Elementary School Handbook

Below, please find the Elementary School Handbook in its entirety. You may also download a pdf copy of the handbook.

Roland Park Elementary School

STUDENT HANDBOOK

STUDENT HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents 1

Letter from the Principal 2

Accepted Code of Behavior 3

Attendance 4

Before and After-School Policy 4

Bus Tickets 5

Cafeteria Guidelines 6

Discipline 7

(Roland Park) Discipline Code 10

Early Dismissals 11

Dress Code 12

Electronic Devices 13

Emergency Cards 13

Field Trips 13

Fire Drills 14

Homework Policy 14

Lavatories 17

Lockers 17

Lost & Found 17

Buying Lunch at School 18

Money at School 18

Parent Participation/Volunteers 18

Parent-Teacher Conferences 19

Parent-Teacher Student Association 19

Parking 19

Personal Emergencies 20

Playground 20

Report Cards 21

Telephone Use 21

Textbooks 21

Visitors 22

Harassment Information 22

School Calendar 24

ROLAND PARK ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL

“A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence”

5207 Roland Avenue

Baltimore, Maryland 21210

(410) 396-6420

Dear Parents and Students,

I would like to welcome you and your child to the Roland Park Elementary/Middle School family. I am honored to be a part of Roland Park School with its rich tradition of excellence in educating our students. We are also proud of our many accomplishments, such as being a Maryland Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, a Kennedy Center Arts Award recipient, and a Maryland Green School. It is hoped that each student and parent also share in that pride.

As our society becomes more complex, so do the challenges of our young people. I have extremely high expectations of our students, faculty, staff, and parents of Roland Park Elementary/Middle School. I also have high expectations of my administrative team and myself, and I pledge to model those expectations in my efforts as I lead our school through this school year.

I hope to get to know each of you personally and it is my desire to help you and your child have the best possible educational experience at our school. This handbook outlines the guidelines we have employed over the years to achieve the standard of excellence we enjoy. We hope that it answers some of the many questions you may have as your child goes through this school year and continues as a Roland Park student. Have a great year!

Sincerely,

Carolyn Cole

Principal

ACCEPTED CODE OF BEHAVIOR

Students, teachers, parents and citizens have a deep interest in promoting effective discipline in the schools of Baltimore City. To this end there is a need for each school to develop an accepted code of behavior.

A major responsibility of the Roland Park School is to promote the growth of young men and women in self-discipline; appreciation of the rights of all people-students and staff; and understanding that responsibilities to others, as well as to oneself, go with these rights.

Groups of students, parents, and the school staff of the Roland Park School have developed the following code as a guide to behavior that protects the rights and safety of all and promotes a school environment in which students can live comfortably and learn the following to:

Respect the rights of others.
No pupil or teacher should be threatened, assaulted, or have his or her money or other belongings taken.
Respect the property of others in the school neighborhood and at the bus stop.
Do not run on the property of others and do not loiter on their property.
Learn to handle disagreements peacefully. If you think this may not be possible, ask for help from your teacher, a counselor, a security officer, or an administrator.
Avoid rough play. Often disagreements and fights grow out of situations that start as rough play.
Take pride in the school building and grounds. Your school can be clean and attractive if you refrain from throwing trash on the floor, stairs, and grounds. Do not write on the walls and do not destroy school property.
Always walk in the halls and on the stairs. Running is not safe.

Attendance

8:00 a.m. - Entrance door will close at 8:10 a.m.

2:45 p.m. - Dismissal (Students must be picked up by 2:55 p.m.)

We believe that no single factor contributes as much to academic failure as does absenteeism. School attendance is essential to school success. Students must make a total commitment to daily and punctual attendance, thereby establishing a pattern of responsible behavior, which will also make them successful in their adult lives. Parents are charged with the responsibility of daily and punctual attendance of their children as required by the law.

Absence

In the event of an absence, the day you return to school, you must bring a note, signed by your parent, stating the reason for your absence. Be sure the note is dated.

Lateness

The homeroom teacher will mark elementary students who are not in the classroom by 8:10 a.m. late for school. Students who arrive at school after 8:30 a.m. are to sign the late book in the elementary office and obtain a pass before reporting to class.

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL POLICIES

Before School:

Supervision is provided, for a fee, for those children who must arrive at school prior to the 8:00 a.m. entry time and must stay after the 2:45 dismissal time. Information about these programs can be obtained in the main office. For your child’s safety, please make certain that you have arranged your child’s transportation needs, to coincide with the school’s entry and dismissal times.

Students must remain on the school grounds at all times while waiting to enter the building and to be picked up after school. Students should not congregate in the driveway. This is the only road that cars and delivery vehicles can use. It is not safe to stand in the driveway. The school parking lot is off limits to all students.

At entry time, students will enter the building promptly and report immediately to their homeroom classes. At dismissal, students are to meet their parents in the front of the building. Once you have left the building, you will not be able to re-enter the building without parental supervision.

