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Westby Area School District

Elementary School Handbook

2019 - 2020

Westby Elementary School

   Bruce Peterson, Principal            608-634-0500             Mary Gollberg, School Secretary

WES School Hours 8:00 A.M - 3:10 P.M.

Coon Valley Elementary School

Mike Berg, Principal                      608-452-3143                       Lisa Olson , School Secretary

CVES School Hours 7:40 A.M. - 2:55 P.M.

Welcome to the Westby Area School District!  We are very proud of our schools and our students. We have a dedicated, caring, and creative staff and we’re all excited to begin the school year and get to know your child.  As always, we continue to encourage more parent and community involvement in our schools to make them even better!  

We look forward to serving you and hope for another successful school year!

Children are given to us

…on loan…

For a short period of time.

They come to us like packets of flower seeds

With no pictures on the cover

And no guarantees.

We do not know

What they will look like, act like,

Or have the potential to become.

Our job, like the gardener’s,

Is to meet their needs as best we can:

To give proper nourishment,

Love, attention and care,

And hope for the best.

---Katherine Kersey---

                             

About this Handbook  

This handbook is a resource for students and parents about our elementary schools and our policies. You will find related topics placed together in sections, and forms which have been conveniently consolidated.

The District philosophy provides the foundations upon which we would like to establish a community of learners.  You will also find expectations for parent-school communication, school procedures and policies, student code of conduct, attendance procedures, and discipline procedures. Finally, you will find pertinent policies, official notices and forms. Each school will provide parents with an additional supplement that includes school-specific information such as: staff listings, school calendars, etc.

Please review this handbook with your child(ren). At registration you will be asked to  complete a Parent Information and Consent Form for each child acknowledging your familiarity with this handbook.

Registering a child for the first time in the Westby Area School District?

Some basic information the parent will be asked to share:

  1. Proof of identification of parent (driver’s license, voter registration card, etc)
  2. Proof of residency (tax statement, signed lease, current utiity bill, insurance statement, etc)
  3. Child’s Birth Certificate (this document will not be kept or copied).
  4. Name/Address of child’s previous school for records request.
  5. Immunization record.
  6. Information regarding Title I or Special Education services, if known.

entertainment,juggling,people,circus,kids,cartoons,colorful balls,occupations

               

 Welcome Back to the New and Exciting 2019-20 School Year!

Westby Area School District Philosophy of Education

The Westby Area School District is committed to providing equal opportunities for students to develop their full potential.  We believe that fulfilling this potential will result not only in personal gain for students, but also will result in their becoming positive, contributing members of a democratic society.  To accomplish these purposes, the district is committed to offering an educational program that promotes students’ development in the following areas:

INTELLECTUAL DISCIPLINE                             

  1. Encourage the development of a positive attitude toward learning.
  2. Ensure a safe, orderly environment for learning.
  3. Provide students with the basic skills necessary for individual success.
  4. Promote students’ ability to think critically and reason logically.
  5. Cultivate a belief that learning is a life-long process.

CITIZEN AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY

  1. Provide students with the skills necessary to be responsible, contributing members of society.
  2. Encourage the development of cooperation and leadership skills among students.

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  1. Encourage the development of a positive self-concept and an appreciation of how a positive regard for oneself relates to the total wellness of the individual.
  2. Encourage the development of responsible social behavior.
  3. Provide experiences that promote positive relationships with others.

VALUES

  1. Encourage students to understand their values and those held by the community.
  2. Promote an understanding of the importance of the family unit, recognizing its importance in shaping the beliefs and values upon which our society is based.

AWARENESS OF FUTURE NEEDS

  1. Develop an awareness that change is inevitable and individuals need to adapt to change.
  2. Encourage individuals to play an active role in making decisions that will shape their   future in a positive way.
  3. Promote an awareness of the many career options available in the future and help students acquire the skills and knowledge to be productive members of society.
  4. Promote an understanding of the role of technology in society, and an awareness of how the future will be shaped by continuing technological advances.
  5. Provide those activities and experiences that will serve as a foundation for a lifelong program of personal health.


Mission Statement:

The Westby Area School District is a community dedicated to high levels of academic learning and social-emotional growth for all.

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babies,baby,cartoons,children,families,newborns,parents,people,persons,Screen Beans®

                           

Parental Involvement       

Our elementary schools strive to foster the tradition of a high degree of parental involvement. Teachers welcome parent volunteers into the classrooms to serve as guest speakers, specialists or general helpers. We have active parent organizations at each school that welcome and appreciate your involvement.

Westby Elementary’s parent organization is called IMPACT (Interested Motivated Parents and Community Together).  Coon Valley Elementary’s parent organization is called PACE (Parents and Coon Valley Educators).

Parents are considered “Visitors” during regular school hours (check with each school for school hours). Therefore, all parents must first buzz in, then check in with the office as “visitors” during regular school hours.

Door #1 is the only visitor entrance.

If you would like to know more about becoming involved in the school, please call your school’s elementary office. We welcome any comments or suggestions on how we can improve instruction and community relations. Our goal is to make our school a community of learners.

         

communications,people,calls,rotary phones,telecommunications,old-fashioned,cords

Parent/School Communications

                    Westby Elementary                                    Phone: 634-0500                              Fax:  634-0518

                               School Secretary - Mrs. Mary Gollberg

                Coon Valley Elementary                                 Phone: 452-3143                         Fax:  452-3155

               School Secretary - Mrs. Lisa Olson

We want to encourage excellent parent-school communications. Our school secretaries are in the office from 7:15 A.M. until 3:15 P.M. each school day. Because there are times when they need to step away, no one may answer the phone when you call.  If this should occur, please leave a detailed message on her voicemail and she will return your call if needed as soon as possible.  

                

                           

Getting every student home or to the proper destination daily or in an emergency situation is the #1 priority of the office.  Communication is extremely important on both our ends.  We can never hear from you too often!

  1. When picking an emergency destination for an early closing, please be as consistent and precise as possible.  We are usually given a very short notice when an early closing occurs and CAN NOT call every student to find out where they go.  In an ideal situation, there would be one destination listed and we could be confident in knowing we could always send your child there without worry.

  1. If your child goes to different daily destinations, a written weekly, monthly or yearly calendar is greatly appreciated! Daily calls can get missed in a busy schedule (especially near dismissal time but if you do call, please call before 2:30 so we can be sure they get to where they are going).

  1. Severe Weather Warning! Should a tornado warning be in effect at dismissal time, students will not be sent home until the Warning is lifted.

Report Cards

Parents will need Skyward access to view report cards. Report cards are issued electronically at the end of each nine weeks to provide parents with as much information as possible about student academic progress. Report cards will be ready for viewing a few days following the end of the quarter.  The report card also provides information about your son or daughter’s attendance.  Please review your son or daughter’s report card with him/her and set goals for academic improvement.  Kindergartners do not receive their first report card until the end of second quarter.

Student Records Policy

Pupil Records

The Westby Area Schools maintain student records in the interest of the students to assist in providing appropriate educational experiences.  Two classes of records are maintained:  progress records and behavior records.

Progress records mean those pupil records which include the pupil’s grades, a statement of the courses the pupil has taken, the pupil’s attendance record, immunization records and records of the pupil’s school extracurricular activities.

Behavioral records mean those pupil records which include psychological tests, personality evaluations, records of conversations, any written statement relating specifically to an individual pupil’s behavior, tests relating to achievement or measurement of ability, the pupil’s physical health records other than his/her immunization records, police AOD records, and any other pupil records which are not progress records.

Student’s records are confidential.  Personally identifiable information from student records may not be released to any party without the written consent of parent or adult student, except as otherwise provided by State and Federal law.

The school district may disclose directory data to any person/organization upon request.  Directory data may include those pupil records which include the pupil’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received and the name of the school previously attended by the student.

A parent, guardian or adult student may request that all or any part of this directory data not be released without prior consent of the parent, guardian, or adult student.  If you wish to exercise your option to keep any or all directory data confidential, please notify the office of the school District Administrator.

Address a written request confidential to:

                District Administration

                Westby Area School District

                206 West Avenue South

                Westby, WI  54667

A parent or adult student will be shown and provided copies of the student’s records upon request.  Student Records are kept at the following locations:

                Grades PK -4th:                Mike Berg

                                                Coon Valley Elementary School

                                                300 Lien St.

                                                Coon Valley, WI  5462

                Grades Pk - 4th:                Bruce Peterson

                                                Westby Elementary School

                                                122 Nelson St.

                                                Westby, WI 54667

                 

Grades 5th – 8th::                Mike Weninger

                                                Westby Middle School

                                                206 West Avenue South

                                                Westby, WI  54667

                Grades 9th-12th:                Bob Bothe

                                                Westby High School

                                                206 West Avenue South

                                                Westby, WI  54667

Requests to view, obtain copies, and/ or release records should be addressed to those named above.  Progress records are maintained permanently.  Behavior records are destroyed one year after graduation or last date of attendance, unless permission is granted for maintenance by the parent or adult student.  Personally identifiable information no longer needed, will be destroyed upon request of the student.

Student records are transferred to another school or school district upon receipt of written notice from an adult student or a parent or guardian of a minor child that the student intends to enroll in another school or school district, or upon written notice from the other school or school district that the student has enrolled.  Parental consent is not required for the transfer.

Parents or adult students may request that information contained in educational records which is inaccurate or misleading or violates the privacy or other rights of the student or parents be amended.  If the district refuses to amend the records, the parent or adult student is entitled to a hearing regarding the request to amend the education records.  A copy of the school district’s student records policy may be obtained by writing the District Administrator.

Parents and adult students have the right to file complaints concerning alleged violations of their rights with regard to education records under S438 of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act with the U.S. Department of Education.

Written complaints should be addressed to:

        The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA Office),

        Department of Education

        330 Independence Ave., S.W.

        Washington, D.C.  20201

Access to Public Records

The Westby Area School District Board of Education has designated the District Administrator as the legal custodian of the public records and property of the Westby Area School District.

The public may obtain information and access to records, make requests for records, or obtain copies of records in the custody of the Westby Area School District at the following place and times:

        Place:                                Westby Area School District Office

                                        206 West Ave. So.

                                        Westby, WI  54667

        Times:                                8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday - Friday

The Westby Area School District is authorized by law and may impose a fee on the requester which does not exceed the actual, necessary and direct cost of reproduction and transcription of the record, unless law otherwise specifically establishes a fee.  A list of such fees is available at the Westby Area School District Office.

