Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
Pre Kindergarten - Fourth Grade
Elementary School Handbook
Central Office Administration
Mark Greathead, Superintendent
Joshua Satterfield, Director of Curriculum
Matt Salah, Director of Special Services
Joshua Smith, Director of Finance
Greg Roberts, Director of Human Resources
Lyndsay Johnson-LeMieux, Director of Technology and Instructional Integration
Micheal Belcher, Director of Contracted Services & Capital Projects
Kristi Stamey, Director of Communications & Public Relations
School Hours:
Full Days 9:00am - 3:45pm
Half Days: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Welcome to our Elementary Schools. All the members of the staff are pleased to
have you as a member of our learning community. Please read this Student/Parent
Handbook. These rules support our efforts to maintain a safe, secure, comfortable
learning environment for ALL children.
Elementary School
Student/Parent Handbook
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
Welcome to our Elementary School. All the members of the staff and I are pleased to have you as a student
and we will do our best to help make your experience as productive and successful as you wish to make it.
Bates Elementary,
Cherie Godfrey, Principal
734 692 2217
Erving Elementary,
Caterina Berry, Principal
734 692 2212
Gudith Elementary,
Thomas Martin, Principal
734 783 5386
Wegienka Elementary,
Michelle Briegel, Principal
734 783 3367
Yake Elementary,
Timothy Podlewski, Principal
734 692 2230
Mark Greathead, Superintendent of Schools 734 783 3300
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK AND CODE OF CONDUCT
Parents/Guardians and Students:
To make the school year more productive and more satisfying, it is important to understand the rules and
procedures of our Elementary Schools. Please read this Student/Parent Handbook. In this handbook is the
Student Code of Conduct. These rules support our efforts to maintain a safe, secure, comfortable learning
environment for ALL children.
After reading and reviewing this handbook with your child(ren), please sign this cover sheet and have your
son/daughter return this cover page to his/her teacher. Each student must return a copy to their teacher.
By signing below, we acknowledge that both the parent and the student have read (or discussed) this
Student/Parent Handbook and understand the appropriate behaviors expected of all students.
Student Signature _____________________________________________ Date ____________
Parent Signature ______________________________________________ Date ___________
Adopted by the Board of Education on ________________________.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….............. 1
Mission of the School District
Student Assessment………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
...…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
Equal Education Opportunity Statement………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
Parent Involvement………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
Individuals with Disabilities………………………………………………………………………………………………………..… 1
Limited English Proficiency……………………………………………………………………………………………................... 1
Student Records…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Relations with Parents……………………………………………………………………………………………………..………. 2
Section I – Student Well-Being…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
Control of Casual-Contact Communicable Diseases and Pests………………………………………………………………. 3
Control of Non-Casual-Contact Communicable Diseases and Pests………………………………………………. ……….. 3
Emergency Medical Authorization……………………………………………………………………………………….……….. 3
Immunizations…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………... 3
Specific Health Care Needs and use of Medication at School………………………………………………………..………... 3
Asthma, Inhalers, & Epi-pens…………………………………………………………………………………………….………… 4
Section II – General Information……………………………………………………………………………………… ………… 4
Articles Prohibited at School…………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………… 4
Cell Phones and Electronic Communication Devices……………………………………………………………………………. 4
Early Dismissal……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………… 4
Emergency Closings and Delays…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Emergency Preparedness Drills……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Meal Service………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………… 5
Lost & Found…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
Review of Instructional Materials and Activities………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Student Sales…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….................. 5
Use of School Equipment…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Use of Telephones…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Video Surveillance……………………………………………………………………………………………………………........... 5
Visitors…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………........... 5
Volunteers…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Section III – Academics………………………………………………………………………………………………................... 6
Computer Technology and Networks………………………………………………………………………………….................. 6
Field Trips…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………… 6
Grades………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Homework…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………… 6
Promotion, Placement, and Retention…………………………………………………………………………………..………… 6
Scheduling and Class Assignments………………………………………………………………………………………………... 7
Section IV – Student Conduct………………………………………………………………………………………… ………… 7
Attendance……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Student Code of Conduct…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
Dress Code…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
Types of Student Misconduct…………………………………………………………………………………………….………… 9
Discipline and Due Process Rights………………………………………………………………………………….......………… 12
Search and Seizure………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13
Student Rights of Expression……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13
Section V – Transportation………………………………………………………………….……………………………………. 14
Bus Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14
FOREWORD
This student handbook is designed to answer many of the commonly asked questions that students and families have
during the school year and to provide information about certain board policies and procedures. Become familiar with
the following important information and keep the handbook available for frequent reference by you and your parents. If
you have any questions that are not addressed in this handbook, you are encouraged to talk to your child’s teacher or
the building principal.
