the ELL services for which the student will be

eligible based on his/her English language proficiency or that the child has demonstrated proficiency in

English. If a student is eligible for services, a parent will have the right to decline these services for their

child.

ELL Services

ELL (English Language Learner) services provide support for students with limited English proficiency.

These students will receive lessons in language acquisition, provided by specially trained instructors

overseen by certified teachers.

Declining Services

A parent or legal guardian of an LEP student (Limited English Proficient ELL student who qualifies for

services) may decline the participation of their child in the ELL Program. This request must be submitted

in writing and will be retained in the student’s permanent ELL file.

Declining ELL Services does not change the student’s status as LEP. The student must be included on all

state and federal reporting of Limited English Proficient students and is required to participate in the

annual English proficiency assessment.

Testing is not optional and cannot be refused.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips may be provided as an extension of the teaching and learning process. Many times, teachers

will provide a study guide or important information to be gained from the experience. Chaperones are

an important part of our field trips and their attention must be focused on the group of students to

whom they are assigned and the task at hand. All volunteers are required to complete a limited

background check. All overnight field trips require volunteers to complete an extended background

check. Due to the importance that we place on the experience and our desire to make any field trip the

most positive experience possible for the students, we must insist on the following:

1. To participate in the field trip, a permission form signed by the parent/guardian must have

been returned to the teacher prior to the trip.

2. Attire must be appropriate for the occasion.

3. No sibling(s) may attend with a parent chaperone.

B15

4. Chaperones are limited to parents and guardians unless there are not enough available to

provide the minimum number required for the trip. In that case, the opportunity to chaperone may

be extended to other family members with approved background checks (i.e. grandparents);

discretion will lie with the teacher.

5. Administrators reserve the right to prohibit students from attending field trips because of

previous disruptive behavior or concerns about student safety.

6. Sometimes the trip destination determines the number of chaperones needed; otherwise,

teachers will decide how many are needed. Overnight trips also have additional chaperone

requirements.

7. Transportation to the field trip may not be provided for parent chaperones. This will depend

on the availability of space on the buses taken.

8. Parents attending a field trip as a chaperone may not take students home with them unless

special circumstances arise. In such cases, the principal must grant express permission in writing in

order to make an exception to this rule.

GRADING

Students are assessed as appropriate for their grade levels, with lower grades utilizing a standards-based

reporting system of student progress, and upper grades on a traditional letter-grade scale, shown below.

Special area classes are assessed as O (outstanding), S (satisfactory), and U (unsatisfactory).

90 – 100 percent

80 – 89 percent

70 – 79 percent

60 – 69 percent

59 percent and below

PROMOTION/RETENTION

Promotion and retention of students in kindergarten through grade eight in the Plainfield Community

School Corporation shall be made after a careful evaluation of all factors relating to the advantages and

disadvantages of alternatives. Furthermore, the Board of School Trustees recommends that before

retention takes place, a conference be held with the parents. The principal will fully consider the

information provided by the teacher(s), and from the parents during the parent conference; however, the

final decision regarding retention will rest with the school principal. It is the purpose of school personnel

to place the student in a learning situation that best meets the needs of the student academically, socially,

and emotionally and where the student can work and learn most effectively. In some instances, where the

student has not performed at a level to support promotion, and yet retention is also not considered the best

solution, the principal has the authority to assign the student to the next grade level.

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Third grade students will be required to take the IREAD3 assessment developed by the State of Indiana.

Public Law 109 requires the consideration of retention for any third grade students who fail to pass this

assessment.

REPORT CARDS

Formal grade/progress reports to parents will be made at the end of each nine-week period. In addition to

the written report, parent conferences may be utilized to keep parents informed of the students' progress.

Report cards will be sent home on Wednesday following the end of the grading period. Parents may view

students’ grades in real time throughout the year through the PowerSchool parent portal.

TITLE I

Title I is a federally funded program that provides extra academic support and learning opportunities for

students who are struggling to master state and local academic standards.

Title I funds are federal supplemental funds that provide additional instructional time and support to

identified students in schools that meet Title I grant qualifications. Plainfield elementary schools provide

additional instructional programming in the area of literacy and/or mathematics. Title 1 programs at the

elementary schools which qualify are supported by scientific and/or evidence-based research.

A parent meeting will be offered at the beginning of the school year in order to inform parents of Title I,

Part A programs, requirements, and parent rights.

Parent Involvement

Plainfield Community School Corporation works to build the schools and parents’ capacity for strong

parental involvement in regard to the development of local plans, evaluation of content and effectiveness

of instructional programs, evaluation of parental involvement activities, and coordination of parent

involvement in a variety of school programs.

Plainfield Community School Corporation intends that parents of participating students be provided with

frequent and convenient opportunities for full and ongoing participation in the school program. This shall

include opportunities to jointly develop and plan for school review and improvement.

In addition, teachers determine their classrooms’ need for parent volunteers and schedule those

accordingly.

Parents’ Right to Know

In accordance with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Section 1111(h)(6) PARENTS’ RIGHT

TO KNOW, this is a notification from Plainfield Community School Corporation to every parent to a

student in a Title I school that you have the right to request and receive information in a timely manner

regarding the professional qualifications of your student’s classroom teachers. Plainfield Schools will

honor all such requests that are submitted in writing to the Superintendent of Schools. Additionally, the

information provided to you will be in a language and format that you can understand. This information

regarding the professional qualifications of your student’s classroom teachers shall include the following:

● If the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade level and subject

areas taught;

● If the teacher is teaching under emergency or temporary status in which Indiana qualifications

and licensing criteria are waived;

● The teacher’s baccalaureate degree major, graduate certification, and field of discipline; and

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● Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications

If at any time your student has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher that is not

highly qualified, you will be notified by the school of this information. If you have questions or concerns,

please feel free to contact your child’s principal.

Behavior and Discipline

BULLYING

Bullying committed by students toward other students is strictly prohibited. Engaging in bullying conduct

described in this rule by use of data or computer software that is accessed through any computer, any

computer system, or any computer network is also prohibited.

For purposes of this rule, bullying is defined as overt, unwanted, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal

or written communications or images transmitted in any manner including electronically or digitally,

physical acts committed, aggression, or any other similar behaviors that are committed by a student or

group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm

the targeted student and create for the targeted student an objectively hostile school environment that:

● places the targeted student in reasonable fear of harm to the targeted student’s person or property;

● has a substantially detrimental effect on the targeted student’s physical or mental health;

● has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s academic performance; or

● has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s ability to participate in or

benefit from the services, activities, and privileges provided by the school.

This rule may be applied regardless of the physical location of the bullying behavior when a student

committing bullying behavior and the targeted student attend a school within the school corporation and

disciplinary action is reasonably necessary to avoid substantial interference with school processes or

prevent an unreasonable threat to the rights of other students to a safe and peaceful learning environment.

Any student or parent who has knowledge of conduct in violation of this rule or any student who feels

he/she has been bullied in violation of this rule should immediately report the conduct to a school

administrator, as it is their responsibility for all Investigations of student misconduct including bullying.

A student or parent may also report the conduct to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for

notifying administration. This report may be made anonymously.

The principal shall investigate immediately all reports of bullying made pursuant to the provisions of this

rule. Such investigation must include any action or appropriate responses that may be taken immediately

to address the bullying conduct wherever it takes place. The parents of the bully and the targeted student(s)

shall be notified on a regular, periodic basis of the progress and the findings of the investigation and of

any remedial action that has been taken, if their student is impacted. (It is important to note that

consequences applied to students other than their own cannot be shared.)

The principal will be responsible for working with the school counselors and other community resources

to provide information and/or follow-up services to support the targeted student and to educate the student

engaging in bullying behavior on the effects of bullying and the prevention of bullying. In addition, the

school administrator and school counselors will be responsible for determining if the bullying behavior is

a violation of law required to be reported to law enforcement under Indiana Law based upon their

reasonable belief. Such determination should be made as soon as possible, and once this determination is

made, the report should be made immediately to law enforcement.

