Student Handbook

Ashton

Elementary

Parent & Student Handbook


Forward

 

     The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize you with the operation of the Ashton Elementary School.  It is the desire of the entire staff to make your child’s experience in this facility as enjoyable and successful as possible.

     We are convinced that next to the home experience, the school will probably be the most powerful influence in the lives of the children who attend here.  We realize the great responsibility this places on us as a staff, and are thus dedicated to creating an atmosphere that is not only conducive to learning, but also helps the child develop a positive feeling of self-worth.  It is our desire to build a foundation for future learning, and to help your child learn qualities that will help them to become successful citizens of their future communities.

     The success that each student has in school is greatly enhanced by your support and cooperation.  We request your support in helping your child complete his/her daily assignments and being in school every day. 

     Please feel free to visit the classroom and get to know your child’s teacher.  It will also help if you can familiarize yourself with this handbook.  We are counting on your help and support, and look forward to working with you to make your child’s experiences here successful.  We are looking forward to having a great year.

                                                             

Sincerely,

Evan Ricks, Principal

Ashton Elementary School

168 S. 1st St.

Ashton, Idaho 83420

Phone: 652-7601   Fax: 652-7602

Fremont School District Board of Trustees

Bonnie Moon

Jon Bailey

Tia Cherry

Julianne Hill

JayLee Packer

 

 

Fremont School District Administration

945 West 1st North

St. Anthony, Idaho 83445

Phone: 624-7542

 

 

Superintendent………..………...….Byron Stutzman

Director of Special Education………......Ben Garcia

Business Manager/Food Services…….Hali Mackert Transportation Supervisor…………. Misty Wocelka

Payroll Clerk/Personnel……………....Jamie Hymas

“Where Each Child Learns Something New Every Day”

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

6………….……...……………..Mission Statements

6…………...…….…….....…….School Core Beliefs

6…………….....……..….PTP Board & Committees

7…………..………....…………...…….School Staff

8………………….……..….Daily Student Schedule

9-10……………..….…....Absences and Attendance

11………….……….….……………….....Birthdays

10-13…….………………….………..…..Bus Rules

13-14…….………….…….…..Cold Weather Policy

13………...……...………….…………....Discipline

13……..………….….…Electronic Devices & Toys

14-15…………..…..Emergency Closure Procedures

15………………..…....……...General School Rules

16…………...............…...General Playground Rules

16…………..………...........General Cafeteria Rules

16…....General “Winter Dress & Playground” Rules

17…………...………..…...Grades and Report Cards

17…………………......……………..…...Head Lice

17…..............Heely’s, Skateboards and Rollerblades

17………………..………….Illness and Medication

18-19…………………..........Immunization Records

19…………………..………Leaving Ashton School

19…………………………………………..…Library

19………………….…………………Lost and Found

19…….New Student Identification (Birth Certificate)

20………………………Parent-Teacher Conferences

20………………….……………………PowerSchool

20………………………………...…………Records

21………................Releasing Students from School

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS Cont.

 

21……….........………Riding Bicycles and Walking

21…………………..........………School Admission

21………………………………………School Fees

21………………...…………….……School Injuries

21-22………………………..…...…...School Lunch

22……………...………Special Education/Resource

22……………………..…..……Student Dress Code

23……………...……Student Drop Off and Pick Up

24……...……………..……Substance Abuse Policy

24…………………………………………Tardiness

24…………………………...….……Telephone Use

24…………………..……………….……Textbooks

24………………………………..……………Title I

24……………………………………..………Treats

25………….....................………Visiting the School

25…………………………………..……Volunteers

25……...…Zero Tolerance for Weapons/Explosives

26……………………...2021-2022 School Calendar

 

Fremont School District Mission Statement

 

 

School District 215’s mission is to educate and prepare all learners to excel and become contributors in their communities by providing opportunities, skills and tools to communicate, solve problems, build bridges and lead.

 

 

Fremont School District Motto

 

Learn, Build, Lead

 

We seek to learn.  We pursue excellence through hard work and life-long learning.  We recognize that different perspectives are vital to increase our understanding. We embrace what is already working and seek for ways to improve.

 

We seek to build.  We seek to build bridges of collaboration to promote understanding and hope. We build individuals and place students as the top priority in decision-making.

 

We seek to lead.  We lead forward to improve our own lives, enrich the lives of others, improve the organizations we are a part of, and to create a more just and caring world.

 

 

Ashton Elementary School Mission Statement

 

 

Ashton Elementary students will be contributing members of a society at home, at school, and in our communities by developing positive behavior, essential skills, and knowledge.

 

 

Ashton Elementary School Core Beliefs

  1. Every attempt will be made to maintain the dignity and self-respect of both the student and the teacher.

     

  2. Students will be guided and expected to solve their problems or the ones they create, without creating problems for anyone else.

     

  3. Students will be given opportunities to make decisions and live with the consequences, be they good or bad.

     

  4. Misbehavior will be handled with natural or logical consequences instead of punishment, whenever possible.

     

  5. Misbehavior will be viewed as opportunity for individual problem solving and preparation for the real world as opposed to a personal attack on school and staff.

