mbh@vigoschools.org<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
PURPOSE OF FOLDER<\/b><\/h2>\n
This folder has been prepared for you with the expectation that it will answer some questions which may arise from time to time.<\/span><\/p>\nIt will provide information about your school and corporation policies and procedures. We believe that communication is essential between the home and the school if our mutual responsibility to the child is to be adequately fulfilled.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
VCSC MISSION STATEMENT<\/b><\/h2>\n
\u201cBuilding on the strengths of our diverse community, we create an engaging, comprehensive, educational environment that supports the growth of lifelong learners.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nMISSION STATEMENT<\/b><\/h2>\n
Our mission is to involve students, parents, staff, and community to increase reading and writing proficiency and math skills in all grades and to improve individual scores on ISTEP+.<\/span><\/p>\nvision statement<\/b><\/h2>\n
Our vision is to continue to increase proficiency in the areas of: reading, writing, and math skills in all grades and to improve individual scores on ISTEP+.<\/span><\/p>\nBOOK FEES<\/b><\/h2>\n
The textbook rental fee covers all textbooks and workbooks used during the school year. All parents are expected to make an effort to pay the book rental fee.<\/span><\/p>\nThe fee is due the first day of school. If you cannot pay the fee at this time, please stop in the school office and make arrangements to take care of this in weekly or monthly payments. If parents feel that they meet the guidelines to receive textbook assistance, they are welcome to complete the necessary form and return it to the school office.<\/span><\/p>\nIf your child loses or damages a book during the year, he\/she will be expected to purchase a book at the replacement cost.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
FUQUA DAILY SCHEDULE<\/b><\/h2>\n
7:45 – 8:15<\/span> Breakfast Program<\/span><\/p>\n8:15<\/span> Instructional Day Begins<\/span><\/p>\n11:10 – 12:40<\/span> 40 min. Lunch\/Recess Periods<\/span><\/p>\n2:40<\/span> Dismissal Begins<\/span><\/p>\nChildren should not arrive at school before 7:45 a.m., as there is no supervision prior to this time.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES<\/b><\/h2>\n
Listed are policies formed by participating parents and staff at Fuqua. The school is guided by the rights, responsibilities, and regulations as set forth in the \u201cStudent-Parent Guide\u201d of the Vigo County School Corporation. These rules are being revised by the school board and the wording may change for the 2022-2023 school year. You are advised to check with the school or the VCSC website <\/span>www.vigoschools.org<\/span> for revised language. Support and cooperation in adhering to policies ensures a safe learning environment for our students.<\/span><\/p>\nSCHOOL PROTECTION OFFICER<\/b><\/h2>\n
The School Protection Officer program in Vigo County employs special police officers at each school. The goal is to provide a safe and effective learning environment at every school. The officer has training that is provided by the Law Enforcement Academy or the Sheriff\u2019s Department and a special orientation involving school rules and procedures. Visitors to our schools are asked to follow the school procedure for checking in and using courtesy when visiting. The police officer is present to deter crime or violence, but also to maintain a calm and\u00a0 civil atmosphere. We ask for your assistance in this matter.<\/span><\/p>\nSTUDENT DRESS<\/b><\/h2>\n\n- No shorts or skirts are to be worn that are shorter than the extended fingertips. If fingers touch skin, the skirt or shorts are too short. This includes slits in skirts.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Sleeveless tops are allowed if shoulder areas are covered. No shirts of sheer material, tank tops, cut-off shirts or tops with bare midriff, low necklines, or bare backs are to be worn.<\/span><\/li>\n
- No coats or jackets, headphones, backpacks, or purse backpacks are to be worn in the building. Backpacks must be placed in designated areas.<\/span><\/li>\n
- No hats, sunglasses, bandannas, caps, or full head coverings are to be worn in the building before or during school hours. This does not include headwear worn for religious purposes.<\/span><\/li>\n
- No article of clothing or accessory will be allowed that promotes, encourages, or advertises alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, violence, and\/or sexual content. Clothing that intimidates, threatens, or disgraces a fellow student or staff member by means of a symbol or sign is not allowed.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Students are not allowed to wear spiked chains, bracelets, belts, etc. In addition, pocket or wallet chains are not to be worn.<\/span><\/li>\n
- No jeans\/pants with rips, tears, holes, or long fringe are allowed. No leggings underneath holes (bike pants, etc.) Jeans are to be worn no lower than hip level. Apparel is to be appropriate and not present a danger to other students. No sagging is permitted.<\/span><\/li>\n
- No sleepwear clothing or slippers (unless on specified days).<\/span><\/li>\n
- Footwear should be comfortable and such that it is easy to walk or run in, rather than leading to clumsiness and noise. All sandals and open shoes are required to have a heel strap.<\/span><\/li>\n
- The administration reserves the right to judge any student\u2019s dress appropriate or inappropriate and the prerogative of handling the situation as deemed necessary. After considerable distribution and discussion of the dress code, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken with those students who fail to comply with the guidelines.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
