BERWICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Berwick ElementaryA learning community committed to:Building characterstriving for Excellence,and encouraging Success2020-2021 Student/Parent HandbookIn response to the Covid 19 pandemic and for the health of students and staff, we have developed routines and procedures for cleaning and safety. Our guidelines and practices are in line with recommendations from the CDC, Office of Public Health, and St. Mary Parish School Board. Stipulations will be followed closely and effectively as required. In the event of distant learning, Berwick Elementary faculty and staff will put forth all efforts to ensure learning continues. Due to this pandemic, many things discussed in this handbook, such as clubs, field trips, student events, etc. are subject to change based on the recommendations of health officials. In response to the Covid 19 pandemic and for the health of students and staff, we have developed routines and procedures for cleaning and safety. Our guidelines and practices are in line with recommendations from the CDC, Office of Public Health, and St. Mary Parish School Board. Stipulations will be followed closely and effectively as required. In the event of distant learning, Berwick Elementary faculty and staff will put forth all efforts to ensure learning continues. Due to this pandemic, many things discussed in this handbook, such as clubs, field trips, student events, etc. are subject to change based on the recommendations of health officials. 1292727-26566Respect everyone around you.*Follow all school rules.*Put forth 100% effort in everything you do.020000Respect everyone around you.*Follow all school rules.*Put forth 100% effort in everything you do.BERWICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL400 TEXAS STREETBERWICK, LA 70342OFFICE: 384-8355 FAX: 384-5427PRINCIPAL: Debbie DomingueASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (Prek-2): Brianna ComeauxASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (3-5): Malissa HebertSECRETARIES: Kit Guidroz, Jamie Anslem Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,We are bursting with excitement knowing we have our children back. The last five months have been difficult without them, and we plan to take advantage of every minute they are in the building with us. I sincerely hope that you spent your time having fun, relaxing, and enjoying life. By the same token, I hope your child spent time reading for enjoyment during the quarantine. Reading is the heart of all learning, and if your child actively read during the down time, he/she will have a greater advantage in the classroom. Now that everyone is rested and rejuvenated, it is time to focus on student learning by setting goals, taking the steps to reach those goals, and succeeding academically, socially, and physically.This handbook contains policies and procedures as set forth by the St. Mary Parish School Board as well as Berwick Elementary. Please read it in its entirety, and become familiar with the services, practices, and guidelines at our school. The last page of this handbook is to be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to school. Your signature indicates you have read and understand the policies and procedures.You should also become familiar with the rules and guidelines contained in A GUIDE FOR ST. MARY PARISH SCHOOLS. Sign the parish letter that is attached to the newspaper signifying you have read the guide and return it to school. For further information about our school, I encourage you to contact individual teachers concerning curriculum, activities, and class goals. I am happy to have you and your child/children as a part of the Berwick Elementary family and hope that we can successfully work together to meet every child’s needs.Sincerely,Debbie DominguePrincipalBERWICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL400 TEXAS STREETBERWICK, LA 70342OFFICE: 384-8355 FAX: 384-5427PRINCIPAL: Debbie DomingueASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (Prek-2): Brianna ComeauxASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (3-5): Malissa HebertSECRETARIES: Kit Guidroz, Jamie Anslem Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,We are bursting with excitement knowing we have our children back. The last five months have been difficult without them, and we plan to take advantage of every minute they are in the building with us. I sincerely hope that you spent your time having fun, relaxing, and enjoying life. By the same token, I hope your child spent time reading for enjoyment during the quarantine. Reading is the heart of all learning, and if your child actively read during the down time, he/she will have a greater advantage in the classroom. Now that everyone is rested and rejuvenated, it is time to focus on student learning by setting goals, taking the steps to reach those goals, and succeeding academically, socially, and physically.This handbook contains policies and procedures as set forth by the St. Mary Parish School Board as well as Berwick Elementary. Please read it in its entirety, and become familiar with the services, practices, and guidelines at our school. The last page of this handbook is to be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to school. Your signature indicates you have read and understand the policies and procedures.You should also become familiar with the rules and guidelines contained in A GUIDE FOR ST. MARY PARISH SCHOOLS. Sign the parish letter that is attached to the newspaper signifying you have read the guide and return it to school. For further information about our school, I encourage you to contact individual teachers concerning curriculum, activities, and class goals. I am happy to have you and your child/children as a part of the Berwick Elementary family and hope that we can successfully work together to meet every child’s needs.Sincerely,Debbie DominguePrincipalStudent Name: ________________Teacher: _________Paperwork to Sign and Return to School:The following paperwork must be returned to your child’s teacher during the first week of school. Every student in the household must return a complete set of the papers listed below.*Feel free to use the chart below to keep track of the paperwork you have signed and returned. ?Required DocumentCompletedEmergency CardHealth Information SheetHandbook Signature Page (requires parent/guardian signature)Parish Newspaper Cover LetterResidency QuestionnaireConsent FormMigrant FormHome Language FormSpirit Wear Order Form-Due 09/25/2020NOTE: If you are involved in any sort of custody dispute and do not have updated paperwork with a judge’s signature, we cannot deny a parent access to a child. It is the parents’ responsibility to provide updated documents as they change. The school can only operate based on what is on file. We cannot operate on parent word alone.MISSION STATEMENTB. E. S.