     

  6. Students are encouraged to request a “due process” hearing whenever consequences appear to be unfair.

     

  7. School problems will be handled by school personnel.

     

  8. Criminal activity will be referred to the proper authorities.

 

 

 

 

 

Ashton Elementary Staff

 

EvanRicks………………...…………………Principal

Megan Hill………………...……………..Secretary

Shannon Holbrook…...…………………..……Pre-school

 Rochelle Hoffner……………………..……….Kindergarten

Leah Lee……………………………….………Kindergarten

Shawna Boles…………………...………………..First Grade

Marci Brubaker….……….………………………First Grade

Kate Nedrow..………….……………………...Second Grade

Kyla Rinehart...……….……………………….Second Grade

Monique Lenz……….…………………………..Third Grade

Karisa Phelps …….……………………………...Third Grade

Sheri Greener…..………………………………Fourth Grade

Sharlie Clay….………………………………..Fourth Grade

Katie Hathaway………………………………….Fifth Grade

Michele Stewart………………………………….Fifth Grade

Julia Green….………………………….…...….Resource

Kathy Anderson……………………...……….…………Aide

Terisita Hernandez………………………………………Aide

Marcy Bradshaw……………………………….………..Aide

Annie Calhoun…..………………………………………Aide

Nancy Glad ………...…………………...………….…...Aide

Whitney Oberhansley………………….…………..……Aide

Janet Reynolds………………………...………………...Aide

Jeralie Nash……………………………………………..Aide

Evelyn Watkins……………………………....................Aide

Open………………………………………………….Music

Brenda Cude………………………..…..Physical Education

Jodi Martindale/Stacy Wynn.………………………Librarian

Kristin Lenz………………………Computer/Keyboarding

Ofelia Labra……………………………….Head Custodian

Blake Steele……..……………….……………..….Custodian

Tina Fuller….………………..………….…Kitchen Manager

Linda Olsen…………………………………………...Cook

Julie Griffel…………………………….……………...Cook

Tyler Cude……………………………….……..Maintenance

 


Daily Student Schedule 2021-22

 

7:45-7:55…………………...Students Dropped Off

No Kindergarten on Fridays

Parents - Please do not allow students to arrive before this time!


7:45……….…….………………….Teachers Arrive

8:00......................................................School Begins            

8:00…….……….………….…………….Tardy Bell

9:45-10:00…..…………..A.M.Recess; Grades K - 5

11:05…….…………..………..Lunch; Kindergarten

11:10 & 11:13……...………………Lunch; 1st grade

11:17 & 11:20……...……………...Lunch; 2nd grade

11:24 & 11:27….….………………Lunch; 3rd grade

11:33 & 11:36.…….………………Lunch; 4th grade

11:40 & 11:43.…….………………Lunch; 5th grade

11:45……….…….………..K-1 Lunch Recess Ends

12:00…….……….………...2-3 Lunch Recess Ends

12:15….………….………...4-5 Lunch Recess Ends

1:45-2:00…….…………..P.M.Recess; Grades K - 5

3:10……….………..……………..School dismissed

3:20…….………….……………....Buses dismissed

3:20….……………..……………Walkers dismissed

3:30-3:45……..……………………Teachers Depart


 

Important Note:

 

Fridays are early dismissals for K-5th grade students.  Students will be dismissed at 1:40 p.m. for teacher preparation and planning.

1:40………...……………………..School dismissed

1:47……...……………...Bus Bell (buses dismissed)

1:48………...……………………Walkers dismissed

3:30-3:45…..………………………Teachers Depart

 

Absences

 

Students who are absent from school must have their parents contact the school each day of the absence.  Parents or guardians should call the school on the date of the absence and the reason the student is absent.

 

Attendance

 

Good attendance at school is extremely important.  There is a significant correlation between school attendance and academic success.  It is important that students be in attendance at school and be punctual.  Students who are not punctual miss important instruction, disrupt the instructional process, and form bad punctuality habits and attitudes about the importance of education.  Idaho Code 33-202 clearly states; The parent or guardian of any child resident in the state who has attained the age of seven (7) years at the time of the commencement of school in his/her district, but not the age of sixteen (16) years, shall cause the child to be instructed in the subjects commonly and usually taught in the public schools of the state of Idaho. To accomplish this, a parent or guardian shall either cause the child to be privately instructed by, or at the direction of his/her parent or guardian; or enrolled in a public school or public charter school, including an on-line or virtual charter school or

parochial school during a period in each year equal to that in which the public schools are in session; there to conform to the attendance policies and regulations established by the board of trustees, or other governing body, operating the school attended.  The parent is requested to call the office before 9:00 a.m. to report the absence for that day.

 

Parent/Legal Guardian Responsibility:

1. It is the responsibility of parents or the child’s legal guardian to ensure their child attends school and demonstrates punctuality.

District Responsibility:

1. To provide a reasonably safe and orderly environment conducive to learning.

2. To provide pedagogically sound instructional concepts presented in a friendly, efficient learning environment.Consequences of Non-Attendance: A student misses important learning concepts by chronic non-attendance.

1. At 5 absences the teacher will contact the parents to discuss the reasons for non-attendance, explain policy and generate a solution by phone or meeting.

2. At 8 absences the principal will contact the parents to generate a solution.

3. Parents and school personnel are encouraged to work together on cooperative strategies to help correct any difficulties with school attendance.

4. Following cooperative strategies, if non-attendance continues, school personnel reserve the right to contact legal authorities.

 

Being late for school hurts a child’s learning, too.  A student who is 10 minutes late every day will miss 30 hours of instruction during the year.  Children can copy notes or make up an assignment, but they can never get back what’s most important: the discussions, the questions, the explanations by the teacher and the thinking that makes learning come alive. 

 

Your child’s success in school depends on having a solid educational background – one that can only be gained through regular school attendance.  We are responsible in helping you teach your child.  But we cannot do our job if your child is absent.  Learning builds day by day.  A child who misses a day of school misses a day of learning.

