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Linthicum Elementary School

School Policies

 

Age Requirements And Immunizations

For the school year 2003-2004 a child must be five years of age on or before November 30th, 2003 in order to enter school in September. A record of immunizations (4 D.T.P., 3 Polio,  2 Measles/Mumps/Rubella, and 1 each Varicella, Hepatitis B series and lead screening are required in Maryland - One MMR and Varicella must be given on or after the first birthday), birth certificate and proof that you reside within the school area are required by law upon entry into school.  top
Children's Progress Reports

Report Cards
Formal reporting of a child's achievement in school is scheduled four times a year in Grades 1 through 5 - November, February, April and June. Parents must sign the report card envelope and any comment sheets before returning them to the teacher. 

Conferences
Parent - Teacher Conferences are scheduled in November, at which time parents are requested to come to the school and discuss the child's progress with the teacher.
If at any time, you have questions or a problem is anticipated, please contact the teacher. A conference can be scheduled by sending a note to the teacher or calling the office. Please do not attempt to discuss a students problems with a teacher in the hall. All teachers have responsibilities to supervise children and prepare for the day's activities.  top

Homework Policy
When appropriate, homework will be assigned. As reinforcement to subject matter taught in class, it should be completed by students and returned promptly for evaluation. The quantity and scheduling of homework is at the discretion of each teacher. If your child is absent, you may call the school to obtain any missed work that child may be able to do independent of direct instruction missed throughout the day. 
The work will be ready by the end of the next school day.  top
Physical Education
All children are expected to participate in the complete program unless a doctor's certificate is received specifically stating their limitations. Tennis shoes and proper dress for class is essential for participation.  top

Health Contagious Conditions

If a child appears to have a contagious condition such as impetigo, ringworm, head lice, chicken pox or conjunctivitis (commonly called pinkeye), parents will be notified and requested to get treatment before the child can be re-admitted to school. Incidents of head lice can be kept to a minimum with cooperation from parents and the Health Department. In accordance with the established school health policy, a child may be excluded from school when communicable condition is suspected, and is required to obtain permission from a physician or health nurse before returning to school.  A student should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school.  top
Immunizations
A record of Immunizations is required by Maryland law upon entry into school. Every child must show proof, dated and signed by a physician, that they have received the following immunizations: (4 DTP, 3 Polio, 2 MMR, and 1 each Varicella, Hepatitis B series and lead screening are required in Maryland - One MMR and Varicella must be given on or after the first birthday.)  top
Medication
Over the counter medications, cough drops, etc. CANNOT be in school without a doctor's order.  If the child must take medication prescribed by the physician during school hours, a medication form must be on file in the office. This form requires a physician's signature, medication type and dosage, and a parent's signature. These medications will be kept securely in the health room and administered by appropriate staff.  Medication orders are also necessary for over the counter meds including medicated chap stick and cough drops.  top
Meals
Hot lunches are served in the school cafeteria. Children may purchase an entire meal. Children who bring a lunch may purchase milk, and/or ice cream to supplement their meal. Two milks and two ice creams are our limit. Children are encouraged to eat their meal before their ice cream.
Breakfast is also available throughout the year. Menus will be distributed with the monthly food offerings for both meals. Prices are listed on a separate flyer. On field trips, children sometimes bring a bagged lunch. The cafeteria cannot provide this.  top
Toys, Pets, Radios, Etc.
Toys, weapons, toy guns, pocket knives, pen knives, radios, tape recorders, headsets, extra money, fire crackers, gum, large amounts of candy and other non-instructional items should not be brought to school. They tend to become damaged or lost, cause distractions or personal harm while detracting from instructional or personal safety.  top
Use Of The Phone
Unless it is an emergency, please do not ask the secretarial staff to deliver messages to your youngsters. Teachers will not be called from their classrooms during the day. If you would like to speak with a teacher, please call the office and leave your name and phone number. The teacher will return your call after school that day or within the next school day.  top
Volunteers
All parents are encouraged to join our team of volunteers who work at home, in classrooms or with various groups such as the P.T.A. Feel free to contact our Volunteer Coordinator for more information.  top
Recess
Children play outdoors as the weather permits.  If a child is too ill to go outside and sit quietly, he/she should probably not be in school.  top
Safety Patrol
Children in the 5th grade are eligible to be members of the school safety patrol. Patrol members are on duty in the morning and in the afternoon. These students assist with developing good school citizenship. All children should be taught to appreciate the patrol's service and respect their willingness to assist.  top
School Grounds
For the safety of your children, please be aware and remind your children that once they are at school, they are not permitted to leave the school grounds unless permission has been given to the school office from a parent.  top
School Schedules

Arrival At School:
Children are expected to be at school by 8:55 a.m. Children walking to school should not arrive before 8:40 a.m. Weather permitting, students should proceed to the designated blacktop area and line up by grade. During inclement weather, students should enter the building through the doorway between Quads 4 and 5, proceed to the gymnasium via the Media Center, and go to their designated area in the gymnasium. 


Dismissal From School:
Bus riders will be dismissed at 3:25 p.m. Car riders and walkers are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. Children should go directly home at the end of the school day. They are not permitted to go to a friend's house or the store unless the school has been notified in writing.