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False reporting of bullying conduct as defined in this rule by a student shall be considered a violation of

this rule and will result in any appropriate disciplinary action or sanctions if the investigation of the report

finds it to be false.

A violation of this rule prohibiting bullying may result in any appropriate disciplinary action or sanction,

including suspension and/or expulsion.

Failure by a school employee who has a responsibility to report bullying or investigate bullying or any

other duty under this rule to carry out such responsibility or duty will be subject to appropriate disciplinary

action, up to and including dismissal from employment with the school corporation.

Counseling, corrective discipline, and/or referral to law enforcement will be used to change the behavior

of the perpetrator. This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of a positive climate, and support

for victims and others impacted by the bullying.

Educational outreach and training will be provided to school personnel, parents, and students concerning

the identification, prevention, and intervention of bullying.

All schools in the corporation are encouraged to engage students, staff, and parents in meaningful

discussions about the negative aspects of bullying. The parent involvement may be through parent

organizations already in place in each school.

The superintendent or designee will be responsible for developing detailed administrative procedures

consistent with the Indiana Department of Education guidelines for the implementation of the provisions

of this rule.

I.C. 20-33-8-0.2

I.C. 20-33-8-13.5

CELL PHONE CONTENT AND USAGE

Elementary students are not permitted to use cell phones on school grounds, on the bus, or at school

functions unless explicitly allowed by the teacher or supervising adult. All communication of information

between parents and students will take place through the school office.

Any personal communication device, which includes cell phones, may not be powered on during normal

school hours or during arrival or dismissal and should remain off in a student’s backpack if it must be

brought to school. (Again, it is strongly recommended that no students bring cell phones to school; the

school is not responsible for these.) Following an initial warning, any further use of communication

devices used in violation of this policy will result in confiscation of the device and a parent or guardian

will be required to pick up the device from the school office during normal hours.

The Child Abuse/Neglect Law requires school personnel to report to law enforcement or child protective

services whenever there is reason to believe that any person/student is involved with “child exploitation”

or “child pornography” as defined by Indiana Criminal Statutes. Because student cell phones have been

found in a number of Indiana school districts to have contained evidence of “sexual conduct” as defined

above, it is important for parents and students to be aware of the legal consequences should this occur in

our school system.

Please see Plainfield Community School Corporation’s Annual Notice for additional information.

COMMUNITY VALUES

The Plainfield Community School Corporation continues to endorse and support the Community Values-

Awareness program. Since its inception in 1991 as a cooperative effort by more than 30 local civic, church,

and school organizations, the program’s motto stresses that adults should:

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“Model good values…more are caught than taught.

”

Each month our schools focus on a specific value. These values are identified and described below.

August

TRUTH/RESPECT FOR LAW AND RULES

- Being factual and sincere, being honest and

truthful. Taking responsibility to avoid violation of laws in a community, possessing the skills necessary

to live peaceably in society and not resorting to violence to settle disputes, taking personal responsibility

for obligations to family and community, respecting the national flag, the Constitution of the United

States, and the Constitution of the State of Indiana.

September

DIGNITY/SELF ESTEEM

- Having a degree of self-respect that inspires respect for

others. Respecting one's self, always doing one's personal best, respecting one's parents and home, treating

others the way one would want to be treated.

October

RESPONSIBILITY/ACCOUNTABILITY/JUSTICE

- Accepting the consequences

(results) for one's behavior. Taking personal responsibility for obligations to family and community,

taking personal responsibility for earning a livelihood. Possessing the skills necessary to live peaceably

in society and not resorting to violence to settle disputes.

November

RESPECT FOR OTHERS' RIGHTS

-Acknowledging legal and moral privileges of

others. Respecting the rights of others to have their own views and religious beliefs, respecting authority,

respecting the property of others.

December

KINDNESS

- Acting with goodwill and compassion, treating others the way one would want

to be treated.

January

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

- Permitting equal participation and choice in employment and

other areas regardless of race, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability if otherwise qualified,

treating others the way one would want to be treated, respecting the rights of others to have their own

views and religious beliefs.

February

HONESTY

- Being truthful and honorable in relations with others. Being honest and truthful,

not stealing.

March

RELIABILITY

- Acting in a responsible, dependable, trustworthy manner, being honest and

truthful, always doing one's best, taking personal responsibility for earning a livelihood.

April

RESPECT FOR ENVIRONMENT

Taking actions that protect our natural resources, respecting the

property of others

May

INTEGRITY

Being of good character and behavior.

DISCIPLINE

One of the most important lessons education should teach is self-discipline. While it does not appear as a

subject, it is a building block to the whole educational structure. It is the training that develops self-control,

character, orderliness, and efficiency. It is the key to good conduct and proper consideration for other

people. Our discipline plan is centered on lifelong guidelines: trust, truth, personal best, no put-downs,

and active listening.

With the cooperation of home and school, students are expected to acquire conflict resolution skills and strategies, which will

empower the student to settle disputes in a non-violent manner. Indiana Public Law 218 outlines the procedures to be followed

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by school personnel in the disciplining of a student.

The Law provides for the following: The principal, other

administrative personnel and teachers are authorized by the Plainfield School Board to take disciplinary action in

connection with ensuring appropriate student behavior.

DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

Disciplinary measures used by teachers and administrators may include but are not limited to:

Counseling between student and teacher

Time out

Detention with a “think sheet”

Written assignment

Change in student’s seating

Deprivation of a reward

Exclusion from class participation

Phone call to parent

Visit to the principal

10.

In-School or Out of School Suspension

11.

Expulsion (removal from school for remainder of semester or year)

The suggested sequence is not intended to restrict necessary disciplinary action at any time in order to

manage the learning environment. It is our desire to have you, the parent, be knowledgeable of our

expectations at school. We wish to work with you in order to protect the total student body. We request

that you review these expectations with your child.

SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION GROUNDS FROM SCHOOL (BOARD POLICY JGD)

The following actions are possible grounds for suspension of up to ten (10) days or expulsion/removal of

the student from school for the balance of the current semester or year when a student is on school grounds

immediately before or during school hours, immediately after school hours or at any other time when the

school is being used by a school group; off school grounds at a school activity, function or event; traveling

to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or using property or equipment provided by the

school:

1. Using violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or other

comparable conduct constituting an interference with school purposes, or urging other students to

engage in such conduct. The following enumeration is only illustrative and not limited to the type of

conduct prohibited by this subdivision:

a. Occupying any school building, school grounds, or part thereof with intent to deprive others of its

use

b. Blocking the entrance or exits of any school building or corridor or room therein with intent to

deprive others of lawful access to or from, or use of the building, corridor, or room

c. Setting fire to or damaging any school building or property

d. Prevention of or attempting to prevent by physical act the convening or continued functioning of

any school or education function, or of any meeting or assembly on school property

e. Continuously and intentionally making noise or acting in any manner so as to interfere seriously

with the ability of any teacher or any of the other school personnel to conduct the education function

under this supervision

f. Conspiring to violate any school rule or state law

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2. Causing or attempting to cause damage to private property, stealing or attempting to steal private

property

Causing or attempting to cause physical injury or intentionally behaving in such a way as could

reasonably cause physical injury to any person. Self- defense or reasonable action undertaken on the

reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect some other person does not, however, constitute a

violation of this provision

Threatening or intimidating any student for the purpose of, or with the intent of, obtaining money or

anything of value from the student

Failing to report the actions or plans of another person to a teacher or administrator where those actions

or plans, if carried out, could result in harm to another person or persons or damage property when the

student has information about such actions or plans

6. Possessing, handling, or transmitting a knife or any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon,

is represented to be a weapon, or looks like a weapon

Possessing, using, transmitting, or being under the influence of any controlled substance, prescription

drug, narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage,

intoxicant or depressant of any kind, or any paraphernalia used in connection with the listed substances.

