Dear Parents and Students, - Clark County School District



JOSEPH E. THIRIOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLWELCOMEWelcome to Joseph E. Thiriot Elementary School. We are delighted to have you as part of our school community. Our students demonstrated sufficient achievement gains during the 2008-09 school year to achieve AYP in English Language Arts and Math. Our focus at this school is on three things: Learning; Safety/Security; and Community. We are here to ensure that your child/children learn the skills and concepts needed for them to make their dreams come true. We have reviewed the information about the students coming to Joseph E. Thiriot ES and studied the best way to meet their needs. We believe that our children will learn best through bringing the “Arts” into the learning activities. We want students to connect to the essential skills that they are expected to learn by using visual arts, music, movement, rhythm, drama, debate, and writing to make the learning meaningful to them. Our classrooms will be laboratories for learning through the arts. Children learn better when they feel safe and secure. Therefore, we have several procedures in place to guarantee their safety and security. For example, we ask visitors (including parents) who come into our building to sign in and sign out at the School Office and wear a Visitor Pass. Please abide by this for the safety of our children. We also have recognition programs and discipline procedures that are intended to encourage good citizenship and discourage behavior that disrupts the learning environment. We are a “community of learners.” The staff at Joseph Thiriot works collaboratively as a team for the students. You, as parents, are also critical members on that team. We expect you to take an active role in your child’s education because your commitment to education will be mirrored by your child. We hope that you visit your child’s classroom and volunteer to assist our students. Parents are needed to participate in decision making teams at our school, as well. We ask that parents follow procedures detailed in this agenda for participation in our school work (committees, volunteering, and Thiriot Parent Leadership Team) and visitation. Do not hesitate to call our school office if we can be of assistance to you. We are here to serve you and the best interests of our students. Sincerely yours,Patricia A. Schmidt, Ph.D.Susan C. WatmanPrincipalAssistant PrincipalJOSEPH E. THIRIOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLMISSIONThiriot Dream Catchers work together in teams;To create a learning path to achieve our dreams.VISIONThrough Arts Infusion, block scheduling, and data guided instruction, we will create a learning environment where all students are authentically engaged and learning how to communicate, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate knowledge for use in real life. LOGOTHIRIOT DREAM CATCHERSMOTTOCATCH YOUR DREAMSCOLORSROYAL BLUE, LIGHT BLUE AND BLACKJOSEPH E. THIRIOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL2009- 2010 DAILY SCHEDULE8:35 A.M.Breakfast is served from 8:35 A.M. to 8:55 A.M.8:50 A.M.Gates open/First Bell--Students line up on playground8:55 A.M.Breakfast Ends9:00 A.M.Students enter building 9:05 A.M.Live TV Production News Program9:10 A.M.Instructional Day Begins/Tardy Bell9:15 A.M.Specials begin11:15 A.M.Kindergarten Recess- Rempp & Lauretta11:35 A.M.Kindergarten Lunch- Rempp & Lauretta11:20 A.M.Kindergarten Recess – Davis, Barrickman, & Daniels11:40 A. M.Kindergarten Lunch – Davis, Barrickman, & Daniels11:40 A.M.First Grade Recess12:00 P.M.First Grade Lunch11:50 P.M.Second Grade Recess12:10 P.M.Second Grade Lunch12:00 P.M.Third Grade Recess12:20 P.M.Third Grade Lunch12:10 P.M.Fourth Grade Recess12:30 P.M.Fourth Grade Lunch 12:20 P.M.Fifth Grade Recess12:40 P.M.Fifth Grade Lunch3:21 P.M.Grades K-5 dismissalINSTRUCTIONAL FOCUSARTS INFUSED INSTRUCTIONWe are an Arts Infusion school!Arts will be used to engage the students and yield meaningful learningVocal expression through speaking, discussion, readers’ theatre, drama, debate and television productionConcept-based visual arts by creating two and three dimensional productsIntroduction and reinforcement of concepts and skills through movement, rhythm, songs, raps and chantsWritten expression used as an art form through learning the writing traits and applying the traits in: math journals, science notebooks, descriptions of projects, scripts of plays, and published puter graphic design as an art formPeople skills: learning to work successfully with others to accomplish a taskA variety of arts will be used to extend the learning experience which will raise the level of student thinking beyond simple knowledge of facts and comprehension of conceptsWe use block scheduling to integrate the core subjects to allow longer periods of instruction: Language Arts (Reading/Writing, and