2018.2019

J.G. Brumfield Elementary

Fun ▫ Safe ▫ Kind ▫ Creative ▫ Respectful

Parent Handbook

Dear Brumfield Family,

It’s time for school! We want to welcome our new and returning students to James G. Brumfield Elementary School, home of the Brumfield Giraffes. We are excited about the school year that we will have together, and we know that it will be filled with lots of learning and fun.

As demands and complexities of teaching children increase, it becomes more evident that we all need to work together to insure that our children reach their potential. We believe that all of us, the school and the community, must work together in an extended family environment to insure success for all our students. We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to empower children with the creative, intellectual, and decision-making skills necessary for them to become academically, socially, physically, and emotionally successful and responsible.

With that in mind, you are invited to be an active participant at Brumfield Elementary School. Whether you are a classroom volunteer, a member of the PTO, special event participation, or help at home, you are encouraged to be involved. Research clearly demonstrates that parent participation in their child’s school coincides with a greater likelihood of academic success for their child.

JGB is a great school where students receive quality academic instruction in a safe, caring and respectful environment. Our school is a special place because of the terrific people that learn and work here and because of the community in which it is located. We desire the best for all students and look forward to partnering with parents and community members to help our students be their best. With everyone working together, we are sure to achieve our goals and be successful. Students come to school with a willingness to work hard, expecting to learn, and with a positive attitude. Our teachers will provide the quality instruction that our students deserve and that our parents expect. Parents encourage your children often, talk to them about school and their work, and support them in every way that you can. Parental involvement shows children that school is important and that you are committed to their success. We encourage you to volunteer your time and abilities, visit often, and communicate regularly with your child’s teacher. Together we can accomplish great things!

At Brumfield Elementary School, we aspire to be a community of learners that respects and cares about one another. In this environment, with this commitment to one another, we can accomplish more collectively than we could have done independently. We are glad that you are a part of the Brumfield community, and we know that each student will have a terrific educational experience this year. We look forward to having a long and rewarding relationship with you and your family.

 Fondly,  Ms. Julie Gagnon Mr. Matt YonkeyPrincipal Assistant Principal

ContentsGeneral School Information.....................................................................................................1

Contact Information.............................................................................................................1History..................................................................................................................................1Mission Statement...............................................................................................................2School Hours.......................................................................................................................2

Attendance...............................................................................................................................2Absence from School – Procedures....................................................................................2Make-up Work.....................................................................................................................2

Cafeteria..................................................................................................................................3Clinic........................................................................................................................................3

Prescription Medications......................................................................................................3Non-Prescription Medications..............................................................................................3

Daily Announcements..............................................................................................................4Dress.......................................................................................................................................4Telephone Privileges...............................................................................................................4Emergency Closing Procedures..............................................................................................4Transportation..........................................................................................................................5

Bus Transportation and Passes...........................................................................................5Dismissal Procedures..........................................................................................................5

Instruction................................................................................................................................6Evaluation of Student Performance.....................................................................................6Field Trips............................................................................................................................6Homework............................................................................................................................6Instruction at a Glance.........................................................................................................7Instructional Models.............................................................................................................7Instructional Programs and Services...................................................................................8

Parent Involvement..................................................................................................................8PTO......................................................................................................................................8Parent – Teacher Communication.......................................................................................9

Promotion and Retention Guidelines.....................................................................................10Protection of Instructional Time.............................................................................................11Classroom Change Request - Policies and Procedures…………………………………..…...12BYOD Regulation ……………………………………………………………………………...16

General School InformationContact Information

Our mailing address is:550 Alwington Boulevard Telephone: 540-422-7530Warrenton, VA 20186 FAX: 540-422-7549Principal (Email): jgagnon@fcps1.org Guidance: 540-422-7537 Assistant Principal (email): matt.yonkey@fcps1.org Cafeteria: 540-422-7536Twitter: JGB_Giraffes Clinic: 540-422-7538

The J. G. Brumfield website can be accessed at www.fcps1.org. Click on Our Schools in the top right corner then Elementary, then Brumfield.

History

Brumfield Elementary School opened in August 2000. However, our story actually began in 1962 with Central Elementary School.