                     

Fundraising

We try to limit the amount of fundraising done by school children.  Board Policy 5830 Student Fundraising states that fundraisers should not be a burden to the community.  The policy and state law require written parental permission for any child under age 12 to participate in a fundraiser.

Emergency Drills   

All directives for emergency drills are posted by each classroom door and shall be explained to the students by the classroom teacher at the beginning of the year.  Fire drills are conducted once a month and severe weather drills are conducted in conjunction with the statewide emergency management system.  The District has adopted the A.L.I.C.E. protocol. These measures include Alert, Lockdown, Inform, & Evacuate scenarios the school will practice.

Fire Drills

The continuous sounding of the fire alarm will call for the quick and orderly emptying of the building.  Students are to  evacuate the building directly from the classroom they are in.  Do not return to the homeroom first.  

                       Abide by these rules:                  

1.  Leave books and papers on your desk.

2.  Stay in orderly lines.

3.  Leave the building according to the directions that are posted in each room.

4.  Walk quickly, but do not run.

5.  Refrain from talking.

             6.  All occupants, with no exceptions, must leave the building when this alarm sounds. When all is clear, and after

                  the alarm has stopped, students should enter the building and return to the classrooms promptly.  

Severe Weather Drill

Each year the state designates a week in April as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week.  During that week and perhaps at other times during the school year, all district schools will conduct a severe weather/tornado drill.  The drill begins with an announcement of a Tornado Watch, followed later by a Tornado Warning.  Students then report to predetermined areas and remain in them until an “All Clear” is announced.

If a tornado warning is in effect at school dismissal time, children should be kept in the school building rather than sent to the buses.  If a tornado watch is in effect or a severe storm is taking place, the school administrator should make the decision as to whether or not the buses should be loaded and sent out on the routes.

A.L.I.C.E.

  • Be Calm
  • Don’t Speculate
  • Respond with professional judgement and training.

LOCK DOWN SITUATIONS

ENACT A.L.I.C.E.

  • Medical Needs
  • Individual Student Behavior
  • Police Search
  • Outside Incident (Community)

An A.L.I.C.E. alert extends district-wide.

A.L.I.C.E. is not designed to be sequential.

Principal or designee will announce information regarding the lock down.

  • location - what area is affected
  • call for support i.e. Medical

ALERT:

Initial alert may be a PA announcement, gunshot, etc. Avoid codewords.

Clear Hallway. Students in transition should go to nearest room.

Close and lock door. Close shades.

LOCKDOWN:

If Evacuation is not a safe option, barricade entry points. Prepare to Evacuate or Counter if needed.

Take Attendance. Staff should allow no one in room once door is closed.

Continue class activities as usual.

INFORM:

Communicate real time information on dangerous person location. Use clear and direct language using any communication means possible.

Release No One. Ignore bells and alarms. No bathroom breaks.

DO NOT CALL OFFICE (unless you have new information).

COUNTER:

As a last resort, distract dangerous person’s ability to shoot accurately. Move toward exits while making noise, throwing objects, or swarm shooter.

Non-assigned staff should remain in place until notified.

Wait patiently for directions or “All Clear” signal.

EVACUATE:

Run from danger when safe to do so using non-traditional exits if necessary. Rallying points should be predetermined.

          communications,gestures,greetings,handshakes,people,meetings,deals,concepts

Behavior Expectations & Discipline

Our schools must be safe places where students can learn in an orderly environment.  We are proud of our students, and we have high expectations for their general conduct and for their participation in all of our programs.  Our schools can be safe if we observe two simple rules.  First, we need to treat others the way we want to be treated, showing courtesy, respect and cooperation for students and staff members alike.  Second, we need to respect the rights of others to have a non-threatening place to learn.  The only doors open to visitors during the school day will be the front doors.  This is to help the office keep track of who is coming and going from the building and to protect those inside the building from unwanted visitors.

Expectations

WASD schools are PBIS Buildings.

What is PBIS? Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an approach to teaching that supports positive behaviors while meeting the needs of all students.  This school-wide approach to discipline focuses on building a safe & positive environment in which all students can learn.

What does PBIS do?

PBIS COMPONENTS

Behavior Matrix:  The behavior matrix is a detailed description of expected behavior in each school setting.  Our elementary schools School-Wide Teaching Matrixes are included below.  In the matrices, all settings are listed alongside the teaching/behavior expectations.

Teaching Expectations:  Teachers will teach all students each behavior on the behavior matrix. As these lessons are re-taught and reinforced throughout the school year, they become a regular part of our instructional program.

Recognition:  Acknowledging and reinforcing positive behavior is one of the best ways to encourage appropriate behavior and change inappropriate behavior.  Students will receive verbal praise along with “Apple Stickers” (@ WES) or Sunny Money” (@ CVES) as an acknowledgement for following the matrixes.  

PBIS Behavior Tracking/Data Collection:  Even with clear expectations and positive reinforcement,

                     problem behaviors may still occur.  Discipline issues are divided into major and minor infractions.

                

Minor infractions:  Are behaviors that are disruptive to the learning environment, but are handled by the

supervising staff member. If a student receives three minor infractions in the same category within a 2-3

week period, it becomes a major infraction. Minors are recorded in the discipline record and available to parents through Skyward Family Access but are typically not communicated to parents. Through this method, The PBIS team will be able to analyze student behavior.  The team will then be able to make a system-wide change to help reduce the frequency of disciplinary issues.

Major Infractions:  Are behaviors that immediately result in a classroom or office referral.  

Parents/guardians will be notified by the referring staff member or Principal, the incident will be recorded in the discipline record, and a consequence will be given.

 

                      Samples of Minor & Major documenting forms are included below:

Sample of a Major Office Referral Form”

                                           

    Sample of a Minor Referral Form”

Individualized Support:  Students who are frequently referred to the office will be offered individualized supports such as skills training or behavior plans.

Families and PBIS:  The PBIS program needs to be a partnership between home and school to be successful.  Here are some ways to help:

PBIS establishes a system that identifies when a child needs additional supports in behavior training. A student will be entered into a Tier 2 system following school protocol. We will communicate to you your child’s entry into a Tier 2 system. As a parent, you may opt your child out of the intervention program. Your child’s teacher can be contacted to answer questions or discuss opting out.

Kindness, Accepting, Attuned ...

The goal is for all students to Be Respectful, Be Responsible,  Be Safe, and Be Kind!

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Official Notices               

Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the Westby Area School District to comply with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination against anyone in a protected class in its curricular, extracurricular, pupil services or recreational or other programs and its employment practices. This includes not discriminating against, or denying the benefits of, a person on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, color, creed, political affiliation, citizenship, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law.

The District encourages informal resolution of complaints, however a formal complaint procedure is available. If any person believes that the District has discriminated against any individual on the basis listed above, he/she may file a complaint. The procedure for filing a complaint is outlined in Board Rule 411 for students or Board Rule 511 for applicants or employees.

This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, national origin), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (sex), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints should be forwarded to the designated compliance coordinator: Steven Michaels, District Administrator, Westby Area School District, 206 West Avenue South, Westby, WI 54667, (608) 634-0101.

WESTBY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Index No.: Board Rule 411 Subject Ref.: Students

Discrimination Complaint Procedures

If any person believes that the district or any part of the school organization has inadequately applied the principles and/or regulations of Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and/or in some way discriminates on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, color, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap, he/she may bring forward

a complaint to the Equal Educational Opportunities Coordinator (Jennifer Buros or Jason Windsor) at 206 West Avenue South, Westby, WI 54667, or contact him/her by phone at 608-634- 0101.

Informal Complaint Procedure

The person who believes he/she has a valid basis for complaint shall discuss the concern with the district’s Equal Educational Opportunities Coordinator, who shall in turn investigate the complaint and reply to the complainant in writing within five school/business days. If this reply is not acceptable to the complainant, he/she may initiate a formal complaint in accordance with the steps listed.

Formal Complaint Procedure

Step 1: A written statement of the grievance shall be prepared by the complainant and signed. This grievance shall be presented to the Equal Educational Opportunities Coordinator (Jennifer Buros or Jason Windsor) within five school/business days of receipt of the written reply to the informal complaint. The Coordinator shall further investigate the matters of the complaint and reply in writing to the complainant within 10 school/business days.

Step 2: If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision of the Equal Educational Opportunities Coordinator, he/she may submit a signed statement of appeal to the Superintendent within five school/business days after receipt of the Coordinator’s response to the complaint. The Superintendent shall meet with all parties involved, formulate a conclusion, and respond in writing to the complaint within 10 school/business days.

Step 3: If the complainant remains unsatisfied, he/she may appeal through a signed, written statement to the Board of Education within five school/business days of his/her receipt of the Superintendent’s response. In an attempt to resolve the complaint, the Board of Education shall meet with the concerned parties and their representatives at the next regular Board meeting or within 15 school/business days of the receipt of such an appeal. A copy of the Board’s disposition of the appeal shall be sent by the Board Clerk to each concerned party within 10 school/business days of this meeting.

Step 4: If, at this point, the grievance has not been satisfactorily settled, further appeal may be made within 30 days to the Department of Public Instruction, Equal Educational Opportunity Office, P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707.

A complaint or appeal may also be made on some of the above bases (Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act) to the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 111 N. Canal, Room 1053, Chicago, IL  60606.

Complaint Procedure – Special Education Discrimination complaints relating to the identification, evaluation, educational placement or the provision of free appropriate public education of a child with disabilities shall be processed in accordance with established appeal procedures outlined in the district’s special education handbook.

Complaint Procedure – Federal Programs

Discrimination complaints relating to programs specifically governed by federal law or regulation shall be referred directly to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dissemination of Discrimination Grievance Procedures The adopted discrimination complaint procedures shall be disseminated to students, parents/guardians, employees and others to inform them about the proper process of making a complaint. The information shall be published in student/parent/staff handbooks, news articles before the start of school and other appropriate times, Board policies posted in staff lounges and guidance offices, and course offering booklets/curriculum guides.