This handbook summarizes many of the official policies and administrative guidelines of the Board of Education and
the District. To the extent that the handbook is ambiguous or conflicts with these policies and guidelines, the policies
and guidelines shall control. This handbook is effective for the 2019-20 school year and takes effect immediately.
This handbook reflects the current status of the Board’s policies and the school’s rules as of September 1, 2019. If any
of the policies or administrative guidelines referenced herein are revised after September 1, 2019, the language in the
most current policy or administrative guideline prevails. The district’s policies may be accessed, on line, through the
district’s website at https://www.mywbsd.org/
MISSION OF THE DISTRICT
Learning and Leading for Tomorrow
Engage, Enlighten, Empower
EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of this District to provide an equal education opportunity for all students.
Any person who believes that s/he has been discriminated against on the basis of his/her race, color, disability, religion,
gender, or national origin, while at school or a school activity should immediately contact the School District's
Compliance Officer listed below:
Mark Greathead, Superintendent of School
(734) 783-3300
Complaints will be investigated in accordance with the procedures as described in Board Policy 2260. Any student
making a complaint or participating in a school investigation will be protected from any threat or retaliation. The
Compliance Officer can provide additional information concerning equal access to educational opportunity.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
The Board of Education believes that durable and significant learning by a student is more likely to occur when there is
an effective partnership between the school and the student’s parents/guardians ("parents"). Such a partnership means
a mutual belief in and commitment to significant educational goals for a student, a plan for the means to accomplish
those goals, cooperation on developing and implementing solutions to problems that may be encountered, and
continuing communication regarding the progress in accomplishing the goal(s).
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
The Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide that no individual will be
discriminated against on the basis of a disability. This protection applies not just to the student, but to all individuals
who have access to the District’s programs and facilities.
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
Limited proficiency in the English language should not be a barrier to equal participation in the instructional or
extra-curricular programs of the District. It is, therefore the policy of this District that those students identified as having
limited English proficiency will be provided additional support and instruction to assist them in gaining English
proficiency and in accessing the educational and extra-curricular program offered by the District. Parents should
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contact the director of Special Education at (734)783-3322 to inquire about evaluation procedures and programs
offered by the District.
STUDENT RECORDS
The School District maintains many student records including both directory information and confidential information.
Directory information includes, but is not limited to: the student's name; the name of the student's parent or other family
members; the address of the student or student's family; a personal identifier, such as the student's social security
number, student number, or biometric record; other indirect identifiers, such as the student's date of birth, place of birth,
and mother's maiden name; other information that, alone or in combination, is linked or linkable to a specific student
that would allow a reasonable person in the school community, who does not have personal knowledge of the relevant
circumstances, to identify the student with reasonable certainty; or information requested by a person who the District
reasonably believes knows the identity of the student to whom the education record relates.
Directory information may be provided upon request to any individual, other than a forprofit organization, even without
the written consent of a parent. Parents may refuse to allow the district to disclose any or all of such “directory
information” upon written notification to the district. For further information about the items included within the category
of directory information and instructions on how to prohibit its release you may wish to consult the district’s annual
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) notice.
Access to all student records is protected by (FERPA) and Michigan law. Except in certain circumstances as defined in
State and Federal law, the District may not release confidential education records to any outside individual or
organization without the prior written consent of the parents, or the adult student, or a graduate of the district. The
district is not allowed to release a student’s social security number. Examples of other confidential records include test
scores, psychological reports, behavioral data, disciplinary records, and communications with family and outside
service providers.
Parents and eligible students have the right to review, amend, and receive copies of all educational records. Costs for
copies of records may be charged to the parent. A written request to amend a record must be made to the building
principal. To review student records please provide a written request to the building principal. You will be given an
appointment with the appropriate person to answer any questions and to review the requested student records.
Consistent with the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) and Board Policy, parents have the right to inspect,
upon request, a survey or evaluation created by an outside party before the survey/evaluation is administered or
distributed by the school to the student. The parent will have access to the survey/evaluation within a reasonable
period of time after the request is received by the building principal.
