PARENT – STUDENT

HANDBOOK

RIVERWOOD ELEMENTARY

2014 - 2015

RIVERWOOD VISION

Riverwood Elementary School is a student-centered learning environment that is enriched by the interactive involvement of staff, family, and community.

RIVERWOOD STUDENT-FRIENDLY VISION STATEMENT

Riverwood Elementary School is a student-friendly place that is full of people to help you along, such as the staff, parents, and community volunteers who make our school a better learning environment.

RIVERWOOD MISSION

The mission of Riverwood Elementary School is to accomplish the following: “To nurture the development of the total child; “To foster a love of learning; “To provide instruction in the basic skills

required for active, involved, and responsible citizenship in our school, community, and country.

“And to maintain an

environment that promotes the safety, well being, intellectual stimulation, mutual respect, and enthusiasm of all--students, staff, and families alike.”

RIVERWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

300 S. Driftwood Trail McHenry, Illinois 60050

“Together We Make Our School a SUCCESS!”

Dear Riverwood Parents:

On behalf of Riverwood’s fine faculty and staff we would like to extend to all our families a heartfelt welcome. We are looking forward to another great year!

For the 2014-2015 school year, the staff at Riverwood will continue to

focus on specific strategies in the areas of reading, writing, math and meeting the needs of all our students. We believe in educating the whole child, addressing social and emotional as well as academic needs.

This handbook is intended to serve as a resource when you have questions or concerns regarding district or building policies and practices. The procedures described in the following pages have been carefully developed by our professional personnel to fit the particular needs of Riverwood. If you seek clarification or further information on any of the items included in the handbook, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to working with you and the faculty and staff of Riverwood School to provide the environment most conducive to the learning and development of your children. Respectfully, Kathie Robinson Principal Will Hibler Assistant Principal

RIVERWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Faculty and Staff

Principal Mrs. Kathie Robinson Assistant Principal Mr. Will Hibler Secretaries Mrs. Mary Kay Weidner Mrs. Anna Wenk Mrs. Donna Wenk-Rost School Nurse Mrs. Claudia Kerr-Leon Custodians Head Custodian Mrs. Vera Grandt Mid-Shift Custodian Mr. Cody Gregory Night Custodians Ms. Judy Beall Mr. Tom Johnson Mr. Mike Taillon, Sr. Kindergarten Team Mrs. Catalina Dean Ms. Barb Mierzejewski Mrs. Jennifer Nanez Mrs. Amy Tessler Mrs. Amy Tessler First Grade Team Mrs. Joanne Backhaus Mrs. Colleen Erber Mrs. Michele Fralick Mrs. Christy Fricke Mrs. Dee Shabosky Mrs. Sofia Spooner Ms. Christy Wisz Second Grade Team Mrs. Jennifer DeBlok Mr. Jason Erber Mrs. Renee Faciana-Gump Ms. Lisa Micklinghoff Mr. Ricardo Mejia Mrs. Lisa Micklinghoff Ms. Jessica Orlando Mrs. Cheri Ryba Third Grade Team Ms. Betsy Chase Mrs. Char Hauck Mrs. Laura Linnane Ms. Sarah McCollum Ms. Cheryl Svejcar Mrs. Marlene Thome Fourth Grade Team Mrs. Cress Anderson Ms. Brenda Hare Ms. Alyson Kriewaldt Mrs. Sabina Rodenkirch Fifth Grade Team Mr. Michael Bashonski Ms. Amy Carbine Mrs. Amy Chapman Mrs. Judy Foszcz Mrs. Elizabeth Penn Ms. Kerry Sterbenz

Art Teachers Mrs. Dawn Bertolotto-McKay Mrs. Mari-Jane LoBianco Mrs. Joanne Thornberry Learning Center Teacher Mr. Tim O'Toole Music Teachers Mrs. Vicki Cummings Ms. Allison Hewell Mr. Kevin Rowlett Physical Education Teachers Mr. Jim Brucker Ms. Joy Hafer Mr. Ben Thome Technology Teacher Mrs. Carole Zei Reading Teachers Mrs. Sarah Bowyer Ms. Marilu Moreno Ms. Barbara Sander Mrs. Evelyn Traskaski Learning Resource Teachers Ms. Nicole Eberhard Mrs. Kathleen Morrow Mrs. Amanda Pociask M Speech/Language Therapists Mrs. Jessica Lang Mrs. Claudia Ongtengco Mrs. Suzanne Tonyan School Psychologist Mrs. Victoria Grandziel School Social Workers Ms. Adrienne Andeen Miss Bridget Quinn Occupational Therapists Ms. Margaret Crowley Mrs. Linda McMahon Physical Therapist Ms. Loida Kozbiel English as Second Language Teachers Mrs. Melissa Grist Ms. Sarah Rinn Ms. Stephanie Sanks Autism Itinerant Ms. Judy Sijersen Hearing Itinerant Ms. Stephanie Peight Translator/Interpreters Mrs. Carmen Anderson M Assistants Mrs. Joanne Banks Mrs. Christine Bromir Ms. Sarah Brummett Mrs. Sandra Carbajal Mrs. Mary Ellen Doherty Mr. Scott Gump Mrs. Barb Koch Mrs. Kristin Meagher Ms. Emma Otero Mrs. Tami Reif Ms. Linda Rice Mrs. Laurie Roby Mrs. Valerie Ziebel Cafeteria/Playground Assistants Mrs. Michelle Amelio Mrs. Suzanne Engstrom Mrs. Nancy Hansen Mrs. Chris Schneider

Mrs. Diana Story Mrs. Debra Watson Mrs. Denise Wilson

Cooks Ms. Maureen Belletynee Mrs. Anna Bierderer Ms. Mary Nugent Ms. Cindy Poturalski Mrs. Sandy Stastny Crossing Guard Mr. Bob Avery

RIVERWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PTO Board

President Mrs. Erica Adamson President-Elect Mrs. Cassandra Becker Treasurer Mrs. Erin Harris Secretary Mr. Patrick DeGeorge Past Presidents Mrs. Robyn Danz, 13-14 Mr. Mark Gizel, 12-13 Mrs. Patty Moeller, 11-12 Mrs. Dawn Stewart, 10-11 Mrs. Vicki Cummings, 09-10 Mrs. Darcy Ahrens, 08-09