Designed as a campus style, Central first opened its doors in 1962 as a segregated school, housing grades one through seven. In 1974, Central became a primary school serving kindergarten through third grade children. The kindergarten program was the first full-scale kindergarten program in the county, a single class having opened at Northwestern the previous year. C.M. Bradley was made Central’s “sister school.” Central students leaving third grade went to Bradley for grades four through six.

The Brumfield school site was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Arrington. The building has six grade level pods with five classrooms each, several resource rooms, an office suite, media center, cafeteria, and gymnasium.

Brumfield was named in honor of Mr. James Gilbert Brumfield. Mr. Brumfield came to Fauquier County as a pastor of Marshall United Methodist Church and later became an educator in the school division. When he retired in 1991, Mr. Brumfield was the deputy superintendent of Fauquier County Public Schools.

In November of 1991, Mr. Brumfield was elected to the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors and served as the Center District member until his death. He served as Chairman of the Board in 1994 and 1995.

Mrs. Penny Magyar served as the principal at Brumfield until August 31, 2003. Dr. Rosanne Williamson was appointed Brumfield’s principal at that time and served for three years in that role. In July 2006, Mrs. Linda Clark assumed the principalship and served for five years. For the 2011-2012 school year, Mrs. Donna Jackson was the acting principal for Brumfield. Beginning the 2012-2013 school year, Ms. Julie Gagnon assumed the principalship and works to maintain the high standards set by her predecessors.

Understanding that excellence is a journey rather than a destination, we are dedicated to building upon the tradition of excellence and forging ahead, always striving to improve our effectiveness with the children and parents we serve.

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Mission Statement

Our Mission Statement addresses the following questions:

1. If we expect all students to learn, what is it we expect them to learn?2. How will we know if they are learning it?3. What will we do when they don’t?

James G. Brumfield strives to educate the whole child so they develop physically, emotionally, socially, cognitively, and mentally. We will create a positive, caring learning environment where academic excellence is promoted and where respect, diversity, and self-esteem are nurtured.

School Hours

The school opens at 8:10. Children are tardy after 8:35. Due to staffing, students should not arrive at school prior to 8:10. At 3:20 car riders are dismissed and bus call starts.

AttendanceAttendance is a priority. To receive the maximum benefit from classroom and instructional participation, it is important that a child attend school each day. Late arrivals and early dismissals interrupt instruction. However, if your child is ill, please keep your student at home until he/she is no longer contagious and has the strength to attend a full school day. Students who are present at school 171 full days of 180 (95%) are recognized with excellent attendance at the end of the school year.

Absence from School – Procedures

A parent/guardian should call the school office (540-422-7530) prior to 9:00 A.M. on the day of absence. The office phone has voicemail capabilities allowing you to leave a message any time of day regarding your child’s impending absence. The student’s name, grade, teacher, and reason for absence are needed. Compulsory School Attendance Laws of the State of Virginia require that the school notify parents of a student’s absence from school if no call is received from a parent/guardian. If your child was seen by a doctor, please ask your doctor to provide a “return to school” slip. When planning family vacations please refer to the school calendar so that your child’s attendance is not impacted.

If your student is tardy, please do not drop them off by themselves. Please park (not in the fire lane or handicap spots) and walk them in. You need to accompany them to the office for check-in procedures.

Make-up Work

Students are expected to complete assignments missed due to absence(s). When a child is absent, a parent may call the school to request assignments from the classroom teacher. It should be completed and returned to the classroom teacher within three days upon return, unless other arrangements have been made.

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CafeteriaEach child is assigned an account number for meal purchases. Parents may send money or checks in at any time to place on a child’s account. This eliminates the need for children to carry cash to school on a daily basis.

Breakfast. Breakfast is served daily, except when school is on a two-hour delayed opening. The price for an elementary student breakfast is $1.60; an adult breakfast is $2.05.

Lunch. Students may purchase a full lunch meal. Students may only purchase one snack item to accompany a packed or purchased lunch. The price for an elementary student lunch is $2.75. An adult lunch costs $3.60.

If a child has a negative balance greater than the cost of three lunches, a cheese sandwich and milk will be served until the account is brought current.