Social Studies)Math and Science.DATA GUIDED INSTRUCTIONRESPONSE TO INTERVENTIONStudent achievement in the core subjects is our #1 goal. We expect each and every student to master the skills and concepts for each student’s assigned grade level which is outlined in the Nevada Content/Performance Standards. To expect less is an injustice to that student. The challenge is that students enter each grade at various levels of performance—some lower by two to three grades, others higher by two grades, and still others everywhere in between. So, we, as a school, have to do something about the difference in achievement as they enter a grade. Response to Intervention is a process that involves five steps: (1) assessing every student in reading and math three times a year (beginning, middle, and end); (2) providing differentiated direct instruction in small groups (Intervention); (3) monitoring the progress of students who are not meeting grade level standards; (4) challenging the students at or above grade level; and, (5) changing the intensity and/or frequency of instructional interventions, as needed. We have scheduled a block of the day for third, fourth and fifth grades to receive “Response to Intervention” instruction. We are in the process of scheduling “Response to Intervention” instruction for the first and second grade. PLAN/DO/CHECK/ACT (PDCA)Another intervention that we have used since we opened in September, 2005 is a process titled Plan/Do/Check/Act (PDCA). The focus is to look at standardized and curriculum based test results for each grade level from the prior year’s instruction. The administration and teaching team then develop a profile of strengths and weaknesses for the whole grade. The weaknesses are then addressed in the following steps. PlanThe cycle begins when we, as a staff, look at our test data from the previous and current year and determine both strong and weak areas. We then develop a calendar or timeline at each grade level for teaching the targeted objectives.DoUsing the timeline, teachers spend 15-30 minutes of the instructional day giving direct instruction on one of these designated “target skills.” CheckAfter the target skill has been taught for two weeks, the concept or skill is tested.ActWhen the test or assessment is scored, we can see which students need more instruction (re-teaching), which are ready to practice what they’ve learned (maintenance), and which are ready for more advanced concepts on the topic (enrichment). The students who were not proficient will be reassessed to determine whether they made progress. How Parents Can Help With PDCAAsk your child what the “Target Skill” is for the week.Look for ways to connect the “Target Skill” to your daily family life. We’ve found that even intermediate and middle school students need to practice their computation skills. Have them do the math in your checkbook, at the grocery store, or figure how many gallons of gas it will take to reach your destination on a long drive. During the commercials when watching TV, discuss with your child the most important or “main idea” of the previous segment of the program. Another valuable skill to possess is that of following multi-step directions. This can easily occur for tasks at home or during shopping trips.When you have a conference with your child’s teacher, ask how your child is doing with his/her “Target Skill” tests.Most grade levels have a bulletin board in the hallway that displays the results of PDCA tests. Be sure to check that board when you visit the school and let your child know that their progress is important to you.SCHOOL POLICIESARRIVAL AT SCHOOLFor grades K-5, students are not permitted on campus before 8:50 AM since there is no supervision before that time. This policy will be strictly enforced. If needed, Safekey is available from 7:00 AM to 8:50 AM and after school. Students who are eating breakfast at school may be in the Multi-Purpose Room at 8:35 AM but will not be allowed to enter the playground. The Kindergarten students can be dropped off at the Kindergarten playground at 8:50 AM also. When the 8:50 AM bell rings, please say your “goodbyes” at the door to assist the students in making a smooth transition into school.VISITORSFor safety and security everyone who enters the school campus MUST report to the front office and sign in, when coming into the school, and sign out, when leaving the school. A School Visitor’s Badge must be worn while on campus. If a staff member sees an adult who is not wearing a Visitor’s Badge, they will ask that adult to return to the office to obtain a badge. Adults without a badge must return to the office and be properly identified. This is for the safety of all our children. Younger siblings are not permitted to attend classes during instruction. The Clark County School District encourages parent participation in classroom and school activities. Parents are encouraged to observe their