Also prohibited is the consumption of any of the stated substances immediately before attending school

or a school function or event

Possessing, using, or transmitting any substance which is represented to be or looks like a narcotic

drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, stimulant,

depressant, or intoxicant of any kind

Possessing, using, transmitting, or being affected by caffeine-based substances, substances containing

phenylpropanolamine (PPA), or stimulants of any kind, be they available with or without a prescription

10.

Engaging in the selling of a controlled substance or engaging in a criminal law violation that

constitutes a danger to other students or constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational

function

11.

Failing in a substantial number of instances to comply with directions of teachers or other school

personnel during any period of time when the student is properly under their supervision, where the failure

constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function

12.

Falsely accusing any person of sexual harassment, or of violating a school rule, and/or a state or

federal law

13.

Engaging in any activity forbidden by the laws of Indiana that constitutes an interference with school

purposes or an education function

14.

Aiding, assisting, or conspiring with another person to violate these student conduct rules or state or

federal law

15.

Violating any rules that are reasonably necessary in carrying out school purposes or an educational

function, including, but not limited to:

Engaging in sexual behavior on school property;

Disobedience of administrative authority;

Willful absence or tardiness of students;

Engaging in speech or conduct, including clothing, jewelry or hair style, which is profane, indecent,

lewd, vulgar, or offensive to school purposes;

e. Violation of school corporation nondiscrimination policy or harassment policy

f..

Failing to tell the truth about any matter under investigation by school personnel;

Possessing or using a laser pointer or similar device;

Violation of tobacco products policy

16.

Possessing or using on school grounds during school hours an electronic paging device or a cellphone

in a situation not related to a school purpose or educational function.

17.

POSSESSION OF A FIREARM OR A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE (I.C. 20-8.1-5.1- 10)

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No student shall possess, handle or transmit any firearm on school property.

The following devices are considered to be a firearm under this policy:

● Any weapon which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the

action of an explosive

● The frame or receiver of any weapon described above

● Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer

● Any destructive device which is an explosive, incendiary, or poison gas bomb, grenade, rocket

having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge

of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or any similar device

● Any weapon which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of

an explosive or other propellant, and which has any barrel with a bore of more than one-half inch in

diameter

● Any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into any

destructive device described in the two immediately preceding examples, and from which a destructive

device may be readily assembled

● An antique firearm

● A rifle or a shotgun, even if the owner intends to use it solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural

purposes

c. The penalty for possession of a firearm: suspension up to 10 days and expulsion from school for at

least one calendar year with the return of the student to be at the beginning of the first semester after the

one year period. The Superintendent may reduce the length of the expulsion if the circumstances warrant

such reduction.

The superintendent shall notify the county prosecuting attorney's office when a student is expelled

under this rule.

18.

In addition to the grounds listed above, a student may be suspended or expelled for engaging in

unlawful activity on or off school grounds if the unlawful activity may reasonably be considered to be an

interference with school purposes or an educational function, or the student’s removal is necessary to

restore order or protect persons on school property. This includes any unlawful activity meeting the above

criteria, which takes place during weekends, holidays, other school breaks, and the summer period when

a student may not be attending classes or other school functions.

SUSPENSION PROCEDURES

When a principal (or designee) determines that a student should be suspended, the following procedures

will be followed:

1. A meeting will be held prior to the suspension of any student. At this meeting, the student will be

entitled to:

a. A written or oral statement of the charges;

b. If the student denies the charges, a summary of the evidence against the student will be presented;

and,

c. The student will be provided an opportunity to explain his or her conduct.

2. The meeting shall precede suspension of the student except where the nature of the misconduct

requires immediate removal. In such situations, the meeting will follow the suspension as soon as

reasonably possible following the date of the suspension.

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3. Following the suspension, the parents or guardians of suspended students will be notified in

writing. The notification will include the dates of the suspension, describe the student’s misconduct, and

the action taken by the principal.

HAZING

Hazing activities of any type are prohibited at all times. Hazing is defined as: Doing any act or coercing

another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes

or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person. Permission, consent, or

assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing does not lessen the prohibition contained in this

policy. No administrator, faculty member, or other employee of the school district will encourage, permit,

condone, or tolerate hazing activities. No student, including leaders of student organizations, will plan,

encourage, or engage in hazing. All hazing incidents will be reported immediately to the principal and

superintendent.

SCHOOL BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS

Rules for acceptable behavior are posted on each bus and will be discussed with students. Riding on the

school bus is a privilege. Improper conduct will result in that privilege being denied. Students who come

to school on the bus are expected to return home on the bus unless a note from the parents, signed by the

office, is given to the teacher. School bus drivers have control of all school children transported to and

from school. The driver shall keep order and maintain discipline on the bus, shall treat all children in a

civil manner, see that no child is mistreated, and shall use every care for the safety of the children under

his/her charge.

Students transported by the Plainfield Community School Corporation will be under the supervision,

direction, and discipline of the bus driver. In order to provide for the safe transportation of all students,

the following regulations must be observed.

Students must be seated immediately upon entering the bus and remain seated at all times during

transportation.

Students must follow the bus driver’s instructions.

Students shall not use their hands, feet, or other objects in an inappropriate manner.

Horseplay will not be tolerated.

No loud voices, profane language, fighting or rude gestures.

No eating, drinking, or chewing gum.

No smoking or use of illegal substances.

Students must clean their area before departing the bus.

Students may not open or close windows except with the permission of the bus driver. Windows shall

not be lowered past the ½ way mark.

Students may not bring items on the bus that would block the aisle or the exit doors or are too large to

fit safely on the owner’s lap.

10.

Students must be waiting at the bus stop when the bus arrives. If a student is not at the bus stop, the

bus driver will not wait unless the student is visible. Parents are encouraged to call the Transportation

Department when their child will not be riding the bus. Bus service may be discontinued for a student who

has not ridden the bus for three (3) consecutive days without notifying the Transportation office.

11.

Upon recommendation of the bus driver, the school corporation administration may deny

transportation privileges to any student who refuses to follow these regulations.

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12.

School rules also apply when students are on the bus.

13.

Students wishing to ride a bus other than their regularly scheduled bus must provide written permission

from their parent. This is only allowed on buses where there is room for extra passengers.

14. Use of any electronic devices is solely at the discretion of the bus driver.

To assist in providing safe and secure transportation, video cameras are installed on all school buses.

Bus Discipline Procedures

To guarantee your child and other children the safe transportation they deserve, we use the following

procedures.

If a student breaks a rule during a daily route, the following consequences are applied that day:

● 1st incident – Warning from driver

● 2nd incident – Driver intervention, such as change in seat assignment, not talking for rest of trip,

etc.

● 3rd incident – Call to the parent and written referral discipline form to the principal

Each day the procedures start over. If a student has to be regularly warned, the driver may bypass Steps

#1 and #2 and go directly to Step #3 on the first incident.

When a written referral is made to the principal, depending on the severity of the offense, consequences

may be, but are not limited to:

● 1st written referral – Conference with the principal

● 2nd written referral – Three (3) day suspension from transportation

● 3rd written referral – Ten (10) day suspension from transportation

● 4th written referral – Suspension from transportation remainder of the semester

Severe Misbehavior – Loss of Student Privileges

Students do not go through the above steps for severe behaviors such as fighting, profane language, rude

gestures, smoking, using illegal substances, or defiance. Please review the bus rules with your child to

make sure they understand them. Thank you in advance for your support.

