Mission Statement
All students at Rio Grande will be provided with equal opportunities to attain their greatest potential to become productive citizens.
Students will be provided a quality education through a variety of learning strategies to actively engage all students while accommodating differences in student learning.
Vision
At Rio Grande we believe in
“Quality education with active
engagement while accommodating
differences in learning.”
Our History
Rio Grande is a preK-5th grade school located in the Northern section of Vigo County in Terre Haute, IN. Rio Grande is located at 5555 E. Rio Grande Ave. The school sits on over thirty-two acres of land, which includes a half-mile paved fitness track developed for students as well as a Nature Center that is utilized for science projects.
Students are bused from communities surrounding the school, including Rosedale, Sandcut, and Fontanet, Indiana. The school community includes rural and suburban residents. Rio Grande opened as an Open Concept school in 1972. The renovations in 2001 changed the school to self-contained classrooms with walls. Three new classrooms and a gymnasium were added in 2003 to accommodate special education needs and the current enrollment which hovers around 450 students. In 2011 our second computer lab was added to accommodate state mandated testing. Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year the Vigo County School Corporation began equipping students with Chromebooks. Currently our students in grades 2-5 have received, and are using, their Chromebooks on a daily basis both in, and out, of the classroom.
Our dedicated PTO has gifted our classrooms with iPads, Apple TV’s, document cameras, and projectors to enhance student learning and classroom lessons. PTO also added a mounted projector, large screen, and sound system in order to make the “Little Theater” a true theater. In addition to technology, our PTO has fenced in our very large playground, provided all of the play equipment that is currently available, and paved our quarter mile walking trail. In 2019, PTO provided the funds to purchase a sensory path that is available to our students to increase strength, coordination, and balance.
Rio Grande utilizes local and national grant opportunities through organizations such as the Vigo County Education Foundation and Texas Gas. One of the projects was to equip a sensory room for students who need to experience sensory input. Some of the other grants include funding for Bagels, Binders, and Bites, Book Bags, and Classroom Sensory Boxes.
The school staff has been committed to student learning through the years. The thirty-five full time staff members include; one administrator, twenty-six classroom teachers, three special education resource specialists, two licensed functional teachers, a Media Specialist, a music teacher, a physical education teacher, a licensed preschool teacher, and a full-time counselor. Additional staff includes sixteen Educational Assistants, and an ESL assistant. Rio Grande is also blessed with a full time School Protection Officer and a Behavioral Interventionist.
Rio Grande was recognized as a Four Star School in 2001 and 2002. In 2004, the United States Secretary of Education recognized Rio Grande as a NCLB Blue Ribbon School. Parents and community leaders are active participants at Rio Grande. The school utilizes the services of Indiana State University students, as well as students from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. Our Rio Grande community values education and has high expectations for all students. Students from Rio Grande matriculate to Otter Creek Middle School and continue on to Terre Haute North High School.
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Parent Involvement
Our dedicated PTO has gifted our classrooms with iPads, Apple TV’s, document cameras, and projectors to enhance student learning and classroom lessons. PTO also added a mounted projector, large screen, and sound system in order to make the “Little Theater” a true theater. In addition to technology, our PTO has fenced in our very large playground, provided all of the play equipment that is currently available, and paved our quarter mile walking trail. In 2019, PTO provided the funds to purchase a sensory path that is available to our students to increase strength, coordination, and balance.
Rio Grande Handbook 2021-2022
Rio Grande Elementary School
5555 East Rio Grande Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47805
Phone: 812-462-4307
Fax: 812-462-4309
Mrs. Susan Lewis, Principal
Mrs. Kathy Ellis, Secretary
Mrs. Mary Lynne Wiggins, Secretary/Treasurer
School Hours—Grades K-5
Students may arrive 8:00 am
Breakfast 8:00-8:15 am
Tardy Bell 8:15 am
School dismissal 2:40 pm
Welcome
The staff at Rio Grande Elementary is excited to welcome all students and their families. The Rio Grande staff is committed to helping all students develop educationally, emotionally, and socially. Establishing high academic expectations for achievement, promoting positive self-esteem, and encouraging responsible citizenship are important goals.
This booklet is prepared to provide you with information concerning our school. We hope it will be helpful to you throughout the school year. It provides information, but in no way answers all the questions that arise during the school year. I encourage you to call the school office or stop by the school anytime when you have a question or concern regarding your child.