—a learning community committed to Building character, striving for Excellence, and encouraging Success.MISSION STATEMENTB. E. S.—a learning community committed to Building character, striving for Excellence, and encouraging Success.***NOTE: Below are our school-wide expectations. Inclusion of a behavior code (3b or 2c) within a conduct chart indicates that the child had difficulty with that expectation on the given day.Berwick Elementary School Wide Discipline Plan1) Positive Attitude:Make good choices.Listen carefully.Pay attention.Follow directions.Lunch behaviorLine behaviorPE/ Library behaviorBathroom behavior2) Obey Rules: Keep hands, feet, objects and unnecessary comments to yourself.Raise your hand to be recognized.Bring ALL materials to class.Recess behaviorTalking out of turnOut of desk without permission3) Work to AbilityDo your best at all times.Class/group participationComplete ALL classwork in a timely manner.Be an active listener and participant. 4) Exhibit Respect with Your Words & ActionsFollow adult instructions.Treat others with dignity.Interrupting teacher/adultsWork quietly without disturbing others.Respect adults.Kind words to peers5) ResponsibilityBe prepared for plete ALL assignments.Bring necessary materials to class.Bring homework to class (missed assignments will be highlighted).Have your planner/folder signed daily.Minor Offenses: Examples include but are not limited to: disrespect, dress code, habitual violation of rules, homework, lying/cheating, rough play, willful disobedienceMajor Offenses: Examples include but are not limited to: disrespect, bullying/threats, cheating/lying, defacing school property, fighting, profanity, stealingThe following consequences will be enforced: (a) Three minor offenses will result in a recess detention. (b) Three recess detentions will equal a major offense. (c) A major offense will result in either an after-school detention or suspension depending on the severity of the offense.NOTE: A student can be sent directly to recess detention on the first offense depending on the severity of the infraction.Notes:The school wide discipline plan (SWDP) is modeled after the Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) program, which is a requirement of the Department of Education.A committee of teachers and the administration developed the plan.The SWDP contains positive rewards for appropriate behavior.All students, parents, and teachers will exhibit Panther POWER:P: Positive AttitudesO: Obey the RulesW: Work to AbilityE: Exhibit RespectR: Take ResponsibilityThe goal of the SWDP is to provide a safe learning environment for all students to have a chance to succeed.Disruptions of the learning process or behaviors that have an impact on the safety of others can result in an immediate office referral. Positive Attitudes Will Succeed (PAWS) is also implemented at BES to promote positive behavior each nine weeks. Berwick Elementary focuses on teaching academics and exemplary character. Some of the attributes we instill in our students include: compassion, kindness, citizenship, and honesty. Please assist us in creating a harmonious environment by teaching these same character traits at home. BULLYING, HARRASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND THREATSEnforcement of the Bullying Policy is essential to safeguard the care, well-being, and security of all students and staff at Berwick Elementary. In accordance with ACT 861, bullying is defined as a pattern of behavior of any one or more of the following:Written, electronic, or verbal communications including but not limited to calling names, threatening harm, taunting or spreading untrue rumors.Physical acts, including but not limited to hitting, pushing and tripping.Gestures, including but not limited to obscene gestures.Repeatedly and purposefully excluding from activities or groups.Disciplinary ActionIf, after a thorough investigation, the school determines that an act of bullying has occurred, the school administrator will take prompt and appropriate disciplinary action pursuant to R.S. 17:416 and 416.1. Disciplinary action will be in accordance with the St. Mary Parish School Board’s CODE OF CONDUCT. Bullying behaviors are classified as minor, intermediate, or major based on the severity of actions. Consequences outlined in the code of conduct correlate to each category.ACCELERATED READER(2nd – 5th Grade)Accelerated Reader (AR) is a motivational reading program that helps Berwick Elementary work toward its academic goals. It is optional, and throughout the year, students can earn incentives for obtaining their points. Please encourage your child/children to read and reach the easily attainable goals each nine weeks, so he or she can reap the benefits at the end of the year. ***AGAIN THIS YEAR: We no longer have generic goals for each grade level. The students’ reading goal for each nine weeks will be based on their individual reading ability as determined by our assessment at the beginning of the year. Once the goals have been established, parents will receive a letter stating what the child’s goal will be for the year. This letter is to be signed and returned to the homeroom teacher.ARRIVAL AND DISMISSALMORNING ARRIVAL TIMES: Please follow the schedule below to ensure proper social distancing of our children.7:25Working parents may begin dropping off their children.7:35Walkers and bike riders may begin arriving on campus.7:45Nonworking parents may begin dropping off their children.Parents bringing students to school in the morning should use either the front entrance of the school on Texas Street or the entrance on the Fourth Street side of the campus. Fourth Street traffic is one-way both before and after school. Do not use Second Street for drop off in the morning; this street is only used for afternoon pickup.