ClinicA school clinician supervises the clinic at Brumfield Elementary. The school clinic provides emergency first aid to students and serves as a liaison with the home in the event of illness. Please keep the school informed of any changes in phone numbers so that we are able to locate you in an emergency.

Prescription Medications

FCPS personnel may give prescription medication to students only with a physician’s written order and written permission from the student’s Parent/Guardian (Form JHCD-F1). The order must include the name of the medicine, the dosage, the time, the amount, and the duration of the order. Such medicine must be in the original pharmacy labeled container and delivered to the principal, school nurse, or School Division designee by the parent/guardian of the student unless other arrangements have been made.

Non-Prescription Medications

FCPS personnel may give non-prescription medication to students only with the written permission of the Parent/Guardian (Form JHCD-F1). Such permission shall include the name of the medication, the required dosage of the medication, and the reason the medicine is to be given. The medication must be “age appropriate” and must be in the original unopened container and delivered to the principal, school nurse, clinic attendant, or School Division designee by the parent/guardian of the student unless other arrangements have been made. In order for a non-prescription medication to be given to a student for more than ten consecutive days, written permission from the child’s physician shall be required.

Illness/Injury. Regular school attendance is an essential component of student success. Equally important is a healthy school environment in which all children can learn. It is recognized that students who are ill are not able to focus their attention on school demands. They also pose the risk of spreading their illness to others. Parents are asked to assist school efforts in ensuring that children who are ill remain home during periods of contagious symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is important that a child be free of

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symptoms without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. If your child has been seen by a physician, please notify the clinician of treatment. Students who become ill with such symptoms during the school day will remain in the clinic until a parent/guardian can arrange transportation home.

Daily AnnouncementsAnnouncements are made each morning at approximately 8:35. These announcements include the Pledge of Allegiance, Moment of Silent Thoughts, and menu for the day. The broadcast ends with reminding students of our SPOT-ON expectations and to make good choices. On Fridays, the “Giraffes of the Week” are announced during the announcements. On Mondays and Fridays, announcements are televised by the “Broadcast Team.”

Telephone PrivilegesThe school telephone is for business purposes. Student use of the phone is limited to emergency situations. Parent(s) or guardian(s) need to make after-school arrangements prior to school hours to ensure that instruction is not interrupted as students may not be removed from instruction to make or to answer personal calls. After school activity schedules are provided in advance for all activities. If you do not receive one, please contact the club sponsor. Students will not be allowed to call home for missing assignments.

DressA student’s dress and appearance shall not be such that it causes disruption, distracts others from the education process, or creates a health or safety problem. To prevent injury to students as they participate in daily recess, physical education, walking through the halls, and getting on and off the bus, be aware mini/dance shorts, miniskirts, spaghetti straps, hats, flip flops, and heelys may not be worn. Tennis shoes are required for physical education. If you allow your student to wear shorts during cold winter weather, please send a note into the office.

Emergency Closing ProceduresIn the case of inclement weather that threatens school operation, families are encouraged to listen to area radio or TV stations for notification of a school closing or delayed opening. In the event that severe weather begins during the school day, early dismissal will be announced over local radio, TV stations, and via electronic notification by telephone to parents/guardians. For this reason, it is very important to sign up for electronic notification through www.fcps1.org and to keep all phone numbers current in the school office. Students and their parents are urged to prepare in advance for any special arrangements in such events so as to avoid the need for phone calls. The staff will follow your instructions on the emergency evacuation form for all early dismissals. It is essential that school phone lines remain open for communication of emergency information.

It is vital to your child’s safety that we have current/working telephone numbers for you and your emergency contacts. When telephone numbers change, please call the office and fill out a change of information form (available in the office). Also, it is very important that your emergency contacts are local and available.

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TransportationBus Transportation and Passes

Students who ride the bus to school should arrive at the bus stop five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled time. This will ensure that your child is ready to board the bus upon its arrival.

Students in kindergarten through third grade will not be released from the bus unless an adult is at the bus stop to receive the student in the afternoon. If you wish to have your child released without an adult at the stop, you will need to complete a waiver form. Please look for this form in the “Meet The Teacher” packet or pick one up in the front office.