Maintenance of Grievance Records

The Equal Educational Opportunities Coordinator shall keep records of all formal and informal complaints for the purpose of documenting compliance and past practices. The records shall include information on all levels of the complaint and any appeals. The records should include:

1. The name of the grievant or complainant and his/her title or status.

2. The date the grievance was filed.

3. The specific allegation made and any corrective action requested by the complainant.

4. The name(s) of the respondents.

5. The levels of processing followed, and the resolution, date and decision-making

authority at each level.

6. A summary of facts and evidence presented by each party involved.

7. A statement of the final resolution and the nature and date(s) of any corrective or remedial action taken.

Date Adopted: October 12, 1987

Date Revised: July 11, 1988, March 11, 1993, September 9, 2002, July 9, 2007, May 14, 2012

Student Harassment

In the past decade, concern about student harassment in our schools has grown in Wisconsin and neighboring states.  The Westby Area School District recognizes that schools and parents must make their students aware that harassment is against the law and that all students have the legal right to attend school in an environment free from harassment*.  What follows is a summary of items we would like our elementary school parents and students to recognize regarding that policy.

The following is an official notice from the District Administrator:

“The Westby School District Board of Education acknowledges all regulations, requirements, and responsibilities defined by the state and federal laws regarding sexual harassment.”  

Sexual Harassment:  All students must be allowed to study in an environment free from sexual harassment.  Sexual harassment refers to behavior which is not welcome, which is personally offensive, which may debilitate self-concept, or which may inhibit student learning.  Sexual harassment may include action such as sexually oriented verbal or written “kidding” or abuse. Examples of sexual harassment considered intolerable according to the law include sexually offensive speech or name-calling, indecent propositions, and inappropriate physical touching or tapping.

Disabled Student Harassment:  Referring to students who have a disability and are subjected to harassment because of their physical or mental disability to the degree that this harassment is of a nature severe and pervasive enough to impair the educational benefits offered by the school.  Examples of disabled student harassment would include teasing or tormenting students because of a physical or mental handicap or disability.

General Student Harassment:  This is referring to students who are harassed with threats of physical violence or through cruel mental torment on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, disability, pregnancy, marital or parental status, or sexual orientation.

In fulfilling the Board’s obligation to maintain a positive and productive educational environment, the Westby Area School District will attempt to halt any harassment of which they become aware.  The administration and staff of the school will work actively to create a positive school environment free from all types of harassment.  Instances of harassment should be reported immediately to appropriate staff, and those incidents will be dealt with in a firm and timely manner.

A copy of policy 5517 on harassment is found in the appendix.  A complete copy of the policy with its procedure and reporting form is available in the School or District Office.

communications,emotions,gestures,people,puzzled,shrugging,upset       

We have rules to maintain a safe and orderly school.  Students have a right to feel safe at school.  No one deserves to be verbally “put down” or physically assaulted.  Property also needs to be respected.  When students misbehave, we try to understand the motive for the misbehavior and develop a behavior plan to address the problem.  We strive to teach students to resolve their conflicts by reflecting on how their actions affect others.

BULLYING: In trying to understand misbehavior that may rise to the level of bullying, our school looks for two criteria to be present while also acknowledging that each situation is unique. Those two criteria that help identify potential bullying included: 1) did the action occur over a period of time and not just once or one day, and 2) was there a real or perceived threat of harm or power imbalance?

Parent/guardians are encouraged to call the school as soon as a concern arises.  If concerns are not addressed to the desire of the parent/guardian, please follow the District public complaint policy

9130.

                                            School Bus Information                                

emotions,goes,happy,people,signals,stoplights,traffic controls,transportation,walking,signs,symbolsBus Riders must:

Inform the school secretary, driver or bus garage, if you know in advance, that a rider will be absent.

                                               

In view of the fact that a school bus is an extension of the classroom, the District shall require students to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior which include our PBIS Behavior Matrixes and:

In addition to school bus rider rules, students must conform to behavioral expectations set form in policies 5512 - Use of Tobacco by Students, 5530 - Drug Prevention, 5513 Care of District Property, and 5772 - Weapons.

Private school students will be entitled to the same due process that is given to public school students before bus riding privileges are revoked.

School Bus Discipline Procedures                

All drivers shall maintain good discipline on their own bus.  However, if a student discipline problem is causing the possibility of harm or safety to others, the student may be suspended from riding for indefinite periods according to District policy.  

When the behavior of a student classified as having special educational needs requires disciplinary action, that student shall be treated the same as any student unless the handicap itself is a contributing factor to the behavior.

Students violating school board policies 5512 - Use of Tobacco by Students, 5530 - Drug Prevention, 5513 Care of District Property, and 5772 - Weapons, will be immediately reported to the appropriate building principal and dealt with according to prescribed school discipline policies.  A bus misconduct report form will also be filed.

Students violating school bus rider rules will be referred to the appropriate building principal with a written bus misconduct report form.  Appropriate disciplinary action will be determined by the principal, transportation supervisor, and bus driver.  The disciplinary measures imposed will be related to the seriousness of the offense (Minor offense or Major offense).

A.  First Offense for Written Offense (Major):  A conference with the principal, transportation supervisor, bus driver (if asked to participate), and the student.  Communication regarding  the misconduct will be sent to the parent/guardian.

B. Second Offense for Written Offense in a Single Month (Major):  A discussion with the principal, transportation supervisor, bus driver, student, and parent/guardian will be used to determine a proper course of action that may include assigned seating or Check In - Check Out designation.  

C. Third Offense  for Written Offense in a Single Month (Major):  If the preceding disciplinary measures have not corrected the behavior, the student’s bus riding privileges may be suspended.  Notwithstanding (a) or (b) above, the principal or designee, upon reviewing the severity of the offense, may remove the offending student from the bus for a period of time deemed necessary to correct the behavior.  Bus riding privileges may not, however, be suspended for more than five (5) consecutive days, unless a hearing has been scheduled.

D.  Fourth Offense  for Written Offense in a Single Month (Major):  A fourth referral shall result in a formal hearing chaired by the District Administrator for the specific purpose of considering whether or not the evidence justifies an expulsion from transportation services.

Due process procedures are followed in all disciplinary matters.  Parents/guardians may appeal the principal/s decision to the District Administrator.

If the student misconduct on the bus is severe enough, the discipline procedure may immediately advance to a higher level.  Example - it’s the student’s first offense, but the offense is so severe as to cause the District to choose the fourth offense procedure.

A student with an Exceptional Educational Need (EEN) may be suspended from riding the school bus for no more than five (5) consecutive school days unless a hearing has been scheduled.

If the student is suspended or expelled for a definite period of time; the District must provide an alternative type of transportation service.

Any student who is suspended or expelled from the district’s transportation program will be given an opportunity to ride the buses following the term of suspension or expulsion and is again subject to the discipline procedure.

Request for Alternate Bus Drop-Off Point

We understand “surprises” happen.  Please avoid regular calls to the classroom teacher.  Bus arrangements take time to process and can disrupt end-of-day rituals.  When parents want their child dropped off at a stop other than their regular stop, a note must be brought to the office requesting a bus pass.  Students will not be able to ride district buses to alternate drop-off points unless they present the driver with a bus pass from the office.

Please do not call the bus garage without also calling the elementary school.

Transportation of Students to and/or from a Child Care Provider

Policy of the Board of Education

Westby Area School District

1.  A request for transportation of students to and/or from a childcare provider must be made in writing using the District form Transportation of Students to and/or from a Child Care Provider.  The form must be submitted to the appropriate building secretary who will forward the request to the Transportation Supervisor.  All requests must be made one week in advance.

        2.  Transportation Service will be provided only when childcare is regularly scheduled.

                

3.  The childcare provider must be located on an established school bus route within the District boundary.

4.  If there is any change in the pickup and drop-off points, or if the child no longer needs transportation, it will be the parent/guardian’s responsibility to contact the transportation Supervisor.

        5.  Requests for transportation will be denied if the bus is at capacity with regularly scheduled riders.

        6.  All requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the Transportation Supervisor.

This form is available on the District Website - www.westby.k12.wi.us and all school offices, by request.

                                                       

In addition to helping out in classrooms, we have lots of opportunities for Parents and Guardians to Chaperone Class Trips!

Board Exhibit 353.1 (2) describes the required duties of a chaperone. Teachers will make every effort to share chaperone expectations prior to any field trip. In addition, chaperones that are supervising students without a Westby Elementary staff member's assistance will be asked to submit to a background check prior to the trip.

                             Bus Driver & Chaperone Responsibilities for Co-curricular Trips    

In its simplest form, the goal of our co-curricular busing is the safe and orderly transportation of district youth to and from activities or competitions.  To help meet that goal the following guidelines should prove helpful for drivers and chaperones.

A.  Drivers shall:

                1.  Be responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle.

                2.  Maintain a good relationship with students, chaperones, and parents.

B.  Chaperones shall:

                1.  Establish and maintain order on the bus while it is in operation.        

                2.  Hold students responsible for leaving the bus as clean as they found it.

                3.  Sit in the middle to back of the bus for maximum disciplinary effect.

 

C.  Bus Drivers and Chaperones shall:

                1.  Agree upon student rules to be followed on the bus.

                2.  Agree upon chaperone/driver disciplinary roles during the trip.

                3.  Work through any special chaperone/driver concerns.

D.  During the Activity Chaperones shall:

                1.  Make periodic checks on students in their charge.

                2.  Make sure students are aware of the location of the chaperone in case of emergency.

                3.  Check in with event supervisor to insure necessary inter school communication.

                4.  Submit to building principal a list of students who rode school transportation to an event but did not return via the same method.

The key to effective supervision by district personnel is communication between driver and chaperone.  We expect affected personnel to take the time to discuss matters of mutual concern prior to leaving for an event.

                                           Trip Regulations

          1.  In the past, we have asked parents to sign one field trip permission slip that covered all field trips.  New policy requires us to

        send individual permission slips for each trip where students leave the school campus.  The reason for this is to ensure that

        health and safety guidelines are reviewed for each specific trip (e.g. a trip to a zoo may be an allergy concern for some

        students).

