Absences

Parent responsibility when your child is absent:

            ▪ Call the attendance secretary at 694-9587 to report the absence and reason.

            ▪ Send a written excuse with your child when he/she returns to school.  Parent notes will be

               accepted up to 10 days after absence.  Doctor notes will be accepted anytime.

               Attendance committee will meet in the fall and spring semesters to discuss excessive

               absences.

               If a student leaves early or returns after a doctor’s appointment, with written verification

               from the doctor, the student will be counted present for the day.

All absences need to have written documentation from the parent.  The principal or designee will review the reason and determine if the absence is excused or unexcused.  Student attendance must be at least 90% of the required number of days that school is in session.

Awards                                   
All awards at Flour Bluff Elementary School are based upon the child’s achievements including physical education and music.  The Awards Assembly will be held in late May to recognize those students who satisfy the following criteria:

Citizenship Award

Homeroom teachers will select two students from their homeroom to receive an outstanding citizenship award.  The award is in recognition of the following traits:

                        1.  Good study habits

                        2.  Dependability/Responsibility

                        3.  Being a good citizen

“A” Honor Roll
We will present an “A” honor roll certificate to those students who         achieved straight “A” report cards. 

“A/B” Honor Roll
We will present an “A/B” honor roll certificate to those students who achieved “A/B” report cards. 

Conduct and/or Handwriting grades will not keep a student off the Honor Roll.

Reading Program Awards
Certificates will be given for several reading programs offered:  Flour Bluff Reader’s Club, Book-It, Texas Bluebonnet Reading Club, and the Accelerated Reader’s Club.            

            Awards – Perfect Attendance
Students who were not absent during the school year will receive a        perfect attendance certificate. This award will include attendance at other schools if it can be verified that perfect attendance was maintained.

Benchmark Assessment
Students will be given periodic benchmark tests in reading, writing, and math.  Fourth Graders will also be given science benchmark tests during the school year.  The benchmark test will assess if students are acquiring the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) taught each six weeks.  These are the same skills on which students are assessed on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), (TAKS A), (TAKS M) in the spring semester.  The results of the benchmark tests will be used to determine areas in which a student needs additional instruction.

Bicycles, Skates, Skateboards, Etc.               
Students who ride bicycles or scooters to school must obey state laws for their safety.  A bike rack is available in front of the school for parking bikes during the school day.  Bikes must be locked on the rack.  It is the responsibility of the owner for any damage or theft.  Skates and skateboards are not allowed on campus.

Breakfast
Flour Bluff ISD offers free breakfast to all students at the Elementary.  We believe in good nutrition and getting your children off to a good start each day.  Studies from around the United States have shown:

     * Kids who eat breakfast seem to have an easier time learning.

     * Kids who eat breakfast behave better in school.

     * Kids who eat breakfast are more likely to be on time.

             

Breakfast will be served in the classroom from 7:45 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. 

Cafeteria Services
The District participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers students nutritionally balanced lunches daily.  Student lunch cost is $1.50.  Free and reduced-price lunches are available based on financial need.  Information about a student’s participation is confidential.  Please ask for a free and reduced lunch application at the campus.  You may also access this information on the FBISD web site at flourbluffschools.net.  Click on the lunch menu tab.  This site also has mynutrikids.com set up to pay your students’ lunch account online. 

Parents are invited to visit and eat with their child in the cafeteria.  The cost of an adult lunch is $2.25.  Students are not allowed to leave for lunch for several reasons:  school security, continuity of the school day, and socialization during the limited non-instructional time.

Calendar Dates – 2008-2009

New/Late Registration………………  August 14          Christmas Holidays……….. December 22-Jan 1

Teacher Preparation Days... August 12 & 22                 Weather Day………………. January 2          

Classes Begin…………….. August 25             Teacher Preparation Day….. January 19

Labor Day Holiday……….  September 1                     Spring Break………………. March 16-20

Weather Day/Inservice Day                                          Holiday……………………. April 10

(Student Holiday)………… November 24                   Memorial Day Holiday……. May 25

Inservice Day/Waiver Day                                            Last Day of School………… May 28

(Student Holiday)………… November 25      

Thanksgiving Holidays……November 26-28

Calendar

 

Clinic Facilities:                     
Our clinic is operated as a first aid station.  School clinics are not allowed to dispense medicine without the following provisions:

1.  All medication is to be brought to the nurse’s office by the parent/guardian.  The medication

     will be kept in a secure area.

