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GEBHARDT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 
FAMILY HANDBOOK 
2006-2007

Welcome!

Welcome to the 2006-2007 school year at Gebhardt Elementary!  This year will be an exiting adventure for all of us!  I am excited to get to know all of the students and families of the fourth and fifth grade.  This booklet was put together to help you feel informed as to what happens here on a daily basis.  There are answers to many questions contained within, but please do not ever hesitate to call me if you have some concerns or can’t find the answers you need.

A major change goes into effect this fall with the reconfiguration of our three elementary schools.  This year, all fourth and fifth graders n the district will be attending Gebhardt Elementary School.  The district’s goal for doing this is to improve your child’s education by:

Bringing all kids in the community together right away instead of waiting until the 6th grade
Balancing school demographics to be reflective of our community
Increasing flexibility in providing instructional approaches for your child
Focusing district resources, rather than providing three sets of instructional materials for the same grade at three different schools
 

We welcome you to visit school any time! If you are interested in volunteering, there are many projects that you could assist us with.  Watch for the Volunteer Handbook to be coming home soon.  Please call the office to arrange something that will work best for you.   

I am excited about all that the new school year has to offer!  The focus on our academic goals is something you will hear a lot about this year and we appreciate your support in moving all students forward!  Our teachers will communicate often with you on classroom and school activities, and you can also keep up with what’s going on by regularly checking the district web page at www.brf.org.  Click on Gebhardt Elementary to catch the latest happenings!  If you haven’t stopped by the office to get your username and password to use your Family Access account, make time to do it as soon as you can!  It’s a great way to keep informed!  All of the teachers will be keeping an online grade book, this will make it possible for you to keep track of missing assignments, latework and grade status, as well as lunch account and attendance information!   

Welcome to a new year filled with opportunities! 

Your Partner in Education, 

Shelly Severson

Gebhardt Elementary Principal

severshe@brf.org  
 

GEBHARDT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 
 

Mission 

The mission of Gebhardt Elementary School is to build a foundation that fosters high academic achievement and positive social interactions, in partnership with families and the community. 

Vision 

The Gebhardt Elementary School will be an environment that is known for:

Professional educators that foster a love of learning,
A nurturing, safe environment,
Challenging and appropriate programs and experiences,
A positive professional learning community approach for early intervention,
Enrichment opportunities for students and families, &
Partnerships with families and community.
 

Norms for our School Community 

We will have open minds, be flexible, and accept change with a positive attitude
We will be enthusiastic collaborators, sharing resources, knowledge and helping each other.
We will foster a love of learning for books and reading.
We will demonstrate patience, compassions, kindness and nurturing of others.
We will have fun together, creating an atmosphere that fosters an enjoyment of learning.
We will be kind, caring, respectful and professional.
We will be innovative and listen to others.
We will use common sense in our actions and decisions.
 

SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT 

Our interactions with all students will promote their educational achievement and prepare them to be lifelong learners and compassionate, contributing members of our society. 

DISTRICT INFORMATION

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS

Jeff Pugh, President  284-3473

Lois Corey, V. President 333-2901

                Barb Sedelbauer, Clerk 963-2572

                Don Mathews, Treasurer 284-4151

                Ramie Bakken 284-4158

                Bill Waughtal 284-9538

                Paul Bohac 284-5176

DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF

284-4357 

Dennis Richards   Superintendent of Schools

Jill Collins    Business Administrator

Sherri Torkelson   Director of Curriculum and Instruction 

Mark Clark     Buildings and Grounds Supervisor

Michelle Kloser   Food Service Director

Gail Anderson Bohac   Special Education Designee

Kris Gudnason   School Psychologist

Patty Harelson               Title 1 Coordinator/Reading Specialist

Alice Larkin    School Nurse

 Monica Lobenstein   Family/School Partnership Coordinator

SCHOOL INFORMATION   Principal

Black River Falls High School

1200 Pierce Street 284-4324 Dr. Bob Lechler lechlbob@brf.org

Black River Falls Middle School 
1202 Pierce Street 284-5315 David Roou  rooudav@brf.org