Unauthorized Entry - Buses & Property

The number one priority of a Plainfield Community School Corporation school bus driver is the safety

and well-being of each student. From time to time an individual may attempt to detain or board a school

bus without the bus driver’s consent or permission. If, in the bus driver’s opinion, the individual’s attempts

to detain or board the school bus may potentially endanger the safety or security of the students, the driver

may and shall deny attempts. A school bus is school property. Entry without the bus driver’s permission

is considered trespassing. If an individual enters or attempts to enter a school bus without the bus driver’s

permission or attempts to detain the bus, the bus driver will ask the individual to step off or away from

the bus. If the individual refuses, the bus driver will inform them that they are trespassing. The bus driver

will also inform them that the local police will be contacted if they do not cooperate. If the individual

refuses to leave, the bus driver will contact the local police/dispatch. A driver should not try to remove

the individual or leave the location until authorities arrive.

An individual attempting unauthorized

entry may be charged with trespassing.

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Emergency Bus Situations

Parents, if a

traffic accident

involving your child’s bus occurs, you will be notified after the safety of all

students is secured. Parents arriving on the scene need to follow these protocols to help us maintain order.

1. Remain calm and under control.

2. Do not attempt to board the bus and remove your child. Our drivers are well trained in proper

evacuation and emergency response procedures and are specifically instructed to keep student passengers

under their direct supervision at all times.

3. Bus drivers may release your child only after police and emergency authorities have authorized

them to do so. When approval is given, drivers must obtain the parent’s signature verifying the release.

4. Students may not be released to friends or other relatives not listed in PowerSchool as emergency

contacts under any circumstances.

SCHOOL RULES

Individual school buildings establish their own behavior expectations. In addition, the following rules apply:

1. Complete all assignments and directions of the teacher to the best of your ability.

2. Students shall be courteous and respectful at all times.

3. Toys, electronic games, scooters, roller blades, skates, trading cards, music devices, cell phones,

laser pointers or any other non-school related items should not be brought to school. The school is not

responsible for lost items.

4. Chewing gum and candy are not permitted at school without the permission of a teacher.

5. Students must walk in the school building.

6. Students should remain quiet in the hallways and restrooms when school is in session.

7. Threats, intimidation, and/or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.

8. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

9. Do not bring firecrackers, party poppers, caps, BB guns, Chinese stars, any item that could be

considered a weapon or other such items to school. Lookalikes to these items will be treated in the same

manner as the actual item.

10. Do not bring pills, powders, or liquids other than medications or prescriptions given to the nurse.

Such items can be considered “lookalikes” to drugs and will result in the same disciplinary action as the

real thing.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

In order to maintain a positive atmosphere, it is the policy of the Plainfield Schools to maintain a learning

and working environment that is free from sexual harassment. This policy pertains to both students and

employees. It shall be a violation of the policy for students to harass other students through conduct or

communication of a sexual nature. This policy also includes employees, non- employees, and volunteers

whose work is subject to the control of school authorities. Sexual harassment may include, but is not

limited to the following:

1. Sexual verbal harassment or abuse

2. Repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications

3. Unwelcome touching

4. Pressure for sexual activity

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5. Suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats

concerning one’s grades, job promotion, and/or salary increase

STUDENT DRESS

A student’s dress and appearance should not be disruptive to the educational process, constitute a threat

to the safety and health of the student or others, not be in violation of any statute, or be considered

distracting, indecent, or inappropriate for the classroom. Please keep in mind that students spend the

majority of their day in air-conditioned buildings. Clothing that is appropriate for beach and play is not

appropriate for a student to wear while trying to concentrate on schoolwork. The following standards will

apply:

1. Clothing should be worn in the appropriate manner. For example, all pants and shorts are to be

worn at the waistline.

2. See-through, fish net, or midriff-exposing shirts or blouses are not to be worn. Undergarments

should also not be visible.

3. Clothing that advertises alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs, or is of questionable or offensive

nature is not to be worn.

4. Shorts and skirts should not be any higher than the tips of the student’s fingers when the student

is standing with his/her arms down at his/her sides.

5. Beauty care items such as hair spray, make-up, and perfume should not be brought to school.

Long, dangling earrings should not be worn.

6. During the school day, students shall wear a blouse, shirt, or top that covers the top of the shoulder.

Narrow-strap blouses, tank tops, or tube tops should not be worn to school.

7. Clothing that is tight, flimsy, torn, or ripped to the point of immodesty, or clothing that depicts

violence or vulgarity of any kind may not be worn.

8. Any clothing or accessories that draw undue attention to the student or are disruptive to the

educational process will not be allowed.

9. Hats or hoods should not be worn in the building unless specific permission has been granted.

10. Flip-flop sandals, high heels, or strapless shoes should not be worn to school. Foot and toe injuries

are common while wearing these types of shoes.

STUDENT SEARCHES

The United States Supreme Court allows school personnel to search a student or locker if there is a

reasonable ground that the student is participating in something that is illegal. A legal “search” includes

looking into an unclear container such as a locker, backpack, folder, book, diary, letters, and/or notes.

VANDALISM OR PROPERTY DAMAGE

Taxpayer funds are used to construct, purchase and maintain buildings and equipment. Students who

willfully destroy or vandalize school property will be required to pay for losses or damages. Suspension,

subsequent expulsion, and reporting to appropriate law enforcement may also result. If students should

damage something by accident, it should be reported to a teacher or to the office immediately.

Food Service

CAFETERIA—SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM

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The Plainfield School Corporation believes that healthy bodies allow students to be better prepared to

learn. All elementary buildings will provide breakfast to those students who would like to participate.

Breakfast will be served between 8:30 a.m. and 8:50 a.m.

School breakfasts and lunches may be purchased at all four elementary schools. Students who choose to

bring their lunches may purchase milk. Prices for breakfast, lunch, and milk will be sent home in the first

mailing of the year and will be available on the school website.

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requires school food service authorities to establish written

administrative guidelines and procedures for meal charges. Plainfield Community School Corporation

will adhere to the following meal charge procedure:

Student meal accounts are expected to be prepaid before meal service begins.

● Debit or credit card Funds may be applied to a student’s lunch account by debit or credit card

through E-funds or SendMoneyToSchool.com. These may be accessed thru the school’s website:

http://www.plainfield.k12.in.us/food-services--4

● Cash or checks

○ Students in grades K-5 may bring money to school in a sealed envelope marked lunch, with the

child’s name and student ID number on the outside of the envelope.

○ No change is given at any grade level.

We recognize that sometimes oversights occur. With that in mind, we have established a practice that

allows students to charge their meals, as long as parents have established and maintained a good credit

history of making payments on their food service accounts.

● Students in grades K-8 may charge up to 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches

● Students will not be allowed to charge extra main entrees, or items from the “a la carte” menu, at

any time.

● If payment has not been made when the charge allowances have been met, an alternate meal will

be offered for a charge of $0.90.

● Students will never be refused a meal for non-payment.

Schools will provide a meal consisting of a cheese sandwich, vegetable and milk to any student,

regardless of whether they pay reduced or full price, when the student has reached their charge limit.

However, if the student has enough money in hand for a meal that day, they will not be denied a meal.

The food service department will email letters each day to parents of students who carry negative

balances of $5.00 and above, if an email address is on file.

All accounts must be paid at the end of each semester. Negative balances of more than $25.00 at such

time will require the Corporation to take action by means of a collection agency.

