Bridgeport Elementary - Student Handbook

Wayne Township Vision, Mission, Beliefs, and Values

Vision
To develop GREAT people!

Mission
To activate and accelerate student learning.

Beliefs
We believe in the power of belonging, collaboration, and growth.

Values:
Growth: We create the conditions for data-driven growth for both students and staff.
Equity: We provide a human-centered and culturally-responsive system.
Integrity: We say what we mean and follow through on our commitments to ourselves and others.
Trust: We invest in our relationships to earn trust.
High Expectations: We engage in a productive struggle to reach our full potential.

Administration

School Calendar

Attendance

Attendance in school is important. Students are expected to be in attendance each day, unless ill. Student arrival time is 7:15 A.M. Student dismissal time is 2:20 P.M. Absences are to be reported to the attendance line at 317-988-6250 before 8:30 A.M. Students who arrive at school after 7:30 A.M. should enter through Door 1 and will receive a tardy pass. Students who are picked up early must be checked out through the front office. Photo identification will be required to check out students.

MSD of Wayne Township Elementary Student Attendance/Tardies Guidelines and Procedures

Students will be counted “tardy” if they arrive at school after the official start of school and before ½ of the school day is complete. (This time will vary from school to school.)
The school day is divided into two parts: a.m. and p.m. Students should be counted in attendance for a ½ day if they attend for a portion of the morning or afternoon. If students arrive in the a.m., before the ½ day time limit, they should be counted for a full attendance day. The same shall apply if a student leaves school early.
There will be two awards issued to students for attendance at the elementary level—Perfect Attendance and Outstanding Attendance.
If a student attends every day that school is in session and is present for every minute of every session, he/she shall be awarded a PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD. In order to qualify for a PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD, a student may not have any tardies or any early releases from school.
A student will qualify for an OUTSTANDING ATTENDANCE AWARD if he/she has no more than a total of 6 tardies or early release days for the year.

Bicycle Procedures

Students who ride bicycles to and from school must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian and agree to the conditions listed below. The District expects parents and guardians to make students aware of these rules and conditions and the safety reasons supporting them. While at school, students must comply with these rules: 1. Bicycles may not be ridden on school grounds during arrival and dismissal; they must be walked. 2. Bicycles must be parked in the racks provided. 3. Students must bring and use bicycle locks. 4. Helmets must be stored in the classroom, backpack, or attached to a bicycle. 5. Students are not to interfere with any bikes, helmets, or other equipment (steal, unlock quick releases, bounce helmets, etc.). This is in accordance with the school board policy C475.

Birthday Celebrations

All students at Bridgeport that celebrate birthdays are recognized on the morning announcements and receive a special treat from the office in honor of their birthday. We ask that parents refrain from classroom birthday celebrations for individual students. We encourage parents and guardians to celebrate student birthdays with family and friends outside of the school day. Parents must contact the child’s teacher before sending in birthday treats (candy, cupcakes, etc.) If possible all birthday treats will be distributed during lunch in the cafeteria.

Birthday & Other Party Invitations

Birthday parties and other parties held during the year are an exciting event for the child hosting the party and those who are invited. It can be a very disappointing time for a child who has not been invited to the same party. Out of respect and consideration for the feelings of all students at Bridgeport, please do not distribute invitations to birthday parties or any other personal parties at school—before, during, or after. We appreciate your consideration of others and appreciate the modeling of respectful behavior.

Breakfast/Lunch Program

Bridgeport School Student Expectation

Bullying Contract

The Bridgeport Community is committed to making our school a safe and caring environment for all students. We will treat each other with respect and refuse to accept bullying of any kind.

Bullying is defined as: acts by anyone in the school community by themselves or with others with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm someone else. Bullying behaviors include the following.

Hurting someone physically by hitting, kicking, slapping, or pushing
Stealing or damaging another person’s things
Ganging up on someone
Teasing someone in a hurtful way
Using put-downs, such as insulting someone’s race or making fun of someone for being a boy or girl
Touching or showing private body parts
Spreading rumors or untruths about someone
Leaving someone out on purpose, or trying to get other kids not to play with someone

To prevent bullying, Bridgeport students will:

Treat each other respectfully and try to include everyone in play, especially those who are left out
Refuse to bully others
Refuse to let others be bullied or bully you
Refuse to watch, laugh, or join in when someone is being bullied
Report all bullying to an adult. Never keep a secret.