The Rio Grande staff appreciates the opportunity to work with you in an educational partnership. Together, we can enhance your child’s academic progress. We look forward to a successful and enjoyable school year.
Rio Grande Elementary School Mission/Vision Statement
Mission Statement
Students are provided with a nurturing environment, an atmosphere that allows them to discover, explore, grow, and learn while accepting and valuing uniqueness and individuality. Students are encouraged to fully develop their capabilities and become lifelong learners. Students are prepared to live in an ever-changing society as productive and caring citizens. The staff, students, families, and school community accept the responsibility to work together in this educational endeavor.
Vision Statement
Quality education with active engagement while accommodating differences in learning.
School Improvement Goals
- All students will improve reading comprehension across the curriculum.
- All students will improve the accuracy and speed of grade level appropriate math facts.
VCSC Mission Statement
“The Vigo County School Corporation will equip students with lifelong learning skills and prepare them to become productive and responsible citizens.”
School Policies and Procedures
Listed are policies formed by participating parents and staff at Rio Grande. The school is guided by the rights, responsibilities and regulations as set forth in the “Student-Parent Guide” of the Vigo County School Corporation. Support and cooperation in adhering to policies ensures a safe learning environment for our students. The “Student-Parent Guide” is now posted online with paper copies available in the school office if requested.
Reaching Staff Before and After School
Teaching staff are here from 8:00 am until 3:15 on most days. On Fridays, teaching staff may leave after the buses depart.
Mrs. Kathy Ellis (Secretary) is in the office from 7:30 until 3:00 pm and Mrs. Mary Lynne Wiggins (Secretary/Treasurer) is available from 8:00 until 3:30. Mrs. Susan Lewis (Principal) is available from 7:30 – 4:30.
Absence and Tardiness
Students are expected to be in school each day school is in session. An emphasis on excellent attendance will benefit students as they will have the maximum opportunity for achievement in school and they will gain valuable life skills to be used beyond their school experience.
Parents are asked to call the school before 10:00 a.m. to explain a student’s absence. This is for your child’s safety.
If a student has a communicable disease or should need to be absent for an extended length of time, the parent should notify the school as soon as possible.
Please see the 2021-2022 attendance plan published on the corporation’s website.
Any student who is tardy must report to the office before going to class. The tardy bell is at
8:15 am.
Medication
The student-parent guide, posted online has rules for bringing medications to school. In general, medications must be brought to school by a parent with doctor’s instructions for administration. Students must have a “Taking Medication at School” form on file in the school office before prescribed medication will be administered. Medicines that need to be refrigerated will be refrigerated in the Health Room after a note is received from the student’s parent. Students are not permitted to carry any medication, over the counter or prescription, with them except in accordance with State Law.
Excusing a Student From Class
No student shall be released from school into the custody of any individual other than the parent or guardian or those who are listed in Skyward without permission from the parent or guardian. Special circumstances for release shall be considered by the principal or administrative designee.
When a parent must pick up a child during school hours, the parent must come to the school office rather than going directly to the room. If possible, a note should be sent to the teacher prior to the release.
When students must be absent for medical or dental appointments, please bring them back to school as soon as possible. A partial day of attendance is better than absence for the entire day. Please provide a note from the doctor or dentist upon child’s return to school.
Dress
Students are encouraged to dress neatly and appropriately each day. Appropriate dress for school has a positive effect upon the attitude of a student toward school and learning. Help of parents in maintaining appropriate standards of dress is greatly appreciated.
Please remember the building is air-conditioned.
Often students have identical clothing and other personal items. It is very difficult to determine the ownership of these items. Students should have names written on coats, hats, gloves, umbrellas, lunchboxes, and school supplies.
Elementary Dress Code Guidelines
- No shorts or skirts are to be worn that are shorter than the extended fingertips. If fingers touch skin, the skirt or short is too short. This includes slits in skirts.
- Sleeveless tops are allowed if shoulder areas are covered. No shirts of sheer materials are to be worn. No tank tops, no cut-off shirts or tops with bare midriffs, low necklines or bare backs are to be worn.
- No coats or jackets/headphones, backpacks, or purse backpacks are to be worn in the building.
- Backpacks must be placed in designated areas when entering the building.