Mrs. Audrey Buellesbach, 07-08 Mr. Jeff McCutchan, 06-07

Mrs. Audrey Buellesbach, 05-06 Mrs. Bonnie Simon, 03-05 Mrs. Geri Condon, 01-03 Mrs. Stephanie Teta, 98-01 Mr. Patrick Finfrock, 96-98 Mr. Rich Saini, 94-96 Mrs. Karen Dorsch, 92-94 Mr. Robert Ohr, 91-92 Mrs. Gail Wieczorek, 90-91 Mrs. Julie Birmingham, 89-90

Committees: Back to School/Back to Literacy Night Fall and Spring Book Fairs Box Tops Campbell Soup/Tyson Labels Fall Fundraiser Family Fun Night Ice Cream Social Key Club/Babysitting Market Day PTO Home/School Folders PTO Newsletter Read Across Riverwood School Directory Spiritwear Spring Fundraiser Staff Appreciation Luncheon Visiting Author PTO Website Maintenance Yearbook

McHenry Elementary School District 15

2014-2015 School Calendar

August 14, 2014 First Day for Teachers—Teacher Institute Day

August 15, 2014 Teacher Institute Day

August 18, 2014 Full Day-First Day for Students

August 18, 2014 Kindergarten Visitation Day—NO SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN

August 19, 2014 First Day of Kindergarten Attendance

August 29, 2014 Teacher Institute Day-NO SCHOOL

September 1, 2014 Labor Day—NO SCHOOL

September 12, 2014 Mid-Quarter Reports

October 10, 2014 End of First Quarter

October 13, 2014 Columbus Day—NO SCHOOL

October 17, 2014 Early Release Day-School Improvement Activities

October 17, 2014 Report Cards Go Home

October 22, 2014 Regular Student Attendance Day-1st grade-8

th grade students

No School Kindergarten

Parent Conferences- Day and Evening for Kindergarten

Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences-all students 1st-8

th

3:15pm-7:45pm Middle Schools

4:00pm-8:30pm Edgebrook, Duker and Hilltop

4:15pm-8:45pm Landmark, Riverwood and Valley View

October 23, 2014 Parent Teacher Conferences 10:00am-8pm—NO SCHOOL

October 24, 2014 Day of Non-attendance Students and Teachers

November 18, 2014 Mid-Quarter Reports

November 26, 27 & 28, 2014 Thanksgiving—NO SCHOOL

December 19, 2014 End of Second Quarter

December 22-January 2, 2015 Winter Recess-NO SCHOOL

January 5, 2015 Classes Resume

January 16, 2015 Report Cards Go Home

January 16, 2015 Early Release Day-School Improvement Activities

January 19, 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Day—NO SCHOOL

February 6, 2015 Mid-Quarter Reports

February 16, 2015 Presidents’ Day—NO SCHOOL

February 17, 2015 K-8 Parent-Teacher Conferences 8:30am-3:30pm—NO SCHOOL

February 18, 2015 KINDERGARTEN ONLY Parent-Teacher Conferences

8:30am-3:30pm— NO SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN

March 6, 2015 End of Third Quarter

March 13, 2015 Report Cards Go Home

March 23-March 27, 2015 Spring Recess—NO SCHOOL

April 3, 2015 Day of Non-attendance Students and Teachers

April 6, 2015 Day of Non-attendance Students and Teachers

April 15, 2015 Mid-Quarter Reports

April 17, 2015 Early Release Day-School Improvement Activities

May 8, 2015 Half-Day Teacher Institute

No AM or PM Kindergarten Classes

May 25, 2015 Memorial Day-NO SCHOOL

May 27, 2015 Last Day of Attendance ALL Grades-(if no snow days are used)

Full Day-Final Report Card Distributed

Final-Approved 2/25/2014

DAILY SCHEDULE

Teacher Arrival/Morning Duty/Supervision Begins 8:45 AM Starting Bell 9:05 AM Classes Begin (K-5) 9:10 AM First Grade Lunch 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM First Grade Recess 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Second Grade Recess 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Second Grade Lunch 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Morning Kindergarten Dismissal 12:00 PM

Fifth Grade Lunch 12:05 PM - 12:35 PM Fifth Grade Recess 12:35 PM – 1:05 PM Fourth Grade Lunch 12:40 PM - 1:10 PM Fourth Grade Recess 1:10 PM – 1:40 PM RW Afternoon Kindergarten Classes Begin 1:00 PM

Third Grade Lunch 1:15 PM - 1:45 PM Third Grade Recess 1:45 PM – 2:15 PM Walker Dismissal 3:45 PM

Bus Dismissal 3:50 PM Teacher Dismissal 4:05 PM

2014 – 2015 Musical Schedule

Below is a list of the musical dates for 2014 - 2015 school year. Please mark your calendars: Thursday, November 6 – 5th grade; rehearsing 9:15-10:15 M/T/W/Th that week Thursday, November 13 – 2nd grade; rehearsing 2:40-3:40 M/T/W/Th that week Thursday, December 4 – 3rd grade; rehearsing 11:25-12:25 M/T/W that week Thursday, February 26 – 1st grade; rehearsing 1:40-2:40 M/T/W/Th that week Thursday, April 23 – 4th grade; rehearsing 10:15-11:15 M/T/W/Th that week