***Parents who use Third Street to get to Texas Street will not be allowed to turn left (and jump in the drop-off line). You will be forced to turn right, and you must go behind the seawall to get in the car line.Walkers who cross Texas Street to arrive on campus are to cross the street with the crossing guard before and after school. One crossing guard is stationed at Third and Texas, and the other is stationed at Fourth and Texas. They are both on duty from 7:30AM until 7:55AM and from 3:00PM until traffic clears. Students who ride bikes are to observe the same crossing rules as walking students. Additionally, students are to walk their bikes across the street at the crossing guard station and then walk their bikes to the bike rack located in front of the two-story building. Bikes should be chained for safekeeping. The school is not responsible for theft or vandalism of bikes brought to school. Once outside the fenced-in area, students are to walk on the sidewalks and not through the cars in the parking area.STUDENTS ARE NOT TO ARRIVE BEFORE 7:25 AM. Duty teachers begin supervision at this time. If your child arrives at school before 7:25, he or she will sit outside near the main doors of the school until the duty teacher arrives.Walkers and bike riders must leave campus immediately upon dismissal. Students picked up by parents should be picked up at 3:00. Students waiting to be picked up must wait inside the building, and parents are not allowed inside the gate.*ATTENTION: State law prohibits any school employee from transporting students anywhere off campus without parental approval. Therefore, in order to ensure your child’s/children’s safety, it is our policy that if students are not picked up by 3:10, have not signed up for after-school care, and no parent/guardian/emergency contact is available, B.E.S. can contact local authorities to assist in the safekeeping of the child/children until a parent/guardian can be reached.Afternoon Bus Area – Students are not allowed to eat snacks in the afternoon.ATTENDANCEElementary and junior high students are required to attend one hundred sixty-seven (167) days per school year to receive credit in all full credit courses. 1st Notice: When a student accumulates three (3) days of unexcused absences, it is required that the parent contact the school administrator for a mandatory conference.2nd Notice: When a student accumulates five (5) days of unexcused absences, it is required that the parent attend a mandatory conference with the school administrator. Your child will be referred to the District Attorney's Early Intervention/TASC Program or FINS Court. The parent shall be fined no more than fifty ($50.00) dollars or perform not less than twenty-five (25) hours of community service.3rd Notice: When a student accumulates eight (8) days of unexcused absences, the student is in danger of failing for the year. The principal shall send a request for assistance letter to the Child Welfare and Attendance Office. Your child will be referred to the District Attorney’s Early Intervention/TASC Program or FINS Court.BAND/CHORUS (5th Grade)Fifth grade students must participate in band or chorus. Each course has specific guidelines as it relates to attendance, participation, performance, and cost. This information will be distributed at the beginning of the year, and parents must return the letter signed stating they are clearly aware of the expectations.*Students who miss the fall or spring concert without a doctor’s excuse will receive a zero (0) for that performance, which can impact the overall grade in the course.BELL SCHEDULEEntry:7:30Breakfast:7:45-8:00Tardy Bell:7:55First Recess (K-2):10:00-10:10Second Recess (K-3):12:30-12:45Recess (4-5):1:15-1:30Dismissal:3:05BUS EXPECTATIONSSMPSB RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR PUPILS?TRANSPORTED IN SCHOOL BUSSES:Students must be on time at a designated stop. Time of stop can vary 10 minutes before published time and or 10 minutes after published time.Students must obey the driver promptly and cheerfully.Obey and respect the orders from the bus patrol on duty.Help to keep the bus clean and sanitary. Anyone purposely damaging, cutting, or breaking school property will be disciplined and will be required to pay damages before returning to school.Avoid causing trouble by teasing, pulling hair, scuffling, or using unfit language. These are causes for suspension from riding the bus.Arms and head must always be kept inside the bus windows. Nothing is to be thrown out of windows.There should be no moving around or changing seats while the bus is in motion. Move to another seat while the bus is stopped only if given permission by the driver.? If assigned to a seat by the driver, stay in that seat.Loud talking will not be tolerated. Conversation in normal tones is permissible.Obtain permission from the driver before opening windows when it is cold or raining.No student should expect special privileges.The middle aisle should not be blocked by students.No student will be allowed to ride another bus or be discharged at a different stop without permission from the School Board Office and Bus Driver.Only those sized band instruments on the approved list, may be carried on the bus.NOTE: Any violation of any of the above rules and regulations may be reason for disciplinary action, suspension, or expulsion.CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUTStudents who check in late (8:00 or later) are to be signed in at the office by their parent or guardian. If a student needs to be checked out, a parent, guardian or other authorized adult must come to the office to sign out the student. NOTE: Students who routinely check out at the same time of the day or at the end of the day are missing valuable instructional time.CONFERENCESTo arrange a conference with the principal or a teacher, call the school between 8:00AM and 3:00PM. The secretary can assist you in confirming a time and date for your conference. You may also email the principal or the teacher directly.DRESS CODEStudents must wear acceptable school uniforms as outlined in the Parish Guide. NO CAPS are allowed at school unless it is a designated hat day. Also, no tattoos are to be worn to school. Parents of students who are in non-compliance with the mandatory dress code policy will be called to bring the appropriate change of clothing to school.THINGS TO REMEMBERStudents must always wear visible socks without logos . Socks may be white, black, brown, navy or khaki in color. No other colors are allowed on socks, not even as a trim.Students must always wear belts; they may be black, brown, navy or khaki in color. They must also not have any decoration on the belt and no large belt buckles.The body of jackets/sweatshirts MUST be solid navy, black, khaki, white, or brown without logos or stripes. They may be purchased from a local vendor or homemade, but they cannot promote any other school such as BJHS or BHS. If you choose to embroider your child’s name on the outside of the jacket, it must be one of the following colors: black, gold, white, or navy. Regardless of the temperature outside, ALL students are expected to have a jacket that meets the St. Mary Parish dress code.Homemade jackets and sweatshirts must be one of the colors mentioned above