After School Guidelines

For your safety/supervision, please arrange to be picked up by your parent/guardian between 2:45 and 2:55 p.m. Provisions for students requiring supervision after 2:45 p.m. can be made through the After School Programs. Parents will be contacted if students are not picked up by 3:00 p.m. Students who are not regularly picked up by 3:00 p.m. will be referred to the appropriate agency for support services. Students are not allowed to wait without parent supervision for middle school siblings to be dismissed at 3:05 p.m. School personnel are not available to assume parental supervision after the close of the school day.

Bus Tickets

Eligibility

Eligibility is determined by the Transportation Department. Questions pertaining to eligibility for bus tickets should be directed to: Transportation Department (410) 396-8777, or 8778 or Office of Planning (410) 396-8950.

Privileges/Responsibilities

Students must carry the I.D. card (front cover of each month’s book of tickets) at all times. Be sure to show the I.D. card before depositing the bus tickets in the box.

Students should carry only the tickets needed to come to school in the morning and return home in the afternoon. Do not carry the entire book of bus tickets all month.

Students who are transported to and from Roland Park School by private or public buses are expected to follow specific guidelines. Certain behavior is expected of each child on the bus. Failure to obey the established rules will cause you to lose the right to ride the bus. Listed below are the rules for bus behavior:

Each student will conduct himself/herself in a courteous manner and follow the instructions of the bus driver.
Profanity will not be allowed on the bus.
Radios without headphones will not be allowed on the bus.
Fighting will not be allowed on the bus and will be punished with a disciplinary removal.
Throwing objects on the bus or from the bus windows will not be allowed.
Hands and heads must be kept inside the bus.
Each student will remain seated while the bus is in motion.
Loud talking and yelling are not allowed on the bus.

Cafeteria Guidelines

Seating

Your homeroom teacher will inform you of the method of seat selection/assignment in the cafeteria. Students are to be seated and wait for their class to be called to the serving lines.

Responsibilities

Follow all rules and regulations.
Practice being considerate and respectful of yourself and those around you.
Maintain the cleanliness of your assigned space.
Do not throw anything in the cafeteria.
Do not beg, borrow, or steal lunch from other students.
Use “inside voices” in a conversational tone.
Make sure you take all personal belongs with you when you leave the cafeteria. The school is not responsible for items left in the cafeteria by students.

Procedures

Enter the cafeteria and be seated with your class.
The assistant principal or an adult in charge will call those students who are ready to enter the food line.
All food must be eaten in the cafeteria. No food is to be removed from the cafeteria.
All talking and movement must cease as soon as the signal is given.
Quietly walk to the line when your class has been called for dismissal from the cafeteria. Remain in line until your class reaches the playground and/or your classroom.

Discipline

The Roland Park Disciplinary Code cites disciplinary actions that will be taken for infractions that occur in school, in the school community, and on the way to and from school. The following information is a partial list of student infractions with sample outcomes. Please refer to the BCPSS Student Discipline Code for a complete explanation of disciplinary policies and procedures.

Short-Term Suspensions

Students may be temporarily removed from school for up to ten days for serious or continued misconduct.
Students who are placed on short-term suspension may not return to school until the administrator who authorized the short-term suspension has a satisfactory conference with the parent or guardian.

Some examples of offenses which will result in short-term suspension are:

refusal to follow administrative directives
petty theft of students’/school property
students who go in “off limits” areas
possession of a cell phone or other electronic device
involvement in a fight
profanity directed towards a staff member
class cutting
leaving school grounds without permission
insubordination/defiance towards a staff member
repeated violations of Baltimore City Public School exclusionary dress code policy
classroom disruption, ex: talking too much, making noises, throwing objects or distracting others
Sexual Harassment (administrative judgment) ex: unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal physical conduct of a sexual nature * See Pages 23-25
Misconduct and fighting on MTA buses as well as any inappropriate behavior while traveling to and from school can result in a short term suspension from school.
cheating/copying the work of another

Long-Term Suspension

Long-term suspension is a severe disciplinary action brought about as the result of either extreme inappropriate conduct or a continued pattern of unacceptable behavior. Certain very serious offenses can lead to permanent suspension from this school and a referral to Suspension Services. Included among these are such things as:

intentionally doing bodily harm which results in medical attention being given to staff member or student
threatening to do bodily harm to teacher/staff member (refer to school police)
vandalism/malicious destruction of school property (refer to school police)
signaling a false fire alarm (refer to school police)
chronic classroom disruption
chronic disrespect towards teacher/staff member/other students
extortion (refer to school police)
Possession of objects that could endanger the safety or health of others or cause disruption to the smooth operation of the school. Ex: stink bombs, popping string bombs, spray, etc.
grand theft ($300 or more) of school property (refer to school police)
repeated short-term suspensions
sexual offense (Administrative judgment and refer to school police)

Expulsions (refer to school police)

An expulsion means that a student cannot attend any regular day school program of the Baltimore City Public Schools during the period of expulsion.