R

N Nanez1

Mierzejewski2

Dean 3

Tessler4

Balmaseda5

Thome6

BA

Kriewaldt49

Hare47

Rodenkirch45

Sterbenz43

Chase41

Chapman39

Anderson50

51

Foszcz46

Po

ciask4

8

Bashonski44

Penn42

Carbine40

McCollum36

Tonyanand Lang

35

Zei10-A

O’Toole10

Rinn

9

Eberhard8

LoBianco,Thornberry

&McKay

7

Morrow 12

Linnane14

Orlando16

Micklinghoff18

DeBlok20

Ryba21

Erber19

Davila17

Faciana-Gump

15

Hauck13

Spooner32

Shabosky33

30

Backhaus28

Fricke31

Fralick29

Erber27

Sander22

Andeen26

Bowyer25

Grandziel23

Traskaski24

Cafeteria104

Peightand

OT & PT OfficeGrist

34Gym106

CummingsM-52

Hewell&

RowlettM-53

K

J D

Kitchen104-A

H

E

C

F

MainOffice100

Iser

10

2

Hafer, Thome& Brucker

PE Office

StaffLunchroom

37Ongtengco

10-B

Mo

ren

o3

8

RIVERWOODELEMENTARY

SCHOOL

Robinson100B

Hibler100A

Leon 100D

A BSENCES, PERMISSION TO LEAVE SCHOOL DURING THE

SCHOOL DAY, SIGNING OUT STUDENTS When a student is to be absent from school due to illness or any other reason, it is important that you call the school office between 8:35 A.M. and 10:00 A.M., or voice mail before 8:35 A.M. to advise us that he/she will not be in school. If we

do not hear from you by 10:00 A.M., we are required by law to call you. When a student is absent, the parent/guardian is requested to call the school not later than 2 hours after the start of the school day. If the school does not receive a call, the school must (by law) contact the parent/guardian at home or at work to confirm the student’s absence for that day. At registration time, parents/guardians are asked to provide at least one telephone number (preferably 2) where they can be reached in the event of an unconfirmed absence. While the school diligently makes these phone calls, there are times when a parent/guardian cannot be reached at the numbers provided. The Illinois law states that a school fulfills its obligation if the notification of an absence has been attempted by telephoning the numbers provided by the parent/guardian whether or not there is any answer at such telephone numbers. For the safety of the child, please make sure that you provide the school with a telephone number or numbers where you can be contacted. Valid causes for absence include illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in immediate family, family emergency, situations beyond the student’s control as determined by the Building Principal or such other circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the student’s safety or health. Students are not permitted to leave school at any time during the school day, including the lunch hour. However, if it is necessary for you to take your child out of school, you should send a note to the office prior to the occasion, conveying the date, time, and reason for withdrawal. Walkers must be picked up from the school office if they need to leave during the school day. Any time you pick up your child at school, whether during or after the school

day, you must meet him/her in the office and sign him/her out. If someone

other than the parent is to pick up a student, a note must be submitted, and

identification will be verified.

B ICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER BLADES, SCOOTERS

Students are permitted to ride bicycles, skateboards, roller blades and scooters to school. A bike rack is provided to store bikes during school hours. Students are responsible for locking their individual bikes in the rack. The school is not responsible for damage or theft while the bicycles are parked in the rack. Skateboards, scooter and roller blades may be used as transportation to school. Students can ride up to the school property and then carry their equipment to school. They need to be stored in the student’s locker or an area designated by the student’s teacher or administration. Students’ names must be visible on the equipment. The school is not responsible for damage or theft while the skateboard, roller blades, or scooters are stored in the school.

BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS

Bus transportation is provided for all students who live more than 1-1/2 miles from the school. Each child may ride only the bus to which he/she is assigned. If there is a difficulty with the bus assignment, please call the Transportation Department at (815)385-6622. If you move during the school year or change babysitters, you must notify the Transportation Department and the Riverwood Office. It is the primary goal of McHenry Consolidated School District 15's Transportation Department to transport students as safely as possible. It is for this reason that a number of regulations are necessary for all school bus riders. The following rules must always be adhered to while riding the school bus. Any deviation from these rules will result in disciplinary action by the appropriate building administrator. Any person riding school district buses are expected to:

1. Observe all safety procedures at all times. 2. Treat the school bus and other people’s property with respect. 3. Refrain from fighting, pushing, spitting or other harmful behavior. 4. Maintain school appropriate behavior. 5. Follow all bus route assignment rules. 6. Refrain from using or possessing any illegal substances. 7. Refrain from eating, drinking or littering on the bus. 8. Show respect for other students and adults. 9. Use school appropriate language. 10. Follow bus driver directions at all times

Bus drivers have the right to make reasonable regulations to ensure the well being of their passengers. The driver will complete and sign a School Bus Incident Report and file it with the appropriate building administrator who will notify parents regarding the action taken. Possible actions include the following: assigned seat for a specified period of time or a bus suspension of varied lengths of time. Individualized consequences may be designated in certain cases. Parents have the right to a formal hearing regarding a suspension.

Definite Bus Suspension Offenses Possession of a weapon or fireworks Application of Board of Education policy and referral to superintendent; may warrant consequences up to and including expulsion Smoking or possession of tobacco, lighter, or matches First incident: 5 days off bus Each additional incident: 10 days off bus Alcohol/drug possession (use or under the influence of) Each incident: 10 days off bus Willful vandalism or destruction of property First incident: 5 days off bus; pay for damage Each additional incident: 10 days off bus; pay for damage Throwing objects out of the window while the bus is moving Each incident: 3 days off bus These offenses will result in the issuance of a School Bus Incident Report. One such report will result in a visit to the principal's office, a verbal warning, and a copy of the report being sent home. The second report will result in a visit to the principal's office, student consequence, and parent contact. The third report will result in a three-day suspension from bus privileges. Parents may be called as a result of any report. When their busses arrive at school, students are to go immediately to the supervised playground area. On days when there is precipitation or a wind chill of below ten degrees Fahrenheit, children are directed to wait in the gym or cafeteria for the bell to ring.

When afternoon kindergarten busses arrive, children are also to proceed to the supervised playground area. On days of inclement weather they are to report directly to their classrooms. At the close of school, walkers are the first to be dismissed. After the departure of all walkers, bus students are dismissed. This practice decreases the amount of pedestrian traffic during the periods of heaviest motor vehicle traffic.

C AFETERIA

Breakfast and hot lunch are available every day. Students may also bring a lunch from home and buy milk. You can go to the district website at www.d15.org to pay for school lunches and keep track of student lunch activities.

