STUDENT HANDBOOK 2024-2025 1201 Old Ocean City Road Salisbury, Maryland 21804 Telephone: 410-677-5803 Fax: 410-677-5872 WELCOME Welcome to East Salisbury Elementary School. We are pleased to have you at our school. We hope your stay here will be enjoyable and educational. This parent-student handbook will help you become familiar with policies and procedures related to the day-to-day operations of our school. Please review the information and use this booklet as a reference throughout the year. Call the number above for additional information. This Student Handbook belongs to: Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________ State: _______________ Zip: _____________________ Phone: _____________________ Homeroom Teacher: __________________________ East Salisbury School Maria Wright Principal Laura Miles Assistant Principal Pamela Slade Dean of Students
MISSION STATEMENT OF EAST SALISBURY SCHOOL The mission of East Salisbury School is to provide all students the opportunity to develop academic skills that will enable them to meet the challenges of an ever changing and complex society. BELIEFS All children can learn. Each student should be challenged to reach his/her full potential. The diversity of each individual, including his/her unique and innate characteristics, should be respected. Students should experience challenging content and achieve high standards. Each student should acquire a core body of knowledge and a set of definable skills. Values adopted by the Wicomico County Board of Education should be reinforced. Families and community involvement should be welcomed and encouraged. Continual evaluations of our school’s performance should be made to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of high-quality education. PHILOSOPHY East Salisbury Staff maintains high expectations for all our students, staff and parents. Based on our knowledge of child growth and development and philosophy at East Salisbury, we expect parents to: 1. Support your child’s teacher and school in a positive and open manner. 2. Communicate problems and pleasures with school personnel and assist in seeking solutions to the problems. 3. Confer with your child’s teacher(s) monthly. 4. Support all school and county policies and regulations. 5. Love and support your child. SCHOOL SERVICES At ESS, the school doors open 8:45 AM for all students. There is no supervision for students arriving before this time. Students should arrive no later than 9:15 AM, or they will be considered tardy. If a student should arrive after 9:15 AM, he/she should report to the office first. If a student is to go home a different way than he/she arrived, a note indicating this should be sent to the teacher. If the student is a bus rider, the note should also be shown to the driver. If a decision is made after the child’s arrival to school; you may fax the note to (410-677-5872). No telephone calls will be accepted. No changes to transportation can be made after 2:30 PM. Children who must leave school during the school day are to bring a note to that effect and should be picked up at the school office by the parent or authorized adult. You will need to sign your child out at the window.
CAFETERIA SERVICES BREAKFAST- A free breakfast is served daily from 8:45 AM to 9:15 AM. Menus for breakfast and lunches are posted on the WCBOE.ORG website. Breakfast will not be served on a 90-minute delayed opening. LUNCH- All students will receive a free lunch. Those who prefer to bring their lunch, may purchase milk and ice cream separately. The lunch period is thirty (30) minutes long. Al a carte items are also offered for purchase. PERSONAL DATA FORMS Personal data forms will be sent home to all parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year. These forms will provide each parent/guardian with up-to-date emergency information. The forms will be a tool for parent/guardians to use in emergency situations throughout the school year. Each parent/guardian must complete each form in its entirety including the front and back of each sheet. Due to the importance of your child’s health and safety, all forms must be appropriately filed and readily available to the office staff personnel. The completed pages of the personal data forms should include the following: Parent/guardian’s home and alternate phone numbers Name and number of at least two persons of contact that is legally responsible for the child Home and work address All information recorded in the personal data form is crucial in the case of a child’s injury or illness during the school year. It is each parent/guardian’s responsibility to inform the administrative staff immediately if there are any changes in the child’s health status. In the event of a change in health status, please include any restrictions or limitations prescribed by the health care professional. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Each parent/guardian must notify the school office personnel immediately if there is a change in address or phone numbers (including cell phone numbers). Ensuring that all information is accurate and up to date will enable the school to act accordingly and efficiently in the event of an emergency. TRANSFER/WITHDRAWAL The school office personnel will provide each parent/guardian with initial transfer information to assist in registering at a new school if the child is to be transferred or has withdrawn from East Salisbury Elementary School. CURRICULUM East Salisbury Elementary School offers instruction in Reading, Language Arts (Writing, English, and Handwriting), Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Physical Education, and Media. In addition, students receive computer instruction and guidance instruction. In order to meet the needs of all students, the following programs are also available: Band, Chorus, Guidance, Orchestra, Reading and Math intervention, schoolwide Title I math, schoolwide Title I reading, speech, and occupational therapy.