Assault of teacher/staff member
Possession of suspected illegal substances (drugs)
Possession of weapon and/or weapon look-alike object

Weapons

The School Board passed a rule about students who have weapons in school. This rule states the following: Any student found in possession of any weapon will be expelled. You must understand the following:

It does not make a difference what kind of weapon is found. For example, under this rule, a penknife is a weapon just as a large knife is a weapon. This means, you cannot bring a knife to cut your sandwich or fruit at lunch time.

The following, under most circumstances, will be treated as guns: a bb gun, a pellet gun, a starter pistol, a revolver-loaded, operable or inoperable, water gun or cap gun.

The age of the student does not make any difference.

It does not make any difference why the weapon is in the student’s possession or where it is in the student’s possession, such as a locker. If the student is having problems with other students, there are adults in the school who will help. Weapons will not solve a problem; they will only make it worse.

If anyone asks a student to hold a weapon, the student should refuse. The student will be expelled because the weapon is in his or her possession. The person who brings the weapon to school will also be expelled.

This rule covers all activities that are connected with school. For example, students will be expelled who have weapons at school games, dances and while going to and from school.

Miscellaneous items, such as scissors, when used as a weapon will be treated as a weapon violation.

This School Board Policy is implemented to promote the safety of all of the students in the school.

Drugs

You do not have the right to use, sell, distribute, possess, or be under the influence of drugs, including alcohol and marijuana, on school property or during school-sponsored activities.

The elementary school office and school nurse must be notified in writing by your parent or physician, if you are taking medication, or you cease to take medication.

You are not allowed to carry any kind of medication with you during the school day. This includes over the counter medications.

If a student must take prescribed medication or over the counter medication during school hours, the school office will issue the parent/guardian a “Parent’s Request and Authorization to Administer Medication to a Student in School” form, to be completed and signed by the physician and the parent/guardian and returned to the elementary school office.

You will be proposed for suspension from Roland Park and may be permanently expelled from the school system for violating this drug policy.

Roland Park Disciplinary Code

A sample of disciplinary actions that will be taken for infractions that occur in school, in the school community, on the way to or from school:

Expulsions (refer to school police):

assault on teacher/staff member
possession of suspected illegal substances (drugs)
possession of weapon/and or weapon look-alike object

Long Term Suspensions

intentionally doing bodily harm which results in medical attention being given to a staff member or student
threatening to do bodily harm to teacher/staff member (refer to school police)
vandalism/malicious destruction of school property (refer to school police)
signaling a false fire alarm (refer to school police)
chronic classroom disruption
chronic disrespect towards teacher/staff member/other students
extortion (refer to school police)
grand theft ($300 or more) of school property (refer to school police)
sexual offense (Administrative judgment and refer to school police)
repeated short-term suspensions
possession of objects that could endanger the safety or health of others or cause disruption to the smooth operation of the school. Ex: stink bombs, poppers, string bombs, spray, etc.

Short Term Suspensions

refusal to follow administrative directives
petty theft of students’/school property
students who go in “off limits” areas
possession of a beeper or other electronic communication device
involvement in a fight on school grounds
profanity directed towards a staff member/other students
class cutting
leaving school grounds without permission
insubordination/defiance towards a staff member
repeated violations of Baltimore City Public School exclusionary dress code policy
classroom disruption
chronic failure to report to detention
sexual offense (administrative judgment)
disruptive behavior during fire drill

Parent Contact W/ Administrator Requested

chronic lateness to class
cutting class
failure to report to detention after school
out of class without a legitimate pass
inappropriate cafeteria behavior

Detention W/ Teacher

inappropriate behavior in hall
lateness to class
not obeying teacher’s directions
not prepared for class with school materials

EARLY DISMISSALS 95°

Weather-Related Emergencies

When Baltimore City Public Schools are dismissed early due to inclement weather, hazardous conditions, or excessive heat, the building will be closed within one-half hour of the announced official closing time. Students should remind their parents to listen to the Internet, radio, or television to get the most recent weather report if they think schools might be closing early because of weather conditions. You may also wish to subscribe to WBAL’s school closing email alert system. Remember that the MTA does not provide door-to-door school service during such conditions. Students must use regular buses along with the general public. The After School Programs do not operate on days when schools close early. It is important that you have a pre-arranged plan of what to do on days when school is dismissed early, as phones may not be available.

Early Dismissal by Parent Request

Please consider planning out-of-school activities such as doctor’s appointments or family outings after school hours if at all possible. Many students are losing valuable instructional time as they leave before the school day has ended. For some students, early departure occurs regularly. If it is necessary to request early dismissal, please send a note to your child’s house principal: Miss Woerner – Elementary; Mr. D’Ambrosio – 6^th grade; Mr. Croson – 7^th grade; Ms. Brooks – 8^th grade. Please ask your child to deliver the note at the beginning of the school day so that he/she will be waiting in the house office when you arrive. This procedure will make the process of early dismissal more efficient. When picking your child up from school early, please complete the Early Dismissal Form in the main office.