To prevent bullying and help children feel safe at school, Teachers and staff at Bridgeport will:

Closely supervise students in all areas of school and playground.
Watch for signs of bullying and stop it when it happens
Respond quickly and sensitivity to bullying reports using the Four A Response Process (Affirm Feelings, Ask Questions, Assess Safety, and Act by coaching child on what to do in the future)
Look into all reported bullying incidents.

Parents or students who suspect that repeated acts of bullying are taking place should report the matter to the school principal or assistant principal. School personnel will investigate all reports of bullying.

Bullying Behavior Chart

Bullying behaviors include not only physical aggression but also emotional harassment and social alienation. Each of the three major types of bullying – physical, emotional, and social – can be further split into verbal and nonverbal behaviors. Each of the six categories of bullying behavior exists along a continuum from low-level violence to more severe violence. This chart is used to show the range and scope of bullying behaviors that can occur at school.

Level 1 Physical (Harm to another’s body or property)
Verbal: Taunting, Expressing physical superiority
Nonverbal: Making threatening gestures, Defacing property, pushing/shoving, Taking small items from others

Level 1 Emotional (Harm to another’s self-worth)
Verbal: Insulting remarks, Calling names, Teasing about possessions, clothes, Saying someone has germs or is unclean
Nonverbal: Taunting, Expressing physical superiority

Level 1 Social (Harm to another’s group acceptance)
Verbal: Making threatening gestures, Defacing property, Pushing/shoving, Taking small items from others
Nonverbal: Insulting remarks, Calling names, Teasing about possessions, clothes, Saying someone has germs or is unclean

Level 2 Physical (Harm to another’s body or property)
Verbal: Threatening physical harm, Blaming target student
Nonverbal: Damaging property, Stealing, Initiating fights, Scratching, Tripping or causing to fall, Assaulting

Level 2 Emotional (Harm to another’s self-worth)
Verbal: Insulting family, Harassing with phone calls, Insulting intelligence, athletic ability, etc.
Nonverbal: Threating physical harm, Blaming target student

Level 2 Social (Harm to another’s group acceptance)
Verbal: Damaging property, Stealing, Initiating fights, Scratching, Tripping or causing to fall, Assaulting
Nonverbal: Insulting family, Harassing with phone calls, Insulting intelligence, athletic ability, etc.

Level 3 Physical (Harm to another’s body or property)
Verbal: Making repeated and/or graphic threats, Practicing extortion, Making threats to secure silence: “If you tell, I will…”
Nonverbal: Destroying property, Setting fires, Biting, Physical cruelty, Making repeated, violent, threatening gestures, Assaulting with a weapon

Level 3 Emotional (Harm to another’s self-worth)
Verbal: Frightening with phone calls, Challenging in public
Nonverbal: Making repeated and/or graphic threats, Practicing extortion, Making threats to secure silence: “If you tell, I will…”

Level 3 Social (Harm to another’s group acceptance)
Verbal: Destroying property, Setting fires, Biting, Physical cruelty, Making repeated, violent, threatening gestures, Assaulting with a weapon
Nonverbal: Frightening with phone calls, Challenging in public

Cancellations, Delays or Early Dismissals from School Due to Weather or Emergencies

If school is closed or delayed because of bad weather or other emergencies, Wayne Township will use the schedule below:

When the news media announces school closings or delays, Bridgeport is part of M.S.D. of WAYNE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS or Wayne Township Schools
If a delay is announced, doors open at 9:15 and school starts at 9:30.
Announcements will be made through local radio and television stations, before 7:00 a.m.

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices

We have established a daily routine for the safe collection and storing of student Cell Phones, Smart Watches, Ear Pods, and other personal electronic devices. While we understand that it is very important for students to have their devices to communicate with parents after the school day ends, having these devices out and using them during the school day serves as a distraction to the positive and engaging learning environment we strive to cultivate at Bridgeport. Students are always welcome to use their Wayne Township issued Chromebooks for their academic needs.

In order to help students to focus on their learning tasks and maximize their full potential while in school, we are seeking your partnership and support as we implement this new structure. Please share this information with your child at home to help them transition back into school.