DISCIPLINE<\/b><\/h2>\n
Good discipline is needed for educational, social, and emotional growth. Students at Fuqua are responsible for their behavior at all times. Respect for all adults and other children is expected. Inappropriate behavior that interferes with the education of other students will not be tolerated. Parents are encouraged to discuss the importance of a positive attitude and good behavior with their child. Please help your school aged child avoid any problems for bringing items to school that could cause him\/her to be disciplined. Those items include, but are not limited to, knives, weapons of any kind, medication (both prescription and over the counter), etc.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
BULLYING<\/b><\/h2>\n
Bullying Reporting:<\/span><\/p>\nParents, visitors and others should report bullying to the school principal the same day that the incident takes place. An investigation will take place and consequences will be assessed accordingly. Not all reported incidents fit the legal definition of bullying. For more information and a copy of the policy visit <\/span>www.vigoschools.org<\/span>. Due to confidentiality, the school may be limited in how much information can be given to anyone except the parent of the students involved.<\/span><\/p>\nNotice of Non-Discrimination Under Section 504\/TITLE II<\/span><\/p>\nThe policy of the Vigo County School Corporation is that there will be no discrimination made on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or handicap in the educational services or activities which it supports.<\/span><\/p>\nThe School Corporation does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in, its programs and activities. The school Corporation will comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), 29 U.S.C. 794, and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 104, or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title I), 42 U.S.C. 12131-12134, and its implementing regulations at 28 C.F.R. Part 35, in the operation of its schools and facilities.<\/span><\/p>\nQuestions regarding implementation of this policy or regarding 504 or Title II should be directed to the School Corporation\u2019s Section 504\/Title II Coordinator:<\/span><\/p>\nFor Students, please contact<\/span>:<\/span> For Employees, please contact<\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\nTom Balitewicz, Director of Student Services <\/span> Michael Cox, Director of Human Resources<\/span><\/p>\n812-462-4224 or email:<\/span> 812-462-4404 or email<\/span><\/p>\nrtb@vigoschools.org <\/span> NMC2@vigoschools.org<\/span><\/p>\nOr by mail at 501 W. Olive St., West Terre Haute, IN\u00a0 47885.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
GANG ACTIVITY\/ILLEGAL GROUP BEHAVIOR<\/b><\/h2>\n
The Vigo County School Corporation prohibits gang activity and similar destructive or illegal\u00a0 group behavior on school property or school buses or at school-sponsored functions. Employees are required to report any suspected gang incidents or activities in the schools or involving students or staff. Visitors and the general public are also encouraged to report such behavior to the school principal.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Vigo County School Corporation has established a Criminal Gang Policy that can be found on the VCSC website and School Board policy handbook (policy JFB). Those who would like a copy of the full policy may download it from the VCSC website or request a full policy from the school principal, counselor or dean of any school in the VCSC or contact the Student Services department at 812-462-4224.<\/span><\/p>\nGenerally the policy provides for reporting issues related to gang membership or use of gang signs or promoting gang activities as it effects a safe and secure school environment. It also provides protection for those who report gang issues to a school principal or staff member. Anyone suspecting the existence of gang activities among any student in the VCSC should report such suspicions to the school principal or staff and suggested resources may be provided to respond to such a concern.<\/span><\/p>\nZERO TOLERANCE<\/b><\/h2>\n
Certain behaviors have been targeted as \u201czero tolerance\u201d by our school board. Violating these rules will result in a recommendation for expulsion. At that time, a hearing will be scheduled to consider the violation. Behaviors that are \u201czero tolerance\u201d include being involved in any activity that poses a clear and present danger, causing or attempting to cause harm to a school employee, threatening a school employee, possessing a weapon on school grounds, and transmitting drugs at school.<\/span><\/p>\nSeclusion and Restraint:<\/span><\/p>\nThe Vigo County School Corporation supports the Seclusion and Restraint plan as adopted by the Covered Bridge Special Education District. The use of such is a last resort and as a means to maintain a safe and orderly environment to the extent to preserve the safety of students and others. The parents of the students involved will be notified verbally as soon as possible but preferably by the end of the school day when the incident took place. There are other details in the plan that are available upon request. The plan will be implemented during 2014-15 school year.