As of October 17, 2013, the Fremont County School Board approved the following policy (3050) for Elementary Students:

Students in grades one (1) through five (5) may not be absent from any class more than ten (10) days each semester. If an elementary student exceeds the maximum number of allowed absences, he/she will be required to make up for the missed time and coursework through a process to be determined by individual school policy.  Whenever it is determined by the Board, or the Board’s designee, under the provisions of due process of law that the parents or guardians of any child who is not enrolled in public schools are failing to meet the requirements of Idaho Code, any authorized representative of the Board shall notify in writing the prosecuting attorney in the county of the pupil’s residence and recommend that a petition shall be filed in the magistrates division of the District Court of the county of the pupil’s residence, in such form as the court may require under the provisions of Idaho Code.

 

Birthdays

 

Birthday invitations may only be passed out at school if every child in the class receives one or every child of the same sex is invited.  Please mail or hand-deliver birthday invitations from home.  School is not the place to invite students to birthday parties especially when only a select few classmates are invited.  If you want your child’s birthday party to be small then please do not make the school a part of the distribution of birthday invitations. 

 

 

BUS RULES:  STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES

 

Idaho laws provide that riding a school bus is a privilege available to students who exercise good conduct while on the school bus.  All students, parents and guardians should become familiar with District bus rules and regulations and follow them carefully. All busses are equipped with audio and video to be used if needed to follow up on incidents.

Bus Riding Rules

  1. The driver is in full charge of the bus and students.  Students must obey the request of the driver promptly and willingly.  Such requests may include:
    1. Assignment of students to specific seats.
    2. Requiring that students assist in keeping the bus clean.
    3. Requiring permission to open windows on the bus.

    Bus Rules cont.

    1. Requesting students to keep all items out of the aisles.
    2. Following front seat loading procedures.

     

  2. Students are expected to comply with state regulations which require all riders to:
    1. Load and unload the bus in a safe, courteous manner at designated locations only.
    2. Find a seat immediately and remain seated until the bus stops for de-boarding.
    3. Refrain from bringing pets or animals on the bus.
    4. Refrain from eating or drinking on the bus or bringing any glass container on the bus.
    5. Refrain from bringing any form of weapon on the bus, including but not limited to guns, knives, or explosives.
    6. Refrain from any conduct, which would harass or distract the bus driver or other students, including making loud noises or obscene gestures or using profane or obscene language.
  1. Refrain from engaging in participating in or encouraging any form of fighting.
  2. In assembling and awaiting the arrival of the bus, students are expected to obey all school rules providing for student standards of conduct and are not to cross the street until given consent by the driver.  Students must cross the highway only in front of the bus, in full view of the driver, and not stand or play in the roadway while waiting for a bus.
  3. Students must keep arms and hands inside the bus at all times.
  4. Students are expected to be on time at loading points so buses can run on schedule.  Buses cannot be expected to wait for late boarders.
  5. The student shall not leave or board the bus at locations other than the assigned home stop or assigned school unless such arrangements have been approved by the transportation supervisor and or the building principal.
    1. Students wishing to have other students come to their homes must have a written note from their parents giving them permission.  Those students may ride if there is sufficient room on the bus.  A written note from the students’ principal or secretary is also acceptable.
    2. Students must also board the bus at the school they attend or have a written excuse from the building principal as to why they are not boarding at the school they attend.

Bus Discipline Policy and Procedures

In order to guarantee all children riding district buses the safe transportation they deserve, the following discipline policy and procedure will be in immediate effect.

 

Our Philosophy:

We believe all students can behave appropriately and safely while riding on school buses.  We will tolerate no student preventing drivers from carrying out their responsibilities or preventing other students from having safe transportation.

 

Bus Rules:

  1. Follow the direction of the driver.
  2. Stay quietly seated, facing forward.
  3. No eating, drinking, no glass containers.
  4. No tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or vandalism.
  5. No inappropriate language or gestures.
  6. No pushing, shoving, cutting line or fighting.

 

If a Student Chooses to Break a Bus Regulation:

Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, a first

Bus Rules cont.

 

offense could result in immediate suspension of transportation privileges.

            1st Incident: Driver issues first Conduct Report.  The parent’s signature will be required on the student’s copy or the parent’s mailed copy must be returned, signed, for the student to continue riding the bus.  The building principal will be notified.

            2nd Incident: Driver issues second Conduct Report.  Student is suspended from riding the bus for ten (10) school days.  Parent conference with transportation supervisor, bus driver, building principal, and student required for student to ride again.  Bus privileges could be suspended for the remainder of the year.

 

Appeal Process:

Any appeals related to the above disciplinary procedure will follow the prescribed steps:

            Step 1:  Director of Transportation

            Step 2:  Superintendent

            Step 3:  Board of Trustees

It is in the children’s best interest that we work together in a relationship that provides safe transportation.

 

 

Cold Weather Policy

 

When the weather becomes extremely cold we allow students to stay indoors.  Physicians have advised us to use zero degrees wind chill as a rule in determining if the children stay indoors.   We must recognize the difference between “uncomfortable” temperatures and those that present a health hazard.  Please prepare your child for the temperatures of an Idaho winter by dressing them properly with a heavy coat, hat, gloves or mittens, snow pants, and boots.  Please put identification tags on all children’s clothing.

Discipline

 

School discipline is based on the belief that although students have the right to a public education where they can be taught and treated fairly; they DO NOT have the right to:

 

- interfere with another student’s learning

- engage in behavior that is not in their best interest or in the best interest of others

- interfere in the teaching/learning process

- engage in vandalism of school property.