child’s classroom. CCSD regulations require that parents notify the teacher 24 hours prior to an observation. Teachers are required to provide bell to bell instruction, therefore, we expect parents to observe quietly in the back of the classroom and not talk to the teacher or to students during the observation. If a parent wants a conference, they must call the teacher to arrange an appointment prior to school or during their preparation period. If a parent wishes to volunteer in the classroom, they may notify the teacher and/or an office staff person. The parent’s name will be placed on a list for parent volunteer training. Parent training classes will be scheduled regularly throughout the school year. This will assist parents to feel more confident about what they can and cannot do in the classroom as a volunteer. It does not matter if you don’t speak English well. There are still tasks that you can do as a volunteer.ATTENDANCE, ABSENCES, AND TARDIESGood attendance at school positively impacts student performance. A WRITTEN NOTE EXPLAINING ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL IS REQUIRED UPON THE STUDENT’S RETURN TO SCHOOL. If a note is not returned within three days, the absence will be coded as unexcused. If a child is absent more than twenty days per school year, it can effect the decision in determining promotion to the next grade. Upon a student’s return he/she is expected to make-up missed work that the teacher feels is necessary in a reasonable amount of time. Any extended absence, known in advance, should be discussed with the teacher. Class/homework is not given in advance. The school discourages students from missing school for one or more days for pleasure outings or babysitting activities. Habitual absences and truancies will be reported to the proper authorities. Students are expected to be at school and in line by 9:00 AM. Entering a classroom after it has begun is disruptive to others and puts a child educationally behind everyone from the moment they arrive.TRUANCYSchool attendance is vital to your child’s academic success in school. State laws have been enacted to reduce the high rate of habitual truants in schools. The laws state that…The principal of the school is required to report the pupils who are habitually truant to law enforcement.A habitual truant is defined as “a student who has three unapproved or unexcused absences within one school year.”A truant is a pupil who is absent from school without the approval of the teacher or principal of the school unless the pupil is physically or mentally unable to attend school.If a pupil is absent due to physical or mental reasons, the parent must notify the school within three days of the absence.The court has the authority to order the student or parent to pay a fine of $100.00 or more for habitual truancy. The court can order the suspension of driver license privileges of students 14 years of age or older for habitual truancy.Elementary students SHALL be required to repeat the current grade if during the school year the total number of absences exceeds twenty (20) days and when those absences fall in the following categories:Are unexcused/ unapproved;Exceed ten (10) days of prearranged absences;Are prearranged absences for which classroom requirements are not completed; orAre any combination of 1, 2, and 3.You will again this year receive a copy of the policy. Please review this law with your child so that we can promote high standards for attendance and student achievement.STUDENT CHECKOUT POLICYA legal parent or guardian can check out students. This must be completed through the front office where a picture ID is required. Anyone who checks out a child must be listed on the registration form. Students will be called to the office to be checked out early. Parents must sign out their child in the designated record book. Teachers may not release a child directly from the classroom. Parents are discouraged from taking students out early for extra curricular activities and for family trips. Doctor’s appointments should be scheduled whenever possible AFTER school. Learning continues throughout the day until school is dismissed. Students who leave school early will short-change their education. Students WILL NOT be released for early pickup after 3:00 p.m. Be sure you are here BEFORE 3:00 p.m. for any appointments you may have. Be prepared to show your photo ID!TELEPHONEThe school phone is a business phone. Arrangements to go home with a friend needs to done before coming to school. Forgotten homework will be dealt with in the classroom with consequences that have been established. The only reason to call home is if a child has neither lunch nor money and is unsure about what to do at lunchtime. When a child is ill, the phone call will be made by the FASA through the health office. BREAKFAST AND LUNCHBreakfast can be purchased in our multipurpose room at 8:35 AM. Breakfast will