DRESS CODE

All students are required to wear the approved uniform. The uniform consists of any khaki pants, skirts, shorts or jumpers worn with a SOLID navy blue shirt such as polo, buttoned-down collar, sweater, or sweat shirt. These items may be purchased in any clothing store.

No writing is permitted other than official RPE/MS shirts, such as May Mart shirts, class tee shirts, etc.

Solid navy blue sweaters and hoodies are permitted during cold weather.

Anything worn under the uniform (e.g. layered shirts) must be navy or white. For example, a white collared shirt under a navy sweater is acceptable.

No coats, jackets, sunglasses, hats, stocking caps, head scarves, legwarmers, or any other outside clothing may be worn in school. Therefore, students who feel uncomfortable with classroom temperatures should bring navy sweaters to school. Hats and sunglasses worn to school must be removed upon entering the building and left in lockers.

Any type of dress that might be considered beachwear or lounging clothing should not be worn to school. Thongs, flip flops, or slippers may not be worn.

Girls may not wear shorts above mid-thigh, halters, midriffs, sundresses, or strapless dresses.

Girls may not wear mini-skirts (skirts above mid-thigh), hair rollers, see through blouses, or blouses which expose the midriff, in school or on school grounds.

Boys may not wear shorts above mid-thigh, or pants that do not stay up at the waist, undershirts, tank-tops, muscle shirts, or thermal underwear tops.

Students may not wear athletic outfits of any type including warm-up suit, spandex sportswear or biker shorts sportswear, jogging suits, or sweat suits to school as indicated by the BCPSS Dress Code.

Students improperly attired will be sent to the house principal. All efforts will be made by the house principal to contact the student’s home for a change of clothing to be brought to school.

All students must follow the Baltimore City Public School Systems’ Dress Code.

The uniform policy will be enforced!

ELECTRONIC DEVICES/ TOYS/TRADING CARDS

Portable radios, iPods, tape players, compact disc players, beepers, pagers, cell phones, laser lights, electronic games, communication devices and similar items are not to be brought to school. Toys are to be left at home. Trading cards are also to be left at home.

EMERGENCY CARDS

It is important that you have an emergency card on file in the elementary office. It should reflect current information. This is required by law and allows us to follow your parent’s wishes in the event you become ill or have an accident at school. We will always attempt to reach your parent first. Report to the office any change of emergency information immediately. It is critical that the emergency card is signed by a parent or guardian, and that serious medical problems are noted.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are periodically used as part of the curriculum. Only students with a signed permission slip may attend these trips. Students must give their permission slips and trip money to the teacher in charge of the trip prior to the date of the trip. Students are to wear their school uniforms on all field trips as a measure of safety and security.

FIRE DRILLS

Fire drills help you to learn what to do if there is a real fire. When the alarm rings:

Stop what you are doing and quietly get in line.
Listen for your teacher’s directions.
Walk in line to your assigned place.
Stand quietly.
Walk in line to return to your room when the signal is given.

Roland Park Elementary/Middle School Homework/Make-Up Work Policy

Homework is a vital part of the educational process. It provides opportunities for students to reinforce skills, gain a better understanding of the subject matter, and extend their thinking through research and application. Homework helps students hone their work habits and organizational and study skills; it helps them to increase independence and responsibility. In addition, homework connects parents/guardians with what their children are learning in school. Educational research shows that students who complete appropriate homework assignments demonstrate significant gains in academic achievement.

General Homework Expectations and Policy

Students are expected to complete homework assignments nightly. Although daily assignments will not necessarily be written, teachers will assign written assignments several times a week. Depending on the students’ grade level, home assignments may include extended research, reviewing vocabulary, studying for tests and quizzes, reading assigned texts/related subject matter, or preparing reports. Primary grade assignments may include handwriting practice, story reading, vocabulary practice, skill worksheets, book reports, etc. Formal home assignments for kindergarten students will involve practicing skills and designing projects.

Teachers will check homework for completion and accuracy. Written homework will be corrected with appropriate feedback given to students according to the lesson design established by the teacher. For example, the work may be self-corrected after correct responses are reviewed in class, peers may correct written work, or the teacher may collect and grade the homework. Teachers may require that students obtain a parent signature on written homework.

For the upper elementary and middle school grades, teaching teams will coordinate the due dates of major assignments, long-term projects, and major tests to avoid a conflicting and excessive work load for students. Long-term assignments will not be due on the day students return from an extended holiday.
Homework will be factored in as a percentage of the total grade. Although grading criteria may vary depending on the content area and grade level, no more than 15% of the quarterly grade is based on daily homework. This percentage does not include extended projects, which may be an additional 10% to 20% of the quarterly grade.
Occasionally students fail to include their name on assignments turned in to a teacher. No more than 10% will be deducted from the child’s homework grade for failure to place a name on an assignment. Students who repeatedly fail to place their names on papers, however, may risk loss of credit for the assignment.
Students are encouraged to attend available coach classes if they need assistance with class work especially after an extended absence.