2.  Prescription and non-prescription medicine must be in the original container.  Prescription

                 medicine must be in a container with the latest pharmacy label for that student.

3.  All medication to be given during the day must be accompanied by a medical release form                   

    (obtained from the office), and signed by a parent/guardian giving authorized school

    personnel directions for its administration (time and dosage).

4. School personnel will not give any medicine, including Tylenol, unless it is provided by              

    you, in the appropriate manner as stated above.

5. If a student throws up or has a fever (100 or greater) the parent will be called to pick them

    up.

6. It is very important that each student has on file in the office an emergency physician 

                and hospitalization card with a working phone number.  The emergency card must be

                signed.  Information on this card will greatly assist personnel in contacting a parent or           

                physician if your child has an accident or becomes ill.  If a child’s phone number changes

                during the year, please give the new number to the office, as soon as possible. 

Asthma Medication and Diabetes Management
A student with asthma who has written authorization from his or her physician or other licensed health-care provider may be permitted to possess and use prescribed asthma medication at school or at school-related events.  The student and parents should see the school nurse or principal if the student has been prescribed asthma medication to use during the school day. 

Students who require diabetes management may carry a monitor, provided documentation from the physician is on file with the nurse indicating the need.

Communities in Schools (CIS)

The mission of CIS of Texas is to help young people stay in school, successfully learn, and prepare for life by coordinating the connection of community resources in the school setting.  Students can be referred by any school personnel or parent to participate.  Parental permission is required.   

Students are determined eligible for CIS services based on the TEA’s At-Risk Criteria (TEA Code 29.081) or other criteria such as receives free/reduced lunch, is a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipient, meets delinquent conduct definition, or is involved in a family conflict or crises.

Compact

Flour Bluff Elementary School

2008 – 2009 Title 1 School-Parent Compact

In order to envision the highest level of success at Flour Bluff Elementary School for every individual, we make this agreement to motivate, to challenge, to inspire each other, and to accomplish this, we hereby sign this compact to work together.

Student Agreement

                It is important that I work to the best of my ability.  Therefore, I will strive to do the following:

                -Try to do my best

                -Follow rules of student conduct

                -Complete and return homework assignments on time

                -Follow teacher classroom rules

Signature _____________________________________________     Date ____________________

Parent or Guardian Agreement

                I want my son/daughter to achieve.  Therefore, I will encourage him/her by doing the following:

                -See that my child attends school daily and gets to class on time

                -Support the school in its efforts to maintain proper discipline

                -Establish a place and time for homework and review it regularly

                -Encourage my child’s efforts and be available for questions

                -Be aware of what my child is learning

                -Provide the opportunity for reading with my child; provide an opportunity to reinforce math skills

                -Sit down and visit with my child’s teacher at least once a year

                -Provide the necessary school supplies my child needs, or speak to the teacher about help with this

                -Contact the teacher first with concerns or questions

Signature _____________________________________________     Date ____________________

Staff Person Agreement

(Teacher, support staff, or administrator)

                We agree to:

                -Show that we care about all students

                -Have high expectations for ourselves, students, and other staff members

                -Communicate and work with families to support all students’ learning

                -Arrange Parent/Teacher visits at least once a year

                -Provide a safe and orderly environment for learning

                -Provide reports on all students’ progress each six weeks (report card)

                -Provide reports on students’ progress at three weeks if there are academic or behavioral concerns

                -Be on time and instruct daily

                -Be prepared and teach the state required curriculum (Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills)

                -Keep all visits and student information confidential within the school

Signature __________________________________________________         Date ____________________

Comments __________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

                 Thank you for your commitment to our partnership!

Discipline                               

Positive Behavior Support

The Positive Behavior Support plan emphasizes the positive aspects of good behavior through rewards and privileges.  Activities are planned on a six weeks basis for students who have satisfactory conduct.  The teachers and paraprofessionals have a system of daily and weekly awards/incentives.  It is our belief that through positive communications with parents and their support of the teacher, our students will have positive experiences at Flour Bluff Elementary School.