be served from 8:35 AM to 8:55 AM. Students wishing to eat breakfast should go directly to the MP room. The cost of breakfast is $1.25. The cost of lunch is $1.75. Students who bring their lunch may purchase milk. All parents must complete a free or reduced lunch application. This is to ensure that each child receives the benefit that they have a right to receive. We will be sending applications home the second day of school and we expect that all families complete an application and send it back to school. The information is confidential and the rules for meeting the requirement change from year to year. Your child may qualify and it is always good to get a little financial help. Applications must be renewed each year. A parent may check a student out for lunch (through the front office) but must return on time for class. The combined recess and lunch period for all grades is forty minutes long.BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONSStudent birthdays will be recognized once a month during the last Friday of the month. All students celebrating a birthday will be recognized at that time. If the birthday falls during the summer months of June – August, those birthdays will be celebrated during the students half birthday. Treats must be individually wrapped and store bought for health and sanitary reasons. Please send one treat per student. Suggested items are: fruit snacks, Teddy Grams, Goldfish crackers, granola bars, crackers with cheese, etc. The snacks need to be as healthy as possible. This rule has been established in order to ensure equity in birthday recognition as not all parents have the time or finances to provide parties. Passing invitations for parties are not permitted. ACCIDENTS All accidents are reported to the office.It is very important for the school office to have on file: the home, business, and cell numbers of parents so that they can be reached easily and quickly in case of emergency.In case of serious accidents, parents are notified and emergency assistance will be obtained.ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER CHANGESParents are required to notify the school office promptly if there is a change of address or phone number. Please be sure all home, cell, work, and emergency contact phone numbers are kept current. Correct phone numbers are essential in case of an accident or other emergencies.ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL OF STUDENTSFor the safety of all students, it is important that we all do our part to comply with the following guidelines for Arrival and Dismissal of students. The Joseph Thiriot staff is parking on the West side of the parking lot to leave spaces for parents in the parking lot. Before and after school, we strongly encourage parents to park in one of the open parking spaces and walk their children onto the school grounds. There are one way signs on the driveway and on signs by the driveway. Please enter and exit the parking lot in compliance with the one way signs. The curb by the school is for dropping off students who come from Day Care Centers. We would like you to park and walk your students across the driveway by using one of the two crosswalks in our parking lot. Never park, hesitate and/or leave your car at the curb by the school. The bus lane in front of the school is just for school district buses and no cars are permitted to be in that driveway or block the driveway. We have assigned staff at various points around the parking lot and on the Harmon crosswalk. Please comply with their words of guidance in maintaining the safety procedures at our school. Do not park or stop in any of the crosswalks or park within two car lengths of the beginning of any crosswalk. During arrival time, please walk around the building to take your child to his/her class line. During dismissal time, please walk around the building to meet your child at their line. This will ensure the safe transition of students to their teacher. Arrival time is 8:50 a.m. Students may come on campus at 8:35 a.m., only if they are eating breakfast. If they are caught on campus prior to 8:50 a.m. and they are not here to eat breakfast, they will be brought into the office and a reminder letter will be sent home. If this happens a second time, a letter of warning will be sent home and must be returned signed by the parent. If it happens a third time, the student will receive a Required Parent Conference and the parent will come to school and meet with an administrator. Students are dismissed at 3:21 p.m. A parent is generally available to pick students up at their line on the playground. Students may walk home without a parent if they are old enough, have parent permission, and/or are accompanied by an older sibling. Safekey is a Clark County program that provides before and after school supervision at a minimal cost and is provided at our school in the Multi-Purpose Room. Students who have