What to Expect if a Student is Absent from School

Short Term Illness

Upon returning form a short-term absence from school (one or two days), the student must obtain missed homework and class work.
All make-up work must be completed within two days of returning to school unless the teacher agrees to an extension. When make-up work has been successfully completed, the student’s grades shall reflect the completion of such work.

Extended Illness

During an extended illness (three or more days), parents are encouraged to acquire work for their children to complete at home before returning to school. Parents should contact the teacher(s) or house office and allow from 24 to 48 hours for teachers to assemble the work packet. The packet will be sent to the house office for the parent to pick up.
The teacher will determine the due date based on the quantity and nature of work to be completed. When make-up work has been successfully completed, the student’s grades shall reflect the completion of such work.

Chronic Health Impaired Program (CHIP)

Work is requested on the day of absence; the home school teacher will come to the school to obtain the work packet.
The student is marked present for the day.
CHIP students must return the CHIP work packet to their teachers upon return to school.

Suspensions

If a child is suspended he/she will receive a work packet before leaving.
Additional make-up work may be required upon return to school.
The work packet must be completed and the assignments turned in to the teachers the first day upon return from suspension.

Family Vacations

Vacation is considered an unlawful absence (See BCPSS Informational Guide for Parents and Students for a listing of lawful absences).
Teachers are under no obligation to provide advanced or make up homework for families who plan vacations during the school year.
School administrators and teachers will evaluate the educational merit of certain travel to allow for possible alternate assignments for which students may receive credit in relevant content areas.
Before planning a family vacation, families should consider the following:

More than 10 days of unlawful absences may cause a student to be in danger of repeating the grade.
Court referral is submitted after 17 days of unlawful absence.

What to Expect if a Student Fails to Turn in a Home Assignment

A student may have up to two additional days after the due date to complete and turn in an assignment. Upon completion, the student will receive partial credit depending on grade level and teacher discretion.
If the two-day extension passes and the student does not turn in the assignment, the teacher may determine if partial credit or no credit is granted.
If an assignment is graded in class on the scheduled due date, the teacher may determine if late work will be accepted for credit.
Teachers may have students stay in at recess (elementary) to complete missing assignments.

Responsibilities/Expectations

The Students’ Responsibility:

Students are expected to record all homework assignments in an agenda or assignment book and take home all books and materials necessary to complete the assigned homework. (In the lower elementary grades, students are given assignments in their take-home folders).
Students are responsible for completing their homework on time and in the required format.
Students are responsible for requesting make-up work when they return to school.
In order to increase reading fluency, students are responsible for reading on a daily basis regardless of whether homework is assigned.
Students are responsible for placing their name on all assignments.
Students will attend coach class when available.

The Teachers’ Responsibility:

Teachers will assign relevant homework that complies with professional standards.
Teachers will provide criteria when requiring a specific format.
Teachers will check homework for completion and accuracy.
Teachers will make available the work the student has missed.
For students who chronically fail to complete homework assignments, teachers will notify parents through written communication sent home with the child.

The Parents’ Responsibility:

Parents should make homework a priority in the home by expecting the completion of homework and providing an appropriate work environment.
If circumstances arise at home preventing students from completing their homework, parents are encouraged to send a note into school to explain; teachers will exercise judgment regarding a possible extension of the due date.
It is appropriate to assist children with homework when they are getting started and when they have questions. However, parents should promote independence in their children by allowing them to complete homework and projects independently.

LAVATORIES

Students must have a pass to use a lavatory from the classroom teacher. Students should use the facilities as quickly as possible and leave after washing their hands. All students have the responsibility of keeping the lavatories in a clean and orderly condition. Any student found not using the lavatories appropriately will be referred to the elementary office and may receive a short-term or long-term suspension from school and be required to make restitution for any damage done.

LOCKERS

Your book bag must fit within your locker. Know your locker combination number. Make sure your locker is locked every time you use it. Do not give your locker combination to anyone other than your homeroom teacher. Students must provide their own locks.

LOST and FOUND

The elementary office maintains a lost and found department. It is the child’s responsibility to check in the office periodically if he/she has lost something. Student clothing and other items should be clearly labeled. Items not picked up in a reasonable amount of time will be donated to a charitable organization.

BUYING LUNCH IN THE CAFETERIA

Elementary Lunch $2.25

Reduced Lunch $0.40

Eligibility

Applications for free and/or reduced lunch services will be distributed in the beginning of the school year and you will be notified as to your status.

Students returning to Roland Park School who received free or reduced lunches last year will continue to do so until the end of October. Remember you need to complete a new lunch application every year. Last year’s benefits end in October.