RECOGNITION AWARDS Academic Achievement Attendance Band/Chorus Citizenship Physical Education Art SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRALS A referral for special education services should be initiated when a child is experiencing difficulty in adjusting to school, is working far below grade level, and is making minimal progress, or when there is sufficient concern registered regarding the existence of possible disabling condition. Teachers should gather information from the following sources: work samples, the child’s cumulative record, testing scores, parents, and other staff who work with the child. This information should be shared with the School Management Team and the special education teacher who will guide the teacher through the steps to the referral. Completed referral forms may be submitted to the principal by teachers, the School Management Team, or other staff members who are knowledgeable of the child’s learning difficulties. Parent/Guardians may submit a referral by writing a letter to the principal stating their concerns and requesting psychological, educational, or other testing such as speech/language or occupational therapy assessments. The principal will review the referral and become familiar with the specifics of the case. A meeting of the School IEP Team will be convened with the following persons attending: a building administrator, the special education (resource) teacher, the child’s classroom teacher, and others deemed appropriate by the IEP Team. The IEP Team will make the final decision regarding disposition of the referral. WEDNESDAY FOLDERS Each student will bring home their weekly assignment, notes written by their teachers, and other important information to keep each parent/guardian informed. We ask that each parent/guardian keep all graded papers but return any signed forms or needed notes. CONFERENCES Conferences may be requested by the teacher or by the parent/guardian at any time during the school year. If a parent/guardian wants to meet with the child’s teacher, he/she must contact the school office to arrange for an appointment. The teacher will either confirm the time requested or reschedule an appointment at a mutually agreeable time. If a parent/guardian requests a conference he/she should hear from the teacher within 2 days. Please call the school administration immediately if no contact is made. Parents/guardians should expect teachers to contact them when a student’s performance reflects a failing grade, no homework, poor test scores, etc.
STUDENT INSURANCE At the beginning of each school year, parent/guardians may purchase an accident insurance policy from a reputable commercial firm. Two options of coverage are available and include the following: school related accidents and 24-hour coverage. In the event of an accident at school, students would be covered by either policy. A link to purchase insurance will be provided in the September Newsletter. FUND RAISERS Throughout the year various fundraising activities are held. These funds will be used to purchase materials, equipment, and programs not provided by the country budget.
WICOMICO COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS’ RULES AND GUIDELINES MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Wicomico County Public School System is to provide all students an educational foundation and a set of skills which will enable them to become responsible and productive citizens in our society. LATE OPENINGS/EARLY CLOSINGS Announcements concerning any changes in the regular school schedule will be made on the local radio and television stations along with being posted on the WCPS website. Parent/guardians may also call 410-677-5100 for a recorded message or access www.wicomicoschools.org . PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL, RADIO STATIONS, OR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICES REGARDING THESE CHANGES. ATTENDANCE School attendance is important to student achievement. We ask that you help us reach and maintain our attendance goals by scheduling trips, doctor appointment, etc. at times when school is not in session, and by attending school every day unless the child is ill. A note that includes the reason for the absence must be signed by a physician or parent/guardian is required upon the student’s return to school. ABSENCE FOR TRIPS If a child is to be absent from school due to a family trip, the following provisions, established by the Board of Education, apply. While it is recognized that a trip cannot be considered a legal reason to be absent from school, it is felt that under the following circumstances, no punitive action and should be taken: 1. Notes for any absence must be given to the office. Those not received within 5 days of the absence will not be accepted. 2. The trip must be with family or be parent sanctioned. 3. Circumstances should be discussed with the principal in advance. 4. All arrangements for making up work should be made with the teacher(s) prior to absence and should be completed within a reasonable time after returning to school. It is recommended that the number of days allowed to make up work be equal to the number of days of absence. 5. The trip should have a definite educational value for the student involved. SCHOOL RULES 1. Walk in hallways. 2. Gum is not allowed at school or on buses. 3. Toys, balls, radios, I-Pods, I-Pads, video games or any other electronic device is not allowed in the school unless they are being used as part of the classroom curriculum with the teacher’s permission. 4. Cellular phones, and laser pointers are not allowed in school.