<\/span><\/p>\nFirearms on School Property: effective July 1, 2014, SEA 229<\/span><\/p>\nThe State Law concerning the crime of possession of firearms on school property has changed. A person who is legally able to possess a firearm may do so if the firearm is locked in the trunk of the person\u2019s motor vehicle or kept in the glove compartment of the person\u2019s locked motor vehicle or stored out of plain sight in the person\u2019s locked motor vehicle. A person who knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly leaves the firearm in plain view in a motor vehicle that is parked in a school parking lot commits a Class A misdemeanor.<\/span><\/p>\nA person in possession of a firearm in a school building or at a school event or on a school bus or on school grounds outside of the person\u2019s locked vehicle commits a Level 6 felony. <\/span>Thus, weapons are not permitted on school property with the exceptions noted above by State Law.<\/span><\/p>\nStudents and former students of the school who are no longer students due to a disciplinary action within the past 24 months and who have a firearm on school property or events commits a Level 6 felony.<\/span><\/p>\nSAFETY IN THE DRIVEWAYS<\/b><\/h2>\n
Due to heavy traffic in the driveways, we ask for your cooperation observing safety. School buses will be loading and unloading from both the front and west drives. Please do not block the drive along the sidewalk, as this is for the buses. Do not ask children to walk across the drive to your car. Be especially watchful for those children who walk to and from school.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
SCHOOL RULES<\/b><\/h2>\n\n- Respect other people\u2019s rights by keeping hands and feet to yourself.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Walk at all times in the building.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Use quiet voices in the building so as not to disturb others.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Show respect for school property inside and out.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Be courteous to all people in the building.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
ON THE PLAYGROUND<\/b><\/h2>\n
For the safety of all children, the following rules will be enforced.<\/span><\/p>\n\n- No rough play, such as tripping, pushing, or fighting.<\/span><\/li>\n
- No contact games, such as football.<\/span><\/li>\n
- No rock or snowball throwing.<\/span><\/li>\n
- No student shall go beyond the fenced area, as it is one of the school\u2019s boundaries.<\/span><\/li>\n
- No student shall sit or stand on top of the playground equipment.<\/span><\/li>\n
- No one goes into the building without permission after going outside.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Line up immediately when the bell rings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BRING PLAY EQUIPMENT (bats, balls, Frisbees, etc.) FROM HOME UNLESS REQUESTED.<\/span><\/p>\nSkateboards, roller skates, toy guns, knives, and any other types of dangerous toys will not be permitted at school.<\/span><\/p>\nThe school cannot assume responsibility for the loss of or damage to property brought to school by students.<\/span><\/p>\nBicycles should be ridden to the edge of the school grounds and then walked to the bicycle racks and locked. Our school cannot assume responsibility for the safety of children riding bicycles or their security while parked at school.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
CAFETERIA RULES<\/b><\/h2>\n
The children are expected to go to the lunchroom and line up for lunch in an orderly manner. Children are to speak in quiet tones in the lunchroom. Noise is a prime factor in the lunchroom. If the noise level gets too high, then all talking will be stopped. We hope to protect every child\u2019s hearing by limiting extreme loudness, especially in the lunchroom where many children are placed in small areas.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
BUS CONDUCT<\/b><\/h2>\n
Riding a bus to and from school, or on a field trip, is a privilege, and with that privilege goes the responsibility of obeying the following bus regulations:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Enter the bus in an orderly manner, and take your seat. If you have an assigned seat, do not sit anywhere else in the bus. Remain quiet during the trip.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Remain in your seat while the bus is in motion.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Keep your arms and head inside the school bus at all times.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Follow the same behavioral standards that are required at school. The rules shall apply while riding the bus to and from school and on field trips.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Follow the instructions of your school bus driver. He\/She is in charge at all times.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Should any student be referred to the principal three (3) times for disobeying bus rules, then he\/she will receive a bus suspension.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Students may ride the bus closest to their home. Changing buses to ride with friends is not permitted.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Non-bus students cannot ride home with other bus students unless permission from the driver and the principal is given.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/p>\n
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAMS<\/b><\/h2>\n