           2.  A method of student identification shall be used.  For example:  roll call sheet, group leaders, and/or badges.

           3.  Students should be informed of where to meet in case the group is separated.

           4.  All rules and regulations related to the place visited should be followed.

           5.  Students shall be supplied with special rules and regulations for extended trips.

                           

           6.  No discourtesy, disobedience, or defiant behavior shall be tolerated.

           7.  Chaperones must have in their possession a copy of the directory information for each student in attendance.

           8.  Chaperones must have access to the portable first aid kits.

Bicycles:  Students who intend to ride bicycles to school MUST indicate so on the Parent Consent and Information Form.  If parents want to change their intent, they must notify the office before the bike is taken to school.  Bike riders MUST wear helmets.  Parents of bike riders are encouraged to review safe bike riding techniques with their children.

Snowmobiles: Board Policy 5515 Student Use of Motor Vehicles prohibits the use of snowmobiles for school transportation.

Arrival at school:  Students are required to enter the school building immediately upon arrival. There is no supervision outside for children before school begins. Students must remain in the cafeteria until 7:45 at WES and 7:40 at CVES when they may go to their classrooms.

School Events If Absent:  Students cannot attend after school events if they were absent for more than 1/2 of the school day.

Dismissal:  Dismissal time for elementary students is 3:00. Students not participating in any supervised activity after regular school hours are asked to leave the building as soon as is reasonably possible after classes end for the day.  If students return for an evening activity, they must stay in the areas designated for that activity.  If there is no scheduled evening or weekend activity, students should not be in the building.  Students are dismissed to walk, to their bus, or to the person(s) listed on the enrollment form as legal custodian or designee.  It is the responsibility of the parent to inform the school of any changes in custody or persons designated on the enrollment form. Students are instructed to leave school grounds and report to a guardian before playing on the playground after school  There is no supervision on the playground after school.

Visitors:  All guest, visitors, and volunteers MUST report to the school office upon arriving and departing from the school.

School doors are locked during academic hours. Visitors must be ‘buzzed - in’ by school staff to enter the building. Visitors must also obtain a visitor's pass or badge from the school office. Visiting school-aged students/relatives will not be permitted to attend school with students during the school day.

Telephones:  The telephones at school are for business and emergency use only.  They remain extremely busy and cannot be used by students to contact parents except in the case of an emergency or special circumstance.  

School Property:  Students are asked to help maintain our schools’ appearance by picking up papers, putting books and materials away, and helping with daily tasks.  Any student who loses or damages textbooks or other school equipment will be held responsible for the replacement cost.

Use of School Facilities:  The school shall be considered a community building and is available for use by the public as per the policies of the Board of Education.  A reservation calendar is kept in the office to schedule building use.  Applications for building use and the accompanying Board Policy are available from the school secretary.

Student Code of Conduct

The Westby Area School District developed a code of student classroom conduct/removal of a student from a class policy (Board Policy #5500 and Board Rule #443).  This policy presents behavioral expectations for all District students and sets forth guidelines for short and long term removal of a student from a particular class.  A complete copy of this policy may be obtained in the District Office upon request.

Emergency Closing Information: 

On school days when weather conditions make it extremely hazardous or unsafe for students and staff to get to school, school will be delayed two hours or canceled.  An announcement concerning late starting times or closings for the Westby Area Schools will be announced as early as 6:00 A.M. on the following television and radio stations:

WVRQ                                Viroqua

                        WCOW                        Sparta

                        WKTY / WSPL                La Crosse

                        WIZM / Z93                        La Crosse

                        WLXR   AM & FM                La Crosse

                        WBOG / WUSK                La Crosse

                        TV Channel 19                La Crosse

                        TV Channel 8                        La Crosse

Additionally  the District’s Skylert system can contact you through your preferred method of email, text, or voicemail. Please DO NOT call school officials, radio and television stations, the school bus garage, or school offices.  It is important to keep the telephone lines open when school is called off or delayed because a great number of phone calls must be made in a short time to get the information to bus drivers and radio/television stations.

The radio and television stations will announce school closings many times from 6:00 A.M. until 8:00 A.M. or later.  Because some other schools are closed doesn’t necessarily mean that Westby will be closed.

When bad weather occurs before school starts, the District’s Transportation Supervisor will usually make a trial run on as many of the District’s roads as possible, sometimes covering 50 miles or more.  After collecting information, the Transportation Supervisor will call the District Administrator and a decision will be made by the District Administrator to do one of the following:

        1.  Hold school at the regular starting time.

        2.  Delay the start of the school day by two hours, which should provide ample

              time for the County and Township crews to plow, salt, and sand most of the  roads.

        3.  Cancel school for the day and cancel ALL extra-curricular events.

When bad weather occurs after students and staff have begun the school day, the District’s Transportation Supervisor will start to collect information about road conditions and may make a trial run before calling the District Administrator with his report.  The District Administrator and Transportation Supervisor will discuss the situation before a decision is made.  When the decision is made to close early, the radio and television stations will be called, and hot lunch will be served if at all possible.

REMINDER:

When picking an emergency destination for an early closing, please be as consistent and precise as possible.  We are usually given a very short notice when an early closing occurs and CAN NOT call every student to find out where they go.  In an ideal situation, there would be one destination listed and we could be confident in knowing we could always send your child there without worry.

Clothing Students should wear neat, clean, comfortable clothes.  Extra boots, clothes, and bags should be taken home at appropriate times. If any clothing or other supplies are missing, students should promptly notify their teacher or appropriate office staff.  Tags on outer clothing (coats, snow pants, hats, gloves etc…) should be labeled with your child’s name.

Inappropriate clothing is not permitted.  Clothing the staff feel will cause an unreasonable interference with, or disruption of, normal classroom demeanor is not permitted.  Please see Board Policy 5511 Dress and Grooming in the appendix for more information. Caps and hoods are permitted prior to 8:00 and during recess times, but should be removed during all other times of day inside the building.

Recess Clothing GuidelinesGirl with Arm Around Snowman

    (These are suggested guidelines from the NOAA weather Center)

Students have recess three times every day unless the weather is below zero or raining.  It’s always good to have a spare pair of socks or mittens tucked in your child’s backpack for those wet soggy days!  

      Students are expected to participate in recess time unless a medical excuse is provided.

             

Attendance     broken,hearts,emotions,healthcare,medicine,people,upset,x-rays,ribs     

Please help your child and our school by reinforcing the expectation that they be here on time, each and every day, all day.  Promptness is a responsibility and courtesy that students need to meet and observe.  Student tardiness, or frequent early afternoon departures, hinder the proper conduct of school instruction and impose a distraction for students.  Excessive tardiness may result in disciplinary action and a possible legal referral.  A complete copy of Westby School District Attendance Policies is available in the District Office upon request.

There are times when illness, emergency, or parental need may require a student to miss school.  The school hopes that these instances will only occur rarely and asks that absences be limited to those that parents and students consider absolutely necessary.

Absences:  The state of Wisconsin directs every school district and county to develop a comprehensive attendance and truancy plan that conforms to state rules and regulations.  What follows is our school’s response to that directive.

When students are absent from school the procedures below must be followed:

1.  The parent must contact the school secretary in the morning to explain the absence.  A message can be left on the secretary’s voice mail. An email, or Skyward Family Access entry may be sent in place of a phone call  The contact must be made by an adult.  If the school does not receive a call by 8:20 a.m., a message will be delivered  to the parent.

2. Attendance Occurrences are all forms of absence: full day or partial day, tardies, excused and unexcused. These occurrences are combined for determining truancy and/or communication to parents.

3.  When parents know in advance their child will be absent from school, a note, phone call, Skyward Family Access entry, or email should be sent to school in advance of the absence.

        

4.  If students are to be excused from school for an extended time due to a family trip or vacation, parents must contact the school in advance to make arrangements for the completion of assignments. The number of days allowed is limited.

        5.  Unexcused absences may be referred to the District Attorney as per District Policy.

Excused Absences:  State law limits the number of legal reasons for a child to be dismissed from school.  Those reasons include the following:

Absenteeism early in the school year is an indicator of possible attendance issues. Expect communication from the school principal if your child misses days in September, a pattern of missed days is noticed (i.e. Mondays), tardies accumulate, or the combination of absences and tardies reaches chronic levels.

Unexcused Absence:  An unexcused absence is defined in state law as truancy.  Truancy is any absence of part or all of one or more days from school during which the school attendance officer or principal has not been notified of the legal cause of such absences by the parent or guardian of the absent pupil, and also as intermittent attendance carried on for the purpose of defeating the intent of the compulsory attendance law.

Students who are truant will not be given credit for schoolwork missed during an unexcused absence.  Students truant from school on five occurrences will be labeled as Habitual Truants and turned over to the Vernon County District Attorney for prosecution.

Illness at School:  No student may leave school grounds without permission from the school office.  If a child becomes ill during school hours, parents will be called by the school nurse or office staff to make arrangements for dealing with the illness.  Students who need to leave during the school day are released through the office and must be signed-out by an adult listed on the enrollment form.

Notes from parents are needed for doctor, dental, or other appointments during the day.  

Leaving School During the Day:  When a student needs to leave early from school, the procedure listed below must be followed:

1.  Parents must communicate to the school office that their child will be leaving early that day and why.

2.  The parent must come to the office to notify the secretary he/she is there to pick up the child.  Students are only released from school through the office and only to the legal custodian or persons designated on the enrollment form.  If there is a need for someone else to pick up the child, a custodial parent must contact the school in advance and make other arrangements. The secretary will contact the teacher and ask him/her to send the child to the office.

Physical Education:  A written explanation from parents will be expected whenever a child needs to be excused from physical education classes.  A doctor’s excuse will be required if the student will miss more than one day.  Similarly, if your child has a physical condition (asthma, for example) that may cause problems during physical education activities, please inform the physical education teacher during the first week of school. Tennis shoes with good support and good grip are needed for physical education classes.

Homework is part of our instructional program.  Students’ ability to plan, organize, prepare, practice, and recall should be reinforced by having to be responsible for their homework.   Parents and students are encouraged to plan together to provide daily time for homework. If parents notice that a child regularly has lengthy homework assignments (10 mins x grade level is considered normal, ie 2nd grader has 20 minutes of homework while a 4th grader has 40 minutes), speak with your child’s teacher.

Publications:  No publication, handbill, poster, or announcement may be distributed, sold, posted or announced in our school buildings or on school grounds without the prior approval of the principal or his/her designee.