5. Animals are not permitted in school, unless the teacher gives permission. 6. Foul or profane language and behavior are not appropriate for our learning environment and will not be permitted. 7. Gun, knives, sharp instruments, or any other kind of weapon in school is a violation of Wicomico County Code of Conduct. 8. Good manners should be used in the restrooms. 9. Bicycles and skateboard are not to be ridden on the playground or sidewalks. Bicycles should be placed on the racks provided while school is in session. 10. Playing, walking, or running in any driveway or parking lot is not permitted for safety reasons. 11. No physical contact, not even “play fighting,” is permitted. Fighting, “play fighting,” and bullying is in violation of county or school policy. It is better to solve conflicts by reporting and/or talking through them. CAFETERIA RULES 1. Good table manners should be displayed. 2. Quiet conversation is permissible. 3. Move in an orderly fashion into the cafeteria and through the serving line. 4. Students must sit at assigned seats/tables. 5. Students must have permission to leave your table. 6. Sodas or glass containers are NOT allowed. 7. Students must line up quickly and quietly when directed. ASSEMBLY RULES 1. Orderly arrival and departure are required. 2. Remain silent during the presentation, unless the presentation requires response from the audience. 3. Keep hands and feet still and chairs quiet. 4. Applaud at the appropriate times and intervals. 5. There will be no yelling, booing, hissing, or hooting under any circumstances. PLAYGROUND RULES 1. SWING SET Sit, do not stand, on the swings. Do not push students in the swings. Do not jump out of the swings. Do not twist or swing sideways. Only one person may swing sideways. Only one person may swing at a time. You must hold on with both hands. 2. JUMP ROPE Jump ropes are to be used only for jumping. No tug of war is permitted. 3. BATS AND BALLS (with teacher supervision) Stand behind the backstop when you are waiting your turn. Only school softballs may be used. No sliding is permitted.
Primary grades may play with whiffle balls and bats. 4. SLIDE Only one person at a time is permitted on the slide or the steps. Sit on the slide; do not use knees, back, stomach, or stand up. Climb up the steps; do not climb up the slide part. Stay away from the bottom of the slide. When your turn comes, take it; sitting on the top for a long time is not allowed. No toys, dirt, sticks, etc., are allowed on the slide. Do not play tag or chase on the sliding board. 5. KICK BALL Kicking is to be done away from wires and fences. Watch for fellow playmates as you kick. Avoid kicking a ball in someone’s face or other body areas and causing injury. 6. GENERAL There should be no: Physical contact; play-fighting, pushing, or pulling; gymnastics on the ground; climbing on the fence; playing close to stones, trees, and shrubbery. Playing between portables; soccer without direct adult supervision football; kicking balls toward the electric wires or over the fence: throwing stones or other objects at others. Do: get permission to re-enter the building; line up quickly and quietly when the whistle is blown; bring in the equipment you take out. Code of Conduct Please refer to the link below for the WCPS Student Code of Conduct. https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/wcboe/ Board.nsf/files/CU9MW25D2923/$file/SF S_GEN_PL_028%20Code%20of%20Conduc t%20Policy.pdf SCHOOL BUS RULES 1. Your bus driver has absolute control of the bus and of the conduct of those on it. You are expected to follow your bus driver’s rules. 2. If you have to cross the road when boarding or leaving the bus, WALK IN FRONT OF THE BUS. Your driver can then warn you of danger. Look both ways before crossing the road. 3. Enter and leave the bus by the front door. The back door is for emergency use only. Do not touch it except in case of emergency. 4. Board the bus with your backpack held in front. 5. Promptly take a seat assigned to you. 6. Sit facing forward. Keep your hands, arms and head inside the window. Keep feet, legs, books, and belongings out of the aisle. 7. Do not chew gum or eat on the bus. 8. Help your driver keep the bus clean.