Forrest Street Early Learning Center 

720 Forrest Street 284-9406 Sherri Torkelson torkeshe@brf.org 

Gebhardt Elementary School             

411 Gebhardt Road    284-5125 Shelly Severson severshe@brf.org

Third Street Elementary School 

206 N. Third Street 284-7155 Jon Warmke  warmkjon@brf.org

TRANSPORTATION OFFICE

284-9658 or 284-2557

Jeff Walker Transportation Director

 

THE SCHOOL DAY

7:30 A.M................................................................. Breakfast Begins

7:25 A.M................................................................. Playground Opens/Morning Program

7:51 A.M................................................................. First Bell Rings (students come inside)

7:55 A.M................................................................. School Day Begins

11:10-12:20.............................................................. Lunch/Recess (a 50 minute noon break staggered by grade level)

2:46 P.M.................................................................. Dismissal

2:51 P.M.................................................................. Buses Leave 

7:25 ARRIVAL TIME

Students may begin arriving at school at 7:25 A.M.  Prior to that, there is no supervision on the playground. For their safety students should not arrive before 7:25 A.M.  The school can not be responsible for the students before this time.  At 7:25 students participating in the breakfast program should report to the gym/lunchroom. 

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is one of the major predictors of student success in school.  We ask that parents send children to school on all school days, unless an illness would make the day unproductive for the child involved.  Many parents ask when absences are excessive.  The most a child should average is six to seven absences per year, unless a serious problem is involved.  The principal believes strongly in excellent attendance and will work to make that a priority by informing parents of excessive absences.  Many students strive for and will be honored for perfect attendance each quarter.

Parents need to call school on the day of an absence by 8:30 A.M.  If no call is received, the school will try to contact the parent to find out the nature of the absence.  A note explaining the nature of the absence MUST be sent to school with the child when he/she returns.  The absence will then be excused.  The reason we call is to insure the welfare of the school children.

Trips, etc., must be arranged in advance to be counted as excused.

If a call or note is not received within three school days of the absence, the absence will be unexcused.  Students counted as unexcused 5 days per semester, or 10 or more days in the school year will be declared truant and referred to the proper authorities. 

EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

The School District of  Black River Falls is committed and dedicated to the task of providing the best education possible for every student in the district for as long as the students can benefit from attendance and the student’s conduct is compatible with the welfare of the entire school body.

The right of the student to be admitted to school and to participate fully in curricular, extracurricular, student services, recreational or other programs or activities shall not be abridged or impaired because of the student’s sex, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability. 

Complaints regarding the interpretation or application of this policy shall be referred to the district administrator and processed in accordance with established procedures. 

NONDISCRIMINATION

The School District of Black River Falls shall comply with all state and federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination.  No person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, sex or sexual orientation, age, national origin, handicap, marital status, political affiliation, ancestry, color, arrest or conviction record or any other factors provided for by state and federal laws and regulations in the employment, assignment, promotion, transfer, layoff, termination or reinstatement of personnel; in the educational opportunities and services offered students; in the assignment to schools and classes; in the discipline of students; in the location and use of facilities; and, in educational offerings and materials.  Complaints and inquiries regarding the interpretation or application of this policy shall be processed in accordance with established procedures. 

Students are encouraged to report suspected incidents of national origin and racial harassment. 

LATE STARTS

Once a month all schools in the district start classes two (2) hours later than normal.  This time is used by teachers and other staff members to learn techniques and strategies to further improve the education we provide for our children.  On late start days all times in the morning are delayed two hours, including bus routes.  School begins at 9:50 A.M.  Breakfast will not be served on late start days.  Lunch and end of the day schedules are not changed.  Usually late starts are scheduled for the second Friday of the month.  The exact dates for late starts during the 2006-2007 school year are as follows:

September 15    February 9

October 13    March 9

November 10    April 13

December 8    May 11

January 12 

SCHOOL  DELAY/CANCELLATION

The Black River Falls School District will notify all radio and television stations between 6-7:00 A.M. (as soon as possible), in case of school closing or other problems.  The District will also notify the radio and television stations in case school must release students early.  The following stations will broadcast this information: 