            The elementary school will operate on the following four basic expectations:

1.      Follow Directions

2.      Be Polite

3.      Be Safe

4.      Be Prepared

The above expectations should lend themselves to an organized and positive instructional setting.  Consequences for not adhering to the above expectations will be handled in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

Good Choice Club

All students are members of the Good Choice Club.  The club plans a fun grade level activity at the end of each six weeks.  When needed, the school district provides bus transportation and the students pay their way into the facility.

Students may lose Good Choice Club privileges within a six week period for the following reasons:

1.  Ten (10) conduct marks from expectations 1-3;

2.  A combination of fifteen (15) marks from expectations 1-4;

3.  Fifteen (15) marks from expectation 4

4.  Lunch Detention Notice

5.  Bus Infraction

6.  Office Referral

7.  Four (4) unexcused tardies each six weeks.

Conduct grades will be derived from expectations 1-3 only.

0     = E    Excellent      

1-5  = S    Satisfactory

6-9  = N   Needs Improvement (Parent contact will be made when a student may lose Good Choice  

                Club privileges)          

10+ = U  Unsatisfactory (Loss of Good Choice Club privileges for six weeks)

   Any office discipline infraction will result in a “U” for conduct.

Every 15 conduct marks from expectations 1-3 will result in a lunch detention notice or an office referral.

Teachers will follow these steps concerning classroom disruptions:

1.      Document marks in the Positive Behavior folder

2.      Hold a Teacher/Student Conference      

3.      Hold a Teacher/Parent Conference (Conference with parent will be by phone or in person,

      documenting date, time, and discussion.)

4.   Lunch Detention Notice

5.   Office Referral

When a student reaches between 6-9 marks within a six weeks grading period, the student and teacher will make contact with the parent by phone or in person to let them know that he/she is close to losing Good Choice Club privileges.

Listed below are incidents that would lead to an automatic office referral.  Teachers will handle all discipline except automatic office referrals.

1.  Fighting

2.  Profanity in any form

3.  Stealing/Forgery

4.  Cheating

5.  Threats/Harassment

6.  Weapons

7.  Continual disruptive behavior

8.  4^th unexcused tardy for the six weeks

Positive Behavior Folder

The Positive Behavior folder system will be used campus-wide.  Each child will have a Positive Behavior folder which will be used to mark any discipline infractions of the school expectations and stamps to indicate good behavior on a daily basis.  The Positive Behavior folder will go home every Wednesday in the Take Home Folder for parent review and signature.  Folders are due back no later than Friday.  If you forget to sign or return the folder, please call your child’s teacher.

Dress Code

If the campus administrator determines that a student’s grooming violates the dress code, the student will be given the opportunity to:

1.  Call parent for a change of clothes.

2.  If no contact can be made, thee office will provide a change of clothes. (If available)

3.  If parents cannot be reached, student will go to ISS for the remainder of the day.

Early Check Out

Occasionally parents/guardians find it necessary to check students out during the day.  The office staff checks the child’s enrollment card to verify which adults have permission to take a child.  PLEASE BE PREPARED TO SHOW A PICTURE I.D. WHEN PICKING UP A CHILD DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.  If there is a court order denying visitation privileges, that documentation must be a part of the child’s permanent record.  A student will not be released to anyone that is not listed on his/her enrollment card.  Since 10:00 a.m. is the time designated for the purpose of counting attendance, parents are encouraged to arrange doctor, dentist, therapist, etc. appointments after this time.

Field Trips

Off-campus field trips may be scheduled during the school year.  Permission slips will be filled out at registration.  Parents will be notified of field trips at least one week prior to the trip.  A student will not be allowed to attend a field trip without a permission slip being on file.

Grading

Report cards are issued to students at the end of every six weeks period during the school year.    Students receive numerical grades for math, language, reading, science, and social studies.  A grade of  70 or better is required for a student to pass any subject.

