D. School Day
D3. AGE OF ATTENDANCE
Title 16, Sec. 1121 of the General Laws of Vermont requires school attendance for students between the ages of six and sixteen.
In order to enter Kindergarten a child must have attained the age of five years on or before August 31 of the year in which the child would enroll in Kindergarten. In order to enter the public school system at grade one level a child must have attained the age of six years on or before August 31 of the year in which the child would enroll.
D4. BICYCLES/SKATEBOARDS/ROLLER BLADES
Children who ride their bikes to school must park them in the bike racks. Bicycles may not be brought into the schoolyard during the school day. The school accepts no responsibility for bicycles brought to school. Children must wear bicycle safety helmets while bicycling on the school grounds.
Skateboards and roller blades may not be used at school during the school day. If children bring skateboards or roller blades to school they must be stored as directed by his/her teacher until the end of the day.
D7. DRILLS (Fire, Emergency & Lockdown)
Our school conducts drills for the purpose of order and safety in the event of an emergency.
FIRE DRILLS
Fire drills are held each month. The first two drills are instructional and are announced to the staff and students. The students are outside for a minimal amount of time. We will not hold a fire drill during extreme weather. Children who exhibit high anxiety when we hold a fire drill are notified in advance. Children are expected to exit in an orderly manner with a minimum of noise.
EMERGENCY/LOCKDOWN DRILLS
Emergency and Lockdown Drills are practiced and will be followed in the event of an emergency in which it might be safer to remain in the school building.
D8. EXCLUSION FROM PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
If a child is well enough to come to school, he or she is expected to participate in physical education and recess unless there is a special problem. Any such problems must be discussed with the teacher, the school nurse or the principal. A note from a doctor should accompany any request for alteration of activity.
D9. LATE BUS
The school district provides a late bus so that all students have an opportunity to participate in the many supervised after-school activities that are available. The late bus leaves CAES at about 4:00 p.m. The late bus does not run on days of early release.
D10. LEAVING SCHOOL DURING THE DAY
Medical and dental appointments should be scheduled after school hours, whenever possible.
If a child needs to leave school during the school day she/he must be dismissed from the office after being signed out by a parent or authorized adult. If the child returns during the day, the child must sign in.
D11. LEAVING SCHOOL ON A DIFFERENT BUS OR WITH DIFFERENT ADULTS
If there is a change in schedule or transportation arrangements, such as leaving school with a different person or to a different destination, we must have a note from the parents. If an emergency requires an unexpected change in plans during the day, parents must call the school office – not the classroom teacher. Children will not be permitted to call home to make after-school social arrangements.
D12. LOST AND FOUND
Please label all children’s clothing and boots, especially outerwear. “Lost and found” boxes are located by the gym entrance at the end of the hall. Please, check it often. At the end of each marking period all found items that are not claimed will be taken to the local family center.
D14. PARTIES AND INVITATIONS
Birthday “treats” are permitted but must be planned in advance with the classroom teacher. Children should not bring party invitations to school for distribution. Parents receive a student directory that may be used for mailing invitations. Disappointments occur when some students discover they have not received an invitation.
D15. PERSONAL POSSESSIONS
Radios, DVD & CD players, electronic games and all toys and electronic devices, with the exception of cell phones are not permitted in school. These items are distracting and disruptive to the learning environment and tempting to others. Toiletries and cosmetics, such as deodorant, hair spray and make-up should not be brought to school unless they are needed for a specific school project or activity. Items containing caution labels and/or toxic substances are not permitted. Such items, if brought to school, will be taken and held by school staff until a parent comes to collect the item. The school is not responsible for personal items children bring from home.
D18. TELEPHONES
Each classroom and workspace has a telephone intended for school related business and not for student use. Students must have their teacher’s permission to use the phone and may not use it during class time. Students are responsible for remembering homework, lunch money, instruments, permission slips, ski passes, and the like. The phone is not to be used to make after school arrangements.
Parents calling to contact teachers or students should expect to leave a message on voice mail during class-time. Calls will not be transferred to classrooms during class-time unless there is an emergency. If parents need to call about after-school arrangements please call before 1:45 p.m. to insure that your message is received on time. Cell Phones must be turned off and may not be used by students during school hours or on school buses. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property.
| 