WWIS  1260AM and 99.7 FM  WEAU-TV 13

WWIB  103.7 FM    Z93   93.3FM

WAXX  790 AM and 104.5 FM  WFHR  1320AM

WIZM  1410     WUSK  1460 AM

WGLX  103.3 FM    WCOW  97.1 FM

WCCN  1370AM and 107.5 FM 
 

WEATHER  

On days when it is rainy or the temperature with wind chill is below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, all students will be brought into the building beginning at 7:25.   On extremely cold days, we especially encourage students to arrive after 7:25 a.m.  Recess will be indoors on these days. 
 

DRESSING FOR OUTDOORS

We expect all students who attend school to have outdoor recess daily, except in severe weather or when a doctor writes an excuse for medical reason.  Therefore, please be sure your child has and wears boots, a warm coat, scarves, mittens, hats, etc. during cold weather.  (Please be sure to mark clothing with the child’s name or other identifying mark, our lost and found table gets to be HUGE!).  

DRESS AND GROOMING

Student’s clothing is primarily the responsibility of parents guardians, and reflects their concern for the health, safety and welfare of the student and others.  If the clothing appears to present a health problem, is a potential physical danger to others, causes disruption or disturbance, is contradictory to the school’s curriculum, or is deemed inappropriate by the school faculty the student will be asked to change their clothing.  

DRESS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION

By state law physical education is required for students.  We expect students to be appropriately dressed for all activities.  Girls who wear dresses should bring a pair of slacks/shorts to school for gym class.

Gym shoes - Children are asked to have gym shoes available for physical education class.  These shoes should have non-marking soles. 

Directory Data Public Notice

Notice is hereby given that the School District of Black River Falls, in accordance with state law, designates the following specific information regarding individual students as 'directory data' and that this information may be made public or disclosed to any person:  

Directory data is defined as those student records which include the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received, and the name of the school most recently previously attended by the student. 

A student's parent, legal guardian or guardian ad litem, shall have two (2) weeks after this notice is published or posted to advise the building principal in writing of any or all items he/she prohibits the district to designate as directory data about that student." 

MEALS

Breakfast

Unfortunately, Gebhardt will no longer be able to provide a free breakfast for it’s students.  We will of course continue to offer breakfast for those that choose to take advantage of that.  Breakfast begins at 7:45 A.M. each school day.  Students report to the gym to get their trays and breakfast is eaten in their classrooms.  

Lunch

Lunch is available to all students. A menu with both breakfast and lunch shown on it is sent home at the end of each month.  It is also available for viewing on our web page. 

Cold Lunch/ Extra Milk

White or chocolate milk is available to students that choose to bring a cold lunch.  The cost is 25 cents per carton and all must pay this charge whether you qualify for the food service program or not. Students who take an extra milk with their hot lunch are also charged 25 cents.

Milk Break

Milk is available to students during their morning break.  Students may choose either white or chocolate.  

Payments

All families in the Black River Falls School District are assigned a food service account.  Families deposit money into their account by sending payment to school.  Gebhardt students should turn in their payments to Mrs. Guenther in the office.  Since all meals/milk are deducted from the family account, payment can be sent with one child for the entire family, even if siblings attend a different school.  Checks should be made out to Gebhardt Elementary School.  All meals and milk are deducted from the same account.  Payments should be made prior to eating the meals.  The food service program is on a pre-pay system, therefore we are not able to grant credit when an account does not have funds in it.

Free and reduced-price meal forms are sent out at the beginning of the year.  They are also available upon request at each school office should anything change during the year. 

 

Prices

Breakfast:   Full price   $  .80 per meal

Reduced price  $  .30 per meal

Adult price  $1.25 per meal

Lunch:    Full price  $1.40 per meal

Reduced price  $  .40 per meal

Adult price  $2.50 per meal

Milk: at break time or with cold lunch  $  .25 per carton

GRADE REPORTING/RETENTION

You can expect a report card sent home at the end of each of the four quarters of the school year.  Parent Teacher conferences will be scheduled at various times throughout the year to discuss your child’s progress.  Please do not feel you need to wait for that time to inquire as to how your child is doing!  You may contact your child’s teacher at any time.  Parents of students who may be recommended for retention will be contacted during the second semester of the school year.