Minimum number of grades per six weeks                                                            

Reading - 6
Math - 10
Language - 9 (grammar,writing,spelling)
Science/Health - 6
Social Studies - 6

Grading scale
90 – 100  =  A
80 – 89    =  B
70 – 79    =  C
69 – below  =  F

Art, music, physical education, handwriting, and conduct will be indicated by an “E” denoting excellent, “S” denoting satisfactory achievement, an “N” denoting needs improvement, or a “U” denoting unsatisfactory.  Parents are urged to examine carefully their child’s report card and return it promptly to school with their signature.  Parents are invited to conference with their child’s teachers regarding any question they might have about the report card.

Reading Level

Students are expected to be reading on grade level by the end of the school year.  An Instructional Reading Level Target Chart will be included in your child’s report card each six weeks.  This chart compares your child’s current instructional reading level to the grade level target for each six weeks.  The “instructional” level is the level at which your child receives guided reading instruction with support from his/her teacher.  A child’s instructional reading level is usually one or two levels above his/her independent reading level.

Reading levels A-Z are shown on the left side of the chart with their corresponding grade levels.  We use the Fountas & Pinnell leveling system.  The target reading charts for 3^rd and 4^th grade are shown on pages 14-15.

Make Up Work

When students return to school, they will have the same number of school days to turn in work as they were absent.  For example:  3 days ABSENT = 3 days TO MAKE UP WORK AFTER RETURNING TO SCHOOL.

Progress Reports

On Wednesday of the fourth week of each six weeks’ grading period, a PROGRESS REPORT is sent to the parents indicating Pass, Fail, or Borderline and noting any area where the student needs improvement.  Progress reports will go home with all students.  Parents are urged to discuss these reports with the children.   Please contact the teacher when you need an explanation.  These progress reports must be returned by Friday to the teacher with the parent’s signature.

Listed below are the report card distribution dates for the current school year:

            1st six weeks ---------------October 10, 2008

            2nd six weeks---------------November 21, 2008

            3rd six weeks ---------------January 23, 2009

            4th six weeks ---------------March 6, 2009

            5th six weeks----------------April 24, 2009

            6th six weeks----------------June 5, 2009

Homework

Our instructional program has been organized in such a manner that homework may be kept to a minimum.  Elementary students should generally not have more than an hour of homework each day.    Please keep in mind that there is a need to vary assignments for the learning rate of the individual student.  The teachers are organizing homework to try to keep the total of assignments to one hour.

Parent-teacher contact is essential to the learning process and should be utilized when questions arise concerning homework.  All homework is expected to be returned on time.  Late homework may result in the denial of privileges or extension activity while the assignment is being completed and/or a grade penalty.  Students are encouraged to take home their homework and library books as a regular routine.  We want to work with the parent and the student in providing a good balance of classroom activities and homework assignments.

Hours                         

8:00 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.    School Day

            7:00 a.m.                      Doors open

            7:15 a.m.                      Library open until 7:45 a.m.

            7:45 – 8:00 a.m.           Breakfast in the classroom

            7:45 a.m.                      Announcements

            8:00 a.m.                      School starts

                                                Students are considered tardy

            2:50 p.m.                      Dismiss to buses

            2:55 p.m.                      Buses leave campus

Once a student arrives on the school grounds, he/she will report to their designated hallway next to his/her classroom.  Students should bring reading material which will encourage calm behavior.  There the students will wait for their teacher to escort them into the classroom where breakfast will be served.   Students are not permitted to leave the campus and return unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Insurance                               

Student accident insurance is available for those who wish to purchase such.  Two types are available: one is for accidents only at school, and the other covers the pupil on a (24) twenty-four hour basis.  Forms will be available during registration.  The school is not financially responsible for accidents or insurance.

Jazzy Bees                             

Jazzy Bees represent the Elementary and the Flour Bluff community through performing dance routines and marching in parades.

Jazzy Bees is open to all girls and boys in grade 4 at Flour Bluff Elementary who enjoy dance.

The Jazzy Bee must achieve “A”, “AB” honor roll or all “B” in all classes and be in the Good Choice Club.  Dancers will wear the official Jazzy Bee uniform when designated by the sponsor and on Friday spirit days.  Hair must be kept out of the face and no make-up is permitted.  For safety reasons, jewelry should not be worn.  Ear studs in the earlobe are acceptable.