Cost Breakfast ……………..… $1.30 (including milk) Student Lunch ................ $2.65 (including milk) Milk ................................. $.40 Ice Cream …................... $.65 - $1.00

CAFETERIA AND PLAYGROUND RULES

In the Lunchroom 1. Teachers will assign students to a table. 2. Students REMAIN SEATED until the lunchroom assistants dismiss

them to get into the lunch line or buy milk. 3. Students stay at their assigned tables and sit down while eating. 4. Students use quiet voices – no yelling; if they need help, they are to

raise their hands. 5. Students clean up their own messes. 6. Students keep hands and feet to themselves. 7. Students wait to be dismissed.

On the Playground 1. Students follow directions respectfully. 2. Students use acceptable language. 3. Students use playground equipment safely and correctly (i.e., no

going up the slides, no jumping off the swings). 4. Students are responsible and respect others and the environment.

What will happen when rules are not followed? The student will be given a warning. He/she will be asked to identify the behavior that is inappropriate and what rule he/she is violating – respect, responsibility, safety. If the unacceptable behavior continues, the student may serve a “time out” by being asked to sit out of recess for a period of time, depending on child’s age and the infraction. If the behavior continues after a time out, the student may be issued a discipline slip – the situation will be handled by the administration. For severe behaviors, the child will be escorted into the office to see an administrator. It is up to the administrator as to what action will be taken.

COMMUNITY USE OF BUILDING & GROUNDS All persons entering upon the property or into facilities of District 15 are expected to respect the physical aspects of the premises. The Board of Education will take appropriate action against those who abuse District property or facilities. The intent of this policy is that it applies to all persons, lessees, or invitees notwithstanding. Supervisors of groups using our facilities are asked to refrain from allowing their supervisees to go into areas other than those designated in their agreement, from moving tables out of the cafeteria, from allowing children to raise or lower tables, and from leaving the facilities in a less clean condition than the way in which they found them on arrival. No storage facilities are available to outside groups utilizing the Riverwood premises.

If these rules are not followed, two warnings will be issued to the group utilizing the facilities. The third violation will result in a cancellation of the privilege.

There is no smoking allowed at Riverwood, either in the building or on the

grounds.

D ISCIPLINE

In order to ensure an appropriate education for students at Riverwood Elementary School, it is necessary to maintain high standards of discipline and order. Discipline is an internalized ability to observe rules, follow directions, exercise self-control, and demonstrate orderly habits. It is important for students to develop these skills in addition to their academic skills. Most students learn discipline quite satisfactorily when in an environment where they 1) know the rules and expectations, 2) experience conditions of organization, routine, and consistency, and 3) fully understand the consequences of their actions. Occasionally, however, misbehavior occurs which necessitates the application of special behavior management techniques. These may range from systems of positive reinforcement -- to plans for withdrawal of privileges -- to utilization of temporary separation from the group. The District 15 Board of Education has addressed the matter of student discipline in its policy manual. The entire district is subject to the following policies; these portions of Board Policy are the most relevant to the population of Riverwood Elementary School:

Student Behavior The Board of Education expects that an atmosphere conducive to effective teaching and learning will be established and maintained in all schools of McHenry School District 15. Students shall show proper respect for the school staff, for each other, for school property, and for the time schedule. To this end, the administrative staff is authorized to establish and enforce appropriate rules and regulations for the discipline and control of students while they are under the jurisdiction of the school district. Corporal punishment is not to be administered to students in District 15.

Discipline and Truancy 1. School principals shall handle disciplinary cases in their schools.

2. Any student showing open disrespect or any form of autocracy in the classroom will be subject to immediate dismissal by the teacher from that class until the dismissal is reviewed by the principal. Disciplinary jurisdiction extends to behavior on the school busses.

3. Rules and regulations which are established to promote appropriate

discipline and standards shall not be in conflict with any statutory provisions or relevant court decisions.

4. Under the provisions of Section 1-22.6, Chapter 122 of the School Code of Illinois, pupils guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct may be suspended for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days by the principal of any school. Such suspension shall be reported immediately to the parents or guardian of such pupil along with a full statement of the reasons for such suspension and a notice of their right to review, a copy of which shall be directed to the Board of Education president.

We at Riverwood School strive to offer an environment conducive to student development of self-discipline. First, we will provide the conditions of organization and routine to facilitate order; secondly, we will make students aware of the rules for decorum that have been enumerated for the safety and courtesy of all. Parents are encouraged to review the rules, as well.

General Rules In order to appropriately manage our large student population and to ensure the most conducive learning environment for all personnel, the following building wide discipline plan will be in effect. Classroom behavior will be dealt with on an individual classroom basis by your child's teacher, but will work in harmony with this plan. This plan is based on a simple premise: Students have the right to learn and be safe, and staff members have the right to do their jobs and be treated with respect. Behavior that interferes with those rights cannot and will not be tolerated. I. The rules which our staff members feel are important for the benefit of

safety, order, and education are:

1. Be responsible – Student controls his/her behavior toward the goal of a positive school environment.

2. Show respect – Student treats others (peers and adults) as he/she would like to be treated, takes care of school property.

3. Be safe – Student behaves in ways that are not harmful or dangerous.

II. If a student chooses to break a rule, a Principal's Behavior Citation will be issued, and one of the following consequences shall apply:

1. WARNING 2. Before-school recess detention 3. Lunch recess detention 4. Phone call to parent(s) 5. Conference with parent(s) 6. Other (suspension, letter of apology, assisting with clean-up,

monetary payment, etc.)

The principal reserves the right to invoke in-school or out-of-school suspensions in cases of unsafe behavior, gross disrespect, serious harm to others, flagrant indecency, or vandalism of school property. Chronic behavior problems will be referred to our Pupil Personnel Services team for in-depth analysis. For any matter of discipline, students will always be given due process, an opportunity to tell their side of the story. Your cooperation in this program will work to the benefit of our whole school. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please call. Your ideas are always welcome.