 

We are strongly committed to encouraging all who are involved with the development and education of children to work together to make the school experience successful.  Positive student behavior will be expected and misbehavior dealt with in an appropriate manner.

 

The building principal is responsible for the application of consequences for student misconduct. We may need to involve parents when severe problems arise.  It is our belief that children of involved parents experience little misbehavior.

 

 

 

Early Arriving Students

 

Many problems dealing with student behavior and supervision arise when students congregate at school earlier than necessary.  Therefore, students should not arrive more than 15 minutes before classes start.  School will begin at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.  It is important for safety’s sake that students go home immediately upon dismissal from school.

 

Electronic Devices & Toys

 

Beepers, pagers, cellular phones, laser pens, electronic devices and toys may cause a disruption to the learning environment.  Any such electronic devices or toys that are deemed to cause a disruption or constitutes a safety hazard by any school official may be confiscated and returned to the parent. 

Toys/electronic devices/cell phones/etc. are not allowed to be used during school hours.  If cell phones are brought to school they should be turned off once they get on the bus coming to school and can be turned back on once they get off the bus going home.

 

 

Emergency Closure Procedure

 

Provisions have been made in state attendance regulations for two kinds of emergency closures:

#1 Emergency closure due to facility failure

In the case of emergency closure due to facility failure, advance notice will be given whenever possible using media outlets and all other appropriate communication devices (telephone).  If such a failure occurs during the school day requiring school closure before the end of the regular day, parents will be notified as soon as possible so you will be able to respond accordingly.

#2 Emergency closures due to weather

In the case of emergency closure due to weather, the following should be carefully noted:

If snowy conditions or extreme cold are predicted, the transportation supervisor and Superintendent begin checking weather conditions at 5:00 am.  The main concern, in the case of a heavy snowfall, is whether or not the county road crews are able to maintain the roads so that our buses can run.  In the case of a heavy snowfall, with little or no winds, the county may have the roads cleared in time for school buses to run normally.  A heavy snowfall with high winds will very often create drifting conditions that make outlying roads impassable. The roads in the Island Park area, the Green Timber area and the Squirrel region all present individual situations and problems that will be taken into consideration.  Since we have several employees that live in the south and work in the north, and visa-versa, we will close the entire district in time of inclement weather rather than select one region over another.

 

In the event of extreme cold, we check temperatures throughout the county, from north of Henry’s Lake, to Mack’s Inn, to Parker, Teton, Ashton, and St. Anthony between 5:00 and 5:30 am.  Our rule of thumb is: 

  • if the temperatures are below 21 degrees in several of the locations, we close the district schools;
  • if the wind chill becomes a factor we close the district schools.

 

Upon closure, we immediately notify radio and television stations. We also send out a telephone message on school messenger. Our goal is to notify the media as close to 6 am as possible.  However, we may have to continue to monitor conditions past 6 am before making a decision.  We ask that you listen to one of the Idaho Falls or Rexburg stations on questionable mornings for notice of school closure.  Please do not call the schools or district office for information, as there are no staff members in the building to take those calls at the early hours.  The media has promised to report closure information frequently between 6 and 8 am.

 

A more difficult problem arises when we experience heavy storm conditions during the course of a school day.  It will always be our first choice to keep students at school until conditions improve, as we do not desire to place students on the roads in buses when visibility is poor.  It can also be dangerous to take a child home early when parents cannot be reached.  We prefer to keep children at school until the normal release time, if at all possible.

 

It is important that children come to school dressed for the weather.  We ask that students come to school in cold weather with long pants, coats, hats, gloves, and proper shoes or boots so that they are adequately protected from the cold, even if they ride a bus to school.

 

1.  Parents should make advance arrangements for their children to cover two eventualities:

a. School being canceled before the school day begins because of existing weather conditions;

b. School being canceled at some point during the school day because of worsening weather conditions.

 

2.  At no point will the school administration attempt to substitute their own safety judgments for those of the parents.  There may be times when, in the best judgment of the administration, school for the majority of students is possible.  With this determination, buses will run their regularly assigned route.  Nonetheless, if parents determine the contrary for their own children and choose not to send their children to school, the school should be notified so the absence can be recorded appropriately.                                              

 

3.  If school is not officially canceled, all buses will run their regular routes.  Conditions in some parts of the school district may cause delays, however.  If a bus is running substantially late, please do not call the district office or school.  Late buses will stop at all regular stops.  Have students watch for the bus from a safe, supervised, and comfortable place and proceed to the stop as soon as the bus comes into view.

 

4.  All buses are radio equipped and are in constant contact with the central office.  School transportation officials work closely with county road personnel whenever there is a question about road conditions or transportation safety issues.

 

NOTE TO ASHTON PARENTS:

 

Please have a pre-arranged plan for your children to follow in the event that school is dismissed early for some reason.  It is not feasible to have them call you from school for instructions because of the considerable delay that would be encountered.  We would suggest that you ask your children to call you as soon as they reach home (or wherever you tell them to go) and that you have a plan for siblings to meet at a certain location so that they can all go to the designated place (if they are not to go home) together.   Please keep us updated and aware of changes in telephone numbers and emergency contact phone numbers.

 

General School Rules

 

  1. Don’t do anything to hurt yourself.
  2. Don’t do anything to hurt someone else.
  3. Don’t do anything to hurt the school.