Students that are currently in the fourth grade may not be advanced into fifth grade unless they meet the criteria outlined in the Grade Advancement Policy (Policy 345.31).

HEALTH INFORMATION 

Emergency Information

If you or your child are new to the district, you will be asked to fill out a Registration form with important contact and emergency information.    If your child is a returning student, we will print out your information and simply ask you to verify that it is correct, or make the necessary corrections.  Please be sure to include the emergency phone number(s) of a friend, relative, baby-sitter or other responsible adult who can be reached by phone in case your child becomes ill or there is some emergency.  Also, parents must be sure to list the name of their doctor.  If there are any changes such as address, phone numbers, etc. during the school year, please be sure to call the school office with the new information so the appropriate changes can be made on the child’s form.  This information is vital in order to allow us to act quickly and properly in case of illness or injury. If we are unable to contact either you or your emergency contact the necessary authorities will be called.

Medical Excuses Necessary

A student may be excused from physical education class for two consecutive days with a note from the parent.  After that a doctor’s excuse (stating why and how long a student is to be excused) should be provided.  The doctor should also provide the school with specific instructions regarding recess time.  This must be on file in the office, and the information will also be given to the child’s classroom teacher.

We will honor, for one day only, parent requests to keep a child indoors after an illness.  Requests for more than one day requires a doctor’s note or a call to the school office to discuss the problem with the principal.

Insurance

The Black River Falls School District does carry insurance covering students’ accidents, which take place on the way to, from, or during school.  If an accident occurs insurance forms are available in the school office.

Medication and Students

In accordance with Board of Education Policy, the following regulations will be implemented in the administration of prescription and non-prescription medication to students: 

Prescription Medication

1.  The parent or guardian should bring the medicine to the school office in the prescription bottle.  If the druggist will not provide you with another labeled bottle, please have your doctor send us a written, dated, and signed note with directions for the administration of the drug

2.  A written, dated, and signed form from the physician should be brought with any medicine we are to administer at school.  The school district has pink forms that the doctor should fill out and the parent must sign.  They are available in the school office.  

Non-Prescription Medication

1.  The parent or guardian should bring the medicine in a bottle with written        directions regarding the administration of the medicine.

2.  A note of permission (in writing, dated, signed by the parent or guardian) is   required.  The note should have information regarding the dosage and proper times to administer the drug.

3.  Non-prescription medicine will be dispensed just as prescription medications                                 

      are.  Students should not store any medicine in their desk or classroom.

STUDENT RELEASE

If your child must be released from school during the day for a doctor’s appointment, dentist’s appointment, etc., a note should be sent to your child’s teacher to forward to the office.  Whenever possible, the parent should pick up the child.  If you must send someone in your place, please include this information in your note.  We ask that you make every attempt to schedule these types of appointments outside the school day so that your child’s education is not interrupted.  Students will be signed out and released from the office directly to parents or their designee.  Students will not be allowed to walk or meet you outside.  Please plan to come in to pick up your child.  This is to insure the safety of each child at school. 
 

ILLNESS/EMERGENCIES AT SCHOOL

If a child should become seriously ill or injured while under the school’s supervision, the following steps will be immediately completed by school personnel: 

  1. First aid will be rendered.
  2. The student’s parents or guardian will be called.
  3. Transportation will be arranged for the ill or injured to a source of medical attention.
 

If a child meets with a minor accident or becomes too ill to continue in school, school personnel will: 

  1. Render first aid.
  2. Telephone the parent or guardian.  If unavailable, telephone the designated individual to care for the child until a parent can be contacted. 
     
     
     

EMERGENCY RELEASE

When it is necessary to send a child home during the day, the school contacts the home first.  If the parents cannot come for the child, the parents need to send a friend or a relative for the child.  Ill children cannot remain in school.  If the parents are not at home, the school will phone the emergency number listed for the child.  If contact numbers change throughout the school year, please notify the school office to avoid any problems when your child needs you. 
 