The Family Policy Compliance Office in the U.S. Department of Education administers both FERPA and PPRA.
Parents and/or eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW 20202-4605
Washington, D.C.
www.ed.gov/offices/OM/fpco
Informal inquiries may be sent to the Family Policy Compliance Office via the following email addresses:
FERPA@ED.Gov; and PPRA@ED.Gov.
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Relations with Parents
The Board needs parents to assume and exercise responsibility for their children’s behavior. During the school hours,
the district’s administrators recognize the responsibility to monitor students’ behavior and the importance of
cooperation between the school and the parents in matters relating to conduct.
For the benefit of the child, the Board encourages parents to support their child’s career in school by:
A.
participating in school functions, organizations and committees;
B.
supporting the teachers and the schools in maintaining discipline and a safe and orderly
learning environment;
C.
requiring their child to observe all school rules and regulations per student code of conduct.
SECTION I – STUDENT WELL-BEING
School safety is a responsibility of all members of the learning community. All staff members are familiar with
emergency procedures. Should a student be aware of any dangerous situation or accident, s/he must notify any staff
person immediately.
CONTROL OF CASUAL-CONTACT COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND PESTS
Because a school has a lot of people in the building daily, it is necessary to take specific measures when the health or
safety of the group is at risk. The school's professional staff has the authority to remove or isolate a student who has
been ill or has been exposed to a communicable disease or highly-transient pest, such as lice.
Contagious diseases that may require a student to remain at home include, but are not limited to, diphtheria, scarlet
fever, strep infections, whooping cough, mumps, measles, rubella, and other conditions indicated by the Local and
State Health Departments.
Any removal will only be for the contagious period as specified in the school’s
administrative guidelines or by the local health authorities.
CONTROL OF NONCASUAL-CONTACT COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
In the case of noncasual-contact, communicable diseases, the school still has the obligation to protect the safety of the
staff and students. In these cases, the person in question will have his/her status reviewed by resource people,
including the County Health Department, to ensure that the rights of the person affected and those in contact with that
person are respected. The school will seek to keep students and staff persons in school unless there is definitive
evidence to warrant exclusion.
Noncasual-contact communicable diseases include sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome), ARC-AIDS Related Complex (condition), HIV (Humanimmunodeficiency), HAV, HBV, HCV (Hepatitis A, B,
C); and other diseases that may be specified by the State Board of Health.
As required by Federal law, parents will be requested to have their child's blood checked for HIV, HBV, and other
blood-borne pathogens when the child has bled at school and students or staff members have been exposed to the
blood. Any testing is subject to laws protecting confidentiality.
As required by Federal law, parents will be requested to have their child's blood checked for HIV, HBV, and other
blood-borne pathogens when the child has bled at school and students or staff members have been exposed to the
blood. Any testing is subject to laws protecting confidentiality.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION
State law requires that all students must have an emergency medical card completed, signed by a parent or guardian,
and filed in the School office. A student may be excluded from school until this requirement has been fulfilled.
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IMMUNIZATIONS
Students must be current with all immunizations required by law or have an authorized waiver from State immunization
requirements. If a student does not have the necessary shots or waivers, the principal may remove the student or
require compliance with a set deadline. This is for the safety of all students and in accordance with State law. Any
questions about immunizations or waivers should be directed to the school’s secretary or building principal.
SPECIFIC HEALTH CARE NEEDS AND USE OF MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
A.
In those circumstances where a student must take prescribed medication during the school day, the following
guidelines are to be observed: The Medical Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form must be filed with the respective
building principal before the student will be allowed to begin taking any medication during school hours. The form is
available in the school office.
B.
All prescription and non-prescription medications must be brought to the school office directly by the parent in
the ORIGINAL container that is appropriately secured. A two to four (2-4) week supply of medication is recommended.
Medication MAY NOT be sent to school in a student’s lunch box, backpack, pocket, or by the student in another
manner.
C.
Any unused medication unclaimed by the parent will be destroyed by school personnel when a prescription is
no longer to be administered or at the end of a school year.
D.
The parents shall have sole responsibility to instruct their child as to the time the medication is to be taken, and
the child has the responsibility for both presenting himself/herself on time in the office, to receive the prescribed
medication.
E.
The building principal maintains a log for each prescribed medication, including the adult who gave the
medication, the date, and the time of day. This log will be maintained along with the physician's written instructions and
the parent's written permission release.