Students who graduate or withdraw from the corporation and have $5.00 or more left in their food service

account will be notified by mail at the end of the school year, with the option to transfer the funds to

another student’s account or to receive a refund. If no response is received within 30 days, the student’s

account will be closed and the funds will no longer be available. Unclaimed remaining balances will be

transferred to the Cafeteria fund. Refund forms are available on the school website under Food Services:

http://www.plainfield.k12.in.us/o/plainfield-community-school-corporation/page/food-services--4

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The school lunch program provides students with several choices. There are also ala carte items which

students may purchase at some grade levels. Parents should discuss the school lunch menu with their child

and advise them of what they can purchase each day. Students wishing to purchase ala carte items should

have extra money in their lunch accounts. After the first few weeks of school, parents may eat lunch with

their children at school. If cafeteria space is limited, please be aware that you may need to sit in an

alternate, designated space. Parents who bring lunch to school for their child/children may only share

that lunch with their child/children. If you are bringing lunch, please notify the teacher ahead of time so

that your child does not go through the line. Parents wishing to purchase a school lunch

must bring cash

to pay for their meal that day; credit and debit cards are not accepted in the cafeteria (they may only be

used online to fund a student’s account), nor may a student’s lunch card be used to purchase an adult

meal.

Questions regarding your child’s lunch account?

Call the Food Service Manager at our school or the

Plainfield Food Service Director, Kelly Collins, at 838-3662.

FOOD ALLERGIES

If your child has a specific food allergy that you would like the school cafeteria to be aware of, please

submit a “Student Information” sheet which can be found under “Food Services” on the school

corporation’s website.

In order to request special accommodations, the following steps will need to take place:

1. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must complete the Special Dietary Needs Medical Statement form and

immediately return it back to the school. This form can be found on the school corporation’s website.

2. Food Services will review and process the request.

3. Additional medical signatures may be requested. For example, if the substitutions needed for

accommodations fall outside of the USDA meal pattern, the medical statement form must be signed by an

authorized medical authority with prescriptive privileges in the State of Indiana.

4. Accommodations will be adjusted accordingly based on review.

1. All forms can be mailed to Plainfield Community School Corporation, 985 Longfellow Dr.

Plainfield, IN 46168 att: Food Services or emailed to [email protected]. Please call the

Food Service Office at 317-839-2578 with any questions.

General Information

ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER CHANGES

If at any time a student address or telephone number changes, the parent or guardian must supply

appropriate documentation regarding the change. It is of great importance for the child's safety and welfare

that address or telephone changes be made on the school office records. Parent address, phone, or email

changes should be communicated to the school office as soon as possible.

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AHERA REPORTING

In accordance with the US EPA’s AHERA Standard (ref: 40 CFR 763.80), all information concerning

asbestos-containing materials in the schools of the Plainfield Community School Corporation is available

for review and copying by students, staff, and guardians during normal business hours.

ANIMALS IN THE SCHOOL GUIDELINES

It is recognized that animals can provide a variety of learning experiences for students. The following

guidelines are to be observed when instituting an activity or program involving the use of animals.

1. Students and teachers are not to bring personal pets to school at any time without the prior approval

of the principal.

2. If a student makes the arrangements to bring an animal to school, the parent of that child must

bring and remain with the animal while it is at school. No animals are allowed on the bus.

3. No animal should be brought to school that is venomous or vicious.

4. A qualified veterinarian must have performed proper examination or immunization.

5. A leash or other appropriate restraints must be on all animals unless caged.

6. Other parents will be given an opportunity to state that they do not want their child to interact with

the visiting animal.

BOOK RENTAL and OTHER FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Book rental fees for all students will be sent home at the beginning of the year and will be due on receipt.

Checks should be made payable to your child’s school. If you have more than one student in the school,

you may send one check to cover all book rental charges if this is more convenient for you. Please refer

to the Plainfield Community School’s website at www.plainfield.k12.in.us for current textbook rental

rates.

Parents or guardians are financially responsible for book rental fees and any charges the school may assess

for, but not limited to lost or damaged textbooks or library books, cafeteria fees, extracurricular activities,

and tuition, if applicable. They shall also be responsible for all reasonable costs of the collection of this

account, which may include but not limited to, late fees, client collection fees, collection agency fees,

reasonable attorney fees, and court costs on any outstanding balance.

LATE ENTRANCE CHARGES:

Students entering elementary school during the first 20 days of the school year will be charged the full

amount. Students entering on the 21

day or thereafter will be charged a fee for consumable materials plus

a prorated fee for the remainder of the school year.

WITHDRAWAL REFUNDS:

Students withdrawing will be charged a flat rate for consumable materials plus a prorated fee.

LOST OR DAMAGED BOOKS:

Students will be charged for books that are lost or damaged. The charge will be for the cost of replacing

the book only. If a lost book is found, we will gladly refund your money.

CHILD CARE BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL (YMCA)

Before and after school child care is provided at Clarks Creek Elementary for students attending Clarks

Creek and Brentwood and at Central Elementary for students attending Central and Van Buren at

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reasonable rates through the West District YMCA. For information please contact the YMCA at (317)

484-9622.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

As soon as it is determined that schools will be closed or have a two-hour delayed start, television and

radio stations are notified of the decision. In addition, all parents are notified of this decision through the

Parent Square messaging system.

Please do not call the school.

Keeping school phone lines clear for

emergencies will always be helpful to the office personnel. The Superintendent authorizes school closings,

delays, or closing early. There are times when it becomes necessary to close school earlier than the normal

dismissal time. Please understand that it is impossible to personally notify parents of this decision. Parents

should make arrangements and prepare their child(ren) for the possibility of an early dismissal. The same

procedures outlined above will be followed to notify parents in the event of the decision to close school

early.

NON-SMOKING AND SMOKE FREE SCHOOL FACILITIES

The Board of School Trustees for the Plainfield Community School Corporation is dedicated to providing

a healthy, comfortable, and productive environment for students, staff, and citizens. The Board remains

committed to the belief of reducing involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke among students and staff. The

Board believes that it is the right of the nonsmoker to breathe clean air. The Board believes that the use

of tobacco or nicotine-based products on school grounds denies students, staff, and visitors access to clean

air, introduces a substantial health hazard to those persons, and interferes with learning and teaching. It is

the intent of the Board to create a “tobacco-free” school environment.

Tobacco includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco,

nicotine, nicotine-delivering devices, chemicals, or devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect

of nicotine substances; and any other tobacco or nicotine innovations.

All persons, including students, employees, and visitors, shall not be permitted to possess or use nicotine-

based products of any kind or in any form while:

1. Inside school corporation-owned buildings.

2. Being transported to or from school events in school corporation- owned, contracted, or other

authorized vehicles.

3. On school corporation-owned property outside school corporation- owned buildings.

NOTES FROM HOME

A note from home will be needed for the following:

1. When staying after school for activities (one dated note per activity)

2. When going home in a different method than usual such as riding a different bus, walking to

someone else’s house, or being picked up by someone other than a parent or guardian. Such a note should

include the first and last names of the person picking up the child, when applicable.

3. When riding a bicycle to/from school

4. For taking medicine (see the section on Medical Notes/Medication for specific guidelines on

prescription and over-the-counter medications)

5. For a doctor’s or dentist's appointment

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6. When a child cannot have outside recess or physical education (doctor’s note required if this is

repetitive)

7. If the absentee period is longer than three days, the school needs a doctor’s excuse to grant that

permission

NOTICES TO PARENTS AND NEWS RELEASES

Community notices are available at the office or in the lobby where students may pick them up. A school

newsletter is sent to families at least monthly with current information regarding school and school related

activities, such as PTO activities, lunch menus, and community announcements. You are encouraged to

read these carefully.

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

We encourage our parents to take an active part in our school community. One way to do so is to join the

PTO and attend its meetings and special programs. The PTO provides an opportunity to work with our

school to improve the learning opportunities we provide for our children. Meetings are scheduled regularly

throughout the year, and programs are planned to offer entertainment and a chance for parents to better

acquaint themselves with school personnel and our programs.

PICKING UP CHILDREN FOR APPOINTMENTS

For the safety of your child, we ask that the following procedures be followed when picking up your child

for doctor, dentist or other appointments:

Send a note to the teacher explaining the need for the dismissal from class.

Sign out your child in the front office where directed.