(Follow Classroom Rules)

 

 

 

 

General Playground Rules

 

  1. Same as the three “General School Rules” above.
  2. Swings
    1. Swings are made for one child at a time
    2. No standing up in the swings
    3. No jumping out of the swings
    4. No twisting
    5. Do not throw swings at someone else
  3. Students are to play inside the playground fence at all times.  If a ball lands outside the fenced-in area or crosses the street, the student must ask the teacher on duty for permission to get the ball.
  4. Students should be outside during recess. 
  5. Students who stay in the classroom during recess must be supervised by their classroom teacher or aide.
  6. No food is allowed outside of the cafeteria.
  7. Students are to stay away from the windows while outside.
  8. Do not bounce balls against the building.
  9. Do not fight, play roughly, or throw rocks or sticks.
  10. No tackle sports or games.
  11. Use playground toys/equipment how they are intended to be used.
  12. Do not climb up the slides.  Do not throw rocks down or up the slides and equipment. 
  13. Do not carry other students.
  14. No name calling, swearing, bullying, fighting, or teasing.
  15. No playing in the trees.

 

General Cafeteria Rules

 

  1. No food or drink purchased from the kitchen should be taken out of the cafeteria.  This includes, but is not limited to, fruit snacks, chips, milk, apples, etc.  Whatever is purchased from the kitchen staff should be eaten in the cafeteria at that time.
  2. No running to or from the garbage cans or to or from being in line.
  3. Students should sit at the tables with their legs and feet under the table.
  4. Once a student has sat down, they should remain sitting until finished eating.
  5. As a general rule of thumb, no more than 8 students per table side for a total of 16 students per table.
  6. Students speak in conversational tones and are courteous to each other and staff.
  7. Students are in charge of returning their tray for cleaning and to pick up trash to ensure the area stays clean.

 

General “Winter Dress & Playground” Rules

 

  1. No snowball throwing.
  2. No sliding on ice.
  3. No King of the Bunker
  4. Students should be dressed in snow pants and snow boots along with their hat, gloves, and coat to get down into the snow and play (e.g. making snow angels).
  5. Students who make a snow object (snowman or snow fort) will be in charge of deciding if and when it is broken.
  6. No digging holes and/or caves in snow piles or drifts.
  7. Students are not allowed to play under the eaves of the building during snow months.
  8. Students should brush their clothes off and stomp their feet before entering the building to remove as much snow as possible from their snow clothes.

 

Grades and Report Cards

 

The elementary schools are operating on a quarter and semester system similar to that of the secondary schools in our district.  Parents are invited to meet with the teachers in Parent-Teacher Conferences in November and March to review progress.  Report cards will be sent home at the end of each quarter.  Grades for the report cards are based on student performance and building teachers will be happy to explain this to you.  Except in unusual circumstances, the student’s grades reflect achievement in learning the concepts taught.  Theoretically, it would be possible for all students to earn an “A”.  Parents need to take into account the motivation and ability of their child as well as his/her work habits, self-esteem and social adjustment before bringing pressure to bear on the child to earn higher grades.  The teacher may be able to help you in making this assessment.  Close cooperation and communication between parents and teacher often results in improved grades.

 

Head Lice

 

Periodically or upon request, individuals or classes are checked for head lice by the office.  If a student is found infected with lice or the nits, he/she will be sent home to receive treatment.  Before students are allowed back in school they must be treated and be nit free.  Any student sent home for head lice must check back in at the office before he/she goes to class.

 

Heelys, Skateboards and Rollerblades 

 

Heelys, Skateboards, and Rollerblades are not permitted on school property at any time.  Note:  Heelys without the wheels in them may be worn to school.

 

Illness and Medication

 

School personnel shall give emergency care to students who become ill or are injured on school property, on buses, or in areas adjacent to the school premises.  Any further treatment shall be the responsibility of the parent.  Parents shall be notified in case of illness, or injury to a pupil. 

In case the parent cannot be reached, the family physician listed on the pupil’s enrollment form shall be notified.

 

No employee of the District shall prescribe, or give, an unauthorized medication (one not having parental permission and a physician’s order) to a student.  Any student known to have a medication of any type in the classroom or on the premises of the school shall be interviewed by the principal or school nurse to ascertain the need for the medication and its appropriateness in the school setting.  An authorized medication may be given by the principal or properly designated person under one of the following conditions:

  1. The Physician and Parental/Guardian Consent Form for Student Self-Administration of Medication should be completed by parent and physician; the medication to be given must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by a pharmacy or physician.  Asthmatic children may be allowed to carry their inhalers on school property, giving them the power of self-administration in accordance with this policy.
  2. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be given to a secondary student upon his/her request, and parental permission.
    1. Aspirin and/or acetaminophen are not to be given to elementary students for a short-term symptom or illness.  Elementary students needing aspirin and/or acetaminophen for a long-term illness should complete the Physician and Parental/Guardian Consent Form for Student Self-Administration of Medication.
  3. In case of respiratory emergency, i.e. bee sting or severe asthma attack, an epinephrine inhaler may be administered by the principal or other designated authority.
  4. Students on prescribed medications may be allowed to take their own medications upon written permission from their parent(s)/guardian(s).  This written permission must be submitted to the school principal.  It is requested that these students bring only a daily dosage each day.
  5. This policy will not, however, supersede a student’s rights as protected by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, American Disabilities Act or the Individual with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA).  Thus, in cases where students are placed on a Section 504 Plan or Individual Education Plan (IEP), there may be cause or need wherein, where trained school staff (e.g. staff trained on the appropriate administration of a specific medication) will assist and/or give a student medication which can include injections as prescribed by a physician’s medical order and as outlined on a student’s Section 504 Plan or IEP.