DROPPING OFF/PICKING UP CHILDREN In the interest of safety, we have separated our bus drop-offs and arrivals from those students dropped off and picked up by parents in automobiles. Parents dropping off or picking up their children before or after school should use the circle in front of the building in order to do so. They should enter from the south end and exit from the north end of the circle. Cars may stand in the circle for a brief period, while parents escort their children into the building or sign them out. If parents have to park on the street, their children must cross with the adult

supervisor in order to access their ride. Students are not allowed to cross

any roadway between parked cars. If parents find it necessary to park in the parking lot, they should enter through the southeast entrance from Glenbrook Trail. They must wait for and not pass any bus that is stopped to drop off or board students. Such busses will have their stop arms out. At the conclusion of their business, parents and guests should exit the parking lot via the southwest exit onto Driftwood Trail.

DRUG/ALCOHOL ABUSE REFERRAL Principals will refer students who abuse the use of drugs, alcohol, and/or other controlled substances to agencies which provide counseling with regard to these problems. Principals will provide appropriate information to parents or guardians of such students and will request their assistance with these matters.

E COLOGY & RECYCLING

We should all take pride in our school and put forth an effort to keep the building and playground neat. We also wish to develop in our students a concern and appreciation for the larger environment in which we live. With these objectives in mind, the staff and students of Riverwood School participate in the recycling program of McHenry County and endeavor to dispose properly of refuse.

EDUCATION OF THE CHILD The Board of Education believes that the education of each child in McHenry Community Consolidated School District 15 is the heart of the entire school operation, and that administration, business management, building construction, and all other services should be appraised in terms of the contribution to the progress of instruction. It shall be the goal of the Board of Education to offer all children the opportunity to develop their educational potentialities to the maximum within the financial constraints imposed.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Any use of handheld electronic devices, unless subject to administrative or teacher approval, are prohibited during regular school hours. Such devices are generally disruptive to the educational process. Therefore, they should not be brought to school or used on school property or buses. Cell phones will be allowed only if they are turned off and kept in the student’s locker. If they are being used during school hours, they will be taken away from the student. To reclaim such an item, the parent of the student must come to school to pick it up.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Fire Drills - Fire drills at regular intervals are required by law and are an important safety precaution. It is essential that when the first signal is given, everyone responds promptly and clears the building by the prescribed route as quickly as possible.

Disaster Drills - Disaster drills also take place regularly during the school year. When the alert sounds, classes are to proceed to their assigned places and to assume the prescribed body position.

F ASHION AT RIVERWOOD

To promote a positive environment at Riverwood we ask that our students always wear clothing that is in good taste and does not distract others in the educational process. Students are not to wear the following clothing to classes: -Alcoholic, drug, or tobacco related themes -Gang affiliation signs or symbols -Anything revealing undergarments -Bare midriffs, low necklines, or halters -Offensive or graphic designs -Dangerous accessories (i.e. belt chains, safety pins, etc.) Skirts, skorts, and shorts need to be at a modest length which is measured by your fingertip length. Pants need to be worn at the waist line. We also ask that they exhibit good manners by refraining from wearing hats in the building. And, finally, we ask that they keep their coats and jackets in their lockers during the school day.

FEE WAIVER

McHenry Elementary School District 15 has a policy that will waive all student registration fees under certain circumstances. Parent(s)/guardians(s) of students who are eligible for Free or Reduced lunch, Aid to Dependent Children and those who are experiencing other hardships are asked to complete a Fee Waiver Form to determine their eligibility to have all registration fees waived. Fee Waiver Forms are available during the annual August registration and in the school offices throughout the school year.

Student Fees:

ITEM FEES Kindergarten Fee Tech. Fee $6.50 + $51.00 = $57.50 Grades 1-5 Tech. Fee $12.75+ $77.00 = $89.75 Middle School Act. Fee $23.50+Tech. Fee $12.75 +$77.00 = $113.25 Grade 5 Band Fee $25.00

Transportation Pay-Rider Fee (K-8) One Student $106.25 Two Students $127.50 Three or more Students $148.75

G ENDER EQUITY

Please be advised that it is the policy of the State of Illinois, the State Board of Education, and the McHenry Community Consolidated School District 15 Board of Education, that no person shall be subject to discrimination on the basis of gender in any program or activity supported by school district funds.

GRADES Report cards are issued to the children in Kindergarten twice a year, and in grades one through five, four times a year. Mid-quarter progress reports are issued to students in danger of failing a subject at the end of the fifth week of the quarter, or thereafter, whenever the danger arises. Progress reports may also convey positive news.

H EALTH OFFICE

The primary goal of Health Services is to provide a healthy and safe environment in order to ensure an optimal learning environment for all students. This goal is achieved by compliance with state and local regulations, as well as District 15 policy. The responsibility of the parent/guardian in achieving this goal will be to provide all grade level requirements and special health condition information to the Health Office. If a student is sent to school, we are assuming that they are healthy enough to be in school. It is the judgment of the Health

Office personnel once the student is at school to determine if they are healthy

enough to remain in school; however, phone calls are not made home on every student that presents in the Health Office. If the determination is made to make a phone call, it is the responsibility of the parent to be sure that the Health Office has all current phone numbers available for home, work, cell, etc.

Students suspected of having a rash of an unknown origin will be sent home. The student will not be readmitted to school without a note from a health care provider; i.e., physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, stating whether or not the rash is contagious and when the student is permitted to return to school.

Students who have an active infestation of head lice will be referred to their parents/guardians. Education materials and treatment information will be distributed by the school nurse.

Students who present with suspected pinkeye will be sent home if there is evidence of tearing or purulent discharge.

Students with a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will be sent

home; they must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to

school.

Physicals and Immunization Policy: All students entering kindergarten and sixth grade must have a current physical examination. A physical examination is current if it is within one year prior to the first day of school. Any student entering District 15 from out of state must have a current physical examination

regardless of the grade level if they have not had a physical examination within the past year. Students transferring into the District during the school year have thirty days from the time records are received to meet these requirements. Requirements for current immunizations are the same as those required by the Illinois Department of Health. Students who do not have a current physical examination and/or immunizations will be excluded from school. In addition, the following are required by the State of Illinois:

Dental Exam – required for students entering kindergarten, second, and sixth grades.

Vision Exam – required for students entering kindergarten performed by licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Vision and Hearing Screenings: Vision and Hearing screenings are mandated on an annual basis for the following students:

Vision – pre-school, kindergarten, 2nd, and 8th grades, along with new students and special education students.