If a child is going to a doctor or dentist before school and may be tardy, a note should be sent the day

before the appointment. If the student will not return the same day, the doctor/dentist slip should be sent

to school the next day.

PLAYGROUND AND WEATHER POLICY

Children will be expected to go outdoors for recess when the temperature and wind chill is 20 degrees

(Fahrenheit) and above. Students will not go out if it is raining or sleeting. In excessively hot weather,

students will not go out if the real or “heat index” temperature is over 95 degrees. In temperatures between

90 and 95 degrees, teachers will use their discretion to determine how long students will stay outside during

the recess period. Please be sure that you listen to the weather in the mornings and dress your child

appropriately. If your child must stay indoors because of illness during recess time, we ask that you write

daily

note requesting that your child stay inside. Repeated requests for indoor recess will prompt the

nurse to require a written statement from the family doctor concerning the request.

RIDING BICYCLES TO SCHOOL

No child should ride a bicycle to school unless their parents consider them capable of riding safely in

automobile or pedestrian traffic. In accordance with state laws, bicycles should be ridden under the same

rules that govern automobiles. Bicycles should be ridden on the right side of the street as near the curb as

possible. Riders should obey all traffic signs and signals, as any motorist must do, and

should wear a

bicycle helmet

. Students who want to ride their bicycles must have signed permission from a parent or

guardian. Since the school cannot be responsible for bicycles, a student should lock their bicycles while

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at school. Failure to ride the bicycle in a safe manner will be grounds for prohibiting the privilege. Please

be aware that skateboards, scooters, and hover-boards are not to be brought to school.

STUDENT IMAGES USED IN PCSC PUBLICATIONS

Plainfield Community School Corporation will occasionally photograph or videotape students in the

school environment, for the purpose of communications and public relations. These photographs,

primarily, could be shared with the media, and placed online via web, email and social media.

In general, Plainfield schools will not publish photos of individual students; in fact, the guideline

states that at least three students must be present in published photographs. Students’ names or photos

of just one or two children will NOT be used without permission of the parent or guardian.

This statement does NOT include annual Picture Day photographs, or photos taken for class, athletic

or extracurricular purposes, including the yearbook.

If a parent or guardian does not want their child’s photo taken for the purpose of general

communications/public relations, they must indicate this preference during the registration process on

the question about Student Image Exclusion. If this becomes your preference after registration, please

change this through your PowerSchool account and notify your child’s teacher and the office of the

change.

SUNSCREEN AT SCHOOL (SUNucate Legislation)

In 2018, Indiana became the first state to allow students to carry sunscreen to and from school without

considering it a “medication.” If you choose to send your child to school with sunscreen to apply before

outdoor play or lessons, please mark it clearly with his/her name and discuss proper use and application

with your child. It should remain sealed (recommended to put it in a zippered plastic bag to prevent spills)

in your child’s backpack until needed. Aerosol cans are not permitted.

TELEPHONE AND VOICEMAIL ACCESS

Each classroom is equipped with a telephone for safety reasons and to better facilitate communication

between the classroom teacher and home. Receiving calls during class time is disruptive to the educational

process. The telephones will allow for voice mail messages to be left for the teacher during instructional

time. Teachers will respond to parent voicemail messages within 24 hours.

A directory of numbers is also available through the telephone menu system for before and after school

hours. We encourage you to use this system to call the clinic when your child is sick. You may leave

messages 24 hours a day. (See section on Reporting Absences.) During school hours the nurse monitors

her voice mail frequently and will return your phone call as needed. Students may only use the phone in

case of an emergency. Before using the phone, they must obtain permission from the classroom teacher.

Students are discouraged from having cellular phones at school, on the bus, or at any school related

functions.

CHANGES TO A STUDENT’S DISMISSAL PLANS

If there is a situation requiring a change of plans to your child’s usual dismissal routine, please send in a

note to the teacher that morning. If an emergency change must be made after the school day has begun,

the parent should contact the school office no later than 2:00 p.m. to ensure that proper communication to

the student and teacher can occur before dismissal. Please note that staying after school for school clubs,

scouting events, sporting events, going home with other students for play dates, a parent’s sudden

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availability to pick a child up as a car rider, etc. are not emergencies and should be arranged and

communicated ahead of time to both the teacher and your child. Parents should not use email to

communicate emergency plans, as the teacher may not see this until after school..

Please make

arrangements in the morning with your children if you have a change of plans for the day.

In a true

emergency situation, contact the office as soon as you become aware of the need for a change. Please

also do not confuse your child or the teacher by telling the child you “might” pick them up early if you

can; this often creates very difficult situations in the middle of dismissal. Maintaining usual routines is

the best way to ensure student safety.

WALKING TO SCHOOL

Students who walk to school are not to arrive earlier than 8:30 a.m. at Brentwood, Central, Clarks Creek, and Van Buren. This

is for the safety and protection of your child since there is no scheduled supervision for students before these times.

No students

will be admitted into the building or the lobby prior to 8:30 a.m. at Brentwood, Central, Clarks Creek, and Van Buren.

All walking students are to use the designated doors for arriving and leaving the building.

Please instruct your child to cross only at the marked crosswalks and to obey the instructions of the

personnel on duty. We ask your cooperation by emphasizing the following safety habits at home:

1. Start for school early enough to arrive no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

2. Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street facing oncoming

traffic.

3. Cross only at intersections.

4. Refuse to enter or approach strange automobiles.

5. Go directly to school in the morning and directly home in the evening before beginning to play.

6. Be considerate of smaller children and walk in groups when appropriate.

7. Refrain from rough play on the way to or from school.

Medical Needs

HEAD LICE

While incidences are infrequent, a student may become infested with head lice. When a student is

discovered to have head lice, the school nurse or principal’s designee shall follow the following

guidelines:

1. The parent of the student will be notified, and the student will be sent home for treatment. The

parent will be given written instructions on ways to treat head lice to prevent further outbreaks. These

instructions include steps for killing the lice and removing the nits (eggs).

2. The classroom of the child will be inspected and treated, if necessary.

3. The coat closet in the classroom or locker of the student will be inspected and treated if necessary.

4. The driver on whose bus the student rides will be notified so that the bus can be inspected and

treated if necessary.

5. It may be appropriate that students who ride the same bus be checked for head lice when necessary.

6. The siblings of the student will also be checked for head lice. If it is determined that siblings are

attending another school, that school will be notified so the above procedures can be followed accordingly.

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7. The parent must accompany the student back to school the next day after the treatment is

administered. The student will once again be checked for head lice. If more lice are found, the parent must

take the child home for an additional treatment.

NOTE: Unfortunately, nits (eggs) found after treatment, have not always represented dead eggs and lice

infestation has reoccurred. It is important to follow the guidelines and remove the nits.

MEDICATIONS

When it is necessary for a child to take medicine during the school day, Indiana rules and regulations must

be followed.

NO early morning (before 10 a.m.) or late afternoon (after 2:00 p.m.) medications will be dispensed by

the school nurse. Parents will be responsible for the first dosage (a.m.) and any late afternoon dosage

(p.m.). NO prescription medication will be given or dispensed by the school nurse or any other school

employee

without

written permission by both the child’s legal guardian AND the child’s physician. The

original prescription container can act as the physician’s permission. Medication prescribed for any child

MUST be brought to the School Clinic and left there in the

original

container bearing the original

pharmacy label which shows the following information:

Prescription number

Date filled

Physician’s name

Child’s name

Directions for use

NON-PRESCRIPTION medication (aspirin, ointments, lotions, cough syrups, cough drops, etc.)

CANNOT be administered or dispensed without written permission from the child’s legal guardian stating

the name of the medication and the date to discontinue use. Non-prescription medication must be brought

to the School Clinic and kept there in the original container bearing the child’s name. Cough drops will

only be administered for the period prescribed on the original container. After that period, the cough drops

will be sent home, and the parent advised that the child may need to see a physician.