When a student is to ride on a bus other than his/her regularly assigned bus, the school must receive a signed request from the Parent/Guardian from all children involved. The written request must include the child’s first and last name, date, reason for request, parent’s telephone number, and destination (physical address). Bus request forms will be sent home at the beginning of school. Additional forms may be obtained from the main office. For safety purposes, this information cannot be taken over the telephone.

Dismissal Procedures

If your child has to leave prior to dismissal time (3:20 P.M.), you need to come to the office and sign him/her out. This will be considered an early dismissal. Please do not go to the classroom. Teachers have been instructed not to release children directly to anyone before 3:20 P.M. Please send your child’s teacher a note about impending early dismissals or give us a call by 2:00 P.M. Students will not be called out of a classroom until your arrival. Allow time for your child to pack up his/her belongings and receive instructions for homework, etc. It is our hope that early dismissals are requested only for important matters on an occasional basis. Like tardiness, early dismissals rob children and teachers of instructional time and disrupt the entire class.

Our children’s safety is of the utmost concern to us. Therefore, all children who are being picked up by someone other than a parent are required to have a note. All pick up notes must identify the person who will be picking up your child. The person picking up your child should also bring in a picture ID. No child will be released to anyone other than the person specified in the note. For children who are picked up on a daily or routine basis, you need to write only one note at the beginning of the year. Children who are picked up on an occasional basis must have a note on each occasion they are being picked up. If we do not have a note, your child will be placed on their assigned bus or follow normal routine. The office will not make calls.

***Telephone calls with pick-up or transportation changes are acceptable in an emergency, but we ask that they be made before 2:00 P.M.***

Children being picked up after school will be dismissed to the gymnasium following afternoon announcements. Those students who are a pick-up and have been assigned a car tag number will be escorted to the car via a staff member. The parent will also be assigned the same number and issued a rear view mirror tag. Children should be picked up by 3:30 P.M. In the interest of safety, we ask that you NOT park in marked fire lanes. ALL

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students will be picked up in the gym. Parents who do not have a car tag and are picking up their student should park in a designated parking space and walk to the gym outside doors to sign the student out.

InstructionEvaluation of Student Performance

Ongoing communication between the school and home is essential in order to maximize the performance of students. Additionally, information about a student’s progress is conveyed to parents through a formal reporting system. Interims are sent home at the half-way point in each grading period, and report cards are sent home each nine weeks. Each report describes the student’s academic progress as well as behavior and attitude in school. These reports must be returned to the school with the signature of a parent/guardian.

Field Trips

Field trips are planned periodically to extend the instructional programs of J. G. Brumfield Elementary School. Trips are planned as an integral part of the instructional program. All children must have written permission in advance to participate in field trips. Students who leave school on a bus, MUST return to school on the bus. Parents may be invited to assist with field trips as chaperones. At times, the number of chaperones may be limited; a process, which provides equal opportunity for all who are interested, will be used for the selection of chaperones. Chaperones are required to have completed a Fauquier County Public Schools Volunteer Form. The fifth grade overnight field trip requires a FCPS background check. The cost is the responsibility of the chaperone. No individuals other than approved chaperones, staff members, and students may participate in field trip activities. Please note that students are expected to remain at school until the end of the school day, once they have returned from the field trip.

Homework

Homework is a vital component of the total educational program and is assigned as reinforcement and extension of classroom instructional activities. Students will have activities that provide a meaningful extension of classroom learning. Guidelines for homework are as follows:

Kindergarten – 10 minutes per night. Homework should involve reading aloud together or hands-on activities to reinforce math concepts taught. Homework at this level should not include paper/pencil activities.

Grade 1 – 20 minutes per night. Grade 2 – 30 minutes per night. Grade 3 – 40 minutes per night. Grade 4 – 50 minutes per night. Grade 5 – 60 minutes per night.

If you find that your child is spending more than this expected time completing homework on a regular basis, please notify your child’s teacher so that he/she is aware of this concern.

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Instruction at a Glance

All students in grades K-5 receive daily instruction in Reading, English/Language Arts, and Mathematics. Additionally, all students in grades K-5 receive instruction in Social Science, Science, Health and Physical Education, Music, Library, Art, Technology, and Character Education. Supplementary programs and services include Guidance and Student Services (opt out available), Special Education Services, Gifted and Talented Services, and various remediation programs.

