RSU #22

HAMPDEN, NEWBURGH, WINTERPORT & FRANKFORT

Leroy H. Smith School

Parent Handbook

2024-2025

 

Principal’s Message

 Dear Parents and Guardians,

 This handbook is for you and your children to help answer some questions.  It outlines some of our school’s policies and procedures and provides general information about the school.  We hope this will be of use to you throughout the school year.  If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to call the school at 223-4282 or email Dawn Moore at [email protected].  There is a district board policy book in the library, the principal’s office, and online at RSU 22.us.  District policies always take precedence over school policies.

The success of our school program is due largely to the partnership of parents, teachers, and the community working together for our children.  This handbook was written for theLeroy H. Smith School community and describes many important practices specific to Smith School’s operation.  We hope you will read the information in this handbook and that you will encourage your child to become familiar with its contents.  Your support of our school and of your child’s educational program is needed and appreciated.



Mission Statement

RSU #22 is committed to the optimal learning of all students.  To achieve our mission we are further committed to:

 

-Fostering and modeling a love of learning

 -Developing self-reliant, creative, and responsible citizens

 -Providing necessary resources

-Creating a community of respect and caring

(Adopted by RSU #22 Board of Directors, June 5, 2002)

 

RSU#22 Core Values

 

-Respect

-Honesty/Ethical Behavior

-Responsibility

-Compassion/Empathy

RSU#22 Essential Behaviors and Outcomes

 

Employees of RSU#22 pledge to work with students, parents, and the community to help students acquire the skills necessary to become effective learners.

 

-Effective learners think Creatively and Critically.

-Effective learners use Appropriate Resources to seek access, apply, and evaluate knowledge.

-Effective learners monitor and balance their physical and emotional Well-Being.

-Effective learners Communicate through a variety of media and for a variety of purposes.

-Effective learners have the knowledge and skills to exercise their responsibilities as citizens in school and in local, national, and global settings.

 

Code of Conduct

Adopted by the RSU #22 Board of Directors on September 3, 2003; updated 2022

The Student Code of Conduct applies to students who are on school property, who are in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or whose conduct at any time or place directly interferes with the operations, discipline, or general welfare of the school.  The full Code of Conduct policy can be viewed on the RSU 22 website policy tab at https://www.rsu22.us/policies/j_students

The Student Code of Conduct aligns to the following policies available on the RSU 22 district policy page: 

JKE-R Expulsion of Students 

JICIA Weapons, Violence and School Safety 

JICK Bullying 

JK Student Discipline 

JKD Suspension of Students 

JKF Disciplinary Removal of Students With Disabilities




Smith School School-Wide Expectations

 

  1. Be Safe  
  2. Be Responsible  
  3. Be Respectful  

Smith School Expectations 2024-2025 Matrix


Restorative Practices

Smith School uses PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention System). Inappropriate behaviors are handled in a positive and consistent manner.  Teachers have the authority and responsibility to maintain discipline in the classroom.  When a student is having a problem the teacher may:  have the student do a written reflection, conference with the student, conference with the parent(s), use classroom disciplinary procedures, or refer the situation to the principal.  Discipline is administered fairly, promptly, and appropriately. Natural consequences and restorative practices are used to support teaching prosocial alternatives to problem behaviors. Though rare at the Smith School, in-school suspensions or out-of-school suspensions may occur. In this case, parents will be notified immediately.  In the rare case of recurring suspension, the following protocol is followed:

 Leroy H Smith School suspension Protocol.docx


School Hours

Students may arrive at school at 7:20 a.m. when supervision begins.  The school cannot be held responsible for students who arrive before this supervision time.  Breakfast is offered. Breakfast is FREE for all. A child may have either breakfast before school begins (7:20-7:45) or may take a go bag for snack time - they may only have one breakfast per day. Teachers arrive in their classrooms at 7:20 a.m., and after 7:50 a.m. students are considered tardy.  The official start time of school is 7:50 a.m.  Students are dismissed for the day at 2:00 p.m. (Kindergarten is dismissed at 1:58).


Attendance

Attendance and punctual arrival are seen as highly important components of the educational process.  We will be concerned about the student unless you notify our office at 223-4282 or email the office at [email protected] prior to the start of school about any absence. A call to all absent students who we have not heard from will go out at 9:00. Please make every effort to call or email with the reason for the absence prior to then. 