Due to the passage of recent legislation, a student who has an acute or chronic medical condition will be

allowed to carry and self-administer medication on an emergency basis providing there is a written note

on file from the child’s parent/guardian and physician. Also, since leftover medication may not be sent

home with students, parents are required to pick up the medication from the school.

Parents should provide the school nurse with a record of students' allergies, etc. In cases of severe allergies,

the parent should meet with the nurse on an annual basis to update care and preventative treatment plans.

Parents of students whose activities are to be restricted in any way should file a doctor's statement with

the school office.

It is vitally important that each student's enrollment record include an emergency number. This is a

number at which someone can be reached in case of an emergency, and the parent is not immediately

reachable. Arrangements should also be made by the parent/guardian for a place where we may send a

child who becomes ill at school. A parent or legal guardian must sign these cards.

We are fortunate to have a clinic available to our students. Our school conducts screening for vision and

hearing. Since the school itself does not carry insurance on each pupil, it is advisable that you carry

coverage through an insurance company of your choice.

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STUDENT ILLNESS

It is a school policy that if a child has a fever near 100 degrees or more they cannot remain at school. If a

child has a fever before coming to school, please do not give them medication and send them to school.

When the medication wears off, the fever is likely to return. Children that vomit cannot remain at school

and should not come to school if they have vomited within the last 24 hours while at home. When a child

attends school with any of the above conditions, they are exposing all of the other students, which

continues the cycle of illness. If your child is ill, please keep him/her home until well.

Parent and Community Involvement

VISITORS IN THE BUILDING

We are grateful to have so many involved parents and community members involved in our schools and

welcome scheduled volunteers and other visitors for a variety of reasons. The front doors closest to the

office will be the only unlocked doors during school hours and are the way by which all visitors must

enter the building. Due to our concern about the safety and protection of our children, all parents and

visitors must check-in at the office and receive a visitor’s badge through our Safe Visitor system before

going to any part of the building. Please note that photo identification is required with the Safe Visitor

system and must be presented in order to enter the school building beyond the office. Parents may request

permission to visit classes while they are in session throughout the year and are welcome at many special

programs. Parents will not be allowed to visit classrooms without an appointment for impromptu

conferences but may call at any time to schedule a meeting with a teacher.

While not part of our standard check-in process, we do reserve the right to use a metal detector wand to

scan any visitor entering the building.

If a school allows visitors for lunch, they will meet students in the cafeteria. When lunch is over, visitors

should report immediately back to the office to check out, unless other plans for volunteering or remaining

in the building for another reason have been made with the classroom teacher ahead of time.

VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND CHECKS

Plainfield Community School Corporation requires that anyone having contact with our student

population complete a “Background Authorization and Release.” This authorization form is available on

our school website and must be completed two weeks prior to volunteering. This includes school field

trips, tutoring, classroom volunteering, helping with field-day, participating in class parties, etc.

Chaperoning an overnight field trip will require a more extensive background check.

TECHNOLOGY

Plainfield Community School Corporation

Acceptable Use Policy

2020-21

Introduction

The Plainfield Community School Corporation (PCSC) recognizes that access to technology in school gives students greater

opportunities to learn, engage, communicate, and develop skills that will prepare them for work, life, and citizenship. We are

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committed to helping students develop 21

-century technology and communication skills. To that end, we provide access to

technologies for student and staff use. PCSC’s technology curriculum is aligned with ISTE NETS standards and includes an

emphasis on on-line safety.

This Acceptable Use Policy outlines the guidelines and behaviors that users are expected to follow when using school

technologies or when using personally-owned devices on the school campus.

● The PCSC network is intended for educational purposes.

● All activity over the network or using district technologies may be monitored and retained.

● All PCSC owned devices may use location tracking services.

● Access to online content via the network may be restricted in accordance with our policies and federal regulations,

such as the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

● Students are expected to follow the same rules for good behavior and respectful conduct online as offline.

● Misuse of school resources can result in disciplinary action.

● PCSC makes a reasonable effort to ensure students’ safety and security online, but will not be held accountable for

any harm or damages that result from use of school technologies.

● Users of the district network or other technologies are expected to alert IT staff immediately of any concerns for

safety or security.

Technologies Covered

PCSC may provide Internet access, desktop computers, mobile computers or devices, videoconferencing capabilities, online

collaboration capabilities, message boards, email, and more. This Acceptable Use Policy applies to corporation-owned

technology equipment at any time and at any location. The policy applies to personally-owned electronic devices any time

they are on school property, utilizing corporation provided internet access, or any of the resources in the PCSC network. As

new technologies emerge, PCSC will attempt to provide access to them. The policies outlined in this document are intended

to cover all available technologies, not just those specifically listed.

Usage Policies

All technologies provided by the district are intended for education purposes. All users are expected to use good judgment

and to follow the specifics of this document as well as the spirit of it: be safe, appropriate, careful and kind; don’t try to get

around technological protection measures; use good common sense; and ask if you don’t know.

Web Access

PCSC provides its users with access to the Internet, including web sites, resources, content, and online tools. That access will

be restricted in compliance with CIPA regulations and school policies. Web browsing may be monitored and web activity

records may be retained indefinitely.

Users are expected to respect that the web filter is a safety precaution, and should not try to circumvent it when browsing

the Web. If a site is blocked and a user believes it shouldn’t be, the user may submit the site for review through the filtering

system.

PCSC may provide users with email accounts for the purpose of school-related communication. Availability and use may be

restricted based on school policies. If users are provided with email accounts, they should be used with care. Users should

not send personal information; should not attempt to open files or follow links from unknown or untrusted origin; should

use appropriate language; and should only communicate with other people as allowed by the district policy or the teacher.

Users are expected to communicate with the same appropriate, safe, mindful, courteous conduct online as offline. Email

usage may be monitored and archived.

Social/Web 2.0 / Collaborative Content

Recognizing the benefits collaboration brings to education, PCSC may provide users with access to web sites or tools that

allow communication, collaboration, sharing, and messaging among users. Users are expected to communicate with the

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same appropriate, safe, mindful, courteous conduct online as offline. Posts, chats, sharing, and messaging may be

monitored. Users should be careful not to share personally-identifying information online.

Mobile Devices Policy

PCSC may provide users with mobile computers or other devices to promote learning outside of the classroom. Users should

abide by the same acceptable use policies when using school devices off the school network as on the school network. Users

are expected to treat these devices with extreme care and caution; these are expensive devices that the school is entrusting

to your care. Users should report any loss, damage, or malfunction to IT staff immediately. Users may be financially

accountable for any damage resulting from negligence or misuse. Use of school-issued mobile devices off the school network

may be monitored.

Personally-Owned Devices Policy

Students should keep personally-owned devices (including laptops, tablets, smart phones, and cell phones) turned off and

put away during school hours—unless in the event of an emergency or as instructed by a teacher or staff for educational

purposes. Because of security concerns, when personally-owned mobile devices are used on campus, they should not be

used over the school network without express permission from IT staff. In some cases, a separate network may be provided

for personally-owned devices.

Security

Users are expected to take reasonable safeguards against the transmission of security threats over the school network. This

includes not opening or distributing infected files or programs and not opening files or programs of unknown or untrusted

origin. If you believe a computer or mobile device you are using might be infected with a virus, please alert IT. Do not

attempt to remove the virus yourself or download any programs to help remove the virus.

Downloads

Users should not download or attempt to download or run .exe programs over the school network or onto school resources

without express permission from IT staff. You may be able to download other file types, such as images or videos. For the

security of our network, download such files only from reputable sites, and only for education purposes.

Netiquette

Users should always use the Internet, network resources, and online sites in a courteous and respectful manner.