 

In the event that a situation arises which cannot be handled as stated in the above conditions, medication may be given to a student at the discretion of the principal or designated authority on a one time basis with telephone permission from parent or guardian. 

Reference:  District Policy 3510 “Administering Medications”

 

When children who are ill attend school it complicates their illness and accelerates the spread of any of the communicable disease they may have.  Children who are sick do not belong in school. Students who are absent due to illness will be expected to make up all significant work.  Parents should call for missed work just as soon as the child is well enough to begin doing it.

 

Immunization Records

 

Immunization records must be maintained by the school on each student.  The state requires a report from each school on the status of each student in regard to minimum immunizations.  Please keep your child’s record current by notifying the school when new shots are received.  If for some reason, you are unable to have your child immunized, you will be requested to sign a waiver form that will be filed with your child’s record so that we will not be contacting you unnecessarily.  Proof of adequate immunization against seven childhood diseases must be on file with the school before a child may attend school. In the case of an epidemic, students who are not adequately immunized, for whatever reason, must be excluded from school.  These rules in regard to immunization are based on Idaho laws.

 

Leaving Ashton School

 

No student is to leave the school building or grounds without permission from the office.  Parents, please arrange through the office when you wish to remove your child from school during the day.  Checking at the office before taking your child from the premises will help us to ensure the safety of each child at the school.

 

Please send a note if a child is to get off a bus at a different location than usual, ride a different bus than usual, ride home with a parent of a friend, neighbor, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or to walk or ride a bicycle when that is not the usual routine. 

 

We will not give permission for children to deviate from the normal routine unless there is a parental permission note or telephone call.  If you call, please do so before 1:00 p.m. Our concern is for the safety and well-being of your children.

 

Library

 

Our school library media center is a source of pride and is a vital part of our instructional program.  Through regularly scheduled class times, students are encouraged to explore our many books.  In order to maintain an adequate collection, students, teachers, and parents must cooperate to see that materials are returned in good condition.  If materials are not returned, a charge equal to the current replacement price is made.

 

Lost and Found

Clothing and personal belongings that are brought to school should be labeled with the child’s name.  Found articles are turned into the school’s Lost and Found.  Lost and Found items are located on a bench just inside the foyer.  Please feel free to check our lost and found for items your student has misplaced (Any items left at the close of the school year will be donated to charitable institutions).

 

 

 

New Student Identification

 

The requirements for identification of all new students are mandated by state law.  Upon enrollment of a student for the first time in an elementary or secondary school, the school shall notify, in writing, the person enrolling the student that within thirty days (30) she or he must provide either a certified copy of the student’s birth certificate or other reliable proof of the student’s identity and birth date, which proof shall be accompanied by an affidavit explaining the inability to produce a copy of the birth certificate.  Idaho Code 18-4511.  If the requested identification is not provided to the school, we are required to notify the proper authorities.

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences

 

Parent-teacher conferences will be held at the end of the first and third quarters to discuss your child’s progress in school.  The staff is available to meet with parents on an individual basis on these dates.  Appointments are made by the teacher.  You will be notified of these times prior to the conferences.  We ask that you make every effort to attend your conference at the appointed time.   Should the need arise for a conference at any time during the school year; please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or Mr. Ricks.  Parent-Teacher Conference dates for the 2021-22 school year are November 10th and 11th and March 30th and 31st.  Scheduled times are from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.

 

PowerSchool

 

Fremont School District has purchased PowerSchool, an educational software program used to provide students, parents, teachers, and administrators with real-time information.  PowerSchool provides instant access to information the second it is recorded.  This on-line community opens new channels of communication and provides a home-to-school community connection.

 

PowerSchool is a web-based student information system that enables districts and schools to record, access, report and manage their student information and performance.

 

PowerSchool allows teachers to record grades and attendance electronically.  These records are then posted and can be accessed real-time by parents through a confidential log-in.  In addition to student records, parents/guardians can monitor progress, review grades, read school bulletins, and correspond via e-mail with individual teachers.

 

PowerSchool also serves as a doorway to the best educational resources.  Students have access to on-line tutoring resources, reference material and information about college and careers.  Parents have access to on-line parenting tips and teaching aids. 

 

PowerSchool helps parents be in direct connection to their child’s education.  With simple internet access, you can find out exactly how your child is performing at any given moment.  Simply enter the web address of Fremont School District at http://www.sd215.k12.id.us/ and then click on PowerSchool and enter your student’s user name and password and click “Enter”.

 

Feel free to contact your child’s teacher or main office if you do not have your student’s password or user name.

 

Records

All student records are kept on file in the office, and will be made available to legal guardians upon request.  This information will not be given to individuals other than school personnel without signed parent permission.

 

Releasing Students from School

 

We assume responsibility for your child’s well-being during school hours.  Students may be released to their parent/guardian during the school day after the parent/guardian has signed the release log located in the office.  This precaution is taken solely for the protection of your student.  We ask for your cooperation and assistance by observing this policy. 

 

Riding Bicycles and Walking

 

Students who ride bicycles to school are to practice correct bicycle safety procedures.  In the event a child is using a bicycle inappropriately, a conference between the student, parents and principal will be necessary to help facilitate the safety of the child.  There is a special area set aside near the school’s front doors for the students to leave their bicycles during the school day.  Bicycles should be parked upon arrival and are not to be ridden around the playground area.

