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WHITE PINE HANDBOOK
2022-2023
SCHOOL YEAR
Attendance:
Good attendance is an extremely important aspect of each student's education. Faithful attendance ensures that students are receiving consistent instruction in the essential academic skills. According to the district's attendance policy, students are required to be in attendance at least 90% of the time that school is in session during each term. The school board may deny a promotion to the next grade when a student is not present at least 90% of the days that school is in session. A letter will be sent home to inform the parents of excessive absences or tardies.
Our goal is to communicate with parents about extraordinary circumstances, such as illness, medical treatment, family funeral arrangements, or dentist/doctor appointments that may cause your student to miss a number of school days. If the absence is planned, arrangements should be made ahead of time to get any work that will be missed. Students will have two days for each day of absence to make up missed work.
Our school day begins at 8:05 each morning when the bell rings and goes until 3:25. It is important that students arrive at school on time each morning. In addition, picking your child up early from school should be the exception, not the rule. Children who are constantly tardy or picked up before school is over miss important parts of their education. We take your child's education seriously from the beginning to the end of the day, and we expect the same commitment from the parents. Please do everything you can to make sure your child attends the full day of school.
IMPORTANT — Since school attendance is an Idaho law, excessive absences without verified, legitimate reason, may result in referral to Attendance Court. Attendance Court is a joint effort of Cassia County School District and Idaho's 5th Judicial District. The objective is to intervene with students and parents in danger of being prosecuted by the Law of Truancy; to keep parents and children out of the Justice System. Any student who is absent for more than 10% of the days school has been in session, or who is repeatedly tardy, may be referred to Attendance Court. A judge from Idaho's 5th Judicial District presides over Attendance Court.
Every 3 tardies equals one absence. Tardies and absences are only excused with a note from a doctor which should be given to the school secretary.
Behavior System at White Pine: PBIS — Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
Our students are safe, respectful and responsible.
KYHFTY = Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
At White Pine, we focus on teaching positive behaviors to all students. We will accomplish this by:
1 — Teaching students the appropriate behavior in all settings
2- Intervening when behavior expectations aren't met
3- Recognizing when positive behavior is displayed
By focusing on positive behavior, it will create a climate conducive to student success. Our students work together to earn rewards by collecting Bobcat Tokens. Tokens are given out to students who are seen by staff members doing the right thing in different situations. In addition, staff members are on the lookout each month for students who are doing something amazing. These students are given a special golden token to use for a small prize and to be entered into a drawing for a larger prize at the end of the month.
Playground
Bus
Cafeteria
Hallway
Pick u /Dro off
Restroom
Safe
*KYHFTY *Use equipment appropriately *Tell duty teacher if problem
*Leave snow, dirt, and rocks on ground
*KYHFTY *Wait in designated area
*KYHFTY *Walk on the right
*Fold your arms
*KYHFTY *Walk on the right.
*Fold arms.
* FTY *Wait in designated area
* KYH FTY *Keep floors clean and dry.
Respectful
*Use kind words
*Include others
*Take turns
*Use kind words to bus drivers, teachers, other students
*Allow anyone to sit next to you *Use good
manners
*Use soft voices
*Respect others' personal space *Follow directions of adults
*Smile at others
*Follow directions
*Respect others privacy
*One person in a stall at a time
Responsible
*Report unsafe behaviors *Ask self—Is it dangerous? Does it involve you?
*Help others *Line up when bell rings
*Know bus stop and bus number *Be a good listener
*Be patient in line
*Leave area clean
*Wait to be dismissed
*Eyes forward
*Voices off
*Help others *Line up when the bell rings *Know who is picking you up *Be a good listener
*Be quick and quiet
*Wash hands
*Turn off water *Put paper towels in garbage can
As a part of the emergency procedures in place in our schools, any student who poses an imminent risk of injury to him/herself or others may be physically restrained and/or placed in seclusion by school staff in accordance with school board policies. These could occur along with other emergency actions such as calling the police. Significant violations of the law including assaults on students and staff will be reported to the police. The parent/guardian will be informed when any of these actions have occurred as soon as possible after any such incident. These policies will be available with other school board policies to all parents electronically via our website or as a hard copy on request
Bell Schedule:
8:05 Bell rings
8:10 Tardy Bell
3:25 Pick Up Bell
3:27 Bus Bell
3:30 Walker Bell
Busing and Student Drop Off Areas:
All students must ride their designated buses unless a written note from the parents is brought to school by the child. Without parental and school permission, no student will be allowed on an alternate bus route or other form of transportation.