Students may not distribute invitations of any kind at school.  Students may not use the school as a contact point for the selling of any commercial item such as raffle tickets, notepads, cookies, candy, etc., unless the sale is of a school sponsored activity.

Electronic publication or broadcast via the Internet is permitted only if it is part of a classroom assignment and is supervised by school personnel.  More specific information on student publications may be found in Board Policy 5722-School Sponsored Publications and Productions

Inappropriate Items at School:   The school will not be responsible for the theft or damage caused to items brought from home that are not necessary to school work. These items are not limited to toys, phones, trading cards, fidget spinners, music players, headphones, watches, awards, or books/magazines.

books,leisure,people,reading,learning,light reading,studying,reference

Media Center            

               

Our Elementary School Media Centers serve classes, small groups and individuals throughout the day.  The LMC is a place for staff and students to come in search of information, to meet and work together, and to read for pleasure.

Our goal is to have the library media center “On the way to Everywhere” for our students and staff.  We want to develop self-directed learners—children who know, through classroom instruction and use of library resources, how to find answers to the questions they face today and in the future.

Students may check out the following number of materials:

4 year old Preschool-1 book

Kindergarten-1 book

1st-4th Grade-3 books

In addition, parents of preschool students may check out up to 5 books at a time.

These materials are checked out for a two week period. If a student wishes to have the materials longer, they may renew them.

Students who have overdue materials may not check out additional materials until the overdue materials are returned.  If library materials are lost or damaged, the student is responsible for the cost of replacement.  Library privileges will be suspended until materials are paid for or replaced.  There are no fines for overdue materials.

Each class will have a scheduled LMC time once a week with the Library Media Specialist.  Students may also come throughout the day, as well as before and/after school, to check out books as needed.

LMC hours: 7:45-3:15 PM

Student Library Club:  Students in grade 4 are invited to volunteer to assist in the LMC.  Please see the Library Staff if you are interested in joining! Grade 4 students also run our school’s TV studio club.

Parent and Community Member Volunteers:  Please call the school if you are interested in volunteering in the LMC on a regular or occasional basis.  Your services could range from a variety of activities and would be of great help to the school.

Medical

Physician Prescribed Medication              

        

The State of Wisconsin Medical Examining Board has determined that where medications are administered, the physician prescribing the medication has the power to direct, supervise, decide, inspect and oversee the administration of said medication.  In order to ensure that the physicians retain the power to direct, supervise, decide, inspect and oversee the implementation of this service, no medication shall be given to a student by an employee or agent of the Board of Education unless the following are delivered to the individual(s) responsible for administering the medication:

        

**Written instructions from the prescribing physician for the administration of the prescribed medication which:

1.  Identifies the specific conditions and circumstances under which contact should be made with the physician concerning the condition or reactions of the pupil to the prescribed medication.  

2.  Indicates a willingness on the part of the physician to accept direct communication(s) from the person(s) administering the medication.

      3.  Is signed by the prescribing physician.

                                 ** A written statement from the parent or guardian of the affected child:

1.  Authorizing school personnel to give the medication in the prescribed dosage.  No employee or volunteer, except a health care professional may be required to administer any medication to a student by any means other than ingestion.

        2.  Authorizing school personnel to contact the physician directly.

Requirement of Consent Forms

Consent Forms Required:  No medications will be administered by school personnel or its agents unless and until a School Medication/Procedure Form is completed to the satisfaction of the school nurse and

returned to the school principal.  If the medication is for inhaled asthma medication, the Authorization for Administration of Inhaled Asthma Medication form must also be completed and returned.  Copies of all forms received will be forwarded to the school nurse.

Medication Information Required:  Medication to be administered at school must have the following information printed in language understandable to the lay person on the container:

        1.  Child’s full name

        2.  Name of drug and dosage

        3.  Time and quantity to be given

        4.  Physician’s name

Employees Designated to Give Medication:  Medications will be administered by individuals designated by the principal or the school nurse.  Except where an emergency is believed to exist, in no instance shall a medication be dispensed by other than a school employee or agent while the pupil is at school unless specifically approved in writing by the parent/guardian and physician.

        

Storage of Medication:  Only limited quantities of any medication are to be kept at school.  Said medications are to be kept in a safe place not accessible to students and checked out by a district employee or agent designated to administer the medication.  Medications must be kept in original containers.

Duration of Medication:  The length of time for which a medication is to be administered shall be specified in the written instructions from the prescribing physician.  Any change in dosage, time to be administered or discontinuance of administration must be in writing and made at the request of the physician only.

Updating of Prescriptions and Other Requirements:  All consent forms and related materials must be renewed annually and/or at any time a medication is changed.

District Records Required:  Accurate and confidential written records shall be established and maintained for each pupil receiving medication. Completed consent forms are to be maintained in the office of the school nurse.

Nonprescription Medication:  Designated personnel will administer nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications only with written instructions and with consent from a child’s parent/guardian.  We can no longer get consent over the phone to administer Tylenol, etc… UNLESS we also have a written consent form on file.  The beginning of the year health form is required in order to dispense OTC Medication.

Student Accident Insurance:  The Westby Area School District provides student accident insurance, which provides accident coverage for all students in the District. The policy is supplemental coverage designated to pick up 80% of the balance left by the family insurance plan.  If there is no family coverage, the District’s student accident policy will cover medical expenses to the 80/20 coinsurance limits stated in the policy.  The coverage is for medical and dental expenses incurred within 52 weeks from the date of the original accident.  Treatment must begin within 60 days from the date of the accident by a legally licensed medical or dental practitioner (not a member of the insured’s immediate family).

Students are covered for accidents, which occur during the regular school session, school sponsored and supervised activities, and interscholastic sports participation.  Students are covered while traveling directly to and from school.

If your child is involved in an accident, it should be reported to the school nurse who will complete a portion of the accident claim form.  The claim form will be mailed to the parent along with instructions on how to file the claim.  If you have specific questions about the accident insurance you can contact the school nurse at 634-0134 or the District accountant at 634-0122.

                        Westby Elementary and Coon Valley Elementary - School Offices

                        

a. The above designated health area will be maintained under the supervision of the school nurse and/or the office secretary.

b. The following people are designated to provide emergency assistance:

                        

School Nurse

                        Each Building Principal

                        Health Aide

                        Other Qualified Staff

c. An emergency health sheet shall be on file for each student and shall be updated annually.  Emergency sheets        

                    shall be accessible at all times and located in:

Westby Elementary School Health Office

                                           Coon Valley Elementary School Office

                        Westby Middle School Office

                        Westby High School Health Office

Attendance and Health


Your child should attend school each day he/she is well. Every absence, even part of a school day, interferes with your child’s progress at school. Each subject is taught in sequence, which builds understanding and correct habits of study. In order to be ready for new steps in learning, your child must have mastered the previous steps and be sufficiently ready to provide from new materials.

Please notify the school as to the reason for any absence.  

For the protection of your child’s health and his/her classmates, please do not send your child if they are complaining of or have the following symptoms:

- nausea

- vomiting

- diarrhea (2 or more watery or loose stools above what is normal for that child)

- fever (100.5 degrees or greater)

Your child should not return to school until they are 24 hours fever free without fever reducing medication.  They also cannot return to school until it has been 24 hours without vomiting or diarrhea.  

If a child is injured or becomes significantly ill at school, the parents will be notified. If the parents are not available, then the person designated to be called in an emergency will be contacted. Be sure to keep the school notified of any changes in telephone numbers, addresses, place of work and emergency contacts.  Having emergency contact information is a must for the school.

For information and questions on keeping children home with specific illnesses refer to Board Policy 5200 - Attendance.  You may also reference “Guidelines For When Parents Can Expect A Call.”

Each child has a permanent Health Record on which pertinent health information is recorded. Please keep the school notified of any health problems. All information is held confidential.

Please contact the school to discuss any health problems or attendance concerns.

Guidelines For When Parents Can Expect A Call

(This is not an all-inclusive list.  Changes may be made at the nurse’s discretion)

Illness-

fever greater than 100.5 F

vomiting

diarrhea (2 or more watery or loose stools above what is normal for that child)

new unexplained rash/ skin problems

new unusual behavior

Any injury to the head

Injury causing deformation or disfiguring

Gaping cuts or lacerations

Medication questions

To clarify if they got medication at home or not

Low on medication- We will do our best to notify you when your child is low on medication.  However, it is the parent’s responsibility to keep track of this.

Seizure activity

Choking at school and Heimlich maneuver given

Head lice

Scabies

Conjunctivitis with drainage- new (may return 24 hours after treatment started)

Blood or mucus in stools not explained by dietary changes, medication, or hard stools

Abdominal pain that continues more than 2 hours or intermittent pain associated with fever or other signs and symptoms

Food Service           chefs,cooking,tools,food,kitchens,occupations,pans,people,pots,utensils,hats

                                                                 

School Nutrition Programs            

The Westby Area School District offers state and federally funded milk, breakfast and lunch programs.  These programs are approved and regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.  Menus are planned in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and student preference.  Menus are published weekly in The Times and monthly on the school website.  Menu substitutions may occur for breakfast and lunch.  Changes will be announced if known in advance.

Special Dietary Needs

For students with special dietary needs, parents need to provide a statement signed by a recognized medical authority that indicates the food to be withheld or modified and alternate foods that will meet the child’s special dietary needs will be offered.

Computerized Program

The District operates a computerized meal account program.  One family account is setup for each District family.  Students attending All Westby Schools and Coon Valley are all included in the one family account.  Students use a id card scanner to purchase lunch.

Account Charges

All charges for breakfast, lunch and the milk program will be deducted from your family account.  State and federal reimbursement is received for complete free, reduced and fully paid student meals only.  Students must select three of the meal components offered for each breakfast and lunch meal to be considered complete.  Second meals and individual items are available for purchases but no funding is received for these purchases.  Charges will be made for these purchases according to the prices posted by the computer.  Please communicate with your child and the school if you do not wish to allow separate and additional charges to your account.  A comment can be placed on the computer noting your wishes; however food service staff is not responsible for monitoring your child’s purchases.