 

Bicycle riders and children who walk will be held within the school building until buses have gone.  Walkers and bicycle riders are allowed to leave after the buses leave at approximately 3:17 pm on Monday through Thursdays and 1:47 pm on Fridays.  Please caution your children against going for rides with anyone without your permission.

 

 

 

 

 

School Admission

 

A student must be age 5 on or before September 1st of the current school year to enroll in kindergarten.

 

School Fees

 

Ashton Elementary asks for donations to provide for classroom activities, school assemblies, and other special cost activities.

 

School Injuries

 

Even with the greatest of precautions and close supervision, accidents can and do happen at school.  They are a fact of life and a part of the growing-up process our children go through.  Parents need to be aware of this and be prepared for possible medical expenses that may arise should your child be injured at school.  The school district does not provide medical insurance to pay for medical expenses when students are injured at school.  This is the responsibility of the parents or legal guardians.

 

School Lunch

 

The Food Services Department is committed to preparing and serving nutritious, well-balanced meals to our students.  All students have the opportunity to eat breakfast and either a hot or cold lunch at school.  The cost of school lunches for the 2021-2022 school year is $2.00 per lunch and $1.40 per breakfast.  Students who receive reduced meals will pay $0.40 per lunch and $0.30 per breakfast.  Students are served nutritious lunches at school.  Parents are welcome to eat lunch at school with their child.  If you would like to eat at school with your child, please call the office by 9:00 a.m. the morning you plan to come.  We will need to be sure to make an adequate number of lunches.  The cost of an adult lunch is $4.10. Milk is $.40.

 

Families that qualified for free or reduced priced lunches during the 2020-2021 school year will continue to receive the same free or reduced priced lunches for the first month (30 days) of the 2021-22 school year or until the application has been approved or disapproved.  We encourage all parents to apply, application forms can be picked up from the main office or lunch room.

 

 

Special Education/Resource

 

Special education services are available for students who possess individual needs that are difficult to meet with the regular program.  If you feel that your child has special needs and may qualify for special education, please talk to your child’s teacher or to the principal.

 

Student Dress Code

 

The Board of Trustees of Fremont School District #215 recognizes the individual right of students to choose their style of dress.  The Board takes pride in the fact that the majority of this district’s students have elected to wear clothing and observe grooming habits which represent the pride students have in their school.

 

Since it is the duty of the Board to provide an educational atmosphere conducive to learning and to protect the health, safety, and morals of students, clothing or grooming habits that are disruptive of the educational process, have a detrimental effect on the safety and morals of students or that depict illegal or immoral acts are prohibited.  Additionally, clothing which depicts by word or picture items or acts that are obscene, lewd, indecent or offensive are also prohibited, as is clothing which any depiction or words describing or advertising any alcohol or tobacco product or any legal or illegal drug or substance.  Clothing and grooming habits must take into account the sensibilities of others.

 

If the superintendent or his/her designee determines that a student’s attire or grooming habit is disruptive of the educational atmosphere or is detrimental to the health, morals, or safety of the student or other students, that student will be required to return to his/her home and change into suitable clothing before coming back to school.  Parents or guardians will be notified each time a student is asked to leave school because of inappropriate attire.  If a grooming habit is determined to violate this policy, the student and his/her parents or guardian will be required to meet with the superintendent or his/her designee to discuss and resolve the matter.  All time missed from classes for failure to adhere to this policy will be deemed unexcused absences.  Repeated failure to follow this policy may result in further discipline.

 

Students’ clothing should be clean, in good repair, and appropriate to the current weather conditions.  Extremely tight fitting clothing, midriff tops, short-shorts, bare feet, fishnet shirts, shirts without sides, and tank tops are considered disruptive to the educational process and are unacceptable.  Hats are not to be worn in the school building.  Clothing promoting or alluding to products or actions inappropriate to the school environment will not be allowed.  Parents will be notified if inappropriate clothing is being worn to school.  Students who practice good personal hygiene and cleanliness feel better about themselves and consequently achieve better in school.

 

Student Drop Off and Pick Up

 

Because of the number of parents who are choosing to drive their children to school and pick them up after school it is essential that clear guidelines are communicated and then followed by everyone.  As always safety is my first concern.  Please read and follow these guidelines: 

Student Drop Off                                                                                                                            1.  If you are dropping your child off in the morning please use the bus lane.  This will make it so children are always dropped off on a sidewalk and not having to cross in front of other buses or cars to get into the school.                                                                                                                 2.  Enter through the north entrance (Main Street) and leave through the south exit.  This was and continues to be a one-way street.                                                                                                      3.  Never park your car in the bus lane or any other lane to accompany your child into the building.  There should be a steady but slow flow of traffic through the bus lane dropping students off.                                                                                                                                      4.  If you need to come into the building please park your car in the diagonal parking for staff and parents and then walk your student into the building.                                                                      5.  All students will enter the building through the main east entrance.  Please drop them off as close to this entrance as possible and always on the sidewalk.                                                         6.  Drive slowly.  The speed limit is posted as 10 m.p.h.  Obey it!!!                                                 

7.  Drop your child off between 7:45-7:55 a.m.  School will begin at 8:00 a.m.                             

8.  Never pass a bus while it is in the bus lane with flashers on and never back out of the bus lane.                                                                                                                                                   9.  Never let your child out of the car unless they can be let out on the sidewalk.                          