Again this year, the cafeteria will be using the lunch debit card system. Students can deposit as much money as they choose into their lunch accounts and use their debit cards in lieu of cash. Students will use an individual private number to access their lunch accounts; therefore students should not reveal their (PIN) numbers to anyone. Students who forget their lunches at home or have no money deposited in their accounts will be given a lunch by the cafeteria staff. The free lunch usually consists of a sandwich, piece of fruit and milk, so make sure you have your lunch every day or enough money in your account.

Money at School

Students should not carry extra money to school. Any money you must bring to school should be carried in a safe place and not shown to others.

Your parents should be concerned if you come home with “extra money” found at school, or if you bring home items bought from other students. Students are not allowed to sell items of any kind at school.

Parent Participation

Parents are always welcome in our school. There are several ways to participate:

1. Parents are invited to several school-wide functions throughout the year.
2. Parent volunteers are partnered with each teacher to facilitate special events

in the classroom.
3. Parents can offer career knowledge, hobbies or helping hands to classrooms

and school projects.

4. Parents can volunteer to assist during cafeteria periods and at recess.
5. Parents are encouraged to join the Parent Teacher Association.

Parent Volunteers

School volunteers continue to fill a variety of needs: assisting in the library, helping in the office, photocopying, assisting with special projects or committees, and working with students. Volunteers are utilized at staff request. Respect for confidentiality remains essential in all volunteer roles. Volunteers do make a difference. Parent/guardian interest and involvement would be most appreciated. Please contact the elementary school office (410) 396-6455 for volunteer opportunities.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Like you, teachers are on a schedule; therefore your parents need to make an appointment to meet with your teachers. They should contact the elementary office at (410) 396-6455 to schedule a parent-teacher conference.

Parent-Teacher Student Association

The Roland Park PTSA meets approximately four times a year. Notice of these meetings is delivered to parents by the students in the PTSA newsletter. Opportunity is given at some of these meetings for parents to meet and confer with the teachers. Parents are also welcome to attend monthly School Family Council meetings (see calendar).

Parking

Students should only be dropped off or picked up at the curb lane; parking in this lane is prohibited at this time.
The front and rear parking lots of the school are not available for discharge and pick-up of students.
The school’s parking lots can accommodate only faculty and staff.

Personal Emergencies

Accidents: Should you have an accident while in school, tell your teacher or nearest adult, if possible or go to the elementary office immediately. Your parent will be called each time you enter the office as a result of an accident. For this reason, it is very important to have your emergency card on file in the elementary office.

Illness: Should you become ill in school, tell your teacher and report to the elementary office. Your parent will be called and asked to come and pick you up. All students who become ill while at school must be picked up by a parent or individual listed on your emergency card.

Medicine: Your doctor and your parent(s) must tell the elementary office and nurse in writing about all medications you must take while in school. You are not allowed to carry any kind of medicine around with you during the school day.

Playground Safety and Respect

Students must play in a manner that is safe and respectful. Students are not to jump off of the playground jungle gyms or other equipment. The school also has playground equipment, which will be distributed during the recess period; therefore it is not necessary for you to bring playground equipment to school with you. When the whistle is sounded, students are expected to stop all activities and immediately walk to their designated area to form a line and wait for their teachers to pick them up.

On occasion, a parent has asked if a child could stay in at recess times. As there is no supervision within the building, this is not possible. Under our current staffing, supervision is outside during the recesses. Be assured we do not hold outdoor recess in very wet or cold weather. In extreme health care situations (child with a cast or other non-contagious conditions) where your child's physician has written instructions to be followed, please contact the elementary school office.

Recesses will be held outdoors on a daily basis, weather permitting. We will not hold recess outdoors if it is too wet or cold. The building administrator/designee will determine these conditions.

When preparing your child for school each day, keep in mind that he or she may make poor choices, at times while on the play-ground. The logical consequence for not dressing appropriately or not staying out of the snow pile or puddle is being wet for a portion of the day.

REPORT CARDS

Formal report cards are sent home in November, February, April, and June. Progress reports are sent out in the middle of each grading period. Your parent is encouraged to schedule a conference to discuss any concerns. Teachers are not available to discuss grades at entrance and dismissal times.

TELEPHONE USE

Class time is dedicated to student learning; therefore, classroom interruptions which are not related to the educational program are kept at an absolute minimum. Office telephones are to be used only in emergencies. They are not to be used to make after school plans. Make sure you know who is picking you up after school and where you are to meet them before leaving home in the morning.

If your parent needs to contact you during the school day, messages will be given to the teacher of your last class for the day. Don’t come to the office and ask to call home for something you have forgotten to bring with you. Your teachers and the elementary office will make sure that you have what you need and assignments can be turned in late. Remember your parents are as busy as our office staff is and unless it is an emergency, telephones will not be used for personal situations. Only in extreme emergencies will school personnel disturb classroom instruction to call a student out of the room to deliver a phone message. The principal or designee will determine when such an emergency exists and if school support personnel may be required. Cell phones are never to be used during school. Use of cell phones will result in disciplinary action.