and can only contain the following colors as trim or lettering: black, gold, white, or navy. Also, in accordance with parish policy, only the following words may be added to the sweatshirts/jackets: Berwick, Panthers, or B. E. S.Boots may only be worn on jeans days (school policy), but tennis shoes are required for P.E.Sandals may only be worn for pictures if it fits the attire. Tennis shoes are required for PE.Gray outerwear is no longer acceptable at Berwick Elementary as it goes against the SMPSB dress code policy.The Berwick Panthers shirts with the large Under Armour logo on the chest are not acceptable at Berwick Elementary as it goes against the SMPSB dress code policy.FRIDAYS: Students can wear a school spirit shirt every Friday with regular uniform bottoms. No other school such as B.J.H.S. or B.H.S. can be promoted, only B. E. S. Homemade shirts are allowed as long as the shirt has a sleeve and is one of the following colors: navy, black, khaki, white or brown. Only the following colors are allowed as trim or lettering: black, gold, white, or navy.DRESS CODE (SPECIAL DRESS UP DAYS)Berwick Elementary hosts dress up days throughout the year. Some of those days include the day before a holiday, special fundraisers, rewards for AR or attendance, etc. On some of these days, students can wear full-length, denim blue jeans. Variations to this policy are not allowed. If a child chooses not to wear jeans, regular uniform bottoms must be worn. When students can wear a shirt of choice, shirts must be school appropriate.***NEW THIS YEAR: Periodically we will have dress up days for students who do not receive office referrals. These days are by invitation only, and students will receive a coupon the day before the dress up day. If a student does not receive a coupon but chooses to dress up, the parent will be required to bring a change of clothes. If we cannot get in touch with the parent, we will provide a uniform, and your child will have to change into regular clothing.FEES(MONEY OWED)(DAMAGED EQUIPMENT)Students who knowingly damage school equipment such as ear buds, laptops, headphones and other equipment will be given consequences. Also, parents will be required to pay for replacing the damaged equipment.*NOTE: If your child ended the 2019-2020 school year with a debt (after care or library), he or she is on the debt list beginning the first day of the 2020-2021 school year.FIELD TRIPSField trips within our area and to nearby points of interest are scheduled throughout the school year. These trips are designed to supplement different aspects of the curriculum and to introduce students to the resources of the community. Parents will receive notices of field trips well in advance of the scheduled trip and will be asked to sign field trip permission forms. Guidelines for Field Trips:All chaperones must have their license scanned in the office prior to any field trip. If you’ve already scanned your license, you do not have to scan it again.Students should conduct themselves as if they were in the classroom.Parents should conduct themselves in an orderly manner. No cursing, no smoking, and no modeling of other inappropriate behaviors will be tolerated. If you sign up for a field trip and must cancel, please let the teacher know prior to the day of the field trip.As per SMPSB: You may not bring preschoolers or other guests on the trip with you. Failure to adhere to this policy can result in loss of privilege of chaperoning future field trips. Do not make any unscheduled stops with your group.Students will ride the bus to the field trip and return to school on the bus.Students are not allowed to be checked out during the field trip.If a group arrives back at school prior to dismissal, all students should remain at school until 3:00 PM.Parents who attend as chaperones are expected to dress accordingly: no tank tops, short shorts, half-shirts, sagging pants, etc.FOOD SERVICES*Again this year all students will eat breakfast and lunch for free at Berwick Elementary. Students may purchase extra servings and snacks but only when they have money in their account. No one is allowed to charge snacks, extra servings of food, water, juice, etc.2020-2021 Meal PricesVisitor’s Lunch: $4.15Extra Milk:$0.50Water:$0.75Extra Entrée:$1.00GUIDELINES:Students are encouraged to eat lunch in the cafeteria, but it is permissible for students to bring their own lunches to school. However, the following rules apply:Lunches brought to school must be eaten in the cafeteria.Canned or glass bottled drinks cannot be brought into the cafeteria. Drinks such as fruit juice or enhanced water may be brought in other containers but must be consumed in the cafeteria. Only plain water may be brought to school and consumed in the classroom.***Any fruit juice or enhanced water not consumed in the cafeteria cannot be consumed anywhere else on campus. If your child requires special circumstances due to a medical issue or diet, you must provide a letter from his or her doctor stating the requirements and the reason. The letter must be provided at the beginning of each school year just as with students who have food allergies. Snacks from home may be brought to school to eat at noon recess. NO GUM, SUNFLOWER SEEDS, OR CANDY CIGARETTES ARE ALLOWED AT SCHOOL.NOTE: As per federal guidelines, no outside food may be brought into the cafeteria in marked containers (i. e. Burger King, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, etc.).**Parents and grandparents are invited and encouraged to have lunch with their children and grandchildren. Please call one day prior to your visit so that arrangements can be made in the cafeteria. If you bring lunch for your child/children, it must adhere to the guidelines listed above, and you may only provide lunch for your child/children.HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTHThe St. Mary Parish School Board recognizes that homelessness alone should not be sufficient reason to separate students from the mainstream school environment. ?Therefore, the School Board, in accordance with state and federal law, shall give special attention to ensure that homeless children in the school district have access to a free and appropriate public education and to hopefully ensure that there are no barriers to the enrollment, transportation, attendance and success in school of homeless children and youth. Homeless?children and youth?means individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence and include the following:?Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement.Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designated for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar settings.Migratory children who meet one of the above-described circumstances are also recognized under this definition.HONOR ROLL AND PRINCIPAL’S LISTStudents who achieve a 4.0 average (straight A’s) for the nine weeks are placed on the PRINCIPAL’S LIST. The HONOR ROLL consists of those students who earn at least a 3.0 (“B” average) for the nine weeks. Note: A letter grade of D, F, N or U in areas other than conduct or handwriting disqualifies a student from both categories.Dropping the Lowest GradeBerwick Elementary will no longer drop the lowest grade in each subject as we have in the past. All grades earned and recorded in JCAMPUS will be factored into a child’s grade each nine weeks.MAKE-UP POLICYIf your child misses school (less than five days of excused absences), an adequate amount of time will be provided for him or her to make up the work that was missed. Ex: If a child has one excused absence, he or she can have up to three days to make up the work. If your child misses more than five days of unexcused absences, the teacher will meet with Ms. Domingue to determine a reasonable amount of time to complete the work. However, the school has the option of sending the work home once your child has met with his or her teacher. At that point, the responsibility of completing and returning the work lies with the parent.*If your child misses more than one day at the end of a nine weeks, adjustments might have to be made for grades to be completed on time.*When calling for make-up work/homework, the earliest it can be ready is 1:00. Please follow through with picking up the make-up work when you request it. MASKSMasks are required for 3rd – 5th graders.Masks are to align with the SMPSB dress code policy.No logos except those that have the school’s name, mascot, or other logo as approved to promote school spirit. May be solid in color or appropriate print No inappropriate statements, pictures, or gesturesNo bandanas of any color are not to be utilized as face coveringsPlastic face shields are not to be worn by studentsNeck gators may be worn with appropriate printWhile inside the school facility, students in grades prekindergarten through 2 may wear a face covering. MEDICINEStudents may NOT have cough drops, chap sticks, or any other medications at school.NOTE: If your child takes medicine at school, you must meet with the nurse if one of the following is true:*If your child has a new prescription*If the medication has changed*If the dosage has changedIf any of the above applies to your child, the medicine will not be dispensed until you have met with the school nurse.**If your child has food allergies or any special needs as it relates to diet, a doctor’s note must be provided at the beginning of each school year.DOCTOR AND DENTAL APPOINTMENTSParents are encouraged to make every effort to schedule doctor and dental appointments outside of school hours.NURSEThe school nurse’s office is in the gym. The nurse is responsible for the maintenance of health-related records, parental contact concerning health problems, care of minor injuries when she is available, and hearing and vision screening. Our school nurse is generally available two days per week. If problems arise or if parents need to schedule an appointment, they should contact the school secretary for message forwarding.MOVINGParents are asked to give the school at least a 24-hour notice before a child moves. We need this time to complete all necessary paperwork and time for the teacher to gather the student’s items without disrupting class time.All textbooks and library books must be returned or paid for before records will be released from the school. Any money owed to the school must be paid at this time.PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE DAYSSt. Mary Parish has scheduled three early release days for parent conferences. These conferences are primarily for parents with children who are experiencing academic difficulties. If you do not receive a conference notice and would like to set up a conference, please reach out to your child’s teachers. There is no guarantee you will have an appointment on the scheduled conference day, but the teacher will schedule a conference for you at another time.Things to remember on Parent/Teacher Conference Days:Please be on time for your conference.Parents should attend the conference alone.Ensure that you adhere to your 15-minute block of time so that other parents can stay on their schedule as well.Also, if you have issues with anything other than academics, things such as discipline or issues your child is having with another student, reach out to Mrs. Comeaux, Mrs. Hebert, or Ms. Domingue to discuss the matter. Parent/Teacher Conference Day is reserved for academics.Parental InvolvementPhilosophyThe philosophy of the St. Mary Parish School Board is based on the underlying belief that a child’s education in vitally impacted by the quality and character of the relationship between home and school. The school system recognizes that parents are their children’s first teachers and valuable partners in educating children. The school system is eager to combine the education forces of home, school, and community to improve educational opportunities for all children.Berwick Elementary is dedicated to facilitating a positive interaction between parents and school. Emphasis is placed on forming a home-school connection to benefit the students and all those involved in their welfare. Our staff recognizes the parents’ right and responsibility to be involved in an organized, ongoing, and timely way in the planning, review, evaluation, and improvement of our many parent programs.Parental TrainingBerwick Elementary will conduct an annual orientation meeting prior to the start of school; parents and students will be invited to attend.Berwick Elementary will also provide materials and workshops to help parents work with their children to improve academic achievement. A partial list of activities/handouts is listed below:1. Monthly Newsletter2. Grandparent’s Day3. Family PicnicParent CommunicationCommunications to all parents related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities will be in one or more of the following forms and in the parent’s native language when practical:NewslettersFlyersPhone CallsConferencesWebsite PostingPARENT VOLUNTEERSParents are encouraged to volunteer to help their child’s teacher and to help with school services and projects. We have an established group known as the “Power Parents” who have been of great assistance to our school and students. If you are interested in helping, please attend all meetings the group hosts.PHYSICAL EDUCATIONUnless a note is presented from the physician or a parent that a student should not participate in P. E. for the duration of a specific illness, all students are expected and required to participate in physical education classes. Students participating in P. E. must wear soft sole or tennis shoes daily. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENTStudents are expected to follow established playground equipment rules. Some of the most important rules are listed below; however, this list is not all inclusive.Baseballs, tennis balls, golf balls, footballs, softballs, Frisbees, or any other objects that can cause injury are not permitted at school.Students are not allowed to go under fences to retrieve kick balls, climb anything (fences, on top of buildings, fire escapes) or to play on steps.Running in the halls or to be first in line is dangerous and therefore prohibited.Students may not throw rocks, acorns, classroom objects, etc.Students are to stay in full view of the duty teachers always and remain in their designated areas; students are not allowed behind the AC buildings and enclosures.Students are not allowed to leave the playground to retrieve kick balls.Wrestling, tackling, throwing to the ground, martial arts, gymnastics, and any contact sport of any nature are not allowed.Activities that look potentially dangerous will be halted immediately.Tag games are not allowed.Students must always act with safety in mind.Failure to follow established rules will result in a loss of privileges for use of the equipment. Also, the playground and playground equipment are off limits to students after school hours. School officials and the Berwick Police Department routinely monitor the playground after school hours.PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE Grades 1-8 Semester and Final Averages Quality points will be used to arrive at the semester and final averages in grades 1-8.Letter GradePoint ValueQuality PointsAverageA43.5-4.00A averageB32.5-3.49B averageC21.5-2.49C averageD11.0-1.49D averageF00-.99F averageTo arrive at the semester average, add the quality point value of each letter grade for two nine-weeks, divide by two, and use the Quality Point Average Chart to determine the semester grade.To arrive at the final average, add the quality points from each of the four nine-week grades, divide by four, and use the Quality Point Average Chart to determine the final grade.Ex:9 wks9 wksSem.9 wks9 wksSem.FinalLetterCCCBAABPoints224/2 = 2347/2 = 3.511/4 = 2.75A student in grades 1-8 must earn four quality points to pass a course for the year (two points must come in the second semester). In addition, the student must pass the fourth nine-weeks. If a course is failed because of either of these requirements, the computer will record "F" and note "*automatic F due to failed 2nd semester or final nine weeks."Grades 1-2Students in grades 1-2 will earn letter grades (A, B, C, D or F) each nine weeks for evaluative and reporting purposes. First and second grade students must pass English language arts and mathematics to be promoted to the next grade. If a student fails English language arts or math in first or second grade, the School Building Level Committee will meet to determine the appropriate grade level placement of the student.Grades 3,5,6,7Students in grades 3, 5, 6, 7 will earn letter grades (A, B, C, D or F) each nine weeks for evaluative and reporting purposes. Students in grades 3, 5, 6, 7 failing English language arts and/or mathematics may be retained or promoted transitionally to the next grade by the School Building Level Committee with the stipulation that the student attend After-School Academic Tutoring during the school year. A parent conference should be held to obtain signed permission for enrollment in the After School Academic Tutoring program. The program becomes part of the student’s regular school day; thus compulsory attendance and discipline policies apply. Additional academic options as stated in #6 below may also be instituted based on SBLC recommendations. Students in grades 3, 5, 6, 7 failing science and social studies may be retained or promoted transitionally to the next grade by the School Building Level Committee with the stipulation that the student attend After-School Academic Tutoring during the school year. A parent conference should be held to obtain signed permission for enrollment in the After School Academic Tutoring program. The program becomes part of the student’s regular school day; thus compulsory attendance and discipline policies apply. Additional academic options as stated in #6 below may also be instituted based on SBLC recommendations.Students in grades 3, 5, 6, 7 who fail four major subjects (English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science) will be retained. Additionally, any two minor subjects constitute one major subject. Examples of minor subjects include: physical education, music, band, keyboarding, and other subjects not previously defined as a major subject.Promotion of students in grade 4Each LEA shall identify, based on a preponderance of evidence of student learning, third and fourth grade students who have scored below the “Basic” achievement level in at least two core academic subjects including ELA, mathematics, science and social studies, that would enable them to successfully transition to the next grade level. Fourth grade students who have not met the acceptable level of performance may be retained or promoted, but in either case, shall be provided with an individual academic improvement plan.The individual academic improvement plan shall continue to be in effect until such time as the student achieves a score of “Basic” in each of the core academic subjects that initially led to the development of the student’s individual academic plan. Students in grade 4 will earn letter grades (A, B, C, D or F) each nine weeks for evaluative and reporting purposes. Students in grade 4 failing English language arts and/or mathematics may be retained or promoted transitionally to the next grade by the School Building Level Committee with the stipulation that the student attend After-School Academic Tutoring during the school year. A parent conference should be held to obtain signed permission for enrollment in the After School Academic Tutoring program. The program becomes part of the student’s regular school day; thus compulsory attendance and discipline policies apply. Additional academic options as stated in #6 below may also be instituted based on SBLC recommendations.Students in grade 4 failing science and social studies may be retained or promoted transitionally to the next grade