- 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 (unless on specified days).
- 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.
- Students are not allowed to wear spiked chains, bracelets, belts, etc. In addition, pocket or wallet chains are also not to be worn.
- No jeans/pants with rips, tears, or 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.
- No sleep-wear clothing or slippers (unless on specified days).
- The administration reserves the right to judge any student’s 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.
Money
Students should not bring money to school except for meals, extra milk, school supplies, or special events. Money should be kept in a purse or a pocket and is the responsibility of the child. Parents will be informed if a child brings an unusually large amount of money to school.
Vaccinations Required for School Attendance
Parents should have students immunized according to current state law and students may be excluded from school for non-compliance. A list required vaccines is posted on the nurses’ page of the VCSC website. The only objections that the State of Indiana will accept are religious or medical objections. Proof of immunizations must be presented at the time of student registration.
State law requires that students shall be immunized against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and chicken pox. In addition, all 9th and 12th grade students, and students entering first grade and kindergarten must be immunized against Hepatitis B virus.
Details are available in each school or from the School Nurse’s Office 462-4465.
Emergency School Closing
A School Emergency Closing form must be on file stating a plan for your child to follow if school is closed during the day. When it is necessary to close school because of an emergency, children are sent home on the bus if that is their regular mode of transportation. It is not possible to call the parents of every child when the school is alerted of an emergency closing. The after-school program is canceled when emergency closings occur. It is essential you inform your child what procedure to follow for going home and discuss a plan for what to do when he/she arrives at home.
When there is a need for a delay in the start of the school day, students may still be dropped off at the school at 7:45 a.m. if there are no other child-care options for the student. The children will wait in the cafeteria until the 10:00 a.m. start of school.
Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Morning Arrival: All children transported to school by car should arrive between 8:00-8:10 a.m. The absolute earliest students may be dropped off is 7:45 a.m. Parents/guardians should drive to the North side of the school to the car unloading zone and pull up to the sign to let your child out. Your child needs to get out of the car on the curb side. A school official will be on duty at the door. Children are not to be unloaded in the bus loading zone in front of the school. It is important that safety procedures be practiced at all times. Bus drivers cannot always see cars behind them.
Evening Dismissal: All children not riding home on a school bus must be picked up on the north drive. They will be escorted outside by an adult.
Cars must go around the traffic island behind the school. Cars need to wait at the stop sign. Students should enter the passenger side of the car. Adults will load four to five cars at a time at the north entrance.
Children picked up during the school day may not meet parents outside. They must be picked up and signed out in the office.
Bus Transportation
Since all students will be able to ride school buses, no student should walk to school. If a child needs to ride a different bus for any reason, the student must have a note to show the principal and the bus driver. Because most buses are filled to capacity, children may only change buses with the principal or designee’s approval. Changes may not be allowed if the bus is overloaded.
Bicycles
Due to the nature of the traffic and roads around our building and the lack of secure storage, children are not permitted to ride bicycles to school.
Parking Facilities
Parking facilities during the school day are limited. Observing the following guidelines will help with parking. The bus loading zone is for buses only between 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 2:00-3:00 p.m. Signs are posted indicating times and Bus Load Zone. The bus loading zone is available for visitor parking during other times of the day, but all cars must be moved out of that area by 2:00 p.m. Please keep this in mind when attending events that may go past 2:00 p.m. or visiting the school later than 2:00 p.m. Staff and visitor parking will be available on the east side of the parking area and east of the drive off the blacktop at all times during the day.
Student Arrival/After School Child Care
Children are not allowed in the classrooms before 8:00 a.m. If students should arrive a few minutes before 8:00 they will be required to sit quietly in the cafeteria until the first bell at 8:00 a.m.
Please call the YMCA for information regarding Rio Grande’s Before and After School Child Care Program. The YMCA’s phone number is: 812-232-VIGO
School Meals
Our cafeteria provides a tasty, well balanced breakfast and lunch program for students. Cafeteria menus are published on our website.
Breakfast is free for all children this school year. Students wishing to have breakfast at school should arrive by 8:05 a.m.
Children should remain seated while eating. They are expected to use good table manners, speak in conversational tones, and conduct themselves in a responsible manner.