Buses will load and unload in the designated area on east 19th Street. This area is not a designated area for parents in cars to pick up and drop off students.
If your child receives three misconduct slips on the bus, they will be unable to ride the district transportation anywhere in the district, for any reason.
We ask that parents pick up or drop off their students in the loading/unloading zone that is southeast of the building, just off of Hiland Avenue, or on the south end of the main parking lot. In order to keep our parking lot safe, we have a one- way traffic flow. Cars will enter and exit on 19th street.
TO alleviate traffic congestion. pick-up/drop•off is designated by grade, Please help us keep traffic flowing
child,
Cars
stopping
in
the
middle
block
traffic!
by
pulling
overto
the
curb
to
pick-up
and
drop
off
your
Students must wait on the sidewalk in the designated areas until parents pull up. We do not allow students to cross into the parking lot. Parents may not double park and have students walk between cars. These are both safety issues. If you do not want to wait in line, please park and walk over to get your child.
Cafeteria:
Breakfast is served from 7:45 to 8:05 in the cafeteria. If you would like your children to eat breakfast and they do not ride a bus, they need to be at the school by 8:00. The cost of school breakfast is $1.70 for all students.
The cost of hot lunch is $2.20 for students and $4.35 for adults. Parents and grandparents are always welcome to have lunch with their child. Please call ahead if possible so we can inform the kitchen. We ask that you consider paying for your child's lunches a week or month at a time. Payment reminders will be sent home each week. Menus are available each month on the district and school websites.
We are unable to heat up food for students who bring lunch from home. Please keep this in mind when packing lunches for your child.
Free/Reduced Lunch Forms — We encourage every family to fill out a free/reduced lunch form each year even if you do not think you will qualify or your student is not planning on eating school lunch. Funds generated from submitting these forms pay for staffing paraprofessionals in the classrooms. Thank you for your help!
Cell Phones and Smart Watches:
Cell phones and smart watches have the potential to be a major distraction in the learning process. For this reason, we ask that students NOT have cell phones or smart watches at school. If your child needs to have a cell phone or smart watch for use after school, the phone/watch must be turned off and kept in the child's backpack until the school day has ended. Students who disregard this policy will have their cell phone or watch confiscated until a parent can retrieve it from the school office.
Cold Weather or Snow Days:
When the weather becomes extremely cold, we allow students to stay indoors during recess time. As a school staff, we recognize the difference between uncomfortable temperatures and those that present a health hazard to our students. We have found that when students are able to go outside during recess time, the fresh air and change of environment gives them a break that helps them feel renewed when they come back to class. Please prepare your child for the temperatures of an Idaho winter by dressing them properly with a heavy coat, hat, gloves, and boots. As a rule of thumb, we allow the students to stay outside when the temperature is above 15* F.
Conferences:
Two Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held during the school year — one shortly after the end of the first quarter and the other after the end of the third quarter. These conferences are scheduled for Thursday evenings and Friday mornings. Should the need arise for a conference at any other time during the year, please do not hesitate to call your child's teacher. We are here to help!
Dress Policy:
The rules of dress for White Pine are based on common sense, decency, and modesty. Recognizing that school is a place of business and that distractions and disruptions must be kept to a minimum, the students, faculty, and administration recognize the following dress policy:
· Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be no more than 4 inches above the center of the knee cap.
Tops should not reveal back (bare-back) or midriff or shoulders. Tank tops should have straps at least 2 inches wide. Spaghetti straps are not appropriate.
Burnout/distressed pants must have leggings underneath if skin is showing 4 inches above the knee.
Clothing with suggestive or obscene slogans is not permitted.
Hats are not to be worn inside the building except on specific hat days.
Shoes must be worn at all times.
Vision should not be obstructed by hair or articles of attire.