by the School Building Level Committee with the stipulation that the student attend After-School Academic Tutoring during the school year. A parent conference should be held to obtain signed permission for enrollment in the After School Academic Tutoring program. The program becomes part of the student’s regular school day; thus compulsory attendance and discipline policies apply. Additional academic options as stated in #6 below may also be instituted based on SBLC recommendations.Students in grade 4 who fail four major subjects (English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science) will be retained. Additionally, any two minor subjects constitute one major subject. Examples of minor subjects include: physical education, music, band, and other subjects not previously defined as a major subject. SAFETYThe gates will be locked by 8:00 a.m. and reopened at 3:00 p.m. If you walk your child to school in the morning, we ask that you drop him or her off at the doors; a duty teacher will take care of your child. Also, if you check your child in late, parents are not allowed to walk their children to the classroom. As always, this is for safety purposes.SCHOOL EVENTS (STUDENT BEHAVIOR)Parents are asked to be mindful of their children’s behavior during events such as the parent meeting for band, Birthday Table, concerts, etc. Although some events are held outside of school hours, students are still expected to act accordingly for the safety of all who attend. If at any time students become unruly or practice unsafe behaviors during these events (running around the gym, climbing on railings, sliding across the gym floor, etc.), they will receive consequences at school the next day. It is imperative that parents ensure their children follow the school rules even when they are on campus as a family.SBLC (School Building Level Committee)The SBLC committee is comprised of teachers and administrators from Berwick Elementary School as well as employees of the Office of Special Education for St. Mary Parish. The purpose of the committee is to identify and assist students who need additional support in the classroom. There are several ways in which students can be referred to SBLC. Some of those include but are not limited to:Teacher referral based on academic difficultiesTeacher referral based on behavioral difficultiesUniversal screening results that indicate academic challengesParental requestOnce a child is referred to SBLC, the parents are invited to a meeting to discuss the child’s difficulties and to devise a plan for intervention. Once the interventions are in place, teachers and the SBLC committee track the child’s progress, and a follow-up meeting is conducted later in the year. If the interventions are bringing success to the child, they will continue. If the interventions are not benefiting the child, an alternate plan can be devised. No two SBLC cases are identical and results vary based on the child’s abilities, support from home, and follow-through by the parent and the teachers.STANDARDIZED TESTSParents are asked to avoid scheduling appointments during standardized testing, especially those that can have flexible dates. Tentative testing window for 3rd – 5th: April 6th – April 30th, 2021.STUDENT AFTER SCHOOL CAREB. E. S. will offer after-school care for its students. Below are the rates for the program (including snacks). There is a $10.00 registration fee, which must be paid before any child can enter the program. Drop-ins are required to register also. Parents (or someone on the approved list) must sign their children out before they will be released from after-school care. Cost of Attendance (3:00-5:30)1st ChildAdditional Cost Per ChildWeekly$20.00$12.00Daily Drop-In$5.00$5.00*The weekly and daily fees will not be reduced because of appointments, practices, or classes that might cause a student to miss part of the time. The fees are set fees for the entire after care day regardless of what time a child is picked up.***NO student will be allowed to stay in after-care if they have a recurring, outstanding debt owed to after care. Once an NSF check is received from a parent, he or she will not be allowed to pay with a check for the remainder of the school year.Disclaimer: After-care is not, in any way, affiliated with the St. Mary Parish School Board. It is a service we offer to our parents outside of the school day. Therefore, a student who is continuously disruptive, disrespectful, or disagreeable with other students will be removed from the program.STUDENT OF THE YEARFifth graders with the qualifying cumulative GPA (at least 3.2) for third, fourth, and fifth grade are eligible for the preliminary round of our Student of the Year competition. This entails completing a packet that involves writing a biographical sketch, compiling awards, activities, and service, and considers grade point average as well as standardized test scores. If you want your child to participate in the preliminary round, please ensure he or she completes the packet by the deadline, which will be shown on the packet when the competition begins (usually at the end of October or beginning of November). The deadline for packets is just that; it is a deadline. No exceptions will be made for packets that are submitted after the deadline.***If a student is ill the day the packet is due, the parent/guardian must bring the packet to school. It cannot be held until the student returns to school.***If a student anticipates an absence on the day the packets are due, it is that student’s responsibility to submit the packet early.TELEPHONE MESSAGES/NUMBERSOnly phone messages of an urgent nature (ex: sudden illness of a family member, extenuating circumstances) should be phoned in for students. Please make every effort to make transportation arrangements, babysitter changes, student pick-up changes, etc. before your child leaves home. Students are to call home through the office only and must receive permission from a secretary or administrator prior to placing a call.NOTE: Parents must contact the office when their phone number changes. Should your child become ill while at school, it is imperative that we have a working number for the parent as well as the emergency contacts on the child’s record.Office-384-8355Cafeteria- 384-8543Nurse-385-1465NOTE: Changes to a child’s regular dismissal should be called in before 2:00, or parents may send a note to the child’s teacher. If you wait to call at 2:45 or later, we do not guarantee that your child will receive the message.TEST PAPERSIt is imperative that parents look critically at test folders and send them back signed each week. Should you have questions