Students may purchase breakfast and lunch at school. Upon arrival at school, students planning to eat breakfast should go directly to the cafeteria to have time to eat breakfast and avoid arriving late in the classroom.<\/span><\/p>\nParents may pay for the breakfasts and lunches on a daily or weekly basis, whichever is most convenient for them. If paying by check, please make the check payable to Fuqua School Cafeteria.<\/span><\/p>\nAny student may apply for a free or reduced lunch by filling out the proper form that can be obtained from the school office. Applications are sent to the administrative cafeteria offices where decisions on the applicant\u2019s eligibility are determined.<\/span><\/p>\nChildren are not allowed to bring \u201cCoke\u201d products\/carbonated beverages from home for their lunch, nor should sack lunches have glass containers. Children that leave the building for lunch should bring a note from home and give it to their teacher stating where they will go for lunch.<\/span><\/p>\nMenus are sent home each month. Children are responsible for their lunch money until it is paid at the cash register. Milk and drinks are available for those children bringing sack lunches from home. Cafeteria policy allows for no more than three (3) consecutive charges.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS<\/b><\/h2>\n
Regular school attendance is necessary for your child to have a successful learning experience. Every day of absence is a distinct loss to the child. Learning is a step-by-step, day-by-day process, and many times children are unable to catch up unless a great deal of extra time is spent helping them, both at school and at home. PLEASE CALL THE SCHOOL WHEN YOUR CHILD WILL BE ABSENT OR SEND A WRITTEN EXCUSE STATING THE REASON FOR THE ABSENCE WHEN YOUR CHILD RETURNS TO SCHOOL.<\/span><\/p>\nThe VCSC, in cooperation with the Juvenile Probation Department, meets regularly to update the \u201cTruancy Prevention Program\u201d for our schools. If a student accumulates 10 absences or 4 truancies, the name of that student is sent to the Juvenile Probation Department. The Chief Probation Officer works with the prosecutor to enforce State Laws regarding school attendance. Parents should keep in contact with their child\u2019s home school to provide them information when a child is too sick to come to school or is hospitalized. Your cooperation is necessary to avoid unnecessary referrals.<\/span><\/p>\nNo student shall be released from school into the custody of any individual other than the parent or other adult living in the home from which that child is received. The release shall be made by the principal, or by the teacher in the principal\u2019s absence.<\/span><\/p>\nWhen it is necessary for the parent to pick up the child during school hours, the parent must come for the child at the school office, rather than go directly to the classroom. If possible, a note should be sent to the teacher prior to the release.<\/span><\/p>\nStudents will not be permitted to leave the playground during the noon hour unless they go home for lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
EMERGENCY CLOSING<\/b><\/h2>\n
Throughout the year, there is a possibility of emergency closing of schools due to inclement weather or mechanical failure.<\/span><\/p>\nWhen the school is confronted with such an emergency, announcements will be made on the radio and the television.<\/span><\/p>\nWe need your help on this matter which is of deep concern to us. In many homes, both parents work and no one is home during the day. It is not possible to notify everyone when it is necessary to close school early. Therefore, we would like for you to plan with your child where he\/she is to go in the event you would not be home. This plan will be kept on file.<\/span><\/p>\nEMERGENCY CARDS<\/b><\/h2>\n
Emergency cards are kept on file for every student. It is necessary that phone numbers on the card be kept current so that the parent or another designated adult may be contacted.<\/span><\/p>\nIn case a student is ill or other emergency arises and the parent cannot be reached, the school should have on file the name of another adult who can be contacted. Unlisted telephone numbers will be held in confidence by the school.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE<\/b><\/h2>\n
The school nurse visits the school one-half day each week. She works with the teachers and parents on health problems. There is also a nurse\u2019s aide who works daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\nA routine inspection of vision and teeth is made periodically. The nurse also assists in keeping a permanent health record on each student, including current immunization requirements. Annual hearing tests are given by the speech therapist. Feel free to call the school nurse if you have any questions pertaining to health.<\/span><\/p>\nMEDICATION AT SCHOOL<\/b><\/h2>\n
The student-parent guide, posted online, has rules for bringing medications to school.\u00a0 In general, medications must be brought to school by a parent with doctor\u2019s instructions for administration. Students are not permitted to carry any medication, over the counter or prescription, with them except in accordance with state law.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
STUDENT TRANSFER<\/b><\/h2>\n
We request that parents notify the school in writing or by telephone at least two (2) days prior to moving. Books can be forwarded to the new school and records processed and ready for you on your child\u2019s last day at Fuqua.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
LOST AND FOUND<\/b><\/h2>\n
Often two (2) or more children have identical clothing. It is impossible to decide on the ownership of these items. Please put your child\u2019s name on coats, boots, gloves, umbrellas, lunch boxes, and all school supplies. If your child loses something, have him\/her stop in the office and check the Lost and Found. All articles, including money, glasses, and books, found in the building, on the grounds, or near the school are to be turned in at the office. Money which is not claimed will be returned to the person who found it.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Wellness Policy<\/b><\/h2>\n