Each student will write his/her name on a quart-sized Ziploc baggie using a permanent marker.
Every morning, there will be a morning announcement reminding students of the collection procedures.
Students will place their cell phones and smart watches into their designated ziplock baggie.
Teachers will collect all of the baggies, place them in a container, and lock them up in their cabinets.
Each afternoon at 2:00 pm, teachers will return all personal electronic devices to students prior to dismissal.

Previously, students were asked to place their cell phones, ear pods, and smart watches away in their bookbags and cubbies. This, however, leaves the devices vulnerable to someone taking or breaking them. With the devices safely stored in the locked teacher cabinet, devices are protected from theft, loss, or breakage.

Thank you, in advance, for your help and partnership with this new routine as we create safe, focused learning environments for our Knights!

Classroom Visits

All parents and guests are to report to the school office. Should you desire to visit our school, you may want to contact the teacher ahead of time to schedule a mutually convenient time. In addition, you are always welcome to join your child for lunch.

While visiting your child’s classroom please remember to silence your cell phone. Please do not answer cell phones or have conversations on your cell phone while visiting the classroom. Additionally, please remember that during the day, the teacher is providing instruction to students, please limit conversations with the teacher to pre-arranged conference times before or after school.

SafeVisitor™ software is used in each building to provide a safe environment. Please make sure you have your I.D. ready to scan upon arrival. All visitors are asked to enter through the front door and report to the office. Visitors must sign in and receive a guest pass to go beyond the reception area. Parents are always welcome at Bridgeport Elementary and may visit at any time. However, an appointment should always be made with the teacher in order to have a conference. By scheduling an appointment to discuss student progress and concerns, we are not disrupting classroom instruction.

Classroom Snacks & Treats

Classrooms may have parties to celebrate academic achievement, attendance, high test scores, or finishing a unit of study. Throughout the school year, there may be events or occasions where parents may want to provide snacks for students. Treats must be pre-approved by the classroom teacher. Teachers determine whether treats are shared during the student’s activity time or at lunch. It is a Board of Health policy that all food must be store-bought and come to school in original wrapping. Please make sure that when you bring in snacks they are individually wrapped and purchased from a store or bakery.

Classroom Management & Classroom Behavior

It is necessary that children learn to develop self-discipline in order to further their learning. Bridgeport teaches a weekly Social Emotional Learning curriculum called Second Steps to aid in this process. Please discuss the importance of and need for good behavior and a good attitude while at school with your children. We will not tolerate fighting, disrespect towards others, obscene language, or destruction of school property. Students who break rules will receive a student discipline referral to the principal or assistant principal stating the misbehavior and the interventions provided by the school staff. Our school participates in the 4-Level plan where students go to a cool down area in their classroom (Level 1), report to a buddy classroom ( Level 2). Level 3 a student will talk with another staff member to help them resolve the issue and a Level 4 is a referral to the office. Please see the MSD Of Wayne Twp. Student Code of Conduct for more detailed information.

Excessive misbehavior by students is disruptive to the learning of others and may require intensive intervention by both parents and school staff. Suspension from school is an alternative available to school officials in the event that other alternatives have not been successful in changing student behavior. Parental cooperation with the school and parental responsibility for appropriate student behavior is essential!

Fire, Tornado, and Lock Down Drills

Fire, tornado, and lockdown drills are necessary for the safety of the students, staff, and faculty. Everyone should know the specific directions for reaching a point of safety from those areas of the school building in which he/she may be. Specific information is posted in each area. Order, safety, and speed are essential during these drills.

Fire Drills: All students and faculty exit the school quickly and safely. Fire drills are conducted every month of the year.

Tornado Drills: All students and faculty move to a ground floor interior room or hallway. Tornado drills are practiced once each semester.

Lockdown Drills: Lockdown drills are practiced once each semester.

Illness/Injury

If your child becomes seriously ill or is injured in an accident at school, we will make him/her comfortable and then call you immediately. If your child has a temperature of 100.4 or greater in the morning, he/she should not come to school. Please remember, we cannot keep ill children at school. If you cannot be reached, it is important that persons listed in case of an emergency be able to pick up your child.

Immunization Records

It is mandatory, according to state law, that each student has an adequate certification of immunizations on file in the nurse’s office when he/she enrolls in school. Please keep your child’s immunization record up to date. All incoming kindergarten and grade 1 students must show proof of the chickenpox shot or proof that the child has had the disease. All incoming grade 6 students must show proof of the second M/M/R immunization before the first day of school.