Jazzy Bees must commit to regular practices which are after school on most Thursdays.  Parents are asked to pick up students promptly from practices and events.

            Cost: $75      Includes cost of uniform.

            Due: Before October 1, 2008

            Jazzy Bee Hotline: 694-9588

            Sponsor: Tera Edge

Library                       

Children may check out two books when they come with their class to the library; one book will be an Accelerated Reader and the other will be a non-Accelerated Reader.  The student should check the books for damage BEFORE leaving the library.  If the book is damaged when it is returned, it is the responsibility of the student and parents to pay for the damaged book as soon as possible.

Students have the book for a 1-week period and should return the book on time.  Books may be rechecked, but must be brought to the library for rechecking.

1st time late:     An oral reminder is stated to the student.

            2nd time late:    A late notice is given to student to have parents sign and return.

            3rd time late:     Parents are called by teacher or librarian.

            4th time late:    Librarian contacts parent by mail or phone.  Student may not check out other

                                       books until the book is returned or paid for.

Parent Portal

The district now has in place a new communication tool that allows parents to see information such as student schedules, attendance information, and contacts designated by the parents, including names, phone numbers, etc.  Parents may access this tool by logging on to the FBISD web site at flourbluffschools.net and clicking on the Parent Portal Handbook link, which provides directions on how to enter the portal. 

Parent-Teacher Conferences                       

With parent help, teachers can do the best possible job of educating each child.  The parent can supply information about the child that could be very useful to the teacher.  The teacher can offer suggestions to parents on how they can help with the education process at home.  For these reasons parent-teacher conferences are encouraged.  These conferences are scheduled during the teachers’ conference periods or at any other time convenient with the parent and teachers’ instructional time.  Please call ahead of time to make an appointment.

Physical Education:               

Students will have PE for a 30 minute period every day.  All students must wear tennis shoes when participating in PE classes.

Grading

Physical Education grades are given to students based upon participation.

Excused participation:

A student is not excused from PE for the day unless a note from the parent explains why they cannot participate or a teacher recommends such.  A doctor’s note will be required for those students in attendance at school who must miss more than three (3) consecutive days of physical education.  The note should indicate when the student can resume physical activity.

Promotion Policy                   

To qualify for promotion to the next grade level, a student must meet all of the following:

• An overall average of 70 or above when averaging the final grade for language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. 
• 70 final average in math.
• A 70 final average in language arts.  (When averaging the reading and language grades.)
• Read on grade level.

    Instructional Reading Level Expectations

                        August              May

    Grade 3             L                   P

    Grade 4             P                   S

To be considered “on grade level” in reading for promotion requirements, 3^rd grade students must pass the 3^rd Grade TAKS Reading Test.  Fourth grade students must pass the 4^th Grade TAKS Reading Test or be reading at Instructional Level S on the district reading assessment.  Students who do not meet all four criteria will be retained.  They may be promoted if they successfully meet the deficient criteria in summer school.                                                       

Options and Requirements For Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed below to learn about the district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services.  This system links students to a variety of support options, including referral for a special education evaluation.  Students having difficulty in the regular classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other support services that are available to all students. At any time, a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services.  Within a reasonable amount of time, the district must decide if the evaluation is needed.  If evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide consent for the evaluation.  The district must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the district receives the written consent.  The district must provide a copy of the report to the parent.   Contact Person:                 Belinda Aguilar, Counselor Phone Number:                 694-9593

Safety Drills                          

Fire, weather, and safety drills are held regularly to help students move quickly and orderly to safe areas in case an actual emergency occurs.  Students are urged to listen to their teacher’s instructions when the fire alarm sounds or when instructions are announced by the Principal.

Schoolwide Program 

Goal: All Students working on Grade Level

The Flour Bluff Elementary School, a Title I School wide Project, has developed a team planning and teaching program.  Four classrooms are clustered into what is termed a “pod”.  Students are assigned to a homeroom teacher in that pod. 

The Third and Fourth grades are departmentalized. Students are taught by two teachers. One teacher provides Reading, Language, and word study (Language Arts) instruction and the other teacher provides Math, Science, and Social Studies instruction.  Students receive Music and Physical Education instruction from additional staff.