J. G. Brumfield is committed to providing educational services designed to promote the academic and emotional/social development of each child. Instructionally, the goal is for each student at J. G. Brumfield to demonstrate achievement that meets or exceeds grade level Standards of Learning (SOLs) as defined by the Virginia Department of Education. Student mastery of these standards is assessed continuously throughout the school year and is reflected in regular progress reports and report cards. Students who fail to meet the standards established for their grade level will be given additional instruction and support.

All students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will participate in statewide “SOL Assessments” to determine mastery of the SOLs in each of the core curriculum areas of English, Math, Science, and History.

Instructional Models

At J. G. Brumfield, all students are heterogeneously assigned to classes. It is our belief that children learn in different ways as they progress through various developmental stages. So that each child is given the opportunity to learn at his/her level, different models of instruction may be utilized.

Collaborative Teaching. Collaborative teaching involves the cooperative teaching of a regular classroom teacher and a specialist teacher within one classroom setting. Collaborative teaching involves both educators in taking responsibility for planning, teaching, and monitoring the success of all learners in a class. This style of teaching benefits all students in a classroom as students receive the support of two teachers who are focused on differentiating instruction to maximize the achievement of all students.

Differentiation. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. Whether teachers differentiate content, process, products, or the learning environment, the use of ongoing assessment and flexible grouping makes this a successful approach to instruction.

Investigations. Teachers develop lessons in math where children “investigate” a problem in order to gain an understanding of specific math concepts. This model of instruction is student-centered and involves hands-on materials and higher order thinking skills.

Word Study. Word study instruction helps children understand the English language, its sounds, patterns, and meaning of words. Early instruction focuses on having children hear the difference in various phonemic sounds. Once a thorough understanding of the sounds is maintained, students then begin to study various patterns in words.

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Instructional Programs and Services

There are several services available to students and teachers at J. G. Brumfield that ensure all students reach their potential.

Gifted Education. Gifted students can be identified during their elementary school years. These students possess abilities differing from those of their peers to such a degree that differentiated education services are provided to help them reach their potential. Emphasis on enrichment opportunities include advanced content and pacing, problem solving, and interdisciplinary studies.

Phonological Awareness and Literacy Screening (PALS) Remediation. PALS Remediation is provided for those students who do not meet the benchmark for their grade level assigned by the state. This small group remediation provides additional instructional support to the student, particularly in the areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, and comprehension.

Response to Intervention Team (RTI). The RTI Team is designed to assist teachers in the development and implementation of strategies to ensure student behavioral and academic success in the classroom. The team, including parents, reviews the student’s level of performance and concerns. Together they develop strategies or activities to maximize the student’s educational experience.

Special Education Services. When initial concerns for a child’s academic development remain after interventions have been implemented, the ongoing concerns are brought to the attention of the special education committee. The purpose of the special education committee is to meet when children are referred and to share information that helps each child develop to his/her highest potential. The committee also assists in the identification of students who may require intervention beyond the regular classroom. The committee is made up of individuals who are familiar with the child as well as experts in educational strategies. They meet to discuss ideas to ensure that the child has every opportunity to succeed. Parents are informed of and invited to attend these meetings. When the committee determines that testing should be administered, an eligibility meeting would be held once testing has been completed to discuss the testing results. After assessments have been completed, an eligibility meeting is conducted. After evaluations have been presented the team reviews the criteria for special education. If the student meets the criteria established by the state for special education services, an I.E.P (individualized education plan) may be developed that will allow for your child to learn in the least restrictive environment.

Parent InvolvementPTO

The PTO sponsors various activities for parent involvement and curriculum enhancement for students. All parents are encouraged to participate in its activities. The PTO promotes the welfare of children in the school and provides a closer relationship between school and home. The PTO is there to provide support for the teachers and students. The PTO helps with costs of classroom supplies, field trips, playground equipment, family fun nights, and many other school activities. PTO Meetings will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

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2018/2019 PTO Board MembersPresident: Betsy Sullivan

SULLYGIRL1982@GMAIL.COM

Vice President: Erica ZurloERICA.S.ZURLO@GMAIL.COM

Secretary: Julie MastromatteoJULIE.MASTROMATTEO@GMAIL.COM

Treasurer: Tara BrownTARAHOLUP@HOTMAIL.COM

Parent – Teacher Communication

Student success is highly linked to the level of communication between home and school. J. G. Brumfield has implemented various modes of communication so that all parents have the opportunity to regularly communicate with the teacher regarding the progress of their child.