Media Center

Our school media center provides materials to help our students with classwork and to encourage reading enjoyment. All students in grades one through six check out books for reading at home. Books are checked out for one week at a time. These books will always be due back on the same day of the next week. Please help your child find a place to keep library books so that they will be safe from younger children and pets.

Returning books on time will help your child learn responsibility. Lost or damaged materials must be paid for before the student may borrow again. It is helpful for children to have the opportunity of sharing books with their families. We hope you find the time to share your child’s books. This encourages the important skill of reading. Bridgeport students are encouraged to enjoy recreational reading.

Money to School

When sending money to school for any reason, put it in an envelope with your child’s name, room number, amount of money, and purpose of money written on the outside of the envelope. Students are discouraged from bringing money to school. Teachers will send home information to parents if students need to bring in money for special occasions. Bridgeport Elementary is not responsible for lost or stolen student money. Students are not permitted to sell items to each other during school.

Newspaper Publicity

Arrangements are made for a professional photographer to visit our school every two weeks. Pictures of school activities will be taken and forwarded to the local newspapers. If your child is one of those photographed, his/her name may be published along with the picture. If you object to the publication of your child’s picture and/or any of the above-mentioned information, please notify the school before September 1.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent Opportunities

We will offer many interesting opportunities during the school year. Please watch for information in the school newsletters concerning these activities. We will list the dates for BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT, PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES, AND PARENT ACTIVITY NIGHTS in monthly newsletters, school website, social media, and/or by special flyers, sent home with your child.

Parent Square is a safe, secure platform for communication between home and school. All district, school and class notifications are sent through ParentSquare. You can receive notifications through email, text message or on the app. Download the ParentSquare app on your smartphone for easy access to information.

Parent Volunteer Program/Parent Teacher Organization

All parents of students at Bridgeport Elementary School are members of the Parent Teacher Organization. The mission of this organization is to provide support so students can be successful in school. The PTO meets quarterly and the notification of meetings is sent home in the school newsletter and on the school website. Follow the BPE PTO on Twitter: @BPEKNIGHTSPTO

Effective school research indicates that the more adults involved in the educational process, the higher the achievement of students. Adult volunteers can assist in various ways including: posting student work, helping with bulletin boards, assisting with clerical duties, and assisting students. Any assistance is welcomed and appreciated! Contact the school office or classroom teacher to volunteer. All volunteers must complete a background screening form.

Parent Liaisons

Physical Education

Recess

Report Cards

Report Cards will be issued to students at the close of each nine-week grading period. These report cards contain both academic and citizenship grades. Attendance will be reported on the report card. The cover sheet must be signed by the parent and returned to the classroom teacher.

Academic Achievement (Grades)

100% = A+ (Exemplary)
93-99 % = A
90-92 % = A-
87-89 % = B+ (Proficient)
83-86 % = B
80-82 % = B-
77-79 % = C+ (Progressing)
73-76 % = C
70-72 % = C-
65-69 % = D
64% and below = F (Not yet meeting Standard)

School Nurse/Medication

The nurse is available for health counseling with students and parents whenever needed. Medication will be given to students by the nurse. Medication prescribed by a doctor should be arranged to be given to students at home before or after school. If it is necessary for students to take medicine at school, please follow these medication guidelines:

All medications sent to school must be in the original containers from the pharmacy.
Ask the pharmacist for a “school bottle”. The bottle must be labeled with prescription information just like your original bottle.
A permission note from a parent or guardian must accompany all prescription and non-prescription medications.
All non-prescription medications must be in their original container.
Medication can only be released to the student’s parent, or an individual at least 18 years of age (with written parent permission), or the elementary student (with a completed Wayne medication permission form that indicates the child may transport the medication home).
Student medications will be disposed of at the end of the school year, if not picked up by a parent/guardian.

Student Dress

The Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township is committed to providing an environment that is the most beneficial for student’s safety and learning. A broad-based committee of parents, teachers, and administrators developed the following guidelines to reflect the Wayne Township Community Values. These guidelines are consistent with the Student Conduct Rules for the MSD of Wayne Township.

No article of clothing or tattoo may contain language or graphic representations depicting the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, showing gang affiliation, or encouraging gang activity, violence, or sexual activity. These guidelines are provided to assist students and their families in recognizing what is acceptable in the Wayne Township schools. Please contact your student’s Principal for further clarification and requests for special circumstance exemptions.