TEXTBOOKS

Individual textbooks issued to students can cost from $5.00 to $100.00. It is important that they be used and handled with care. If any student should lose or damage textbooks assigned to him/her, the parent/guardian will be required to replace the textbook or pay the cost of repairing the damage. The principal may withhold books, supplies, student records, and/or report cards if textbooks are lost or damaged and payment is not made. This also applies to library materials/books and musical instruments signed out through the instrumental music teacher.

VISITORS

For security reasons, visitors (including parents) must enter the building from the front door only. The front door, which faces Roland Avenue, has a doorbell located to the left of the entrance. Any parent or visitor must sign into the visitor’s log and obtain a visitor’s pass from the main office. Parents are encouraged to visit and confer with the teachers or administrators. However, parents must make an appointment in advance. After receiving a visitor’s pass and reporting to the elementary office, they will be directed to their conference or classroom visit. Teachers cannot be interrupted for conferences during instructional time or during times when they are supervising children.

HARASSMENT

It is the policy of the Baltimore City Public School System to maintain a learning environment that is free from harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for students to harass other students or staff through conduct of a sexual nature or conduct designed to reduce dignity of that individual with respect to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, or parental status.

Violations of this policy will be cause for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Students who believe they have suffered harassment shall report such matters in a timely manner to a teacher, counselor, or building administrator.

Examples of Sexual Harassment

Is it flirting or sexual harassment?

School officials keep the characteristics of the two behaviors in mind. According to the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL), flirting occurs when the behavior:

increases the receiver’s self-esteem,
makes the receiver happy,
is a compliment, and
is wanted by the receiver.

Alternately, sexual harassment occurs when the behavior:

makes the receiver feel hurt, angry, or sad;
decreases the receiver’s self-esteem;
is unwelcome by the receiver; and
is degrading to the receiver.

Other Forms Of Sexual Harassment
Direct or indirect threats or bribes for unwanted sexual activity
Sexual innuendoes and comments
Intrusive sexually explicit questions
Touching, patting, pinching, stroking, squeezing, tickling or brushing against a person.
Spreading rumors about a person’s sexuality
Graffiti about a person’s sexuality
Name calling
Sexual ridicule
Frequent jokes about sex or males/females
Letters, notes, telephone calls, or material of a sexual nature
Pervasive displays of pictures, calendars, cartoons or other materials with sexually
Explicit or graphic content.
Stalking a person

Sexual Harassment

*CHECKLIST FOR STUDENTS*

DO:

* Tell harassers to STOP. Ignoring sexual harassment won’t make it go away.

* Keep records, a journal or diary of all incidents, dates, times, witnesses.

* Contact an adult you trust who can help you take more formal action including filing a complaint. Your school must take you seriously.

* Remember, you have the right to an education free of sexual harassment.

DON’T:

*    Give Up! Sexual harassment is illegal, from a student or an adult.
*    Try to ignore it, thinking it will go away.
*    Drop out of a class or an activity because of harassment. Eliminatingharassment is your school’s responsibility.

*   Blame yourself. Harassers are responsible for their own behavior.
*   Forget your responsibility to stop your friends when they harass others.

Roland Park Elementary/Middle School

2009-2010 School Calendar

August 2009

Wednesday 26 6^th^{Grade Orientation and all Middle School students new to Roland Park at 10:00AM}

^{Thursday 27}^{Kindergarten Orientation & all Elementary School students new to Roland Park at 6:00PM}

^{Monday 31}^{Schools Open for All Students – Elementary School 8:00 AM; Middle School 8:15 AM}

^{September 2009}

^{Monday 7}^{Schools Closed – Labor Day}

^{Wednesday 16}^{Back to School Night - Elementary School 7:00PM}

^{Thursday 17}^{Back to School Night – Middle School 7:00PM}

^{Monday 21}^{School Family Council Meeting 4:00PM; PTA Executive Board Meeting 6:00PM}

^{October 2009}

^{Friday 9}^{Early Release Day, Elem 11:30AM, Middle 11:45AM; Progress Reports Issued, Parent/Teacher Conferences}

^{Thurs 15 & Fri 16}^{Schools Closed for Students – Systemic Professional Development for Staff}

^{Monday 19}^{School Family Council Meeting 4:00PM; PTA Executive Board Meeting 6:00PM}

^{November 2009}

^{Tuesday 4}^{End of Quarter 1}

^{Thursday 6}^{Middle School Fall Play}

^{Mon 9 – Fri 13}⁶^{^th}^{^{Grade North Bay Trip}}

^{^{Mon 16 – Fri 20}}^{^{American Education Week}}

^{^{Friday 13}}^{^{PTA – Evening with the Arts}}

^{^{Monday 16}}^{^{School Family Council Meeting 4:00PM; PTA Executive Board Meeting 6:00PM}}