Asthma Inhalers and Epi-pens
Students, with appropriate written permission from the physician and parent, may possess and use a metered dose
inhaler or dry powder inhaler to alleviate asthmatic symptoms. Epinephrine (Epi-pen) is administered only in
accordance with a written medication administration plan developed by the school principal and updated annually.
Non Prescribed (Over-the-Counter) Medications
No staff member will be permitted to dispense nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medication to any student
without a physician’s authorization on file in the school office.
SECTION II – GENERAL INFORMATION
ARTICLES PROHIBITED AT SCHOOL
Without permission, students should not bring electronic or personal items to school. They are often lost, misplaced, or
unintentionally damaged. The school is not responsible for their safekeeping and is not liable for their loss or damage.
CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICE
A student may possess a cell phone, electronic communication device. During school hours the cell phone, other
ECD/ESD or other electronic device including a camera must remain off and out of sight unless expressly permitted by
a teacher or building administrator.
The student who possesses a cellular phone or ECD/ESD shall assume responsibility for its care. At no time shall the
school be responsible for preventing theft, loss, or damage to cell phones or ECD/ESD brought onto its property.
Except in an emergency, students will not be called to the office to receive a telephone call. Please handle all pick up
or other arrangements with your child before they arrives at school. Please do NOT call your child on their cellular
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telephone during the school day. Students’ cellular phones are to be off and out of sight; emergencies should be called
into the building office.
EARLY DISMISSAL
No student will be allowed to leave school prior to dismissal time without consent of a parent, guardian, or emergency contact. Students will
only be released upon verification of a photo ID. If a student must leave the building because of illness or any other emergency, a parent or
designee (the designee must be listed on the student’s emergency card) must sign out the student in the Main Office. Failure to follow the
proper procedure will be considered skipping. In an effort to maintain an effective functioning school, students may not be released
from school within thirty (30) minutes of the end of the day, except for emergency purposes.
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS AND DELAYS
If the school must be closed or the opening delayed because of inclement weather or other conditions, the School will notify media outlets,
automated telephone messages, and social media platforms. Parents and students are responsible for knowing about emergency closings and
delays. Please be sure any change in telephone number is immediately registered in the building office. Additionally, you can keep current by
texting “WBSD” to 888777.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DRILLS
Emergency Preparedness drills at regular intervals are required by law and are an important safety precaution. The teacher in each classroom
will train the students for each emergency situation.
MEAL SERVICE
Cafeteria Rules are as follows:
1)
Lunch bags and boxes should be labeled with the student’s name.
2)
Students will walk quietly to the lunch room.
3)
Students will sit at their assigned tables and remain in their seat while eating lunch.
4)
Indoor voices will be used at all times in the cafeteria.
5)
Students are responsible for cleaning their eating area.
6)
Lunch bags and boxes should be labeled with the student’s name.
7)
Students will walk quietly to the lunch room.
8)
Students will sit at their assigned tables and remain in their seat while eating lunch.
9)
Indoor voices will be used at all times in the cafeteria.
10)
Students are responsible for cleaning their eating area.
Applications for the school's Free and Reduced-Priced Meal program are available in the office and on the district’s website. Please contact
the building secretary if you believe your family is eligible.
LOST AND FOUND
Students who have lost items should check the lost and found and may retrieve their items if they give a proper description. Unclaimed items
will be given to charity periodically throughout the school year. Please mark your child’s belongings with their first and last names.
REVIEW OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND ACTIVITIES
Any parent who wishes to review materials or observe instruction must contact the principal. Parents’ rights to review teaching materials and
instructional activities are subject to reasonable restrictions and limits.
STUDENT SALES
No student is permitted to sell any item in school unless it is related to a school function and approval is granted by the building administrator.
USE OF SCHOOL EQUIPMENT
Students must receive the permission of the teacher before using any equipment or materials in the classroom. Students will be held
responsible for the proper use and protection of any equipment they are permitted to use.
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VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
A video monitoring system may be used on school busses and a video monitoring system may be used in public areas of the school building.
These systems have been put in place to protect students, staff, visitors, and school property. If a discipline problem is captured on videotape,
that recording may be used as the basis for imposing student discipline. If criminal conduct is recorded, law enforcement personnel may view
the footage. Videos may not be released or seen without administrative permission.
VISITORS/UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS
Visitors, especially parents and guardians, are welcome at the school. Visitors and volunteers will be required to bring in state issued
identification that will be digitally scanned to create visitor passes. IF a person wishes to confer with a member of the staff, they should call for
an appointment prior to coming to the school, in order to schedule a mutually convenient time.
