Parent/Student Handbook

Health and Safety Policies

Health Plan for Chronic Medical Conditions

Students with a chronic medical condition must have a detailed health plan from their doctor on file in the main office (and the classroom, if elementary). The medical plan must explain daily routines, give clear and specific information about what would constitute a concern or an emergency, and detailed instructions on how to deal with either. The health plan will include parental contact information, at least two other emergency contact numbers, and issuing doctor’s information. Any medication must be with student or stored safely. All medications must be covered by prescription. No over-the-counter medicine may be given to students without a prescription.

Parents, student, teacher(s) must meet with the administration to plan and optimize a health plan.

Medication Policy

The school does not dispense any over-the-counter medications to students. The following are our school guidelines for dispensing prescription medications by school personnel:

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  Parents will give written permission for the school to give medication to their child. Written permission must be given with each new medication. Times and amounts of medication need to be made clear in the letter.
  
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  The school will keep all medications in a central, locked location.
  
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  The school will designate one person (staff member) to administer medications. No classroom teachers will be allowed to administer medications in the classroom.
  
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  The school will keep a log of all medications given out.
  

It is essential that all guidelines are met before the school dispenses any medications. The school is not liable if medication is not given due to the parents' failure to follow the guidelines.

SCHOOL EXCLUSION POLICY

Control of communicable illness among children is a prime concern. Policies and guidelines related to outbreaks of communicable illness have been developed with the help of the health department and local pediatricians. In order to protect the entire group of children, we ask that parents assist us by keeping sick children at home if they have experienced any of the following symptoms within the past 24 hours:

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  Fever over 100 F (37.8 C) orally, or 99 F (37.2 C) axillary (under the arm)
  
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  Signs of a newly developing cold or severe coughing
  
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  Diarrhea, vomiting, or an upset stomach
  
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  Unusual or unexplained loss of appetite, fatigue, irritability, or headache
  

Children who become ill with any of these symptoms will be returned home. We appreciate parents’ cooperation with this policy. If parents have any questions about whether or not their child(ren) should attend school, they can call the school before bringing in their child.

Fire & Tornado & Lockdown Drills

Directions for all safety drills are posted in each classroom. Fire drills will be held regularly throughout the year. Tornado drills will be held regularly and students will be given instructions on drill procedure. Lockdown drills will be held twice a year. Students may not leave the building during tornado drills.

ACCIDENTS

In case of an in-school accident or injury, students should notify the nearest teacher or staff member. The main office personnel should be notified when there is an emergency or a need for an ambulance. The name of the injured person should be given. School personnel will notify the parents. If the parents cannot be reached, the emergency contact person will be called. In severe cases, if the parents and emergency contact person cannot be reached, the administration will call 911 if they feel it is necessary.

Visitor Identification

Any person who is not a staff member or student must show positive identification and sign in and out at all times. Every person on the premises must be positively identified at all times. Staff and students must wear their MIA picture ID in a visible manner at all times. Visitors must wear an authorized visitor’s badge. Non-custodial parent may not take a child out of the school or pick him/her up for any reason without the written and previously given permission of the custodial parent. If the teacher or office is in doubt, the child will not be released and the custodial parent will be called.

Children of Divorced/Separated Parents

In the event that parents share legal and/or physical custody of their children, the school will follow the instructions given by the court. Any changes must be communicated in writing, accompanied by relevant documentation from the court.

General School Policies

Candy & Gum

Candy, gum, soda, and coffee (or similar items) are not allowed in the classrooms during scheduled class periods for any reason. Healthy snacks are allowed only with the permission of the teacher. Water in sealable, non-glass bottles is allowed at any time.

Lost and Found Items

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  Books that are not in a backpack or locker will be taken to the book room. Students must pay $1 per book to reclaim their books.
  
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  Clothing items may be found in the navy cylinder by the vending machine
  
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  Money, glasses, keys, and other small valuable items may be found in the office. Must identify.
  
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  Items left longer than 30 days may be donated to charity.
  

Hot Lunch Policies

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  Halal hot lunch is offered Tuesdays and Thursday at a cost of $3.50 for elementary students and $4.00 for Middle and High School students.
  
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  Pizza is sold on Wednesdays for $1.00 per slice as a fund-raising activity for school clubs.
  
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  For current menus and updates on hot lunch plans, please read Notes Home carefully.
  
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  Students who do not have lunch may call home for their parents to bring them lunch or lunch money. The office does not have change for the vending machine or money to donate for hot lunch.
  

Pre-Kindergarten Snack

Provided by parents on a rotating schedule, please see the Head Teacher for details.