Agendas. Students in grades 2-5 receive an agenda at the beginning of the school year. Homework is written in each day’s block. Teachers use the agenda as a way to communicate daily with parents and guardians with regard to behavior and academic progress. Parents are encouraged to use the agenda to send notes to the teacher as well.

Conferences. Parents are encouraged to meet periodically with teachers. Conferences are scheduled throughout the year for this purpose. Conferences may also be requested at any other time during the year as concerns or questions arise. Teachers and/or the administration may request a parent conference when concerns arise regarding a student’s academic or behavioral performance or overall adjustment to the school. A parent conference with the administration may be required as part of disciplinary action.

Thursday Folders. Each child receives a poly envelope at the beginning of the school year. On Thursdays, parents and guardians can expect to see this folder with papers the student completed during the week and various communications.

Twitter. Please follow us on Twitter at Brumfield Elementary@JGB_Giraffes for all the great things that are happening at JGB.  Twitter is a forum for sharing positive news about JGB.

Newsletters. Teachers routinely send newsletters home to explain upcoming areas of study and special events and can be found on their blackboard learn site. The school newsletters are posted on the school website for your convenience and sent electronically. If you would like a paper copy of the Brumfield Newsletter, please notify the office.

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Telephone Calls. Parents are encouraged to call staff members if there is a question or concern, or to provide feedback or input regarding activities, programs, etc. Teachers are expected to make phone calls to parents to provide feedback regarding the performance of their students.

Website Address. Parents are encouraged to visit the Fauquier County Public Schools website at www.fcps1.org. This site is used for school based news and information. To access a teacher’s personal site, you may visit Blackboard Learn. Blackboard Learn is a learning management system for schools. It is a “container” for information about classes, student progress and classroom resources which students and parents can access anywhere or at any time. Blackboard Learn for Fauquier County Public Schools can be accessed by going to https://fcps1.blackboardlearn.com.

To enter the FCPS Blackboard Learn environment, type the username and password. The USERNAME is the student’s Student ID #. The PASSWORD is the student’s birthday month and day (ex. July 24 is 0724)

Visits. We encourage you to visit the school for special programs, lunch, recess, and classroom activities. Please coordinate classroom visits with teachers in advance to not impact instructional time.

Volunteers. We have many behind-the-scene tasks that need to be completed in order to help the school and classrooms run smoothly. Running copies, reading to a child, and helping a child study spelling words are just a few examples of how you might help. If you have time that you would be able to volunteer, let your child’s teacher or the principal know.

All visitors and volunteers must sign in in the office before proceeding through the building. Our Raptor visitor management system maintains school security and a list of current visitors in the building. On your first visit, the system will scan photo identifications such as driver’s license, state issued identification card, government issued identification card with a picture, and passport card. The system collects the minimum information needed to accurately identify and screen visitors. The data collected and stored is: name, date of birth, photo, and first four digits of the visitor’s id. The photo id is not copied and no other data is collected and stored. On subsequent visits, the visitor’s id will not need to be scanned. Staff will simply match the information in the system to the person visiting to confirm.

Promotion and Retention GuidelinesPromotion or retention will be based on what will result in the greatest good for your child. Factors such as the PALS screening results, ability, attendance, classroom performance, chronological age, physical, social, and emotional development, mastery of Standards of Learning objectives, and work-study habits will be considered. A student should demonstrate academic progress in reading/language arts and mathematics. A committee will be formed to analyze these factors with regard to each retention candidate. The committee will consist of the parent/guardian, classroom teacher, any other faculty member who has worked with the student, the guidance counselor, and the building principal (or designee). After review of the committee’s information, the principal will make the final determination of grade placement on an individual basis.

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Protection of Instructional TimeProtecting instructional time establishes teaching and learning as the highest priority of the school. When we commit ourselves to this, we make decisions to create a school environment that is designed to support the learning process.