TRANSPORTATION 

     There is a new transportation policy that goes into affect this school year.  Please read below and make your plans accordingly. 

Student Transportation Contract  Each family will receive a Student Transportation Contract.  The contract must be signed and returned to the youngest child’s school not later than one week after school has started or transportation privileges will be revoked until it is returned. 

Bus Passes  Bus passes will no longer be issued.  Each student will be assigned one pick up and one drop off location.  An alternate location may be specific for specific days of the week which will be listed in the Student Transportation Contract.  Any other deviation becomes the parent’s responsibility to transport. 

Bus Rules and Regulations

Please read and discuss the following bus rules with your children.  Bus riding privileges will be revoked for consistent offenders.  Riding the bus is a student right, but also brings with it student responsibilities.  The district may use a video camera to monitor student behavior on the bus.  The tapes will be reviewed by the driver, when appropriate, a disciplinary action will be taken. The following regulations are intended to insure the safety of your children:

1.  Follow your driver’s instructions the first time stated.

  1. Remain in your seat and seated for the duration of your ride.  Keep your area free of litter.
  2. Be on time to your bus stop and respect the property surrounding your bus stop.
  3. Weapons, glass, smoking, lighters, matches, and live animals are strictly forbidden on the bus.
  4. Throwing objects within or from the bus are prohibited and will result in immediate suspension.
  5. Be polite and courteous to your driver and peers.  Profanity and obscene language are not allowed and may result in prosecution for disorderly conduct.
 
  1. Fighting, pushing, tripping and spitting will not be tolerated and doing so will result in immediate suspension.     
  2. Vandalism to the bus will result in suspension and restitution.
 
 
 

Bus Discipline Policy

The students are responsible for their behavior on the bus.  Their behavior could affect the safe operation of the bus.  Misbehavior could result in the bus driver being distracted.  Such distraction could endanger the lives of all students being transported therefore; behavior infractions must be reported and disciplinary action will be taken when needed.

Parents are requested to explain the importance of proper behavior on the bus.  they are also expected to support disciplinary actions that are necessary to help the child change his/her behavior.

The primary purpose of the driver is to safely transport the student to and from school.  While transporting students the driver also has the responsibility of maintaining discipline on the bus; therefore, the driver will report behavior infractions to Mr. Walker, the Transportation Director along with the principal. 
 

VOLUNTEERS

Parents, friends and grandparents provide many hours of volunteer service to our school.  Gebhardt Elementary welcomes your offer of time and talents to share with our students.  If you wish to volunteer, even if only for a day or two, please contact the office,  your child’s teacher, or Monica Lobenstein, Volunteer Coordinator at 284-5125 Ext. 5113. We will always be able to find a way to utilize your services! 
 
 

VISITORS AT SCHOOL

We welcome visitors to our school, however, it is very important that all visitors register in the office at the time of arrival.   
 

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 

Student Assistance Programs have been established to provide prevention and intervention education programs for all students in the Black River Falls, School District.  These programs include:  CORE, Peer Educators, Staff and Community Education. 
 

LOST SOMETHING???

The “Lost and Found” table is located near the office.  Articles not claimed will be donated to charity.  Please check it regularly and more importantly, label your child’s clothing! 

TELEPHONE CALLS

Telephone calls to school with a message for your child should be kept to a minimum.  We allow children to call home if they forget books, and other essential items, in cases of emergency, or in the event of a cancellation of a scheduled activity.  Children may not use the telephone to obtain permission to go over to a friend’s house.  If you wish to talk to a teacher, a voice mail message may be left and he/she will return your call as soon as possible.  Please arrange after school plans with your child before sending him/her to school, along with a note to notify the school of those plans. 
 

SCHOOL TRANSFERS

When a family moves from the school district, the parents should come to the office to notify us prior to leaving.  It would also be helpful to know the name and address of the school the student will be attending. 
 