As meal accounts reach negative balances, an automated system will call parents with the information. Lunch accounts can also be viewed online. Parents can also arrange for direct deposit to a school lunch account. A student with a negative balance will never be turned away at lunch time; instead, a peanut butter sandwich lunch may be substituted if prolonged negative balances continue.

DUE TO FOOD SAFETY & HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONCERNS ABOUT CROSS CONTAMINATION, MICROWAVES WILL ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR STUDENT USE AT LUNCH!

Breakfast, Lunch and Milk Program pricing is established by the WASD Board annually and published prior to the start of each school year.  The prices for the 2019-2020 school years are as follows:

                          Preschool-4th grade     Breakfast-$1.55      Lunch-$2.65       Milk- $.35

5th Grade-12th grade    Breakfast-$1.85      Lunch-$3.00       Milk- $.35

Reduced Prices           Breakfast-$.30        Lunch-$.40         Milk- Free

Adult Prices                  Breakfast- $2.35     Lunch-$3.65       Milk- $.35

Account Deposits

The District policy is that all meals and purchases are to be paid for in advance.  It is not necessary to send separate payments to each school.  To insure timely credit to your account, payments on the family account should be made to the District Business Office during normal business hours or mailed to:

        

Westby Area School District

        Attn:  Business Office

        206 West Avenue South

        Westby, WI  54667

Parents are encouraged to send a check, rather than cash, with their child’s name noted on the check.  Note:  Account payments will also be accepted at each school.

Low Account Balance Notification

Every student may check their account balance each time they pass through the line.  A phone call reminder is made when your account balance is a negative $5 or below.  Notes are sent home with the youngest student in the family on a bi-weekly basis.  The note will state the balance remaining or due on the family account.

Free and Reduced Meals

Applications for free and reduced meals are distributed to all students at the beginning of the school year.  Families that qualified for free or reduced price meals for the past school year will receive the same benefits to start the school year.  A new application must be submitted by October 1, 2018 in order to continue to receive free or reduced price meals and milk for the current school year.  If a new application is not received by this date, you will be charged and responsible for the full price of meal and milk program purchases.  You may submit a new application at any time during the school year if your family’s financial status or number of dependents changes.  The Westby Area School District will qualify for additional funding for educational programs with each approved free and reduced application.  All information provided remains confidential.  Due to the computerized nature of the program, it is not necessary for students to be aware of their own free/reduced status if this is your concern.

Wisconsin School Day Milk Program

Students in grades Pre-K through grade 5 may receive milk during a morning or afternoon break.  Cost is $.35 per half-pint of milk.  Families that qualify for free and reduced meals will automatically receive free milk for their children.  Milk program charges are deducted from your family account using your child’s PIN.

Offer vs. Serve Policy

The Westby Area School District implements the Offer vs. Serve policy at all grade levels in the District.  This policy permits students to decline food they do not intend to eat.  Students are offered a full portion of the required meal components (meat/meat alternate, bread/grain, milk, fruit and vegetable).  Students may decline one or two of the five components offered for lunch and one of the four components offered for breakfast.  Choices are offered to encourage selection and consumption of all meal components.

Fees:  All students are required to pay by the end of the first week of school the registration fee listed below:

        Preschool - Grade 6        $30.00

        Grades 7 - 12                $40.00

School fees cover some of the needed supplies for the students at school and allow the student to attend all home athletic contests other than tournaments, at no charge.  Students in grades K-5 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Board Policy 5772 - WEAPONS

The Board of Education prohibits students from possessing, storing, making, or using a weapon in any setting that is under the control and supervision of the District for the purpose of school activities approved and authorized by the District including, but not limited to, property leased, owned, or contracted for by the District, a school-sponsored event, or in a District vehicle, to the extent permitted by law without the permission of the District Administrator.

The term "weapon" means any object which, in the manner in which it is used, is intended to be used, or is represented, is capable of inflicting serious bodily harm or property damage, as well as endangering the health and safety of persons.

Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms (including, but not limited to, firearms as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3)), guns of any type whatsoever, including air and gas-powered guns (whether loaded or unloaded), knives, (subject to the exceptions below) razors, with unguarded blades, clubs, electric weapons, metallic knuckles, martial arts weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

The District Administrator will refer any student who violates this policy to the student’s parents or guardians and may also make a referral to the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system. The student may also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

Policy exceptions include:

 

A.

weapons under the control of law enforcement personnel while on duty, or qualified former law enforcement officers, off duty law enforcement officers, or out-of-state law enforcement officers;

 

B.

items pre-approved by the District Administrator, as part of a class or individual presentation under adult supervision, including, but not limited to Hunters' Education courses, if used for the purpose and in the manner approved (working firearms, except those protected at all times by a cable or trigger lock, and live ammunition will never be approved);

 

C.

theatrical props used in appropriate settings; and

 

D.

a knife lawfully used for food consumption or preparation, or a knife used for a lawful purpose within the scope of the student’s class work.

Any student who has reason to believe that a person has or will violate this policy shall report to the District Administrator or the supervisor of the activity immediately. The report should include as much detail as possible concerning the person(s) involved, the weapon, the location of the person(s), and how this information was obtained.

No student is to confront the person possessing the weapon, but a staff member has the option of confronting the person if the staff member believes the risk of injury to self or others is minimal or if immediate action is necessary to prevent injury to any person.

This policy will be published annually in all District student and staff handbooks. Publication is not a precondition to enforcement of this policy.

Cross Ref.:  Policy #5610 - Suspension / Expulsion

120.13(1), Wis. Stats.

943.13, Wis. Stats.

948.605, Wis. Stats.

18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3)

18 U.S.C. 922

20 U.S.C. 7151

Alcohol, Illicit Drugs, and Tobacco

The use and possession of illicit drugs and the unlawful use and possession of alcohol is wrong and harmful.  The Westby Area School District Board of Education has adopted policies regarding alcohol and drug abuse.  Based on these policies, the following disciplinary procedures have been established for students.

Parents will be contacted immediately upon verification of the violation in all offenses.  When there is possession on the school premises and the situation warrants, the principal or his/her designee will communicate all information and offer full cooperation to the police.

Alcohol and Illicit Drug Offenses

        First Offense:  A parent/student/principal conference will be requested.

        The student will be required to serve 180 minutes of after school detention.

        The student will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment by

        the school’s Student Assistance Program (SAP) counselor/coordinator.

        Second Offense:  A parent/student/principal conference will be required.

        The student will be required to serve 300 minutes of after school detention.

        The student will be required to confer with the school’s SAP counselor/

        coordinator for the purpose of establishing an appropriate treatment program.

        Third Offense:  A recommendation for expulsion will be made to the Board

        of Education.  This recommendation may be withdrawn upon commitment

        on the part of the student and his/her family to a treatment program as

        described below:

        1.   the program will be provided by an approved alcohol/drug agency,

                      individual, or treatment center;

        2.   an assessment will be conducted by a certified alcohol / drug abuse

              professional, and the student will agree to follow his/her recommendations;

        3.   the release of information will be obtained so that the screening

              agency can verify that the appointment was made and kept, and

              report the recommendations made; and

        4.   any expense incurred will be the responsibility of the student’s

                      parent/guardian.

If a situation arises during school time, or at a school function, whereby a student is perceived to be under the influence of alcohol or any other non prescription mood altering drug, and/or the student is judged to present a significant indication potential for harm to self or others, parents will be called immediately and requested to come for their child.  Other measures as outlined above will follow as soon as possible.

Tobacco Offenses

State law and District policy prohibits the use of tobacco products on school property.  It is against the law for students to possess tobacco.  The disciplinary measures that follow are for students who violate this policy:

In all offenses, the students’ parent or guardian will be contacted.

First Offense:  The student will serve 120 minutes of after school

        detention.  The student will confer with the school’s SAP counselor.

        Second Offense:  A parent/student/principal conference will be

        requested.  The student will serve 240 minutes of after school detention.

        The student will confer with the school’s SAP counselor.  The student

        and his/her parent or guardian will be apprised of the recommendation

        as set by the SAP counselor/coordinator.

        Third Offense:  A parent/student/principal conference will be required.

        The student will serve 300 minutes of after school detention.  The student

        will confer with the school’s SAP counselor and a program for the student

        will be established.

        Fourth Offense:  A recommendation for expulsion will be made to the Board of Education.

                

WESTBY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

Index No.: Administrative Exhibit 112        Subject Ref.: Board of Education                

Harassment and/or Bullying Incident Form

 

Name:________________________________________________________________________

 

Home address: _________________________________________________________________

 

School: ________________________________________________ Gender:  M _____ F _____

 

Date incident occurred: ___________________  Time: __________  A.M. _____  P.M. ______  

 

Place of incident:    School building _____   School grounds _____  Other (Please Specify _____

 

Specific place of incident:

 

        Athletic Field                ______

        Gymnasium                ______

        Fieldhouse                ______

        Locker Room                ______

        Shower                ______

        Restroom                ______

        Classroom                ______

        Shop                        ______

        Cafeteria                ______

        Hallway                ______

        Stairway                ______

        Playground                ______

        Parking Lot                ______

        School Bus                ______        

        School Vehicle                ______

        Electronic Media        ______

        Other                        ______

Who was responsible for the alleged harassment and/or Bullying? ____________________________________        

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Description of incident: Describe the alleged harassment and/or Bullying. Describe what happened. Who was involved? Were there witnesses present? What have you done since the incident? Have you spoken with anyone?

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________  

Witnesses:

 

1) Name: _________________________________ Address: ______________________        

 

2) Name: _________________________________Address: _______________________         

Remarks: At this time I would like this report to be considered a formal complaint with further investigation by the complaint manager/administrator. All information provided above is true.

 

________________________________________________________________________ 

  Date                                                               Signature

 

************************************************************************

Office Use Only

 

Person responsible for conducting the investigation: ___________________________________

 

Date(s) of investigation of complaint: ______________________________________________

 

Date of follow-up conference: ____________________________________________________

 

Resolution: _______________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

Complainant’s signature: ________________________________________________________

 

        Date ___________________        

 

Complaint manager’s/Administrator’s signature: ______________________________________    

 

        Date ___________________        

 

Date Adopted:                August 14, 2000                

 

Date Revised:                February 12, 2001

                        January 13, 2003

                         August 9, 2010

Date Reviewed:        December 6, 2010

Special Education Notice

The following is an official notice from the Special Education Director:

One of the many strategies used in the Westby Area School District is team teaching.  As a result, some classes may be taught by both a regular classroom teacher and a special education teacher.