Users should also recognize that among the valuable content online there is also unverified, incorrect, or inappropriate

content. Users should use trusted sources when conducting research via the Internet. Users should also remember not to

post anything online that they wouldn’t want parents, teachers, or future colleges or employers to see. Once something is

online, it’s out there—and can sometimes be shared and spread in ways you never intended.

Plagiarism

Users should not plagiarize (or use as their own, without citing the original creator) content, including words or images, from

the Internet. Users should not take credit for things they didn’t create themselves, or misrepresent themselves as an author

or creator of something found online. Research conducted via the Internet should be appropriately cited, giving credit to the

original author.

Personal Safety

Users should never share personal information, including phone number, address, social security number, birthday, or

financial information, over the Internet without adult permission. Users should recognize that communicating over the

Internet brings anonymity and associated risks, and should carefully safeguard the personal information of themselves and

others. Users should never agree to meet someone they meet online in real life without parental permission. If you see a

message, comment, image, or anything else online that makes you concerned for your personal safety, bring it to the

attention of an adult (teacher or staff if you’re at school; parent if you’re using the device at home) immediately.

B38

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying will not be tolerated. Harassing, dissing, flaming, denigrating, impersonating, outing, tricking, excluding, and

cyberstalking are all examples of cyberbullying. Don’t be mean. Don’t send emails or post comments with the intent of

scaring, hurting, or intimidating someone else. Engaging in these behaviors, or any online activities intended to harm

(physically or emotionally) another person, will result in severe disciplinary action and loss of privileges. In some cases,

cyberbullying can be a crime. Remember that your activities are monitored and retained.

Student Image Exclusion

Plainfield Community School Corporation will occasionally photograph or videotape students in the school environment, for

the purpose of communications and public relations. These photos, primarily, could be shared with the media, and placed

online via web, email and social media.

In general, Plainfield schools will not publish photos of individual students; in fact, the guideline states that at least three

students must be present in published photographs. Students’ names will NOT be used without permission of the parent or

guardian.

This statement does NOT include annual Picture Day photos, or photos taken for class, athletic or extracurricular purposes,

including the yearbook.

If a parent or guardian does not want their child’s photo taken for the purpose of general communications/public relations,

they must submit their signature on the Student Image Exclusion form.

Examples of Acceptable Use

I will:

✔ Use school technologies for school-related activities.

✔ Follow the same guidelines for respectful, responsible behavior online that I am expected to follow offline.

✔ Treat school resources carefully, and alert staff if there is any problem with their operation.

✔ Encourage positive, constructive discussion if allowed to use communicative or collaborative technologies.

✔ Alert a teacher or other staff member if I see threatening, inappropriate, or harmful content (images, messages,

posts) online.

✔ Use school technologies at appropriate times, in approved places, for educational pursuits.

✔ Cite sources when using online sites and resources for research.

✔ Recognize that use of school technologies is a privilege and treat it as such.

✔ Be cautious to protect the safety of myself and others.

✔ Help to protect the security of school resources.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Users should use their own good judgment when using school technologies.

Examples of Unacceptable Use

I will not:

✔ Use school technologies in a way that could be personally or physically harmful.

✔ Attempt to find inappropriate images or content.

✔ Engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or disrespectful conduct toward others.

✔ Try to find ways to circumvent the school’s safety measures and filtering tools.

✔ Use school technologies to send spam or chain mail.

✔ Plagiarize content I find online.

✔ Post personally-identifying information, about myself or others.

✔ Agree to meet someone I meet online in real life.

✔ Use language online that would be unacceptable in the classroom.

✔ Use school technologies for illegal activities or to pursue information on such activities.

✔ Attempt to hack or access sites, servers, or content that isn’t intended for my use.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Users should use their own good judgment when using school technologies.

B39

Limitation of Liability

PCSC will not be responsible for damage or harm to persons, files, data, or hardware.

While PCSC employs filtering and other safety and security mechanisms, and attempts to ensure their proper function, it

makes no guarantees as to their effectiveness.

PCSC will not be responsible, financially or otherwise, for unauthorized transactions conducted over the school network.

PCSC will not be responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of personally owned electronic devices.

Student Access

All students enrolled in PCSC will be permitted to use the technology resources of PCSC. If a parent/guarding does not want

their student to have access to any or all of these resources they must notify the building principal in writing.

Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy

Violations of this policy may have disciplinary repercussions, including:

● Suspension of network, technology, or computer privileges

● Notification to parents

● Detention or suspension from school and school-related activities

● Legal action and/or prosecution

Employment disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment

The Imagination Lab

Phone number:

317-754-2438

Address:

401 Elm Drive

Plainfield, IN 46168

(Main entrance is door 7; off Michael Dr. on the north side of Clarks Creek)

Staff:

Director: Tracy Ballinger

Lab Secretary: Sara Miller

Overview:

All Plainfield Community School Corporation (PCSC) students in grades K-5 will

participate in experiences at The Imagination Lab. The learning that occurs at The Lab

supports Indiana Academic Standards and complements the learning that occurs in

their classroom. Visits to The Imagination Lab are an integral part of the student’s core

curriculum.

B40

Children will visit The Imagination Lab nine times per school year, approximately one

time per month, for a 90-minute Odyssey.

Morning Odyssey 9:15 - 10:45 am

(grades K, 2, 3)

Afternoon Odyssey 1:30 - 3:00 pm

(grades 1, 4, 5)

Student Expectations while at The Lab:

e safe

se respect

gnite your learning through creativity

isten to and follow all instructions

iscover empowering E-Skills

Outcomes:

Our goal is to create an environment where

asking questions, being inquisitive, creative,

curious is valued above finding answers or

finishing tasks. The “right” answer to a question is

never more important than the opportunity a

question offers for developing new questions.

Transportation:

● Students from Central and Van Buren

Elementary schools will be transported via PCSC

bus for each visit to The Imagination Lab.

● Students from Brentwood Elementary will

be transported via PCSC bus only when the

weather does not permit walking.

● Students from Clarks Creek Elementary will

walk to the Imagination Lab via interior hallways.

● Buses will drop off at the main entrance

(Door 7) of The Imagination Lab, located on the

north side of the building.

● Parent/Guardian permission slip is included

with new or returning registration (completed in

PowerSchool) each year

Lab Volunteers:

The Imagination Lab will need 8-20 volunteers per

Odyssey.

● You can volunteer by signing up on The

Imagination Lab website

(or this direct link --

https://sites.google.com/plainfield.k12.in.us/tilvol

unteers/home)

● Anyone can volunteer.

● Volunteers are welcome once, daily,

monthly; whatever works with your schedule.

● A variety of volunteer tasks are available.

● We are not able to accommodate parent

volunteers on school buses.

● All volunteers must have a background

check on file through SafeVisitor.

(https://www.plainfield.k12.in.us/volunteer-with-

us)

Parent Visitors:

Odysseys in The Imagination Lab are carefully

designed within a limited time frame. While we

welcome scheduled and trained volunteers to

The Lab, we are not able to accommodate

unscheduled visitors. We will occasionally offer

Open House evenings to which parents will be

invited.

Picking up students from The Imagination

Lab:

When possible, please avoid scheduling

appointments during your child’s time at The

Imagination Lab. If necessary, please send a

note to their teacher ahead of time. The school

will notify The Lab. Please enter through the main

entrance (Door 7) and sign out your student.

Student Illness:

If your child becomes ill while at The Lab, we will

notify the nurse from their school, who will then

contact the parent. Students who are ill will not

be permitted to return to school via bus and will

remain at The Lab until picked up by a

parent/guardian.

Parent Communication:

Student Odyssey information and examples of

student learning will be posted on The

Imagination Lab website and made available

through social media (Facebook and Twitter)

Please note that The Imagination Lab will not

post photos of students whose parents have

requested image seclusion through Power

School.