HOMEWORK

Homework assignments are an essential part of the learning process.  It is important for the child, with parental guidance, to accept responsibility for work assigned.

If the child is absent, it is helpful to provide the teacher with the name of someone who can deliver homework.  Some lessons may be completed at home as the child’s health improves.  This is usually done when the absence is two days or longer.

It is important and helpful to notify the teacher at least a week in advance of planned trips so that school work may be prepared whenever possible.  Both students and teachers have busy schedules allowing limited time for individual assistance with makeup work.

TEXTBOOK REPLACEMENT

Students are responsible for the proper care and use of the textbooks that are issued to them.  If a book they are responsible for is lost or damaged so the book must be replaced, the student will be charged the replacement cost. 

FIRE/TORNADO DRILLS

Fire and tornado drills are held at regular intervals throughout the school year.  Remember these basic rules:

1.  Check the instructions in each classroom.  They are posted indicating how to leave the building in case of fire or a tornado.

  1. Walk, no talking, go quickly and quietly to designated areas.
 
 

ARTICLES PROHIBITED AT SCHOOL

Students should not bring articles to school that may become a distraction to themselves or to others. These may include; games, radios, tape players, skateboards, trading cards, etc.   The school is not responsible for items that may be lost or stolen. 

WEAPONS AT SCHOOL

The use or possession of any dangerous weapon shall be prohibited while on property owned, leased, rented or temporarily utilized by the district.  The Board defines a dangerous weapon as a knife, firearm, bow & arrow, trap, slingshot, or any other device that might be employed to cause injury or damage.  Toy guns and other weapon facsimiles are also considered dangerous and should not be brought to school.

Persons violating this policy shall be reported to law enforcement officials. In addition, students violating this policy may be suspended or expelled from school. 
 

NO SMOKING

State law prohibits smoking in all school buildings and on school property/grounds.  We ask parents to help in this effort.

ATODA REGULATIONS

The possession, delivery, and/or consumption or use of alcohol, tobacco, or other illegal drugs is prohibited. This includes counterfeit drugs and substances being represented as illicit drugs.

Persons violating this policy shall be reported to law enforcement officials. In addition, students violating this policy may be suspended or expelled from school. 

WISCONSIN STUDENT ASSESSMENT SYSTEM 

By state law, the Black River Falls School District has a written policy specifying the criteria for promoting a pupil from 4th to 5th grade or from 8th to 9th grade. 

The Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations (WKCE) are administered each year to students in grades 3-8 and 10.  Grades 3, 5, 6, and 7 are tested in Reading and Math.  Grades 4, 8, and 10 are tested in Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.  Results are sent home in late spring of the school year. 

Parents are encouraged to talk with their child’s teachers, counselors and principals about the testing process, and the promotion policies.  These policies can be found on the district’s website (www.brf.org) under Board Information.  See policy #345.31 Grade Advancement. 
 

CODE OF CLASSROOM CONDUCT 

Wisconsin Act 335 requires school boards to adopt a classroom code of conduct, authorizes teachers to remove students from class in specified circumstances and requires that placement determinations be made with regard to such students. 

Beginning August 1, 1999, a teacher is authorized to remove a pupil from the teacher's class if a pupil violates the code of classroom conduct adopted by the school board or is dangerous, unruly, or disruptive, or exhibits behavior that interferes with the ability of the teacher to teach effectively, as specified in the code of classroom conduct. 

If a pupil has been removed from the classroom, the school principal or the principal's designee must place the pupil in one of the following:

  1. An alternative education program, as defined by law;
  2. Another class in the school or another appropriate place in the school, as determined by the school principal or his or her designee;
  3. Another instructional setting;
  4. The classroom from which the pupil was removed if, after weighing the interests of the removed pupil, the other pupils in the class, and the teacher, the principal or the principal's designee determines the readmission to the class is the best or only alternative.

A complete copy of the district's code of classroom conduct can be obtained by contacting the principal's office. 

COMPLAINTS???

 

When a parent/guardian has a concern about a school-related matter, the School Board has a policy to address how to handle those concerns.  If you would like to review the Policy (#872) in its entirety, and it’s accompanying Rule, you may find it on our district web page. 