^{^{Thurs 26 & Fri 27}}^{^{Schools Closed for Thanksgiving}}

^{^{***Report Cards will be issued. Date will be announced.}}

^{^{December 2009}}

^{^{Friday 18}}^{^{Early Release Day, Elem 11:30AM, Middle 11:45AM; Progress Reports Issued}}

^{^{Monday 21}}^{^{School Family Council Meeting 4:00PM; PTA Executive Board Meeting 6:00PM}}

^{^{Thurs 24–Jan 1}}^{^{Schools Closed}}^{^{for Winter Break}}

^{^{January 2010}}

^{^{Friday 1}}^{^{Schools Closed for Winter Break}}

^{^{Monday 4}}^{^{Schools Reopen}}

^{^{Monday 18}}^{^{Schools Closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday}}

^{^{Friday 22}}^{^{End of Quarter 2}}

^{^{Monday 25}}^{^{^{^{School Family Council Meeting 4:00PM; PTA Executive Board Meeting 6:00PM}}}}

^{^{^{^{Thurs 28 & Fri 29}}}}^{^{^{^{Schools Closed for Students – Systemic Professional Development for Staff}}}}

^{^{^{^{February 2010}}}}

^{^{^{^{Monday 16}}}}^{^{^{^{Schools Closed – Presidents’ Day}}}}

^{^{^{^{Monday 22}}}}^{^{^{^{School Family Council Meeting 4:00PM; PTA Executive Board Meeting 6:00PM}}}}

^{^{^{^{***Report Cards will be issued. Date will be announced.}}}}

^{^{^{^{March 2010}}}}

^{^{^{^{Friday 5}}}}^{^{^{^{Early Release Day, Elem 11:30AM, Middle 11:45AM; Progress Reports Issued, Parent/Teacher Conferences}}}}

^{^{^{^{Monday 15}}}}^{^{^{^{School Family Council Meeting 4:00PM; PTA Executive Board Meeting 6:00PM}}}}

^{^{^{^{Mon 8 – Wed 17}}}}^{^{^{^{Maryland School Assessment Testing (MSA)}}}}

^{^{^{^{Mon 29 – Wed 31}}}}^{^{^{^{Spring Break}}}}

^{^{^{^{April 2010}}}}

^{^{^{^{Thurs 1 – Mon 5}}}}^{^{^{^{Schools Closed – Spring Break}}}}

^{^{^{^{Tuesday 6}}}}^{^{^{^{School Reopens}}}}

^{^{^{^{Wednesday 7}}}}^{^{^{^{End of Quarter 3}}}}

^{^{^{^{Mon 12 – Fri 16}}}}^{^{^{^{Stanford 10 Achievement Test}}}}

^{^{^{^{Monday 19}}}}^{^{^{^{School Family Council Meeting 4:00PM; PTA Executive Board Meeting 6:00PM}}}}

^{^{^{^{Tues 27 - Fri 30}}}}^{^{^{^{Middle School Musical Spring Production}}}}

^{^{^{^{***Report Cards will be issued. Date will be announced.}}}}

^{^{^{^{May 2010}}}}

^{^{^{^{Saturday 1}}}}^{^{^{^{Middle School Musical Spring Production}}}}

^{^{^{^{Mon 3 – Fri 7}}}}^{^{^{^{International Week (School Wide Celebration)}}}}

^{^{^{^{Friday 7}}}}^{^{^{^E}}}^{^{^{^{arly Release Day, Elem 11:30AM, Middle 11:45AM; Progess Reports Issued, Parent/Teacher Conferences}}}}

^{^{^{^{Saturday 8}}}}^{^{^{^{May Mart}}}}

^{^{^{^{Monday 17}}}}^{^{^{^{School Family Council Meeting 4:00PM; PTA Executive Board Meeting 6:00PM}}}}

^{^{^{^{Monday 31}}}}^{^{^{^{Schools Closed – Memorial Day}}}}

^{^{^{^{June 2010}}}}

^{^{^{^{Monday 7}}}}^{^{^{^{Closing Exercise for Middle School – 8}}}}^{^{^{^{^th}}}}^{^{^{^{^Grade}}}}

^{^{^{^{^{Tuesday 8}}}}}^{^{^{^{^{Closing Exercise for Elementary School – 5}}}}}^{^{^{^{^{^th}}}}}^{^{^{^{^{^Grade}}}}}

^{^{^{^{^{^{Thursday 10}}}}}}^{^{^{^{^{^{Last Day for Students unless there are weather-related closings;}}}}}}^{^{^{^{^{^{End of Year Report Cards Issued}}}}}}

^{^{^{^{^{^.}}}}}^{^{^{^{^{^{**In the event of weather-related emergency closings, as many as five days will be added to the calendar.}}}}}}

^{^{^{^{^⁴}}}}