Protective Behaviors Notice

The following is an official notice from the District Administrator:

During the school year, the District’s K-8 school counselors will be visiting your child’s classroom to teach a Protective Behaviors Unit.  The purpose of this program is personal safety from physical and sexual abuse.  Abuse occurs even in the best communities.  Topics discussed will include identifying uncomfortable feelings about touch, learning to say “no” to unwanted touch, learning about techniques and situations with which abusers attempt to trick children, and identifying both family and community support people.  These units are taught annually and build upon previous years’ safety concepts.

The problems of child abuse have been well publicized in recent years.  During the spring of 1986, the Wisconsin Legislature passed a law mandating school districts to teach a K-12 protective behaviors curriculum.  The District’s program has been established to respond to this mandate.

When the dates for protective behaviors instruction have been determined you will be notified.  The material in these classes may be previewed at school by appointment.  If you do not wish to have your child participate in this program, notify the building principal in writing no later than September 15.  You are encouraged to preview instructional materials with one of the counselors prior to the classroom visit.

Human Growth and Development Notice      

The following is an official notice from the District Administrator:

Growing up and reaching puberty confronts children with new privileges and problems.  The school nurse and/or Physical Education teacher will present a unit of instruction dealing with pertinent human growth and development concepts to fifth and sixth grade students during the school year.  Topics to be addressed are personal health and hygiene and preparation for adolescence and physical change.  The school nurse will teach a one-day unit on AIDS in sixth grade.  This unit will discuss factual vs. fictional information regarding the disease.

When the dates for Human Growth and Development Instruction have been determined you will be notified.  You may request that your child be excluded from this learning activity.  Contact your building principal in writing by the last Friday in October so alternate arrangements can be made in advance.  If you wish to visit your child’s classroom during the human growth and development instruction, please contact the school office by the last Friday in October.  The materials to be used in the unit can be previewed.  Interested parties should contact the school counselor or school nurse for an appointment.


Student Assistance Program               

The following is an official notice from the District Administrator:

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a program designed for students who are experiencing problems or who have questions/concerns related to everyday life issues.  It is a program that is supported by school personnel.  The program involves students, teachers, counselors, administrators, and parents.  The goal of the program is to help students get the most out of their educational experiences, and ultimately, their lives.  

As part of this program, support groups are provided for students in the district’s schools.  These groups are open to all students.  Groups dealing with the following topics will be organized:  communication skills, study skills, social skills/self esteem, family issues, chemical awareness, and concerned persons (alcohol and drug use by others).  These groups will be led by trained facilitators who are skilled in promoting the development of a safe atmosphere in which students may explore attitudes and feelings related to the area(s) of concern.  In order to create a safe atmosphere, confidentiality among group members is a strict rule.  Below is a brief description of groups.

These groups usually run for eight to ten weeks and participation is voluntary.  Students are permitted to miss one class period per week in order to participate, but they are responsible for doing assigned work and completing all tests.  Teachers may choose to exclude a student from group participation due to academic problems, testing, etc.  As always, academics come first.

This notice is given in order that all parents are aware of the SAP group service that is provided for all students.  Please indicate whether or not your child has your permission to take part in SAP group activities on the Parent Consent and Information Form.  If your child is identified for participation in a group, someone will contact you.  You will receive information related to the nature of the group, and you will have a second opportunity to decide whether or not your child will participate.  If you have questions regarding the Student Assistance Program, please contact your building principal.

Group Descriptions

Communication Skills:  This group is designed to teach the tenets of communication including “I” messages, expressing feelings, assertiveness skills, conflict resolution skills and problem-solving skills.

Family Issues:  Activities will center on issues that may occur in families and coping skills to deal with these issues.  These issues could include:  divorce, blended families, A.O.D.A. issues, single-parent families, etc.  This group will hopefully provide students the opportunity to learn that all families experience issues and change, and that it may not always be uncomfortable.

Concerned Persons (A.O.D.A.):  This group includes those students affected by someone else’s use of alcohol and other drugs.  Discussions will include:  alcoholism as a disease, recognizing our feelings, expressing them in a safe place, learning coping strategies, learning that we are not alone, and not to blame for someone else’s use or abuse of alcohol or drugs.

Chemical Awareness/Insight (A.O.D.A.):  This group is designed to talk about the disease, alcoholism and chemical use and abuse issues.  Members are expected to abstain from ALL mood-altering chemicals in order to determine if a chemical problem exists.  Students are taught assertiveness skills as well as how to have fun without using drugs.

Social Skills:  This group is designed to enhance a student’s self-image and provide him/her with better coping skills.  Topics include becoming a better friend, responding to criticism, solving conflicts, asking favors, and general discussions on personal concern at home and/or school.

Self-Esteem:  This group encompasses many of the same skills as the social skills group.  This group differs in that it is geared towards the young adolescent.  Issues discussed include:  divorce, family conflict, coping with depression, school stress, peer relationships, etc.  This group is also designed to enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Public Notice for Americans with Disabilities Act

Our school district complies with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) of 1990, Public Law 101-336, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, be denied the benefits of school district services, programs, or activities.

Our School District WILL NOT:

Refuse to allow a person with a disability to participate in a School District service, program, or activity simply because the person has a disability.

Provide services or benefits to individuals with disabilities through programs that are separate or different, unless the separate programs are necessary to ensure that the benefits and services are equally effective.

Subject individuals with disabilities to discrimination in employment under any service, program, or activity conducted by the School District.

Our School District WILL:

Take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with applicants, participants, and members of the public with disabilities are as effective as communication with others. Make reasonable accommodations in policies, practices, or procedures when necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless a fundamental alteration in a School District program would result.

Operate its programs so that, when viewed in their entirety, they are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

In accordance with Section 35.106 of the ADA’s Title II Regulations, all applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons are advised that further information may be obtained from the School District and from the Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC 20035-6118.  Persons may also call 202-514-0301 (voice) or 202-514-0381 (TDD)

Braille, audiocassette, and computer disk versions of this notice are available from the School District.

Board Policy 9130 - PUBLIC REQUESTS, SUGGESTIONS, OR COMPLAINTS

Any individual(s), having a legitimate interest in the staff, programs and operations of this District shall have the right to present a request, suggestion, or complaint to the District and the Board of Education. At the same time, the Board has a right to protect the staff from inappropriate harassment. It is the intent of this policy to provide guidelines for considering and addressing public requests, suggestions, or complaints in an efficient, reasonable, and equitable manner. Requests, suggestions, or complaints made by District staff members are covered by Policy 3122 and Policy 4122.

It is the desire of the Board to address any such matters through direct, informal discussions and other means. It is only when attempts at informal resolution fail that more formal procedures shall be used.

Generally, requests, suggestions, or complaints reaching the Board or Board members shall be referred to the District Administrator for consideration. Any individual presenting such a matter shall be provided with a copy of this policy.

Guidelines for Matters Regarding a Professional Staff Member

 

A.

First Level

 

Generally, if the matter concerns a professional staff member the individual(s) should discuss the matter with the staff member. The staff member shall take appropriate action within his/her authority and District administrative guidelines to deal with the matter.

 

Discussion with the staff member may not be appropriate in some situations including, for example, where the matter involves suspected child abuse, substance abuse, or any other serious allegation that may require investigation or inquiry by school officials prior to approaching the staff member.

 

As appropriate, the staff member shall report the matter and whatever action may have been taken to the immediate supervisor.

 

B.

Second Level

 

If the matter has not been satisfactorily addressed at the First Level or it would be inappropriate to discuss the matter with the staff member, the individual(s) may discuss the matter with the staff member's supervisor, if applicable. Discussions with the supervisor shall occur promptly following any discussion with the staff member.

 

C.

Third Level

 

If the matter has not been satisfactorily addressed at the Second level, and the matter does not involve the District Administrator, the individual(s) may submit a written request for a conference to the District Administrator. This request should include:

 

1.

the specific nature of the request, suggestion or complaint and a brief statement of the facts giving rise to it;

 

2.

the respect in which it is alleged that the individual(s) (or child of a complainant) has been affected adversely;

 

 

 

3.

the action which the individual(s) wishes taken and the reasons why it is felt that such action be taken.

 

The request must be submitted promptly after discussion with the staff member’s supervisor. The District Administrator shall respond in writing to the individual(s) and shall advise the Board of any resolution of the matter.

 

D.

Fourth Level

 

If the matter has not been satisfactorily addressed at the Third Level, or at the First Level in the case of a matter involving the District Administrator, the individual(s) may submit a written request to the Board to address the matter. Any such request must be submitted within seven (7) days of receiving the District Administrator’s written response.

 

The Board, after reviewing all material relating to the matter shall provide the individual(s) with a written response.

 

The individual(s) shall be advised, in writing, of the Board's decision no more than thirty (30) business days following the next regular meeting. The Board's decision will be final on the matter, and it will not provide a hearing to other complainants on the same issue.

 

If the individual(s) contacts an individual Board member to discuss the matter, the Board member shall inform the individual that s/he has no authority to act in his/her individual capacity and may refer the individual(s) to this guideline or the District Administrator for further assistance.

Guidelines for Matters Regarding a Support Staff Member

In the case of a support staff member, the matter is to be directed, initially, to the person's supervisor, and then in subsequently higher levels as prescribed in "Guidelines for Matters Regarding a Professional Staff Member".

Guidelines for Matters Regarding District Services or Operations

If the matter relates to a District procedure or operation, it should be addressed, initially, to the District Administrator and then in subsequently higher levels as prescribed in "Guidelines for Matters Regarding a Professional Staff Member".

Guidelines for Matters Regarding Enrollment Disputes

If the matters relates to disputes concerning student residency determination, Homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act, or related issues, the matter should be addressed initially to the District’s Residency or Homelessness Coordinator, and then to the Third Level of the process for "Matters Regarding a Professional Staff Member".

Guidelines for Matters Regarding the Educational Program

If the matter relates to a District program, it should be addressed, initially, to the building principal and then in subsequently higher levels as prescribed in "Matters Regarding a Professional Staff Member".