not walked home or been picked up by 3:30 p.m. are brought into the office and signed in. Students being picked up after this time will find their child in the front office. The person picking up the child must be authorized by the parent on the registration form and will be required to show identification. The Attendance Officer will be called if a student is not picked up by 3:35 p.m. and he will then transport that child to the Boys and Girls Club. BIKE RIDINGStudents riding bikes to school are required to walk their bikes while on the school grounds. Due to the large number of students and automobiles at dismissal time, this rule will be strictly enforced. To ensure the safety of your child’s bike at school, please invest in a bike lock. All bikes are to be parked in the bike parking area. The school is not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen bikes. Students are not to share a lock with another student. SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER BLADES, AND HEELEYS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS!!HOMEWORK POLICYHomework is required to be turned into the teacher and will be used by teachers to extend and expand the activities presented during the instructional day. Homework will be assigned nightly, leaving weekends and holidays free whenever possible. When homework is assigned, it is expected that:The teacher has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that students understand the purpose of the assignment, what is to be accomplished, and how it is to be done.Time to complete homework will increase with the grade level: from about 15 minutes three to four times a week for grade one to no more than one hour three to four times a week for grade five.All students will be held responsible for completing the work and returning it to the teacher for review within the time frame identified by the teacher. Homework is used to practice and reinforce a learned skill. Completing the homework in a timely manner demonstrates responsibility and credit is given toward the Responsibility grade under Conduct on the Report Card.Students will be held accountable for a high standard of accuracy and legibility but will not receive a report card grade for homework.SCHOOL HOMEWORK AGENDASJoseph Thiriot Elementary School provides Homework Agendas for students in grades 3, 4, and 5. The agendas are used to record homework, missing assignments, and communicate between teachers and parents. Parents are required to check their child’s Agenda daily. If your child says there is no homework, please contact the teacher because homework is assigned nightly. Some teachers will require a parent or guardian signature. All teachers expect parents to review the Agenda, double check homework, and to make sure that assignments are completed. TIME MANAGEMENT AND STUDY SKILLSStudents who learn how to study and manage their time in the intermediate grades will be more likely to succeed in middle school and high school. One of the secrets to catching your dreams is determination and effort at school. We want each of our students to become who they want to be. The following strategies will help students use the Agenda and improve their Study Skills.Always write down assignments.Make a note when it’s due.Write down tests and project due dates.Prioritize what’s important.Do important things early.Schedule a regular time to study.Work hard.Set goals for yourself.Check and review your work. Mark finished assignments as complete.Prepare to study at home by having the right materials. Talk to your parents about a good place and time to study at home.Do homework first before other activities.Schedule other activities around your homework period.SAFE AND CIVIL SCHOOLSAt Joseph E. Thiriot Elementary School, we believe that a safe and civil environment is essential to the teaching/learning process. An educational environment based on agreed upon principles that will lead to success in creating a safe and civil school. All the stakeholders (students, staff, and parents) participated in creating five principles that will serve as our GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS. This process occurred during the 2008-09 school year. GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESSDo your best!Respect self and others!Everyone follows directions!Always be honest!Make responsible choices!MASCOT POSTERAll members of the Joseph Thiriot community (students, staff, and parents) will comply with the GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS. Each guideline is displayed as a colored feather hanging from the Dream Catcher. Do your best!—blueRespect self and others!—redEveryone follows directions!—greenAlways be honest!—yellowMake responsible choices!