Hearing – pre-school, kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, along with new students and special education students.

Vision and hearing screenings are performed by a certified vision and hearing technician. Vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor. Your child is not required to undergo this vision screening if an optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous twelve months and that evaluation is on file at the school. If a vision or hearing examination report is not on file at the school for your child, your child in the mandated age/grade/group will be screened.

Medication Policy: It is the belief of the Board of Education and District 15 staff that medication should be administered in the home. However, under certain circumstances, it is in the best educational and health interest of the child to take prescribed medications during the school day. In such cases, the medicine must be prescribed by a physician, and a Request for the Administration of Medication form, completed and signed by both the physician and the parent/guardian, must be on file in the Health Office of the school. The Request for the Administration of Medication form is available in the school office, as well as on the district website at www.d15.org. The prescribed

medication must be brought to the school by the parent/guardian (or other responsible adult designated by the parent/guardian) in a container properly labeled with the directions for administration, along with the name of the physician. The student is responsible for reporting to the Health Office to take the prescribed medication. The parent/guardian must assume the responsibility for informing the school of any change in the child’s health or change in medication. District 15 retains the discretion to reject requests for the administration of prescribed medication for students. While careful precautions are always taken to properly administer prescribed medication, District 15 or its employees will not be responsible for errors in administering medication. School personnel are NOT allowed to administer over-the-counter medication, such as aspirin, Tylenol, Robitussin, etc., without written orders by the physician, completed on a Request for Administration of Medication form. Under no circumstances, should any medicine be sent to school with your child as the possibility exists that it could be unknowingly taken by another child. Board of Education Policy on student medication is Policy 7:270 Administering Medication to Students and is available in the school office.

Please refer to the District 15 website, www.d15.org, under “Health Services” for available health forms. Please contact the Health Office of your school with any further questions. A week’s worth of cough drops with a letter giving permission for the child to use them can be sent to the Health Office. The nurse will dispense the cough drops and watch the student in the Health Office.

HOMEWORK POLICY – ABSENCE District 15 encourages regular school attendance. The instructional scope and sequence of the academic year are carefully planned. Absence, for any reason, is a learning hardship for a student. Absences due to illness and other unavoidable reasons are, of course, facts of school life. Our policy for excused absences is to help a child cope with these emergencies by providing homework activities which the child can reasonably complete independently while absent. Further, children returning to school from excused absences will be given reasonable compensatory help with learning activities missed. (It may not always be possible to make up all work missed.) Avoidable or unexcused absences generally carry no "make-up" privileges and may adversely affect a student's grades. A family vacation, however, will be treated as an excused absence if of modest duration, infrequent in occurrence, and approved in advance by the principal.

Homework may be requested on the second day of absence. Please notify the school office before 10:00 A.M. on that day. Then it may be picked up after school.

HOMEWORK POLICY--INDEPENDENT PRACTICE Teachers are encouraged to give students homework to provide them with additional opportunities for independent practice. Your cooperation in this matter would be most beneficial for your children. You can help them to develop good habits by 1) establishing a schedule or routine for homework completion, 2) providing them with a quiet and suitable place for study, 3) monitoring their understanding, progress, and completion of assignments, and 4) communicating with their teacher if unusual problems are observed.

I NSURANCE

At the beginning of the school year, parents are given the opportunity to purchase an accident insurance policy that offers protection while students are at school and involved in all school-sponsored activities, as well as coverage while going directly to and from school.

INVITATIONS

Unless invitations to students' parties are given to an entire class (or to all the boys or girls) we require that they be sent through the U.S. mail or given out before or after school. In order to spare feelings, we ask that if any students are left out, invitations not be given out in the classroom.

J ACKETS

and other lost items may be found in the lost-and-found bins, located outside the cafeteria at the end of the first grade hall. Having your child's name on items can help him/her to retain his/her property.

K NOW OUR SCHOOL

Visitors are welcome at Riverwood. Upon entering our school during the day, visitors are required to stop in the school office for clearance and orientation. Badges or name tags are required; these help to ensure that no strangers travel our hallways.

L EARNING CENTER

Riverwood's Learning Center is well equipped and serves as a valuable extension of the classroom. Students are free to use the Learning Center during the day as long as they are engaged in a purposeful, educational activity.

LOCKERS Lockers are considered school property. They are for storage of coats, hats, boots, etc. Valuable items should not be stored in lockers. Locks may not be placed on student lockers at any time. Lockers may be searched or inspected by faculty or administration without notice.

M ONEY AND VALUABLES

Students should not carry large amounts of money or other valuables with them in school and should never leave money in lockers. The school will investigate, but will not assume responsibility, for any lost or stolen property.

N OTICES TO PARENTS

For your information, our newsletter -- The Riverwood Reporter -- will be sent home every other Friday with timely announcements for the coming weeks.

O FFICE

The school office is open from 8:35 A.M. to 4:35 P.M. Children should come to the office only with the permission of their teacher or other supervisor. On occasions when you must take your child out of school during the school day, you should come to the office, as this is where he/she will be dismissed.

P HYSICAL EDUCATION

Equipment Needed Tie or Velcro gym shoes must be kept at school so that they will be available and clean for P.E. classes. (Slip-on shoes or water socks pose a hazard and are not appropriate for P.E.) Jeans, slacks, or shorts are most suitable for P.E.

classes. However, if a girl has to wear a dress for a special reason, please have her put on shorts or slacks also. If a student is unable to participate in P.E. because of lack of safe shoes or proper attire, he or she will receive an F for that class period. If a student is injured or ill, please write a note so that we will know what he or she is allowed to do or not do. If the illness or injury continues or is serious, a doctor's excuse is required. After a lengthy illness or injury, it is good to have the doctor decide when the child may participate in physical education again.

Not Required ... But a Good Idea Comfortable clothing is very helpful on P.E. day. Layering clothing is a great idea because even in winter, the children work hard and get very warm if they are wearing a heavy sweater or the like.

Exemption from P.E. and/or Recess If your child has an illness or injury that necessitates his/her exclusion from physical education classes or outdoor recess, a doctor’s written excuse is required, including the beginning and ending dates of the exclusion.