A parent or guardian MUST send a note giving the reason for the absence to the student’s teacher on the first day of their return to school if it has not already been communicated.  These notes are kept on file at school.  Pupil absences are excused for the following reasons:  pupil illness, illness or death in the family, religious obligations, medical appointments, and others as arranged between the parent and the principal.  Students must also have a note or email/text to [email protected] from a parent or guardian before being excused during the school day for medical appointments.  Students must be dismissed through the office for any appointments.  Students who are absent from school are responsible for acquiring assignments and completing missed work.  Inconsistent school attendance will affect school performance and will be reflected on the student’s report card.  Arrangements should be made through the principal’s office when long absences are expected.

Administration of Medications

If under exceptional circumstances, your child is required by his/her healthcare provider to take medications during school hours and you cannot be at school to administer the medication, please contact the nurse.  She will need to talk with you and provide you with the proper form to fill out.  The form must be signed by you and your child’s healthcare provider prior to the administration of any medication.  Handwritten notes cannot be used.  The prescription must be in the original container.  District policy states that no medications are to be transported by students on the buses.  We appreciate your cooperation with this safety rule.

Emergency Forms/Information

Emergency forms are necessary for us to keep on file. We need the telephone numbers of responsible adults who can be reached during the day in case a child becomes ill or has had an emergency.  Please inform us of any changes in work, home, and emergency contact phone numbers as soon as possible.  Updated emergency forms are essential.  Copies of any court orders, protection orders, etc., must be provided to the school and will be kept with the student’s records.

 

School Counseling Program

Our school counselor works with students, parents, and school staff to help support the social, emotional, and academic growth of all students.  This comprehensive program includes weekly classroom L.E.A.D. lessons, small groups, and individual meetings with students.  Our school counselor is available to help all students with a variety of skills such as: working well with others, goal setting, solving friendship problems, managing feelings and dealing with peer pressure, and more! Our school counselor:

1. Presents classroom lessons

2. Meets with students individually

3. Leads small groups

4. Collaborates with teachers and administrators

5. Consults with parents

6. Helps with community resource referrals

7. Supports the overall school environment

If  you have questions or would like more information about our counseling program, please contact our school counselor: Kim Raymond, [email protected]

RSU #22 partners with Northernlight (Acadia) for individual counseling. Please contact Kim Raymond if interested.  

Smith School employs a ½ time social worker. Ms. Melendez works with all students. She may work with individuals as well as small groups. 

 

Textbooks and Library Books

Each student is responsible for his/her books and resource materials.  Any books signed out/taken home by a student should be returned in good condition or the cost of the book must be paid.


Early Dismissal Days

On early release day(s), students are provided a bagged lunch to take home. Dismissal is at 11:30 a.m.  Please let us know if your child will have any transportation changes on these days.


Visitors / Volunteers

All visitors/volunteers, including parents and volunteers, are asked to sign in at the office before visiting any part of the school.  Parents wishing to speak to staff members should call and schedule a mutually agreeable time. 


Safety

Safety is a prime concern at the Leroy H Smith School.  The school safety plan is updated annually and addresses everyday safety as well as emergency situations.  There is an evacuation plan if that should be necessary.  Your child should not bring dangerous or distracting items to school such as toy guns, knives, toys, electronics, jewelry, etc.  We ask parents to support our efforts to provide a safe environment by reinforcing school expectations with their children regarding behavior at school, on buses, and walking to and from school.  We ask parents to follow safe driving practices at drop-off and pickup times, avoid bus areas, and not leave running vehicles unattended.


Cell Phones & Other Technology That Allows Calling and/or Texting  


Cell phones should be kept in the student’s backpack during the school day. Students who need to contact parents during the school day must make their calls through the school phones. Cell phones or other technology devices (iWatches, fitness tracker or other devices) being used inappropriately (making calls, checking and sending texts, taking pictures) during school hours  will be subject to the following guidelines:


1. First offense – Phone/device confiscated and returned to student at the end of the day. Parent is contacted. 

2. Second offense – Phone/device confiscated and returned to the parent upon parent request.

3. Third offense - Student loses the privilege to have the device at school.


Transportation

All bus information must be received in writing or through email.   You can send this information with your child in the morning or email the office at [email protected] until 1:00 p.m.  Phone calls will not be accepted.  

 

When notifying the office of a bus change, please include the name and address of where your child will be going.  If your child is being picked up, please include the name of the person picking your child up.