High expectations are maintained for all students to learn.

Security

Security is a critical issue with the student population in excess of 700 students.  Our first concern is always the health, safety, and emotional well-being of our students.  Access to the Flour Bluff Elementary School will be through the FRONT ENTRANCE ONLY.  Side doors will be locked throughout the school day.  To further facilitate student security there is a designated area for parents who pick-up their children at dismissal time.

Student ID Number Card

Parents will be issued one Student ID Number card.  You must give this ID number when leaving a message with staff members for your child or asking staff members to make a change in your child’s after school routine.

Only share the ID number with people you believe need this information.  If you lose or misplace your child’s card, please come by the school office with a picture ID to have the card replaced.

Change forms for after school directions are delivered to teachers at 2:30 p.m.  Please call before 2:30 p.m. to ensure your child gets the change form in time.

Special Programs

For a list of the district’s special programs, please refer to the district handbook.  Flour Bluff Elementary offers all these programs according to district/state/federal standards.

S.A.I.L. (Gifted and Talented Program)

The Flour Bluff Independent School District's gifted and talented program, S.A.I.L., is designed to serve identified students who need challenges and educational instruction beyond the general education curriculum.  The S.A.I.L. instructional program is differentiated to promote extension and enrichment for identified students.

SCREENING PROCEDURES

1.      Nominations are accepted anytime for the S.A.I.L. (Gifted and Talented) Program.  Students are nominated by anyone, including parents, staff, community members, or through self-nomination.

2.      Students are assessed according to district timelines and procedures, which are posted on each campus.

3.      Each campus SAIL (gifted and talented) Committee meets to review assessment data, screen applicants, and to recommend placement of students, for whom the SAIL program is an appropriate placement, utilizing established criteria. Qualification is based on general intellectual ability, specific subject matter aptitude, and creative/productive thinking skills.

Parents receive notification regarding qualification. Students who qualify must submit a parent permission form in order to be placed and served.

FURLOUGHS

A student or parent may request a temporary leave from the program of not less than one semester or more than one year, for serious, extenuating circumstances.  The student’s eligibility to re-enter the S.A.I.L. program shall be reviewed by the campus committee at the end of the furlough period.

EXIT POLICY

The Campus GT/SAIL Committee may exit a student from the S.A.I.L. Program upon the recommendation of the teacher and/or parent when the program fails to meet the student’s educational needs.  Reasons for consideration of exit will include: evidence of working at a level of frustration, observable through performance and or behavior; demonstration of clear inability or unwillingness to maintain the standards of program performance by maintaining a below satisfactory grade average for two six weeks or more; failure to participate in the program in the appropriate grade level and course offerings for the areas in which the student is qualified; and parent request for removal is automatic. (An Exit form requesting removal is signed and dated by the parent.) Procedures for exit will include a parent conference, a counselor/student conference, and a dismissal review by the Campus GT/SAIL Committee, to include input from the parent, teacher and campus administrator.

APPEALS

Parents or students may appeal any final decision of the campus committee regarding selection for or removal from the S.A.I.L. program.  Written notice of desire to appeal should be given to the campus administrator or curriculum supervisor. Appeal shall be made first to the campus committee within 10 days of notification. The Campus Committee then meets and reviews the appeal and makes a decision. Any subsequent appeals shall be made in accordance with FNG (LOCAL) in Board Policy.

Student Assistance Team

The student assistance team was created to give all students assistance needed for academic and behavior concerns.  It provides their teachers with teaching strategies, interventions, and modifications that would benefit the student.  The team is made up of an administrator, teachers, counselors, and specialist.  Students are referred by teachers, parents or administrators.

Response To Intervention

Response-to-Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tiered, data-driven education model in which the academic and behavioral needs of all students are addressed in general education settings.

Student Success Initiative

The Student Success Initiative was created by the Texas Legislature to ensure that all students receive the instruction and support they need to be successful in reading and mathematics.

Under the Student Success Initiative grade advancement requirements, students are required to meet the passing standard on the Grade 3 Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) reading test to be promoted to the fourth grade, and to meet the passing standard on the Grade 5 TAKS reading and mathematics tests to be promoted to sixth grade.  .