PLAYGROUND

Riverwood Elementary School has a closed playground. No one is permitted to leave after arrival and before dismissal, unless he/she has a parent's note and approval from the office, and is picked up from the office. Students must always be in view of a supervisor, and must never leave the playground area. Students may enter the building only with the permission of the playground supervisor. On days when the field is wet from precipitation, students may be asked to remain on the blacktop during recess. On days when there is accumulated

snow on the field, only students who are wearing both snow pants and boots will be allowed off the blacktop. This is in order to avoid asking parents to come to school with dry clothing. In order to create a trouble-free playground atmosphere, we expect students to act responsibly, safely, and with respect toward each other, adults, and school property. Recess is an extension of the learning that takes place in the

classroom. It is a time when our students can play without the constant constraints of adult supervision. This means that they must take on a higher sense of personal responsibility.

PROHIBITION OF THE POSSESSION, USE, OR INFLUENCE OF ILLEGAL

DRUGS AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES All persons are forbidden to possess, use, or be under the influence of any illegal drug or controlled substance while on District 15 property or in its facilities. School authorities will enforce this policy by calling the police to remove from the premises all adults or youths who do not quickly remove themselves following a warning to do so by the appropriate school authority. District 15 students are forbidden to possess, use, or be under the influence of any illegal drug or controlled substance at any function at any location which is under the control, sponsorship, or endorsement of District 15.

PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES (PPS) PPS is a team consisting of the principal, assistant principal, school psychologist, social worker, speech/language therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, learning disabilities resource teacher, reading specialist, and classroom teacher. This interdisciplinary group meets to discuss students whose learning is being disrupted by processing, behavioral, social, physical, or health problems. These meetings result in recommendations for the appropriate course of action toward the end of remediating the problem. The following services are available:

School Psychologist -- Educational testing, evaluation of social-emotional skills, counseling, teacher and parent consultation, and community education.

School Social Worker -- Assists families to link with community helping agencies; counseling; consultation on truancy, child abuse, and drug and alcohol abuse.

Occupational & Physical Therapists -- Evaluates sensory and motor skills related to learning; provides therapy to improve coordination, balance, sensory integration, and motor planning; consults regarding children's sensory and motor needs.

Speech and Language Therapist -- Evaluates speech and language; provides therapy to improve articulation, understanding and use of language, voice, fluency, and oral-motor skills.

Learning Disabilities Resource Teacher -- Academic assistance, remediation of learning disabilities, consultation to assist learning disabled students.

Reading Specialist -- Provides specialized instruction to students experiencing difficulties in reading.

Q UESTIONS

will always be courteously received at Riverwood. Please feel free to call or come in, and we will do our best to provide the answers to your questions.

R ECESS

is outdoors whenever the weather is dry and the wind chill temperature is higher than ten degrees Fahrenheit. If there is precipitation or a wind chill temperature of ten degrees Fahrenheit or lower, it is indoors. Students are asked to wear snow pants or remain on the plowed blacktop area only when there is snow on the ground in order to avoid calls to parents for dry clothing. Students are only allowed to stay indoors during outdoor recess if they have a doctor’s note which includes the beginning and ending dates of the exclusion.

REFERRAL A referral is an official request made by school staff or a child's parents to the Riverwood PPS team to discuss the problems a student is experiencing due to behavioral, social, health, or academic difficulties. A referral results in a recommended course of action and the following sequence: 1. Referral reviewed with teacher at weekly PPS meeting. 2. Assignments given for information gathering and administration of

screening tests. 3. Data reviewed by PPS staff and parent; decision made to continue or

discontinue referral.

4. If continued, a comprehensive case study evaluation is recommended.

5. A PPS member contacts the parents and invites them to participate in the pre-IEP meeting to discuss the case study and its components.

6. When the parent(s) gives consent for this process, a 60-day timeline begins for completion of the case study.

7. Testing, observation, review of records, child and parent interviews, collection of medical and family information, hearing and vision screening, and other pertinent assessments are completed.

8. The case study is reviewed by the PPS team to determine the course of action needed.

9. The case study results and recommendations are shared with the parents.

10. A multidisciplinary staffing is held, and if appropriate, an Individual Education Program (IEP) is formulated.

11. Parent approval of the recommended course of action is requested. 12. The recommendations are implemented.

REPORT It is very important to remember to report all changes in address, telephone

number, or emergency information to the school office. This will facilitate our communication with you, and is especially important in case of emergency.

REQUESTS FOR CHILDREN TO REMAIN INDOORS Physical exercise and fresh air are important to effective mental functioning and the development of good physical and mental health. Indoor and outdoor P.E. activities are developed sequentially for each grade level and are planned in the best interests of your child's development and safety. Recess periods are also planned so that our students might have a break from the concentration of academic pursuit. Limited participation in physical education or recess may be provided for those

who are recovering from a serious illness or injury. An excuse from the doctor

requesting exemption from all or part of the physical education program or

outdoor activity should be sent to the school health aide. A request from

parents that children remain indoors in cold weather is not considered a

valid excuse or exemption from such activity.

RIVERWOOD PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION We are very proud of our strong Riverwood PTO. It holds regular meetings throughout the school year, and provides many special programs and services for the school.

S CHOOL HOURS

Parents are requested to see that their children do not arrive at school before 8:45 AM. No one may enter the building without the permission of the playground supervisor. (Special arrangements are made in the event of inclement weather.) Children may enter the building to go to their classrooms when the bell rings at 9:05 AM. Our Kindergarten students who attend the morning session are dismissed at 12:00 PM. Afternoon Kindergartners begin at 1:00 PM and are dismissed at 3:45 PM if they are walkers and 3:50 PM if they ride a bus.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Each year the teachers and administration of Riverwood School meet frequently and at length to analyze our student population, our test scores, and our curriculum. Those meetings result in the determination of areas of need for improvement and a list of goals and objectives for each grade level.