If students are not dressed appropriately, parents will be notified to bring other clothes for the child to change into.
Please dress your child for the weather. If it is cold outside, please make sure they dress warmly as they will be outside for recesses. Hats, gloves, scarves, and snow boots are encouraged to help keep the students comfortable outside.
Fundraisers:
Various fundraisers will be held throughout the year. Information will be provided before each event to let the parents know what the money will be used for.
In addition:
Smith's — Smith's gives a percentage of groceries purchased back to the schools when patrons use their Fresh Value Cards. Supporters must enroll annually.
Gum:
NO chewing of gum is allowed at White Pine.
Head Lice Policy:
The school will follow District Policy #563. Policy Title: Exclusion for Head Lice found at http://cassiaschools.org/Page/136
Medication Policy:
Please read the following District Policy #561. Policy Title: Administering Medication found at http://cassiaschools.org/Page/136
Parent Advisory Committee:
The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meets approximately four times each year. This committee is made up of parents, administrators, and teachers from White Pine. The committee meets to discuss various family nights, the building strategic plan, and any other areas of need. If you would like to be a part of this committee, please call 208-878-6632 and speak with Diana Gill.
Parent Involvement Policy:
The school adheres to District Policy #1011. Policy Title: Parent involvement found at http://cassiaschools.org/Page/136
Parent/Visitor Check-ln Policy: All parents must check-in at the office before going to the classroom, lunchroom, or out on the playground. Adults are required to provide a driver's license the first time they enter the building to be scanned in our Raptor System. After the first time, the adult will just provide his or her name, and an ID tag will be printed for them to wear while in the building.
Prep Classes:
Music, library, computers, and PE are scheduled for all students in kindergarten through sixth grade once a week. Preschool students participate in music, library and PE. Check with your child's teacher for specific days and times for these classes. For PE classes, we recommend your child brings a pair of gym shoes to leave at school. These can be an inexpensive pair of tennis shoes. Your child's name should be on/in these shoes for identification. Students who wear sandals, heels, or boots for PE are at a greater risk of injury. Being prepared for PE with shoes at school will help prevent this from happening.
Students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades have the opportunity to participate in strings with Dr. Paul Pugh. Sixth graders also have the opportunity to participate in band. Students are required to provide their own instruments, rentals or purchased, for these classes. More information will be sent home at the beginning of the school year as to the days and times for these classes.
PTO Board 2022-2023
President — Melissa Morgan
Parents are encouraged to join our PTO. If you are interested in being a part of this great organization, please call our office at 208-878-6632, and we can help you!
Safety:
School safety is a priority at White Pine. Weapons of any kind will be taken away regardless of the intent of the student. Our school will conduct monthly fire drills and quarterly lockdown drills to ensure that we are prepared in case of emergency. Parents are welcome to provide input on the effectiveness of these drills.
Treats:
Homemade treats are not allowed due to various food allergies and the spread of foodborne illness. All treats must be store bought and in the original packaging, so teachers can check ingredients for students in their classrooms. Please contact the classroom teacher prior to bringing treats to find out the number of students in the class and what time would be best. Treats may also be dropped off at the office to be delivered to the classroom.
Severe Behavior:
Any type of physical fighting is dealt with directly by the principal or vice principal. In-school suspension is used as a severe consequence for inappropriate behavior. The student is placed with appropriate personnel for the day during this time. As always, parents are notified when such an action is warranted. If needed, the school counselor will work with students to help reinforce and teach appropriate behaviors.
Telephone Numbers:
White Pine Office 208-878-6632
*Principal —Diana Gill
*Vice Principal —Jacoby Sneddon
*Secretaries —Lupe Ornelas and Kim Noble
White Pine Fax Number 208-878-6635
Central Office 208-878-6600
Schedule for 2022-2023 School Year
Preschool is available for students who qualify. Parents who are concerned about their preschooler (ages 3 and 4) may call Stephanie Best at 208-878-6627 to request a screenings. These are completed three times each year.
Kindergarten sessions are from 8:05 to 11:15 for morning and 12:15 to 3:25 for afternoon. The teachers will be working on reading and math throughout the day. Individual teachers will be providing more information to the parents when school starts concerning the layout of the day.