 

Lunch/Breakfast Program and Snack Time

Breakfast is available each day, free for all. Students may choose to eat breakfast when they arrive or eat it at their snack time.   

School lunch is FREE for ALL students. Milk is included with school lunch. 

For students who bring home lunch, lunch milk is available for a cost of  $0.55. You may pay through http://www.Myschoolbucks.com. If you need your child’s ID #, please contact the school office at 223-4282. 


Although breakfast and lunch are free for all, we do ask for families who may meet federal income guidelines to please fill out an application. This information supports funding for other programs at our school. Thank you! 


Classroom Celebrations

Classroom celebrations will happen at the teacher's discretion. When food is involved, district wellness policy must be followed. All food brought in must be okayed by the classroom teacher. 


Home/School Communication

Various newsletters are sent/emailed home from individual classrooms, the school office, and the school district.  Occasionally, students are photographed and perhaps mentioned by name when a special event/project is included.  Parents will need to sign a form allowing or not allowing their child to be featured in this way.


Report Cards/Parent-Teacher Conferences

Report cards go home three times each year to keep you informed about your child’s progress in a variety of areas.  Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled in November, but please don’t hesitate to call the school if you have any questions or concerns at any time.  Report cards will be sent to noncustodial parents as requested.  Noncustodial parents may wish to provide the school with stamped, self-addressed envelopes in order to be informed of school events.  The website at smith.rsu22.us is also a good place to check for school events.


Library

Children will visit the library once every six days for a library skills lesson, story, video, or craft time.  They will be given free choice to select a library book of interest to them.  It is hoped that the children will develop a lifelong love of books and libraries while gaining a sense of responsibility and community sharing. 


Physical Education

Physical education will occur 2x per six-day rotation.  When possible, PE will occur outside. Please dress your child prepared to go outside.   Children learn cooperation, teamwork, and independent thinking, and build self-esteem.  Lessons focus on movement education, particularly in the area of locomotor, non-locomotor, and manipulative skills.  Within an often fast-moving PE class, it is important for all children to adhere to our safety rules which are reviewed before each class.  Children need to dress appropriately on PE days.  Sneakers and comfortable pants are preferred.  If for any reason your child should not participate in PE class, please let the office know in writing.


Music

The RSU #22 Kindergarten through Fourth Grade music curriculum includes the following five areas: movement, instruments, singing, listening, and composing. Music will meet one time per six-day rotation.  


Gifted/Talented Program

RSU #22 offers programming at Smith School for students in grades three and four who qualify and exhibit strengths in specific academic areas. An ILP (Individual Learning Plan) is developed to provide enrichment programming in reading/language arts and math to allow for an extension to the regular classroom curriculum.


Art

Classes will meet once in a six-day rotation. Art is mostly a “hands-on” activity with the exception of focused study at each grade level on a particular artist.  Artwork is displayed in school hallways and some work is selected for area exhibits.


Literacy and Math Support Services (Title I)

All Smith School students who need extra help are entitled to receive support services in reading and math.  Smith School employs two highly qualified Title I teachers and a ½ time educational technician. Staff serve all students. 

 

Field Trips 

You will be notified in advance of any field trips that we may be taking.  Your child will bring home a notice or an email will be sent describing the field trip. The beginning of the year permission slip covers all field trips taken throughout the year.  On some trips, we may ask for volunteers to accompany us. 


Transferring Students

Students planning to transfer are requested to notify the school office a week in advance.  This gives our staff time to notify teachers and to prepare records.


Special Services

Special Education services are available through the IEP (Individual Educational Plan) process, for any students who need support beyond the regular instructional program.  If you or your child’s teacher have any concerns about your child’s social, emotional, academic, or intellectual development, the Student Assistant Team may work with your child’s teacher to support him/her to provide for your child’s needs.

 

Clothing and Supplies

Your child should wear appropriate, comfortable, and practical clothes to school.  The children will be participating in active play on the playground.  Your child should bring a backpack to school each day so that supplies, notes, and books can travel safely to and from school.  Important school notices are sent home regularly. Masks are currently optional for anyone. 


Recess

Outside play is an important part of your child’s development.  Please dress your child appropriately according to the weather.  If your child is not feeling well enough to go outside for recess, the child should be home that day.  All children are expected to go out at recess time. We go outside when temperatures are above 5 degrees, including wind chill.

 

Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions or need information.

Dawn Moore, Principal: [email protected]

Smith School: 223-4282