Adult guests will not be allowed again this year due to ongoing Covid concerns
Textbook Rental
Textbook fees will be run sometime after school begins. Parents experiencing difficulty paying fees should complete the free meal/textbook assistance available online or in the school office. Even if the family qualifies for free/reduced textbooks, the family is still responsible for paying consumable fees. If paying the whole amount at the start of school is difficult for your family, the school office can work with you to set up a payment plan.
If rental textbooks, Chromebooks or library books are lost or destroyed, parents will need to replace them.
School Supplies
School supply lists for the upcoming year are sent home in the child’s final report card for the year. The supply list is also posted on our website by grade level. Each child should come to school with necessary supplies.
Appropriate Student Behavior
Responsible student behavior underlies the whole educational structure. To guarantee a good social and educational climate in our school, it is important students understand acceptable standards of behavior will be expected at all times.
Discipline will be administered fairly, but firmly when a student’s action interferes with the right of teachers to teach and students to learn. All school staff members have the right and responsibility to correct inappropriate behavior.
Good conduct is primarily each student’s responsibility. The entire staff at our school cares about each student, respects each other as an individual, and expects each child to do his/her very best.
Bullying
In accordance with state law, “bullying” is prohibited in the Vigo County School Corporation. Bullying is defined as any act of threatening or intimidating behavior with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate or harm another student. The act of “bullying” means overt, repeated acts or gestures that may be verbal, written communications or physical acts or any other behavior that fits the definition above. Parents or students who suspect that repeated acts of bullying are taking place should report the matter to the school principal or designee as a first step. If such bullying continues, it can be reported on the VCSC website.
Substantiated acts of bullying another student will be grounds for disciplinary action ranging from direction/correction to suspension or even expulsion.
Recess
Children benefit from being outside whenever possible for recess during the instructional day.
During the winter, please send children to school with warm coats, hats, heavy shoes or boots, and gloves.
The temperature, wind chill factor, and moisture (rain, mud, snow) will be considered before a decision is made for outdoor recess.
Please do not ask your child’s teacher to allow him or her to stay in because he or she prefers to stay indoors. New state guidelines encourage physical activity each day.
Parents will no longer be able to accompany students to recess. This is due to safety concerns.
Bobcat Trail
A walking/jogging trail was developed to encourage wellness and a healthy lifestyle. Fitness has become a national goal for our Country. Use of the trail will be encouraged and rewarded.
Physical Education and Playground Equipment
Students should not bring play equipment from home unless notified otherwise. Rio Grande has two playgrounds that have ample equipment for student use.
Students need to wear tennis shoes with non-marking soles during physical education class. The gym floor has a surface that requires a rubber soled shoe. If tennis shoes are not available, students may wear socks in the gym.
School Visitation and Conferences
Parents are encouraged to visit the school. However, visitors must stop at the School Security Officer’s desk to sign in and get a badge. 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’s 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 civil atmosphere. We ask your assistance in this matter. The badge the officer gives you must be worn at all times. After signing in come to the office to get further assistance before going to any area in the building.
Please call to make an appointment twenty-four hours prior to visiting a classroom. Siblings or other students are not to visit school unless accompanied by a parent, and they may not disrupt the learning environment.
Parents who desire a conference with a teacher need to make prior arrangements to confer with the teacher before 8:00 am or after school. Teachers are not available to conference when they’re working with students. No parent will be allowed to meet with a parent after 8:00 am without prior arrangements being made.
Student Use of Telephone
A student may use the office telephone only in case of an emergency with the permission of the teacher or office personnel. Children may not call home to ask permission to go to another home after school or to stay for a club meeting. Those arrangements should be made at home prior to the school day. We discourage parents from calling children out of class to come to the phone. Instead, leave a message, and it will be given to the child.
Parties
The Vigo County Wellness policy encourages limiting edible treats during the school day. Due to this, birthday parties will no longer be celebrated with treats in the classroom.
When giving out invitations at school, for at home parties, all children of the same gender (from that class) must receive an invitation. Being left out at this age is very disappointing. It is even better when all children, regardless of gender, in that class, can be invited.
Pets
Students may bring pets to school when they have prior permission from the teacher and principal and the pet is in a suitable carrier. Parents will need to transport the pet as they may not be carried on the bus.
School Related Organizations Meeting At School
Various organizations, clubs, and teams meet at the school. Information about these groups will be sent to you when available. Groups wishing to use school facilities are arranged on a first come, first served basis and must comply with the VCSC Policy.