In 2007-2008, the grade advancement requirements began to apply to students who take the Grade 8 reading and mathematics TAKS tests. Students must pass the Grade 8 tests to be promoted to the ninth grade.

Students have three opportunities to meet the passing standard on each of the tests and will receive additional instruction after each testing opportunity on which they do not meet the standard.  A grade placement committee, consisting of the principal, teacher, and parent or guardian, meets when a student has not met the passing standard after two testing opportunities and decides the most effective way to support a student’s academic success.  A student who does not meet the passing standard after three testing opportunities is automatically retained; however, if the parents appeal the retention, the grade placement committee may choose to promote the student if all members agree that the student is likely to perform on grade level with additional instruction.

Reading and math labs are available to students who meet lab criterias.  The labs will not take away from instruction in the classroom, but will replace one extra curricular class.  

Tardies                                  

Announcements begin at 7:45 a.m.  Instruction begins promptly at 8:00 a.m.  Students are tardy if they have not arrived to class by 8:00 a.m.

Students who are tardy with a doctor’s note will be excused.  For each six week period, students will be allowed four tardies with a note from a parent.  Students who are tardy and do not have a note will receive an unexcused tardy.  Students will be sent to the office with an office referral for 4 unexcused tardies.  Each new six weeks, all students will begin with zero tardies for that six weeks.

After four unexcused tardies, the teacher will inform the parent/guardian.  The student will be disqualified from participating in that 6 weeks’ Good Choice Club celebration.

The office will decide if the tardy is excused or unexcused.   The teacher will be responsible for keeping track of the student’s tardies.

 

Notification to Parents of Teacher Qualifications

As a parent of a student at Flour Bluff Elementary, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child, and Federal law requires the school district to provide you this information in a timely manner, if you request it.  Specifically, you have the right to request the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:

            •  Whether the teacher meets the state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grades and

                subjects he or she teaches.

            •  Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status because of special

                circumstances.

            •  The teacher’s college major, whether the teacher has any advanced degrees, and the field

                of discipline of the certification or degree.

            •  Whether paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if so, their qualifications.

If you would like to receive any of this information, please contact the campus principal at 694-9500.

 

Telephone                              
Office telephones are available to students for emergency purposes (sick, injuries, etc.).  Routine types of calls can be made through the classroom with the permission of the teacher.  Students will not be called from class for phone calls.  Teachers will not be called away from instruction unless it is an emergency that cannot be handled during the conference time or after school.

Please call during the teacher’s conference time or leave a message for him/her to return your call at that time.

Textbooks                             
The state of Texas furnishes textbooks and charges the total cost of  these to Flour Bluff Schools’ Textbook Custodian.  These books are issued to the student and the student and his/her parents become responsible for the care and safe return of each book issued.  All lost or damaged books must be paid for by the student before their school record will be  cleared.  All textbooks must be covered for the entire time they are checked out to a student.  Please do not use the sticky book covers.

Videorecording
Students are occasionally videorecorded or photographed by local news, print media, and school personnel for performances, showcasing work, or honorable mention.  Forms for release of videotaping and photographs are part of the enrollment package.  (See enrollment form at registration.)

Visitors

All visitors must register with the building secretary in the office.  Visitors will wear a badge while on campus and return it to the office upon checkout.  All parents/guardians must stop by the front office if they plan to pick up a child early.  Parents/guardians/others who pick up children need to be prepared to provide proper identification before being allowed to remove a child from campus.  The secretary will call the teacher’s room and ask the teacher to send that child to the office.  Parents/guardians may visit in their child’s classroom for a period of up to 45 minutes.  Additional visits will be discussed and must be approved by the building principal.  Visitors of school age will not be allowed in the classroom.  No pets or animals will be allowed without written permission from the principal.

Weekly Communication       

Teachers will give students a weekly “Take Home Folder” containing their work every Wednesday.  A parent should talk with his/her child about the work while encouraging the child to continuously improve.  Then the parent signs in the designated area and returns the folder and papers with the student by Friday.  If a parent does not receive a folder, please contact the teacher.  Using this weekly communication assists the school with maintaining reports on student achievement.