Children are not allowed to ride the school bus home to a friend's house, nor are they allowed to switch from one bus to another for the purpose of visiting a friend. Bus exceptions are allowed in emergency situations after the office has been notified in writing by a parent and a special form has been completed.  top

Delayed School Opening Time

If conditions warrant the "Delayed School Opening Time Plan", the announcement will be made over the following radio stations: WBAL - WFBR - WAAN - WMAV - WASL - WTOP For example, the announcement may state, "Public schools in Anne Arundel County will be opening one hour late."


When the announcement calls for a one hour late opening time, the school bus driver will automatically start to pick up his first bus trip in the morning one hour later than the regular pick up time. In other words, bus transportation will be available, but one hour later than your child's regular schedule.  top
MORNING KINDERGARTEN CLASSES ARE CANCELLED IF THERE IS A 2 - HOUR DELAYED SCHOOL OPENING!!!

Early School Closing And Weather Announcements

If it should be necessary to close school earlier than 3:15 p.m. due to inclement weather, icy roads - or high temperatures in the spring or fall, please DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL. Early school closings will be announced by the same radio stations listed above. It is important that the school telephone line stay free at this time for incoming instructions from the Board of Education.  top
Emergency School Closings/Early Dismissal
IMPORTANT: Do you have an emergency plan for your child? Just a reminder that each family should construct an emergency plan for their children in the event of a midday school closing. What will your child do if school is dismissed some morning at 10:30 a.m. due to a power failure or a broken water pipe? If school is dismissed early because of snow or heat, does your child know that he or she is supposed to go to a neighbor? Does he or she have a key to get into the house on a cold day if you are not at home? 
Buses normally take children directly home when an emergency takes place. There is no opportunity for phone calls, so it is incumbent upon parents to work out a routine for their children.  top
Parental Requests

Child's Early Dismissal:
Whenever a parent wishes a child to be dismissed early, the teacher should be notified in writing. After 3:00 P.M. ,children will be dismissed as usual. The office staff is very busy after 3:00 P.M. preparing for dismissal.


To Leave With Someone Other Than The Parent:
Parents wishing their children to be sent home with a neighbor or relative should also notify the teacher in writing.  top

Field Trips
Field trips are planned by teachers as part of the instructional program. Notices are sent home in advance outlining the details and cost of the trip. No child is taken on a field trip without their parent's written permission. We must make all reservations in advance. Since we are obligated to pay for our reservations, we are not always able to refund any money should your child miss the trip. Parents are encouraged to assist as chaperones on these special trips.  top
Transportation

Bike Riders:
Students in Grades 3 through 5 may ride bikes; however; upon arrival at school bikes must be locked in the bike rack (at the students own risk). Skateboards are not permitted.


Car Riders:
Students being transported by automobile will be dropped off at the crosswalk area marked in the center of the teacher's parking lot. Double parking and/or blocking of access and departure lanes is prohibited.
Please do not drop off children in the flagpole area at the front of the school driveway, especially during high traffic times. This causes major traffic tie ups on Camp Meade Road and School Lane.  top

Bus Policies

It is the policy of the Board of Education that no student changes buses to visit with friends, attend meetings, etc. No bus student may walk home at any time without a note from his or her parents and approval from the principal.


According to the Board of Education's policy, students in Grades 1-5 must live one mile from the school in order to be eligible for transportation. For Kindergarten, the limit is one-half mile.
Children must ride the bus that they have been assigned to and may not ride a different bus. A list of all bus students is kept on file. Children who are walkers or car riders are not permitted to ride the bus unless an emergency arises.

Any request for transportation which involves riding a bus other than the one assigned requires written approval of the principal. A form for this purpose is available in the office for emergency or child care situations.  top

Bus Stop Behavior
Behavior before and after the bus arrives is a COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY that should be shared by all parents at a particular stop. To maximize proper behavior and safety, we suggest that you send your child out to the bus stop about 5 minutes before the earliest arrival of the bus.
Don't Lose Your Bus Privilege !!
• Follow the instructions of the bus driver.
• Behave as you would in the classroom.
• Be respectful of all people.
• Use language appropriate to the school setting.
• Keep the bus neat and clean.
• Remember that eating and drinking are prohibited.
• Talk quietly and politely.
• Treat the bus driver with respect.
• Remember that the bus driver is authorized to assign seats.
• Stay in your seat while the bus is moving.
• Stand only when all available seating is used.
• Remember that school rules apply to the school bus -- tobacco, drugs, and alcohol are prohibited.  top
Visitors
All visitors to the school are required to report to the office and sign in  There are no exceptions to this rule. This procedure helps to eliminate interruptions while classes are in session and safeguards your child.  top
Personal Belongings
Each child's name should be clearly marked or labeled in his/her coat, hat, sweater, boots, rain gear, lunch box, gloves, book bag, etc. Encourage your child to be responsible for his/her belongings and to bring them home daily.
Restrictions: Shoes with cleats or metal tips may not be worn. Hats, jackets and boots will be taken off inside.  top
Parent Involvement
Your involvement in your child's elementary years make the difference. Research shows that achievement improves when parent involvement increases. Provide your child with opportunities for success by recognizing the achievement and participating in the educational process.
• Review all report cards and interim reports with your child.
• Share daily school experiences with your child.
• Contact the school if your child is having a behavior or learning problem.
• Plan a special time and place for your child to study.
• Make sure that all homework is completed.
• Help your child review for test.
• Monitor television viewing.
• Read to your child and have your child read to you.
• Be aware of the results of academic, hearing or speech screening.
• Encourage responsible behavior in your child.  top