School Video Systems
For the protection of students and staff, each school has a video system to record certain areas of the school premises. 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 if a crime is suspected and the law enforcement agency requests to view the information in line with legal requirements.
School Counseling Service
The elementary guidance and counseling program in the Vigo County School Corporation is based on the belief that guidance services are to be provided to all students. Every student should have the opportunity to develop his or her learning potential to the fullest. Students at risk of school failure are often beset by a number of personal problems that interfere with their ability to benefit from instruction. School counseling can attend to special needs and help children cope with stressful life events. Academic success is determined by many factors including one’s self concept, social skills and problem solving abilities.
The developmental guidance model is an effective means of developing these characteristics in each child. Parents interested in their child receiving counseling services for some specific reason should contact the school.
Report Cards
Report cards are issued four times during the school year. They will be sent home one week after the end of each grading period in the Tuesday folders. The envelope should be signed by the parent and returned to school promptly. The paper card should be kept at home.
Field Trips
Field trips within our city and to nearby points of interest are scheduled by the corporation throughout the school year. These trips are designed to supplement different aspects of the classroom curriculum and to introduce students to the resources of the community and state.
Parents will receive notices of field trips well in advance of the scheduled trip date and will be asked to sign field trip permission forms. Field trips must be approved by the principal and they must cover our state standards. Because they are educational, it is hoped that all students attend. Students who aren’t in attendance will be counted absent that school day. If a parent doesn’t give permission for the child to attend the trip, the child will participate in another classroom that day and won’t be counted absent.
Parents may be invited to attend a field trip if the school feels that such involvement is warranted or is necessary. The decision of inviting parents on field trips rests with the school. Any parent attending as a participant or chaperone is subject to a criminal history check prior to such attendance. Criminal history checks may be required yearly or at any time the principal feels that such a check is necessary. Attendance will be approved or denied through the central office. All school rules are in effect on a field trip.
Students may go on a field trip with their class only. No student visitors will be allowed to ride the bus.
All students must ride the school bus to the field trip. If their parent drives separately, and it is the end of the school day, the child may ride home with their parent, but the parent must sign the child out with the child’s teacher.
Student Records
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.
Permits and Out of County Cash Tuition
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 online, principals of both the sending and the receiving school must agree to the permit. Out-of-county permits must be applied for yearly. 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:
- The student’s legal residence is in Indiana and
- The student is enrolled prior to “official” enrollment day in September.
Any enrollments after the “official” enrollment day in September are subject to full tuition (between $5,000-$6,000 per year).
Any student from another State will be charged the full tuition regardless of when that student enrolls in VCSC.
Unanswered Questions
When a school patron has a question involving the operation of the school, he/she should contact the office or person most responsible for the area in which the problem exists. When the question involves an individual student or class, the classroom teacher and/or the principal are the proper persons to contact. The Rio Grande phone number is (812) 462-4307.
Parent Organization
The purpose of the PTO is to develop a partnership between the home, school, and community. Families and staff join together for meetings, conferences, committees, and projects. Officers of the PTO are nominated and voted on annually.
Notices of PTO meetings are sent home with each student prior to meetings. Selected programs are scheduled to provide informative and interesting sessions. The PTO encourages all parents to become members ($5 per member). Your support is valued and will be appreciated. The PTO board meets the first Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm in the teacher break room. All parents are encouraged to attend.
Sex Offender Policy
Vigo County School Corporation has adopted a policy prohibiting anyone who is listed on the sex offender registry from coming onto school property. Sex offenders may be arrested for criminal trespass for violating this policy. Exceptions (with restrictions) to the policy would only be granted in specific instances and only after following the procedures for asking for such exception.
Cell Phones/Pagers Policy for Elementary Students
Elementary Schools – A student may possess a cell phone or wireless communication device (WCD) in school, on school property, at after school activities and at school related functions, provided that during school hours and on a school bus the cell phone/ WCD remains off and must be placed in a locker, backpack, or as requested by school staff members. When directed by a staff member in charge of an after school event, cell phones/ WCD must be turned off.
First Offense** The student will be issued a warning. The warning will be documented in the school office.
Second Offense** The cell phone/ WCD will be confiscated. The parent or guardian will be notified. The cell phone/WCD will be sent home with the child at the end of the school day.