Guidelines for Matters Regarding Instructional Materials

The District Administrator shall prepare administrative guidelines to ensure that students and parents are adequately informed each year regarding their right to inspect instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum and the procedure for completing such an inspection. See Policy 2414, AG 9130A and Form 9130 F3.

If the request, suggestion, or complaint relates to instructional materials such as textbooks, library books, reference works, and other instructional aids used in the District, the following procedure shall be followed:

 

A.

The criticism is to be addressed to the District Administrator, in writing, and shall include:

 

 

1.

author;

 

2.

title;

 

3.

publisher;

 

4.

the complainant's familiarity with the material objected to;

 

5.

sections objected to by page and item;

 

6.

reasons for objection.

 

B.

Upon receipt of the information, the District Administrator may, appoint a review committee consisting of individuals appointed by the District Administrator.

 

C.

If the request, suggestion, or complaint relates to the human growth and development curriculum or instructional materials, it shall be referred to the advisory committee responsible for developing the human growth and development curriculum and advising the Board on the design, review and implementation of the curriculum. (See Policy 2414).

 

D.

The District Administrator shall be an ex officio member of the committee.

 

E.

The committee, in evaluating the questioned material, shall be guided by the following criteria:

 

1.

the appropriateness of the material for the age and maturity level of the students with whom it is being used

 

2.

the accuracy of the material

 

3.

the objectivity of the material

 

4.

the use being made of the material

 

 

 

F.

The material in question may be withdrawn from use pending the committee's recommendation to the District Administrator.

 

G.

The committee's recommendation shall be reported to the District Administrator in writing within seven (7) business days following the formation of the committee. The District Administrator will advise the individual(s), in writing, of the committee's recommendation and advise the Board of the action taken or recommended.

 

H.

The individual(s) may appeal the District Administrator’s recommendation within seven (7) business days to the Board. The appeal shall be submitted in writing to the District Administrator within thirty (30) business days of receiving the District Administrator’s recommendation. The written appeal and all written material relating to it shall be referred to the Board for consideration.

 

I.

The Board shall review the matter and advise the individual(s), in writing, of its decision as soon as practicable.

No challenged material may be removed from the curriculum or from a collection of resource materials except by action of the Board, and no challenged material may be removed solely because it presents ideas that may be unpopular or offensive to some. Any Board action to remove material will be accompanied by the Board's statement of its reasons for the removal.

118.01, 118.019, Wis. Stats.

20 U.S.C. 1232h

Cross Ref.:                Board Rule 870(1), Procedures for Handling Public Complaints About

                                Educational Materials

                        Board Rule 870(2), Procedures for Handling Public Complaints Other

                                 than Complaints About Educational Materials

                        Board Exhibit 870, Request for Re-Evaluation of Instructional

                                Materials

                        Board Policy 2510 Adoption of Textbooks

                        Board Rule 411, Discrimination Complaint Procedures


5511 - DRESS AND GROOMING

The Board of Education recognizes that each student's mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference. The Board will not interfere with the right of students and their parents to make decisions regarding their appearance, except when their choices interfere with the educational program of the schools.

Accordingly, the District Administrator shall establish such grooming guidelines as are necessary to promote discipline, maintain order, secure the safety of students, and provide a healthy environment conducive to academic purposes. Such guidelines shall prohibit student dress or grooming practices which:

 

A.

present a hazard to the health or safety of the student himself/herself or to others in the school;

 

B.

interfere with school work, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program;

 

C.

cause excessive wear or damage to school property;

 

D.

prevent the student from achieving his/her own educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement.

Such guidelines shall establish the dress requirements for members of the athletic teams, bands, and other school groups when representing the District at a public event.

The District Administrator shall develop administrative guidelines to implement this policy which:

 

A.

designate the principal as the arbiter of student dress and grooming in his/her building;

 

B.

provide an appeal procedure to review decisions of the building principal in situations involving expressive conduct which the student believes is legally protected;

 

C.

invite the participation of staff, parents students in the preparation of a dress code which may specify prescribed dress and grooming practices, but may not amplify the rationale for prohibition established by Board policy;

 

D.

instruct staff members to demonstrate, by example and precept, personal neatness, cleanliness, propriety, modesty, and good sense in attire and appearance;

 

E.

ensure that all administrative guidelines impose only minimum and necessary restrictions on the exercise of the student's taste and individuality.

120.13(1), Wis. Stats.

                                        

Cross Ref.:                Board Rule 443.1, Student Dress Code Enforcement Procedures


WESTBY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Index No.: Board Rule 343.1                                Subject Ref.: Instruction

Grouping/Scheduling for Instruction

  1. KINDERGARTEN PLACEMENT CRITERIA

  1. Students will be assigned to kindergarten (4-K and 5-K) sections based upon random heterogeneous selection, class size balance, and gender balance.

  1. Assignment of students to specific classes/teachers will be decided by the building principal. Building principals will consider requests from parents for special consideration. These requests must be in writing, state the reason for the request, and submitted to the building principal by April 1. There is no assurance that the request will be implemented.

  1. PLACEMENT CRITERIA FOR GRADES 1-6

  1. Students will be assigned to classes/teachers based on teacher and administrative recommendations and the following criteria:
  1. Special educational needs of students;
  2. Heterogeneous selection;
  3. Gender balance;
  4. Avoidance of potential conflict (i.e., parent/teacher, student/teacher, and sibling rivalry), and
  5. Reduction of conflict between students which is harmful to the learning environment.

  1. Assignment of students to specific classes/teachers will be decided by the building principal. Building principals will consider requests from parents for special consideration. These requests and an explanation of the unique circumstances must be in writing and submitted to the building principal by April 1. There is no assurance that the request will be implemented.

  1. Parent/guardian requests for students not to be assigned to specific teachers will be carefully limited to assure an equal opportunity for all students and other factors such as class size balance, availability of space, educational resources, etc.

  1. PLACEMENT CRITERIA FOR GRADES 7-12

  1. A master schedule of class offerings will be produced using summaries of student requests, teacher and facility availability, and a minimum conflict course schedule. Teachers will be assigned to courses and classes by the principal and/or designee.

  1. Students will be randomly placed into specific teacher/class hour assignments as follows:
  1. Grades 9-12 will be scheduled by computer.
  2. Grades 7-8 students will be scheduled by computer or hand scheduling by principal/designee.
  3. The principal and/or designee may modify individual student schedules of classes in order to attain class size balance, gender balance in the class, to avoid student/teacher/parent conflicts, to allow for special educational needs, and to promote harmonious peer relationships in class.

  1. Parent/guardian requests for students not to be assigned to specific teachers/sections will be carefully limited to assure an equal opportunity to all students and other factors, such as class size balance, availability of space, educational resources, etc. Requests and an explanation of the unique circumstances must be in writing and submitted to the building principals by April 1, or in the case of grades 9-12, as early as possible, before scheduling is completed. There is no assurance that the request will be implemented.

  1. For all of the above, student schedules will not be changed after scheduling is complete except to correct scheduling errors, or in extreme cases, as determined by the building principal/designee.

Date Adopted:                November 10, 2008

Date Revised:

Date Reviewed:                 November 14, 2011


Board Policy 5112 - ENTRANCE AGE

The Board of Education shall establish student entrance age requirements which are consistent with Wisconsin Law and sound educational practice and which ensure equitable treatment.

 

A.

Kindergarten

 

1.

a child is eligible for entrance into four (4) year old kindergarten if s/he attains the age of four (4) on or before September 1st

 

2.

a child is eligible for five (5) year old kindergarten when s/he attains the age of five (5) on or before September 1st

 

of the year in which s/he applies for entrance and meets residence requirements. The child may not be placed in an alternative program without permission of the parent.

 

B.

First Grade

 

A child must be six (6) years of age on or before September 1st in the year in which s/he enrolls. A student must have completed a kindergarten program or must receive a waiver of this requirement.

 

Any student who has not completed a five (5) year old kindergarten program, but seeks to enroll into first grade must receive a waiver of the requirement. The following students are eligible to receive a waiver:

 

1.

Any student who has moved to the District from another state or country where completion of a five (5) year old kindergarten program is a prerequisite to enrollment in first grade and that student has received a waiver of the requirement in his or her prior state or country.

 

2.

Any student who has moved to the District from another state or country that does not require the completion of five (5) year old kindergarten prior to enrollment in first grade.

 

3.

Any student who, at the discretion of the building principal, in consultation with the first grade teacher(s) of the District, determines that, notwithstanding that the student has not completed a five (5) year old kindergarten program, the student has demonstrated sufficient aptitude in all core competencies normally required of kindergarten students in the District upon completion of the kindergarten program.

 

The Principal shall perform any required testing to establish the student’s academic capabilities and shall prepare a written evaluation that either grants or denies the waiver and provides explanation as to the decision.

 

Appeal of Denial of Waiver

 

The parents of any student denied a waiver under this section by the building principal may appeal that decision to the District Administrator by submitting a written request to the Administrator within ten (10) days of the decision of the principal.

 

The parents of any student denied a waiver by the District Administrator may appeal the decision to the Board by submitting a written request to the District Administrator within ten (10) days of the decision by the Administrator. The District Administrator shall notify the Board President and a meeting shall be scheduled with the parents. The decision of the Board is final.

 

C.

Early Admission

 

The District shall prescribe procedures, conditions, and standards for early admission to kindergarten and first grade.

 

D.

Older Students

 

A person who is a resident of the District and over twenty (20) years of age may enroll providing the District Administrator does not think his/her enrollment will interfere with the education of the other students.

Wis. Stats 118.14, 118.15, 120.12(25)

        

Cross Ref.:                Board Rule 421, Procedures for Early Admission to Five-Year-Old                                                    Kindergarten or First Grade

        

NOTICE TO ALL PARENTS

To:                All Parents

From:                Westby Area School District

As parents of a student at Westby Area School District you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers that instruct your child. The No Child Left Behind federal law allows you to request specific information about your child’s classroom teachers and requires that your school respond to your request in a timely manner.  You have the right to ask for the following information in regard to your child’s teachers:

Whether the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.

Whether the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has decided that the teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulations because of special circumstances.

The teachers’ college major: whether the teacher has advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees.

Whether any teacher’s assistants or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications.

If you would like to receive any of this information, please call Barb Rugg at 634-0101.