—orangePOSITIVE RECOGNITION PROGRAMS To teach students school behaviors that promote a positive learning environment, all staff members participate in a recognition program of appropriate school behaviors. The recognition program will include selection of the DREAM CATCHER of the week in each classroom. This is based upon the number of colored feathers that each student receives during the week. Students can receive a colored feather from any staff member in the school. Students can also receive a colored feather from one of the subject teachers for demonstrating one of the Guidelines for Success. Students are to bring a container to school to store their feathers throughout the week. The teacher will use good judgment to select the final weekly winner when more than one student has approximately the highest number of feathers. The intention is to make it possible for each student to become a DREAM CATCHER of the week sometime during the school year.DREAM CATCHER OF THE MONTHAn assembly is conducted each month to recognize the DREAM CATCHERS of the week in that month. These students should represent outstanding examples of good behavior in their classrooms. The student’s parent/guardian receives a letter informing them that their child has been selected. Pictures of the students are taken at this event and displayed on a bulletin board in the main hall. The Administration and Office staff will provide special treats during lunch for the students that have earned this recognition selected from each class for the month. RULES THAT COUNT FOR EACH GUIDELINE FOR SUCCESS All school settings: classrooms, specials, officeReady to learn—Blue Participate actively—Blue Greet others—Red Keep hands, feet, and objects to self—Red Raise your hand before speaking—Green Wear your uniform—Green Walk—Green Accept consequences—Yellow Listen attentively—Orange Keep area clean—Orange Keep toys/personal belongings at home—Orange HallwayAllow others to pass—Red Keep appropriate space—Red Walk silently—Green Arms still—Green Single file—Single fileOn “the right, tight”—Green Face forward—Green CafeteriaTable manners—Red Stay in line quietly—Green Raise your hand for help—Green Remain Seated—Green Listen to adults—Green Follow seating pattern—Green Get supplies before sitting down to eat—Orange Clean up after yourself—Orange BathroomUse facilities quietly and safely—Blue Respect others privacy—Red Walk—Green Return promptly to class—Yellow Report problems to adults—Yellow Keep the bathroom sanitary—Orange Flush toilets—Orange One squirt of soap—Orange Wash hands—Orange One paper towel—Orange Throw trash in the can—Orange PlaygroundInclude others—Blue Follow lunch line procedures—Blue Take turns—Red Share equipment—Red Play non-contact games—Red Respect personal space—Red Keep your hands, feet, and objects to self—Green Wait on your class line until teacher dismissal to recess—Green Walk on the blacktop—Green Walk to the lunch lines when the bell rings—Green Wait silently in line to enter the lunchroom—Green Play games fairly—Yellow Be a good sport—Yellow Stay where teachers can see you—Orange Use equipment safely—Orange Use equipment correctly—Orange Return balls and jump ropes to the bin before lining up—Orange Programs and AssembliesUse silent cheers—Red Listen to the Speaker—Red Face forward—Red Recognize the achievement of others—Red Remain quiet—Green Stay seated with your class—Green Enter/exit using line rules--GreenKeep hands, feet, and objects to self—Green School Campus Arrival and DismissalArrive on time—Blue Line up on your class line before and after school—Green Wait for teacher dismissal—Green Walk on and off campus—Orange Bus SafetyListen to the bus driver—Red No food or drinks—GreenRemain Seated—Green Face forward—Green Keep hands, feet, and objects to self—Green Keep aisles clear—Green Keep windows closed—Green Talk only to the person in your same seat—Orange Keep all belongings inside your backpack—Orange CLASSROOM/GRADE LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROGRESSIVE CONSEQUENCESEach grade level will develop a common list of rules for each class in that grade level. These rules will be aligned with our Guidelines for Success and be clearly correlated with the five Guidelines. The rules will be discussed with students and clearly posted on a chart in the classroom. The ratio of verbal positive recognition (feathers) for compliance to rules will be four than higher than consequences for inappropriate behavior. A hierarchy of consequences for students who do not comply with rules will be provided in each classroom. The classroom hierarchy that is intended to correct misbehavior could include: reminder/verbal warning, “time-out” in class, conference with student, phone call or letter to parent, parent conference, referral to grade level hierarchy of consequences, then written Discipline Report to administration. DRESS AND APPEARANCEJoseph Thiriot ES will be implementing a mandatory Standard Student Attire policy for the 2009-10 school year. I encourage you to review and discuss the Standard Student Attire requirements