Shirts / Tops
All shirts or tops must “cover” the underarm, chest, shoulders (no spaghetti straps), stomach, and back.

Pants, Skirts, Shorts
All articles of clothing on the lower torso must rest naturally at the top of the hip to ensure that undergarments are not visible in the standing or sitting position. Shorts and skirts must be mid-thigh/fingertip in length when a student’s arms are comfortably at his/her side. Clothing which is primarily constructed of spandex, spandex type, or other excessively tight material is not permitted as an outer garment unless it is covered by acceptable clothing at the mid-thigh/fingertip length. Pajamas are not permitted. Any holes in the clothing above fingertip length must be covered with tape or other materials.

Shoes
Footwear must be worn in school at all times. House shoes and house slippers are not permitted. At the elementary level, shoes should be appropriate for recess, and student safety should be a consideration. Excessively loose shoes or shoes that pose a tripping hazard should be avoided.

Jackets / Coats
Jackets are permitted to be worn in the school during the instructional day. Heavy coats designed for frigid temperatures and/or excessively large coats are not permitted.

Headwear and Glasses
Sunglasses shall not be worn in the buildings. Head coverings will not be permitted during the school day. Students may appropriately use articles (barrettes, bandanas, headbands, scarves) designed to pull or hold hair.

Hair / Facial Jewelry
Student’s hair, jewelry, or other accessories should not interfere with the educational environment of the school or safety of each student.

Book bags / Backpacks
Book bags and backpacks are permitted in school. Excessively large bags and bags with rollers may be restricted during the school day.

Undergarments / See-Through Materials
Undergarments are not to be visible at any time. Outer garments are to be worn in a manner that will cover up all undergarments. See-through materials do not constitute “cover.”

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of prohibited items. Clothing, accessories, and other items deemed disruptive, offensive, or contrary to the school’s mission by the school administration may be prohibited.

School Newsletter

Student Telephone Use

Students are permitted to use a classroom phone for emergency or urgent calls only. Students are not permitted to call home for assignments, projects, or gym shoes unless the teacher considers it necessary. Students will not be permitted to call home after school to ask for permission to go home with another student. All after school arrangements need to be made with parents before coming to school in the morning.

School Volunteers

There is always a need for volunteers at the school. If you are interested in volunteering a few hours a week, please contact your child’s teacher. All persons who volunteer on a regular basis must complete a criminal background check. This process will be through the Wayne Township Education Center. Background check forms can be picked up from the Bridgeport school office.

School Enrollment Form

It is very important that the enrollment form you receive at the beginning of the school year is updated and complete. Any changes, such as an address, phone number, emergency numbers, or parent work numbers should be reported to the school office right away. There should always be TWO emergency numbers listed of persons who will be willing to come to school to pick up your child in case of illness. This is especially true when there is no home or working cell phone number.

Transportation/School Bus Information

Transportation is provided to and from school for all students in Kindergarten through Grade 6. Parents who will be bringing or picking up their children should use the east parking lot and follow signs indicating drop off and pick up locations. In the morning, it is best to arrive at approximately 7:15 A.M. For afternoon pick-up, arrive at 2:20 P.M. PLEASE DO NOT DROP STUDENTS OFF AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE, UNLESS THEY ARE ARRIVING AFTER 7:30 A.M.

School Bus Information/Bus App

Here Comes the Bus is an easy-to-use website and mobile device app that enables parents and caregivers to view the real-time location of their child’s school bus on a computer, tablet or smartphone. With full access, email alerts and push notifications help parents send their students to the bus stop at just the right time.

This application can be viewed on any smartphone (Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, BlackBerry, etc.) Visit herecomesthebus.com and enter the student’s ID and the MSD of Wayne Township school code of 75632.

Transportation

Riding the bus to school is a privilege, not a right. That privilege is extended to all children who cooperate with the school bus drivers and may be revoked for lack of cooperation.
At the beginning of the school year, each student will receive a copy of the bus conduct rules.
If your child is using alternate transportation other than his/her regular assigned bus, please send a note to the teacher. Students may not ride another bus without written permission from the parent, and permission from the school which is dependent on the capacity of the bus.
Parent questions regarding bus schedules or problems that occur on the bus or at the bus stop should contact the school.