Schools are expected to follow the wellness policy guidelines for food sales at school. In addition, the policy has certain expectations for parents in relation to food brought to school for holidays and celebrations. The entire policy may be viewed on the VCSC website under Student Services.<\/span><\/p>\nVaccinations required for school attendance<\/b><\/h2>\n
Parents should have students immunized according to current state law and students may be excluded from school for non-compliance. A list of required vaccines is posted on the nurses\u2019 page of the VCSC website. The only objections that the State of Indiana will accept are religious or medical objections. Contact the school nurse for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
School Video Systems<\/b><\/h2>\n
For the protection of students and staff, each school has a video system to record certain areas of the school premise. These are for internal use and may not be released to outside agencies or individuals without specific approval and only in line with FERPA guidelines. The Vigo County School Corporation will cooperate with law enforcement, however, if a crime is suspected and the law enforcement agency requests to view the information in line with legal requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Student Records<\/b><\/h2>\n
Records that are maintained by the school may only be released to parents (natural biological parents) or legal custodians under FERPA guidelines. The records are not available to grandparents, other relatives, or step-parents, unless those individuals are legal custodians or a legal adoption has taken place.<\/span><\/p>\nPermits and Out-of-County Cash Tuition<\/b><\/h2>\n
Students are required to attend the school in the district of their legal residence. If a parent wishes for a student to attend another elementary school, a permit application is required. Specific guidelines must be followed to apply for a permit. Forms are available at the elementary school, and principals of both the sending and the receiving schools must agree to the permit. In addition, no school bus transportation is furnished for a student on a permit. Permits can be revoked by the receiving principal for just cause, including overcrowding in a school or classroom, poor attendance, tardiness or severe discipline issues. Cash tuition for an out-of-county student will be waived if:<\/span><\/p>\nthe student\u2019s legal residence is in Indiana;<\/span><\/p>\nthe student is enrolled prior to \u201cofficial\u201d enrollment day in September.<\/span><\/p>\nAny enrollments after the \u201cofficial\u201d enrollment day in September are subject to full tuition (between $5,000-$6,000 per year).<\/span><\/p>\nAny student from another state will be charged the full tuition regardless of when that student enrolls in VCSC.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Sex Offender Policy<\/b><\/h2>\n
The VCSC has a sex offender policy that restricts those who are listed on the sex offender registry from coming onto school property. The School Corporation works with the Vigo County Sheriff to enforce this policy.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
PARTIES<\/b><\/h2>\n
Holiday parties need to be arranged with the classroom teacher. Parents will be needed to assist classroom teachers for holiday refreshments. The P.T.O. will coordinate and maintain a list of names to be room helpers.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
PARTY INVITATIONS<\/b><\/h2>\n
We require that party invitations be passed out at school only if the entire class is invited. If you do not wish to invite the entire class, mail your invitations. Please do not hurt another child\u2019s feelings by excluding him\/her.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
COMMUNITY RESOURCE PERSONS \/ SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS<\/b><\/h2>\n
One of the greatest resources of the school district is the citizens of the community. Volunteers can make many valuable contributions. If you have a particular talent that you would like to share or free time and would like to help at school, please contact Mrs. Harris. All volunteers are required to complete the VCSC<\/span> Guidelines for Chaperones, Volunteers, and\/or Supervisors and a Request for Limited Adult Criminal History Information<\/b> prior to volunteering.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
GUESTS AND VISITORS<\/b><\/h2>\n
ALL VISITORS ARE TO REGISTER AT THE OFFICE AND SHOULD BE GIVEN A VISITOR\u2019S BADGE TO WEAR.<\/span><\/p>\nParents are welcome and encouraged to visit our school. However, to prevent interruptions, an appointment should be made with the teacher 24 hours prior to visitation. Please call or send a note to set up an appropriate visitation time.<\/span><\/p>\nPermission for visiting by persons other than parents must be approved by the principal.<\/span><\/p>\nBrothers, sisters, and other students on vacation are not to visit school unless accompanied by a parent.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
CLASSROOM OBSERVATION\/VISITATION<\/b><\/p>\n
Observation in a teacher\u2019s classroom by persons other than school personnel shall be allowed only with the consent of the building administrator and teacher involved, provided the teacher involved is given a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours notice.<\/span><\/p>\n