The policy basically states that any concerns that you may have regarding a teacher and/or classroom service should first be discussed with the classroom teacher.  Please be open and ready to discuss the issues at hand.  If the matter is not settled, it should be brought to the building principal. 

If the concern does not involve a teacher or classroom service, (e.g. food services, transportation service), the complaint should be forwarded to the administrator in charge of those services.   
 

Most concerns can be handled at the building level, however if you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may contact the district administrator to further the discussion.  If the matter is still not rectified, the complainant may request an opportunity to appear before the School Board. 

In compliance with the No Child Left Behind Act (Title 1, Section 1111(h)(6)), parents have the right to request the following information on the professional qualifications of their children’s teachers:

Whether the teacher has met state qualifications and has a license for the grade level and the subject area he or she teaches;
Whether the teacher has an emergency or provisional license;
What degrees the teacher holds and the field of discipline of his or her certification or degree; and
Whether the child is being provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.

Please contact your child’s principal to request this information.  Requests will be addressed in a timely manner.

OPEN ENROLLMENT

The State of Wisconsin has initiated a program titled Open Enrollment (School Choice).  This law allows a pupil to attend school in another public school (inter-district) or to choose the public school of their choice within their home district (intra-district).  Both programs are subject to certain restrictions including space availability.  Information and applications pertaining to this program are available from the District Office.

GEBHARDT SCHOOL BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

 

At Gebhardt School we believe that every student has certain rights and responsibilities.  To provide a positive educational experience for all, we believe in the following principles. 

  1. Everyone has the right to live safely.
 
  1. Everyone has the right to learn.
 
  1. Everyone has the responsibility to treat others with respect.
 
  1. Everyone has the responsibility to be honest.
 
  1. Everyone has the responsibility to use time wisely.
 
  1. Everyone has the right to learn from their behavior choices.
 

In order to encourage positive behaviors we are using the language of Choices.  Each day announcements end with this statement::  “Make it a Great Day or Not…The Choice is Yours.”  Good choices would be things that show;  respect, responsibility, caring, honesty, trustworthiness, good citizenship and safety.  Poor choices would show disrespect, irresponsibility, uncaring, dishonesty, untrustworthiness,  poor citizenship and unsafe actions.  

We would encourage families to talk about “making choices ” at home to reinforce these principles and behaviors.  For example: if your child is name-calling ask him/her if that is a good choice or a hurtful choice.  At school we consider this to be disrespectful and thus a poor choice.  Then work through an appropriate consequence.  The staff is committed to keeping parents informed of successes and challenges on a regular basis. 
 
 

Bicycle Regulations

1.  All bicycles should be walked on sidewalks on school grounds.

2.  One rider per bike.

  1. Bicycles belong in the bicycle rack.
  2. Please lock your bike.
  3. All students should wear a safety helmet when riding their bike.
 

Noon Recess

All students must go outdoors for recess, unless supervised by a staff member.  Exceptions will be made if it is raining or if the wind chill is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below.  Recess notes will be accepted for one day only. 
 

Student Inside Noon Rules

1.  Students will be supervised by at least two staff members checking on           classrooms.

2.  Students are expected to be engaged and seated in an activity within their own classroom. 

Lunchroom Rules

1.  Use inside voices.

2.  Raise your hand to be excused.

3.  Clean up your entire area.

4.  Only eat food from your own plate.

5.  Be respectful of others in the lunchroom.

6.  Students are encouraged to at least try their lunch.

Parent Organization

Every parent of a Gebhardt Elementary School student is considered a part of the PTO.  How actively you participate in that role is entirely up to you!  The PTO sponsors many wonderful family activities throughout the school year for the Gebhardt Community.  Several times throughout the year they will be looking for volunteers for individual projects.  This year will be a unique opportunity to formulate what the parent groups should look like under our new configuration.  If you have participated in the parent organization before, FANTASTIC!  If not, the group is open and always interested in new ideas and energy!  Once the school year begins we will work to arrange a meeting date that will work for those interested in participating. 

 

 

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