Protection of instructional time is important, because students learn best in an environment that is free from distractions and is focused on the learning task. Teaching of new concepts and skills requires that teachers and students engage in a series of important steps including an introduction, teaching and modeling of information, student practice, and teacher assessment of student understanding.

We protect instructional time by creating class schedules designed to facilitate long blocks of time for teaching. Resource classes such as music, art, library, and physical education are scheduled around the core instructional areas of reading, math, and language arts. Assemblies, field trips, and other school activities are scrutinized carefully to insure that they support rather than detract from the instructional program.

It is our goal to ensure that instructional time is not interrupted unnecessarily. High standards for classroom behavior are established and disciplinary issues are addressed quickly. The public address system is used only at scheduled times and, during instructional time, only for matters of an urgent nature. Hallway traffic is held to a minimum and the importance of moving quietly in the halls is stressed.

Parents can help in our effort to protect instructional time by reviewing the following friendly reminders:

Ensure regular and timely attendance of your child. Reduce tardy arrivals and early dismissals to only those that are absolutely necessary. Provide adequate written notice to the teacher to allow appropriate planning for absences, tardies, and early dismissals.

Please schedule a time to meet with the teacher to discuss your child’s progress or specific concerns. Trying to talk with your child’s teacher during homeroom does not allow him or her to monitor the students’ behaviors, nor does it provide a time when the teacher can give you 100% of their attention to your concerns.

Stress the importance of your child’s preparation and readiness for classes including having appropriate materials and completed homework.

Let your child know your expectations regarding appropriate behavior. Assist in the maintenance of a highly focused learning environment free from

interruptions between the hours of 8:35 A.M. and 3:20 P.M.

Student Celebrations. While we understand that birthdays are an exciting time in your child’s life, we ask that you do not send invitations for parties to be handed out in class. This can be hurtful to a child not invited to the party. If you would like to send in a treat for the child and their class, please coordinate with the teacher a time that would be convenient for you and the class. Do not bring or have delivered balloons, flowers, stuffed animals, etc to school. They cannot go home on the bus and they are a distraction to the class during the day. 

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Classroom Change RequestPolicies and Procedures

We are fortunate to have an excellent cadre of teachers at J. G. Brumfield Elementary School. I am confident that in whatever classroom your child has been placed, he or she will encounter a warm and well prepared teacher who is committed to student learning, to student success, to children – to your child.

The process used to assign students is a comprehensive one. As a staff, we take the responsibility of class placement very seriously. Beginning in the spring, and continuing through the summer, many factors are considered in the process of placing every child. This includes adjustments necessary in the summer to incorporate new students. If you are new to Brumfield and have only recently registered, please realize these factors were considered as closely as possible in placing your child in the classroom that will best meet his/her needs. Such factors involve:

• The program needs of the student;• A balance of achievement levels in reading and math;• The social needs of students and their leadership skills;• Independent work habits of students;• Behavior factors regarding students;• The compatibility of students with each other (such as separating those who have not worked well together in the past);• Information provided by the teacher through previous parent/teacher conferences;• Recommendations of former teachers, principal, parents, guidance team or related information forwarded from a previous school;• Classroom configuration; and• The ratio of girls to boys.

Early in September the District staff and principal will review staffing based on increases/decreases in enrollment. If significant enrollment changes emerge, then we would need to make building changes in class sections. However, with the exception of such enrollment issues, because classroom placement has been so carefully determined with such a wide range of factors taken into account, parental concerns and requests for changes in classroom placement must follow a CLEAR PROCESS and are considered very carefully.

Policies and ProceduresFor Classroom Assignment Changes at J.G. Brumfield Elementary

First Two Weeks of School No changes considered until the 3rd week of school. Class rosters and student assignments remain as posted on Meet the Teacher Night

After “Two” Weeks Arrange to meet with the Teacher. If serious concerns still remain after this period of time, the parent is invited to schedule a meeting directly with the classroom teacher to identify concerns and work together to resolve the issues (i.e., create timeline, intervention plan; member of Guidance Team may be invited to the meeting).

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Following FormalTeacher/Parent Meeting Review of assignment form. If it appears a change is

still desired at this point, the parent should complete a Review of Assignment form.