An unauthorized person is one found in the building without a visitor pass, who does not have lawful business to pursue at school, or who acts
in a manner that disturbs the normal education function of the school. The school administration has the right to seek the immediate removal of
unauthorized persons from the school property. This includes students who are under suspension or expulsion.
VOLUNTEERS
We recognize that certain programs and activities (including lunch visits with your student) can be enhanced through the use of volunteers who
have particular knowledge or skills that will be helpful to members of the support staff responsible for the conduct of those programs and
activities. In order to properly monitor the safety of students and staff, volunteers will submit to an ICHAT(electronic) background check two
weeks prior to volunteering in the School. For out-of-state and overnight trips requires additional background screening.
SECTION III - ACADEMICS
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND NETWORKS
Before any student may take advantage of the School’s computer network and the internet, s/he and his/her parents must sign an agreement
which defines the conditions under which the student may participate. Failure to abide by all of the terms of the agreement may lead to
termination of the student’s computer account and possible disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct or referral to law
enforcement authorities. Copies of the School District’s Student Network and Internet Acceptable Use And Safety Policy and the requisite
student and parent agreement will be distributed every school year.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are academic activities that are held off school grounds. No student may participate in any school-sponsored trip without parental
consent. Attendance and school rules apply during all field trips.
REPORT CARDS
The purpose of a grade is to indicate the extent to which the student has acquired the necessary learning. Students will receive a report card at
the end of each marking period indicating their grades for that time period. When a student appears to be at risk of failure, teachers will notify
parents so they can talk with the teacher about what actions can be taken to improve poor grades.
PROMOTION, PLACEMENT, AND RETENTION
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Optimal school achievement is obtained when students experience success in their daily activities and build upon successful experiences as
they encounter new learning situations. All aspects of the student must be considered as grade placements are made. Policy 5410
establishes criteria for promotion, placement, and retention.
DEFINITIONS
A.
Promoted:
Occurs when a student is doing the caliber of work (grade level) that indicates the student has met the criteria established in Policy
5410 and restated below.
B.
Placed:
Occurs when a student is not doing the caliber of work that indicates the student should be promoted to the next grade. However,
the professional staff recommends and the building administrator concurs and the parent agrees, that it is in the student’s best interest to move
to the next grade.
C.
Retained:
Occurs when a student is not doing the caliber of work that indicates the student should be promoted to the next grade,
based on the recommendation of the professional staff with the concurrence of the building administrator and the parent.
Criteria for Consideration
1. current level of achievement
2. potential for success at the next level
3. emotional, physical, and/or social maturity
Timeline for Elementary Grade Placement Changes
1.
Before Parent/Teacher Conference: Principal will review grade placement procedures with teachers.
2.
October-January: Teacher should inform parents of student progress.
3.
Early March: Teacher will notify principal, if an alternative grade placement or retention is being considered. The Student
Intervention Team will be convened by the principal.
4.
Early April: If placement or retention is still being considered, parents should be notified by this time and commitment to the decision
secured.
5.
May-June: Decision on placement or retention is made and student Grade Placement Recommendation is completed.
SCHEDULING AND CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
The principal will assign each student to the appropriate classroom to ensure a balanced program.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
To measure student progress, students take classroom assessments periodically in each subject during the school year. These tests monitor
progress and determine mastery levels as well as determine instructional needs and assign grades. Teachers select and prepare these tests.
Students also take state and district mandated tests periodically during the school year.
SECTION IV- Attendance
The administration and faculty believe that classroom experience and teacher-student interaction are essential components of learning. The promotion of
lifelong habits of self-discipline, good attendance, and punctuality is important in the development of a productive student and citizen.
The attendance policy is based on the State Law of Michigan which requires, "every parent, guardian, or other person in this State, having control and charge
of any child between the ages of six (6) and sixteen (16) years, shall send that child to the public schools during the entire school year. The child's attendance
shall be continuous and consecutive for the school year fixed by the School District in which the child is enrolled."
DEFINITIONS
A.
Absence
An absence is any day that a student misses school. Absence is anytime a student misses 30 minutes or more in any half day period (am or pm).
B.
Excused Absence
Any medically documented absence, funeral days, or other absence approved by the attendance office will not be counted against the student in the ten (10)
day limitation.
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