Third Offense** The cell phone/ WCD will be confiscated. The parent or guardian will be notified. The cell phone/WCD will be picked-up by a parent/guardian at the end of the school day.
Fourth Offense** A student will lose the privilege of having a cell phone/ WCD for the remainder of the school year.
Fifth Offense** A child may be subject to suspension/expulsion procedures for defiant behavior.
Release of Directory Information
The school corporation may release certain “directory information,” which means information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed and which includes, but is not limited to, the student’s name, address, parents’ names and their home and work telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, major field of study, participation in official recognized activities and sports, height and weight of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards received, teacher-selected student work with no grades displayed, pictures or video images not used in a disciplinary manner, hair and eye color, race, sex, date of birth, height, weight, grade level, and other similar information, without consent to media organizations (including radio, television, and newspaper), colleges, civic or school-related organizations, military recruiters and state or local governmental agencies.
Throughout the school year, different media groups (television stations, local newspaper, radio stations, school production classes, and district communications staff, etc.) will produce stories about activities and events in the Vigo County School Corporation. These articles may include photographs and video that may be posted on the internet, printed, or aired on radio shows, including television and cable shows. In addition, the VCSC may want to include news about school activities and events on their Web sites.
Please refer to Policy JO-E that allows directory information to be released to media organizations without the consent of parent or student. In addition, JO-E Policy provides a form for a parent of a student less than 18 years of age or a student who is at least 18 years of age may object to disclosure of any of the categories of directory information by filing form JO-E (DENIAL OF PERMISSION TO RELEASE CERTAIN DIRECTORY INFORMATION WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT) from the principal’s office at any time during the school year.
Please refer to Policy JO-E for more specifics if needed.
WELLNESS POLICY
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 V.C.S.C. website under Student Services.
Social Media, school events and posting:
Social media and websites such as Facebook or YouTube have made it very easy to post photos and information online. To protect the privacy and safety of our students and employees, we discourage individuals from publicly posting pictures taken at school events that could identify others. We advise you to get consent of the individual(s) photographed before posting them and to exercise caution about revealing personal details including names. The Vigo County School Corporation cannot be responsible for information posted online in violation of these guidelines.
Bullying Reporting:
Parents, 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 www.vigoschools.org. Due to confidentiality, the school may be limited in how much information can be given to anyone except the parent of the students involved.
Seclusion and Restraint:
The 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 is available upon request. These rules are subject to change.
Firearms on School Property:
The 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’s motor vehicle or kept in the glove compartment of the person’s locked motor vehicle or stored out of plain sight in the person’s 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.
A 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’s locked vehicle commits a Level 6 felony. Thus, weapons are not permitted on school property with the exceptions noted above by State Law.
Students 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.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) Policy
In consideration for the safety of students, staff and visitors to schools in the Vigo County School Corporation (“VCSC”), the following policy addresses the use of unmanned aerial vehicles on VCSC property or airspace.
The Vigo County School Board of School Trustees prohibits the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”), including but not limited to those objects commonly known as drones, on or above VCSC property without the express, written consent of the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee. VCSC shall refuse entry onto VCSC property to anyone possessing, using or attempting to use a UAV without authorization, or shall remove from VCSC property anyone possessing, using or attempting to use a UAV without authorization. VCSC may also confiscate any UAV that violates this policy.
Operating or being involved in the operation of a UAV or Drone in conflict with this policy by a student of the Vigo County School Corporation may be considered to be in violation of student/parent guide rule XXI (interfering or disrupting a school activity or function). Such violation may be grounds for expulsion or suspension from school.
This policy pertains to UAV’s operated on VCSC property or in airspace above VCSC that is not otherwise governed by state or federal law.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION UNDER SECTION 504/TITLE II
The 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.
The School Corporation does not discriminate on the basic of disability or handicap in admission or access to, or treatment or 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 II”), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12134, and it’s implementing regulations at 28 C.F.R. Part 35, in the operation of its schools and facilities.
Questions regarding implementation of this policy or regarding 504 or Title II should be directed to the School Corporation’s Section 504/Title II Coordinator:
For Students, please contact:
Tom Balitewicz-Director of Student Services
Email: tfb@vigoschools.org
Telephone: (812) 462-4224