Principal Receives Request The principal reviews the form and contacts parents and teacher to set a course of action in which any or all of the following may take place: class observations of the student by school staff, parents and teacher continue to communicate and may meet with the Principal, the school Guidance team may hear the concerns, student may be involved at any point, other teachers at a grade level may be consulted.

Decision made by Principal After looking into the situation and consulting with everyone involved, the Principal will determine if and when a placement change may be made. The Principal will then notify all parties of the status of the request and initiate as smooth a transition as possible.

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J.G. Brumfield Elementary SchoolReview of Assignment Form

Please refer first to the “Classroom Placement: Policies and Procedures” information sheet.

Date:____________________________Name of Student: _____________________________________________________Grade: ______________________________________________________________Teacher: _____________________________________________________________Your Name: __________________________________________________________Telephone: ___________________________________________________________

The process used to assign students is a comprehensive one. As a staff, we take the responsibility of class placement very seriously. Many factors are considered in the process of placing every child, a process that takes place in the spring. If you are new to Brumfield Elementary and have only recently registered, please realize these factors were considered as closely as possible in placing your child in a classroom that will best meet their needs. Such factors involve:

• The program needs of the student;• A balance of achievement levels in reading and math;• The social needs of students and their leadership skills;• Independent work habits of students;• Behavior factors regarding students;• The compatibility of students with each other (such as separating those who have not

worked well together in the past);• Information provided by the teacher through previous parent/teacher conferences;• Recommendations of former teachers, principal, parents, guidance team or related

information forwarded from a previous school;• Classroom configuration; and• The ratio of girls to boys.

To Begin the “Review of Assignment”

• Have you followed the clear process outlined in Brumfield Elementary’s “Classroom Placement: Policies and Procedures” handout?

• Have you formally arranged to meet with the teacher to discuss concerns?• Have you and the teacher discussed and/or implemented interventions to address

concerns?• If after meeting with the assigned teacher and discussing interventions it appears a request

for change is still desired, carefully respond to each Review of Assignment question. Attach your complete responses to this form and return to the office. Please understand completion of the form is not a guarantee that a change of placement will be made.

• Subsequent steps in the process are noted on the Policies & Procedures handout.

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“Review of Assignment” Questions

1. What is your primary reason for requesting a change of assignment?2. What specific event, if any, prompted your request?3. What has your child (student) expressed about his/her classroom assignment?4. What specific behavior has your child (student) demonstrated to indicate their feelings

about his/her assignment?5. To what extent have you spoken with the teacher about your concern? What problem

solving strategies, if any, have you agreed to implement? If no such agreements have been reached, please explain why.

6. Without naming a specific teacher, what type of learning environment do you believe would be more appropriate for this child?

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BYOD Regulation

7-3.1 (C) GUIDELINES FOR POSSESSION OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Guidelines for Possession of Personal Electronic Devices on School Property

1. Students may possess cellular telephones, tablets, laptops, e-readers and other personal electronic devices on school property, including school buses. Headphones may be required as determined by school administrators or transportation staff.

2. Devices must be turned off and Wi-Fi must be off during class unless students have been specifically instructed by a staff member that devices may be used for classroom assignments.

3. Devices may be used during designated ‘non-instructional’ time at the discretion of the principal or school administration and on school buses at the discretion of transportation staff.

4. The building principal and/or school administration may restrict access or ‘black out’ wireless network access at their discretion. (For example on standardized testing dates.)

5. Students are strictly prohibited from taking photographs, making videos or making audio recordings on school property, including school buses, unless authorized to do so by a staff member for instructional purposes.

6. Possession of personal electronic devices is a privilege, not a right. Use of devices must be in accordance with school division policies and regulations, school rules, the Code of Student Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy. If a student violates school rules or school division regulations, in addition to other disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed, the device may be confiscated from the student and returned only to the student’s parent or the parent's designee. The student may also lose the privilege to use electronic devices in the future.

7. Students will be required to register their devices with the school.8. Students must use the school wireless network for directed assignments. The

school division will not be responsible for data charges incurred by the student during open use time.

9. The school division will not be responsible for the loss, theft or damage of any personal electronic device.

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