or concerns about your child’s grades, contact the teacher immediately. You may also refer to the Parent Command Center on the school board’s website at any time to check your child’s progress. Students who do not return their papers will receive a conduct mark for not handling their responsibilities. If a parent or guardian was not available to sign and return the test folder the following day, please email your child’s teacher or call the school to notify the teacher.TOYS AND PERSONAL ITEMSSTUDENTS ARE NOT TO BRING ANY TOYS OR PERSONAL ITEMS TO SCHOOL, including fidget spinners, unless it is cleared by a school official. Parents, please label all coats, sweaters, gloves or any other clothing item that might be lost so that it can be returned to the owner quickly.ELECTRONIC DEVICES:In accordance with RS 17:239, students are not permitted to use or operate any electronic telecommunication device unless authorized by the school principal. The St. Mary Parish School System and /or individual schools will not be held responsible for lost, stolen, confiscated, or damaged electronic devices. The St. Mary Parish School System will abide by the following regulation of cell phones on school campuses. Students in Grades PK- 5: Cell phones are not permitted on campus during regular school hours for any reason for students in PK – 5th grades.NOTE: A student who uses an electronic device to take pictures will receive an automatic after-school detention.CELLULAR PHONESVisitors are asked not to use cell phones during school events. If it is necessary to accept a call, visitors are asked to take the call outside of the function you are attending. Also, students are not allowed to use a family member’s phone for any reason during the school day. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in an automatic recess detention.VISITORS AND PARKINGAll visitors are required to report to the office upon arrival and must wear a VISITOR’S badge while on campus. Parents are not to linger on campus after dropping off students. Parents are not to enter the gates.There is a visitor’s parking area in front of the two-story building and by the front office on Texas Street. This parking area is for brief parking during the school day. If you are on campus all day, please park elsewhere.If you will be on campus for an extended period, we ask that you not leave open parking spots. Should you arrive and find two spots available, one in front of the other, please pull all the way up and occupy the first spot.Important dates 2020-2021 (Updated 8/14/2020)September 8thFirst day of schoolSeptember 14thPreK boys onlySeptember 15thPreK girls onlySeptember 16thAll PreKOctober 6thProgress reports-early release-1:00-PTCD-NO AFTER CAREOctober 8thFree jeans and spirit shirtOctober 9th & 12thFall break, no schoolOctober 13thStudents return to school.October 30thFree jeans & spirit shirt or Halloween shirtNovember 3rdElection day, no schoolNovember 10thReport cardsNovember 20thFree jeans & spirit/Thanksgiving/fall shirtNovember 23rd–27th Thanksgiving breakNovember 30thStudents return to school.December 15thProgress reports-early release-1:00-PTCD-NO AFTER CAREDecember 22nd1:00 Dismissal-free jeans & spirit/Christmas/Christmas color shirt-NO AFTER CAREDecember 23rd – Jan.1st Christmas breakJanuary 4thStudents return to school.January 18thMartin Luther King, no schoolFebruary 12thFree jeans & spirt/Mardi Gras/Mardi Gras color shirtFebruary 15th – 17thMardi GrasFebruary 18thStudents return to school.March 2ndProgress reports-early release-1:00-PTCD-NO AFTER CAREMarch 17thFree jeans & green/spirit shirtMarch 26thFree jeans & spirit/Easter/Easter color shirtMarch 29th-April 5thSpring breakApril 6thStudents return to school.April 8thReport cardsMay 7thProgress reports-full day of school ?May 27thLast day for PreK and KJune 1st1st – 5th grade awards ceremony-Time TBAJune 3rdLast full day for students, 1st – 5th June 4thReport cards, 8:00-8:30April 6th – 30thStandardized testing windowBerwick Elementary Dismissal Procedures-2020-2021StudentsRegular DismissalRainy Day DismissalPrek, K, and 3rd grade car riders with or without siblings at B. E. S.Pick up on Texas Street through the front gate.If you are in the car line, you must remain in your car.Pick up on Texas Street under the awning.If you are in the car line, you must remain in your car.1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade car riders without siblingsPick up on Second Street.You must remain in your car.SameYou must remain in your car.1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th graders with a Prek, K or 3rd grade siblingPick up on Texas Street through the front gate.If you are in the car line, you must remain in your car.Pick up on Texas Street under the awning.If you are in the car line, you must remain in your car.4th and 5th graders with only a 1st or 2nd grade siblingPick up on Second street.You must remain in your car.SameWalkers and bike riders via Texas StreetThese students will leave out the front gate.SameWalkers via Fourth StreetThese students will leave out the main doors of the school.SameDismissal Examples:Ex:A second grader with a sibling in kindergarten-The second grader will travel to the two-story building for dismissal on Texas Street.Ex:A prekindergarten student with a fourth grade sibling-The fourth grader will travel to the two-story building to be dismissed on Texas Street (with the prekindergarten sibling).Ex:A family or a pickup of three or more students (5th grader, 4th grader, kindergartener)-Students will be picked up on Texas Street (with the kindergartener).Ex: If your child is going home with a friend in a different grade, your child must travel to that friend’s dismissal location. (EX: 5th and K siblings with a 4th grade friend going home with them-friend goes to Texas Street).THINGS TO REMEMBER:*No students will be released as “walkers” if their parents park anywhere along Fourth Street. This side will only be for bus riders and walkers who live in that direction.*Do your best to keep your child’s dismissal the same every day. Changing your child’s dismissal often causes confusion for the child and the staff. Also, parents should notify the teacher or the office when changing a child’s dismissal but should do so no later than 2:00.***Left turns on Texas Street via Second Street or Third Street will not be allowed in the morning. If you utilize one of these streets and try to turn left on to Texas, you will be forced to turn right. From there you will be expected to go behind the seawall to get in the car line. The same is true in the afternoon. ................
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