below with your child. All Standard Student Attire violations will result in disciplinary action in alignment with Regulation 5131 and the school-based progressive discipline plan.MALESFEMALESPants/shorts in basic colors and blackNo blue jeansDenim pants in basic colors and blackSweaters in basic/optional colors, solids only (no pattern, no words) with or without school logo, worn over approved shirtsSweatshirts (no sweatsuits) in basic/optional colors, solid only (no pattern, no words) with or without school logoShirts in basic/optional colors, solid only (no pattern, no words) with or without school logo, long- or short-sleeved, with or without collarsTies in basic/optional colors, solids or patterns (no words) permittedPants/shorts in basic colors and blackNo blue jeansDenim pants in basic colors and blackSweaters in basic/optional colors, solids only (no pattern, no words) with or without school logo, worn over approved shirtsSweatshirts (no sweatsuits) in basic/optional colors, solid only (no pattern, no words) with or without school logoBlouses/shirts in basic/optional colors, solid only (no pattern, no words) with or without school logo, long- or short-sleeved, with or without collarsSkirts or skorts in basic colors and black (no blue jean material) Jumpers/dresses in basic colors and black (no blue jean material) The basic colors of khaki, navy, and white will be required at all Standard Student Attire schools. Additionally, Joseph Thiriot Elementary School will have the following stricter guidelines: pants/shorts, skirts or skorts, jumpers/dresses may be worn in basic or black colors; shirts/blouses, sweaters, sweatshirts, and ties may be worn in basic, royal blue, yellow or hunter green colors; sweatsuits and sweatpants are not permitted; and brand logos are not permitted.A parent/Guardian may apply for their child to be exempt from the standard Student Attire policy in the following two instances:When the parent/guardian can demonstrate a bona fide religious objection to wearing the Standard Student Attire;When wearing Standard Student Attire is inappropriate due to a verified medical condition.THIRIOT NEWSEvery morning throughout the school year, the Librarian, Administration, Literacy Specialist, Learning Strategist, ELL Specialist and students who have been trained to be TV announcers deliver a closed-circuit television announcement. The “Thiriot News” program starts promptly at 9:05 a.m. At this time, the Thiriot School Song is sung, student awards are presented, special events are highlighted, reflection, the Pledge of Allegiance, the School Mission and GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS are recited. Additional items include thirty seconds of reflection, lunch menu, weather report, videos of special activities, and joke of the day. This program must be turned on promptly at 9:05 and viewed in every classroom. SPECIAL MUSIC GROUPSUnder the direction of our Music Specialist, Mrs. Kate Miller, students in grades four and five, with the permission of their parents and classroom teacher, may audition for the Thiriot Honor Choir, Dance Team, and Instrument Group. Students must be willing to attend a practice session once weekly before school. Students must maintain passing grades and behave appropriately if accepted into the choir. These special music groups perform three to five times a year for parents and students.STUDENT COUNCILThe Thiriot Student Council consists of classroom representatives who have been elected by their classmates. Student Council fosters leadership, good citizenship, respect for all, sharing of ideas, cooperative effort, community outreach, and the practice of democracy in action. Trophies are provided for the classes with the highest percentage participation in Spirit Day.GREAT AMERICANThe Great American Award is a special program open to all fifth grade students at Joseph Thiriot Elementary School. The purpose of the Great American program is to accompany the Social Studies curriculum and to instill a sense of pride in being an American citizen. Students who accomplish at least three of the requirements will receive a certificate. Students who attain all six of the requirements will become Great Americans. A musical program is held in May to celebrate and recognize all the students who participated. A plaque is given to those students who attained the Great American Award. All students are required to memorize three of the six requirements:Recite from memory the 50 states and capitals in alphabetical order.Recite from memory the Gettysburg Address.Recite from memory the Preamble to the Constitution.Write, spell, and punctuate the Pledge of Allegiance.Sing or recite from memory the first verse of the Star Spangled Banner.Recite from memory the first and last names of the Presidents of the United States in the order of their presidency. ................
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