10. Never assume that other drivers are being as cautious as you are.

Student Pick Up                                                                                                                                1.  A bus bell will ring at 3:10 p.m., 5 minutes later the buses will depart.  Walkers along with students being picked up by parents will be dismissed after all buses have exited the bus lane.                                                                                                         2.  The bus lane will be for buses only.  Buses will begin to enter the bus lane to park and wait for students approximately 10 minutes before school ends (school ends at 3:10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and at 1:40 p.m. on Fridays).                                                                                                            3.  There are 2 lanes in between the bus lane and the diagonal parking.  Please use the lane closest to the bus lane to pick students up.  This will allow parked cars to exit their stalls and then exit the parking lot.                                                                                                                  4.  When picking your child up from school please pull as far forward towards the south end of the pick-up lane as possible allowing as many parents as possible to use the lane.                         5.  Do not park in the parent pick-up lane and enter the building.  If you need to come into the building please park your car in a designated parking stall.                                                             6.  All students will exit the building through the main east entrance.                                             

7.  Never assume that other drivers are being as cautious as you are. 

Our bus drivers have been very courteous and patient to work with.  Please do the same for them.

 

Substance Abuse Policy

 

We assert that the use and possession of illegal drugs is unacceptable and harmful behavior.  The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs by students or employees on school premises or at school activities is prohibited.  Disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution will be imposed on students who violate these standards of conduct.

Substance Abuse Policy Continued

Parents will automatically be informed of any violation and will be asked to meet with school officials.  School officials will determine the appropriate course of action.  Age appropriate information is available and taught to all students and is an essential part of the curriculum.

 

Tardiness

 

It is extremely important that your child arrives to school on-time.  Tardy students are a disruption to the class and the learning process.  Please make every effort to have your child at school by 7:55 a.m.

 

Telephone Use

To protect teachers and students from interruptions and to make the best use of the telephone service available in the school, good judgment dictates reasonable restrictions in the use of the school phone.  Students should not use the phone to make arrangements with parents to go over to someone’s house.  They are allowed to use the phone if they have been asked to stay after school to finish work, have missed the bus, or for illness or other emergencies.  For calls placed during the school day, students will receive a “telephone pass” from their teacher who has helped them determine whether the call is necessary.  

 

Essential messages can be taken in the school office and relayed to students and to teachers in case of an emergency.  Parents who have messages to be delivered to their child should call the office before 1:00 p.m. so that the secretary has time to deliver the message.  Consideration on this matter is appreciated.

 

Textbooks

 

Parents or guardians will be charged the full replacement price if textbooks are lost or damaged beyond reasonable use.

 

Title I

 

Ashton Elementary is a School Wide Title I school. Any students that need added help in math and/or reading will be provided with that assistance.

 

Treats

 

It is requested that no treats be brought to school without permission of the student’s teacher.

 

Visiting the School

 

Please feel free to visit our school.  We encourage you to make arrangements with your child’s teacher so arrangements can be made for participation.  Visitors/Volunteers must check in at the school office before visiting a classroom.

 

 

 

Volunteers at School

 

Parents are encouraged to help at school.  Volunteers are needed in many areas of the school.  Please talk to your child’s teacher about ways that you can help.  The PTP is also in need of people to help with activities during the year.  Your help is always appreciated and lets your child know that school is important and that you are concerned enough to be involved.

 

Zero Tolerance for Weapons and Explosives

 

Fremont School District #215 has a "Zero Tolerance" policy for students who bring weapons or other objects/substances to school which are a threat to the health and safety of other students, staff members or visitors.  Possession and/or use of weapons or other objects/substances will result in formal suspension procedures and possible expulsion.

Definitions: For the purposes of this policy, the term weapon is defined in Section 921 of Title 18, United States Code and Idaho Code, Section 18-3302D. Weapons as defined include firearms, dirk knives, Bowie knives, dagger, metal knuckles and other deadly or dangerous weapons.

 

1. Students found in possession of these items will immediately be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency and shall be suspended from school until a thorough investigation is made of the circumstances. 

2. Fremont School District #215 will not admit a resident student, who has been expelled from another school district, to school until that student has completed the mandatory expulsion period of not less than twelve calendar months. Students affected by this policy have the obligation to produce official, written confirmation of the initial date of expulsion from the district that expelled them.

3. In accordance with Idaho Code 18-3302D, employees of Fremont School District #215 shall be deemed to have the right to search all students or minors, their belongings and locker which are reasonably believed to be in violation of the provisions of this section of Idaho Code regarding the carrying of a weapon as defined in this policy.

4. Students denied admission under this policy, are entitled to a due process hearing under the general guidelines established by Idaho Code section 33-205.

 

 

Ashton School Calendar 2021-2022

 

Please watch for notes concerning additions and changes as some dates are subject to change.  We will inform you of those dates once that information has been communicated to us

 

August

August 19-23              Teacher Contract Day (No School)

August 23                    Back-to-School Night 6-7 PM

August 24                    1st Day of School!

 

September

September 6                Labor Day (No School)

 

October

Sept 20 – Oct. 1          Harvest Break (Subject to change!)

                                   

November

November 5                1st Quarter Ends

November 8-11                       Book Fair

November 10-11         Parent-Teacher Conferences (early   

                                    release days)

November 12              No School

November 22-26         Thanksgiving Break

 

December

December 16-20         Santa’s Workshop

December 22-Dec. 31    Winter Break

 

January

January 21                   2nd Quarter Ends

 

February

February 21                 President’s Day (No School)

 

March

March 25                                 3rd Quarter Ends

March 28-31               Spring Book Fair

March 30-31               Parent-Teacher Conferences (early   

                                    release days)

April

April 15-19                 No School

 

May               

May 30                        Memorial Day Break (No School)

 

June

June 3              Last Day of School for Students