Parent Handbook

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Attendance

Good attendance and learning go together.  Please let us know if your child will be absent or tardy. Call the attendance line at 596-6203 before 9:10 a.m.  Include your child’s name and reason for absence.  Please encourage your child to attend school regularly and on time.

Buses

If you wish your child to ride a bus different from his/her assigned bus OR if he/she is getting off at a different stop, please send a written note to your child’s teacher.  We will issue your child a bus pass to give to the bus driver. If you need to speak with Transportation, please call 596-7700.

Bus Rules

The driver is in full charge of the bus and passengers.  The driver should be obeyed willingly and promptly. Outside of ordinary conversation, classroom conduct will be observed.  Passengers are to remain seated while the bus is in motion and are not to enter or leave the bus until the vehicle has come to a full stop.

Communication

We provide regular communication between home and school with newsletters, reports, and the Boston Harbor website.  Let us know if you prefer to receive some publications electronically instead of via printed copy.

Discipline and Rules

Our primary task is the education of all pupils.  We work hard to provide an atmosphere conducive to that purpose.  Boston Harbor maintains a blend of accepting children as individuals while promoting a positive learning atmosphere.  Students are taught to be responsible for their actions and are learning self-discipline, respect for others and good citizenship.  The Behavior Expectation Guideline and Discipline Plan is a separate handout and will come home when school begins in September.

General Guidelines

Students will be courteous to others.  Students are to obey and show proper respect to all adults who work at school and to their fellow students.

 

  • Students are not to chew gum at school.

  • Students are not to wear hats while inside the school building.

  • The telephone may be used with teacher permission, however, it is not to be used to arrange social activities.

  • All teachers, the principal, Paraprofessionals, office staff, custodian and food service people are responsible for pupil behavior.  Their directions are to be followed.

School will be open for students’ arrival at 7:50 a.m.  Prior to that time supervision is not provided.  Please do not drop off students before 7:50 a.m.  Upon arrival at school, students should go to the gym where they will be met by their teachers. School begins at 8 am.

Some Basic Rules

 

  • Students are not permitted to throw sticks, rocks, sand, dirt or snowballs.  Throwing items is considered a very serious offense and may result in immediate suspension.

  • Fighting is not allowed.

  • We discourage name calling, put downs and any type of bullying behavior.

  • Shoes with cleats are not to be worn at the school.

  • Students must dress appropriately,  No clothing associated with gang attire or that depicts alcohol or tobacco products.  Flip flops are OK in the classroom, but not on the playground or in P.E. class.

  • Personal play things are discouraged.  They often become broken or lost at school.  The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen personal items.

  • Your child’s teacher will review additional playground rules.

 

Early Student Pick-Up

If a parent needs to pick up a child before school is over, a note to the teacher should be sent to school in the morning.  At the time of pick up, parents need to check in with the school office, sign the student out of the building and the office staff will call the student.

Emergency Procedures

Olympia School District has emergency bus routes/schedules posted on their website at osd.wednet.edu.  Be sure the office has your updated emergency numbers/contacts.

Harassment

In compliance with state law, Olympia School District prohibits harassment of or by employees, students, parents, volunteers and others involved in school district activities.  Any student or staff engaged in harassment or intimidation is subject to disciplinary action.  Volunteers engaged in harassment or intimidation may have their access to school property and activities restricted.  Allegations of criminal misconduct will be reported to law enforcement or child protective services.

Health and Illness

The health room is located in the main office area.  We have a school nurse one day a week.  The office staff handle minor health room concerns and medication.  We are unable to keep ill students at school  You will be called to pick up your child if any of the following are present:  fever, red, draining eye(s), vomiting, diarrhea, rash or any symptom causing great discomfort for your child; i.e., severe cough.

If your child is ill, it is always best for everyone to keep him/her at home.  Students should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.

When your child is ill or absent for any reason, please call the attendance line at 596-6203 and leave a message.

Homework

Occasionally students will receive homework assignments.  Some teachers assign special projects to be done at home with parental guidance.  All students are encouraged to read on a regular basis at home.

Immunizations

For every child to attend school, State Law (RCW28A.210) mandates either:

 

  • Full immunizations

  • The initiation of a schedule of immunizations

  • A certificate of exemption

 

Required immunizations vary according to the age of the student and include:

 

  • Diphtheria

  • Polio

  • Hepatitis B

  • Tetanus

  • Measles

  • Varicella (chicken pox)

  • Pertussis

  • Rubella

 

Lost & Found

Lost items are put on the “lost & found” table in the gym.  If your child is missing an article of clothing, please stop by the lost and found table.  It helps to label articles of clothing and personal items before they come to school.  Items not claimed will be donated to charity.

Lunch Program

Breakfast and lunch are available.  Our district uses a computerized meal accounting system.  You may write a check or send cash in an envelope with your child’s name to be deposited into your child’s account.  Make checks payable to Olympia School District.  When your child is low on funds, you will be contacted.  Please keep a balance in your child’s account.   The current prices are:

 

  • Breakfast:  $2.00

  • Lunch:  $3.10

  • Milk $.60


If you qualify for the free or reduced lunch/breakfast program, please complete the form and return it to our office annually.

Medication

It is the policy of the Olympia School District not to give medicine to pupils at school, except at the request of the attending physician and the parent.  When your child is under the care of a physician and it is necessary for the child to take medication during the school day, these procedures are to be followed:

 

  • The parent obtains the Authorization for Administration of Medication at School Form from school, completes and signs the form.

  • The parent will take the form to the physician for orders and signature.

  • The parent will bring the completed form and medicine in the original container to school.  The parent will send only the required number of doses to school and will keep the remainder of the medicine at home.

 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Boston Harbor has a strong and very involved PTA.  Parent activities range from fund-raisers to assisting in the classrooms.  Special events include the Spring Auction, T-shirt and tote bag sales, and enrichment activities.

Parent Transportation

If you are planning to drop off your child in the morning, please use the north entrance by the bike rack near the ball field no earlier than 7:50 a.m. There is no supervision before this time. Students will gather in the gym where teachers greet their classes.  School begins at 8 am. When driving in the parking area, please remember our students are small and often difficult to see.  Please drive slowly and watch for children.

Parenting Plan

If you have a parenting plan or restraining order, it is very important you provide our office with the most current documents bearing the signature or stamp of a judge.  We are legally unable to deny parent contact with a child unless the proper documents are on file in our school.

Rainy-Day Recess

If it is raining steadily during recess time, children will be in the gym when available and the covered play shed.  Games and videos are provided for them and playground supervisors are on duty.  We do send children outside in light rain or drizzle and expect children to be dressed appropriately for weather in the Pacific Northwest.

Report Cards

There are two reporting periods during the year.  The first reporting period is in late January and the second is at the end of the school year.  Parent-teacher conferences are held in October and March.  You will be notified in advance as to the day and time of your conference.  If at any time you have questions regarding your child’s progress, please feel free to contact the school.

Special Services

Our student support include the services of a school counselor, speech therapist and an occupational therapist.  An appointment with any of these specialists can be made by calling the school office.

Supplies

Classroom supply lists are posted on our website and are available in the office for primary and intermediate grade level needs.

YMCA Before and After School Child Care

Contact the YMCA for more information at 360-705-2642.

View the Olympia School District Student Handbook