SECURITY For the safety and welfare of our students, we enforce the following security procedures:

1. All general access doors are locked during school hours. 2. All visitors are prohibited from using any doors other than the

office doors located by the flagpole. 3. All visitors must depress a doorbell, identify themselves, and

be buzzed in by office personnel. 4. All visitors are required to check in at the school office, to sign

in, and to state their reason for being in the building. 5. All visitors are to obtain name tags and wear them when

walking the hallways and on the playground. 6. Any persons not wearing name tags will be questioned by building personnel who will alert the office.

T ARDY TO SCHOOL

Students are to be in class when the tardy bell rings at 9:10 AM. Students who come late to school need to be escorted by a parent into the building and signed in by them. Tardy problems to school will be handled by the administration.

TELEPHONE numbers that you might find useful during the school year include the following: School Office .................................. 344-7130 Voice Mail ....................................... 344-7140 Fax Number .................................... 363-5021 Central Administration.................... 385-7210 Transportation Department ............. 385-6622

TIME OUT ROOM Our time out room was specifically designed by Riverwood's architect for detention purposes. It is fully lighted and ventilated. Its walls exist simply for the purpose of lessening the "entertainment" level of adult activity in the main office for children who are being detained in the office due to inappropriate behavior. However, if you have questions regarding the time out room, please call the principal.

TREATS There are many special occasions at school when food for students is brought from home. The McHenry County Department of Health has recommended that commercially prepared and packaged goods be brought as treats instead of

homemade items. To comply with this recommendation, home baked goods

may not be distributed in school.

TRUANCY

District 15 considers a student to be truant who is absent without valid cause for a school day or portion thereof, as defined in Chapter 122, article 26-2a of the Illinois School Code.

Chronic Truancy District 15 considers a student to be a chronic truant who is absent without valid

cause for 5% or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days, as defined in Chapter 122, Article 26-2a of the Illinois School Code.

Resources and Supportive Services The following resources and supportive services are available to students with attendance problems (and their parents and guardians): Conferences with school personnel. Counseling services with school psychologist and/or social workers. Testing by school psychologist, social workers and/or other school personnel. Schedule or program changes. Placement in alternative educational programs. Special Education assessment and placement. Referral to community agencies for appropriate services.

Truant Minor In accordance with Chapter 122, Article 26-2a of the Illinois School Code, District 15 considers a truant minor to be a chronic truant to whom the above resources and supportive services have been provided and have failed to result in the remediation of the chronic truancy, or have been offered and refused by the parent(s), guardian(s), and/or student.

U NSATISFACTORY OR EXEMPLARY PROGRESS REPORTS

Mid-quarter Progress Reports indicating unsatisfactory or exemplary work will be sent home the fifth week of the quarter or any time thereafter if a student is in danger of failing in any category of the report card. These reports serve as a warning, so that students may put forth increased effort in order to raise their grade by the end of the grading period.

V OLUNTEERS

The faculty and staff at Riverwood Elementary School are highly appreciative of the volunteer assistance that we receive from parents. If any of you are interested in helping in the classroom or otherwise at school, please contact your child's teacher or the office.

W AIVER OF FEES

District 15 has a policy that waives all registration fees for certain individuals. Parents of students who are on Free/Reduced Lunch, Aid to Dependent Children, and those who are experiencing other hardships should complete a Fee Waiver Form to determine eligibility.

WEATHER ALERT INFORMATION Severe weather conditions or other emergencies may cause school to be closed. This information may be obtained by calling the District 15 voice mail system at 344-7140 or by visiting the District 15 website at www.d15.org. It may also be broadcast after 6:00 A.M. on the local radio stations, WZSR, Star 105.5 FM, Crystal Lake, or WMCW, 1600 AM, Harvard. There is also the possibility that because of sudden heavy storms, snow and ice, or heating problems, we would be forced to dismiss school early, at which times we would contact parents or emergency numbers.

X EROX MACHINE

This is the copier located in the school office. It is an important component in our efforts to maintain a high level of communication between school and home. If our communication ever fails to answer all of your questions and concerns, please do not hesitate to call.

Y OUTH

The youth of America are her most valuable resource. Let us all do our best to make a sound investment.

Z EBRAS

and other pets are best left at home. It is Riverwood's policy not to allow uncaged animals at school.

Riverwood School Compact

The purpose of the Riverwood School Compact is to help everyone understand the responsibilities each individual has towards our students’ success. Everyone plays a role in how our students achieve. Review the commitments we need to make in order for Riverwood students to succeed. Pledge to do our part in making a difference this year. Principal Commitment As a principal, I will… Support the parents, teachers, and students as we work together toward the educational goals of Riverwood School while respecting diversity. Parent Commitment Your child’s first and most important teacher is YOU, the parent. Research shows the top indicator to student success in school is parent involvement. As a parent, I will…

Attend the Information Night and parent-teacher conferences. I will also attend various PTO sponsored events with my family.

Make certain my child attends school everyday unless sick.

Make certain my child gets a proper amount of sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and wears clean clothes to school every day.

Make certain my child arrives at school on time and is not picked up early.

Set up a time and place at home for my child to do homework each night.

Make certain my child reads or is read to each night.

Teacher Commitment Teachers have an impact on the future by example and direct involvement with students and parents. As a teacher, I will…

Provide a motivating and creative learning experience in the classroom with instruction aligned with the Common Core State Standards.

Have high expectations for all of my students.

Explain my expectations to parents at Information Night.

Notify parents when homework isn’t turned in.

Send progress reports home at mid-quarter (3rd-5th grades).

Provide report cards at the end of all four quarters (only second and fourth quarters for kindergarten).

Contact parents as soon as possible regarding any concerns I have.

Encourage parents to contact via email or by calling the main office at (815)344-7130 and leaving me a message.

Student Commitment Student commitment to being the best they can be is vital to a successful education. As a student, I will…

Work hard in class and always try my best.

Speak to adults and other students with respect.

Follow the Rascal rules.

Take homework home, complete it and return it on time.

Tell an adult if I feel unsafe. _______________________________________________________ Please sign on the line below to show you have read over the Riverwood School Compact. Principal’s Signature: Mrs. Kathie Robinson

Parent’s Signature: _______________________________________ Teacher’s Signature: _____________________________________ Student’s Signature: ______________________________________