9. Smoking, profane language, and/or weapons will not be tolerated on the bus. 10. Ordinary conversation is permissible. COUNTY SCHOOL BUS DISCIPLINE POLICY Students who fail to abide by the bus rules will be disciplined. Bus drivers have the right to suspend a student from riding the bus for a period of one day. The principal and vice principal may suspend students for additional days. Parents/guardians will be notified of suspensions. The School Bus Discipline Policy is as follows: 1st Offense: Referral to the principal’s office. Discipline at the discretion of the principal or designee. 2nd Offense: Referral to the principal’s office. Discipline at the discretion of the principal or designee. 3rd Offense: Referral to the Transportation Office. Conference with the Supervisor of Transportation, parent, and student (and driver, if deemed necessary). The student will be removed from the bus until a satisfactory conference is held. 4th Offense: Automatic 30 school days off the bus. 5th Offense: Automatic removal from the bus for the remainder of the school year. TELEPHONE USE Students are not permitted to use the school phone. If an emergency arises, office personnel will make the call in the school office. Reasons for calls vary from school to school, depending on circumstances. TEXTBOOK COVERS The student policy of the Board of Education is that textbooks should be properly cared for to prolong the life of the books. The student will be charged for damaged and/or lost textbooks. MEDICATION All prescription, over-the counter, homeopathic and herbal medications to be given at school must be ordered by a person authorized to prescribe medication. Written parental consent is required for each medication ordered. The parent must give the first dose of any new prescription, except for emergency medications such as EPI-Pen. The original prescription container should accompany all medications. Medications should be brought to school by the parent or responsible adult. Children are NOT to transport medication to or from school. Children are also not to keep medication in their possession during the school day. All medication must be stored in locked cabinet. All medication not picked up by the parent or responsible adult will be disposed of one week after the expiration date or at the end of the school year. When the nurse is unable to administer a medication, a trained designated school staff person will administer the medication. If more detail is needed regarding these guidelines, the school nurse should be consulted.
LOST ITEMS Lost items are placed in the “lost and found” except for jewelry, watches, eyeglasses, etc. These small items are kept in the school office. At the end of each school year, items not claimed will be donated to a charity. EMERGENCY DRILLS Regular emergency drills are held for the student’s protection. When the fire bell rings or code is announced, follow the directions your teacher has practiced with you. If the fire bell rings, or the emergency is announced when the student is in the hallway or elsewhere, the student must leave the building by the nearest exit and go to the nearest adult, who will help the student get to his/her class. DRESS CODE A student’s appearance should reflect pride and respect for self and for school. Any type of attire which attracts undue attention to the wearer, is torn and ragged, unsafe, or causes a disturbance, is in poor taste and not acceptable. All students should groom and dress themselves neatly in items that are suitable for school activities. No cosmetics or nail polish should be worn or brought to school. The following types of clothing are unacceptable: Halter tops Midriff shirts See-through blouses Large armhole blouses/shirts Eyelet or fishnet shirts Tank tops Very short shorts or skirts Thong shoes and flip-flops Hats, scarves, and other head coverings, except for religious or cultural reasons, inside the building. T-shirts displaying vulgar, obscene, and/or inappropriate pictures and/or writing Sagging pants that drag the floor or expose skin or undergarments Picks or combs protruding from the hair Brass knuckle rings and distracting chains or keychains Coats and jackets inside the building Gang symbols Sunglasses inside the building REPORT CARDS/MID-TERM PROGRESS REPORTS Report cards will be available in X2 four times during the school year. Please ensure you are able to sign into your child’s account as paper copies are not available. Classroom teachers and/or office staff are available to assist with setting up your account if you need assistance. If you wish to conference with the teacher, please reach the teacher through email, TalkingPoints or by calling the office and leaving a message. If the teacher has requested a conference, please call or send a note in order to schedule the time. Each student will receive a progress report mid-way through each of the four
marking terms. Progress reports will be available through the X2 system as well. VISITORS So that the office personnel may have the opportunity to officially greet all parents/guardians, all parent/guardians are asked to come to the school office to register before visiting the school. A notice to this effect is posted on each entrance door of Wicomico County Schools. In addition to allowing us the opportunity to meet visitors to our school, this policy provides for the protection of our students and staff. If a parent/guardian needs to bring something to school for their child or needs to confer with the child during the school day, all parents/guardians are asked to report to the office. The office personnel will be glad to provide the parent/guardian with a “Visitor’s Pass” and/or assist in any other way. FIELD TRIPS Field trips are scheduled as part of the students’ educational program. Permission slips must be signed by a parent/guardian before students are permitted to leave the school. MEDIA RELEASE There are occasions throughout the school year when students are involved in activities and events which receive favorable media/newspaper coverage. We are proud to share students’ accomplishments as we hope you are. We need your permission to share your child’s picture or statements with the media. Please send a note to school if you do not with to have your child photographed for school events.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTE0OTQ=