RUTLAND ELEMENTARY (K-6) HANDBOOK
RUTLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 39-4
102 School Street, Rutland, SD 57057-6526
(605) 586-4352 Fax : (605) 586-4343
http://ramblers.rutland.k12.sd.us

INTRODUCTION

The staff and administrators of Rutland Elementary would like to welcome
students and their parents to the new school year. Education at Rutland is designed
to meet the needs of each individual student.

Our school is small by choice (district open-enrollment policy sets capacity
standards of 15/grade), based on “Compelling evidence that reducing class size,
particularly for younger children, has a positive effect on student achievement
overall. In addition to increasing student achievement, smaller classes:

1) Improve classroom atmosphere, students receive more individual attention and
teachers have flexibility to use different instructional approaches/assignments.

2) Have fewer students to distract each other; lower level of noise.

3) Enable teachers to know the students better and can offer more extra help;
recognize learning problems/special educational needs.

4) Have fewer discipline problems. By spending less time on discipline, teachers
report spending more time on instruction.

Class size reduction is most effective when classes are between 15 and 19 students.”

http://www.aft.org/pubs-reports/american_teacher/dec00_jan01/classnotes.html

Smaller class sizes within a single K-12 facility enable a great variety of
unique educational opportunities. Our school curriculum emphasizes cooperative
learning and a team atmosphere between the elementary and high school. This helps
build the skills that permit students to acquire, retain, understand, and apply
knowledge and information.

Instructional Technologies

The Rutland School District has consistently supported the development of
technologies to enhance student learning, teacher methods of instruction, and
communication between and among students, teachers, administration, parents, and
the greater Rutland School Community. Rutland enjoys the benefits of low
student/teacher ratios and smaller class sizes in developing a more personalized,
informal atmosphere for learning. Within this context, it is believed that the
development and utilization of technologies can further enhance this more active,
individualized approach to learning and instruction.

The district believes that effective applications of new technologies can best
occur when teachers are well-versed in integrating these technologies into the
established curriculum. A well-planned utilization of a variety of technologies
(including paper and pencil) must be guided by which technologies can accomplish
the job most effectively. Active learning, questioning, and understanding on the part
of the students is the preferred method of instruction, regardless of the technologies
employed.

The school district promotes a quality education through a collaborative effort
of students, parents, faculty, and the community. Nothing significant can be
accomplished without the collaborative efforts of everyone working together. Our
school has a proud tradition of academic and social excellence. Thank you for
entrusting us with the care and feeding (intellectual, social/developmental) of your
child(ren).


Directory:

Superintendent: Dr. Carl Fahrenwald
K-12 Guidance Counselor/Dean of Students Mrs. Sara Holmberg
Elementary Lead Teacher Mrs. Nancy Bloker
Business Manager Mrs. Crystal Hansen
Secretary Jan Hansen

Office Hours:

School Days- 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
(all administrative, office or instructional staff by appointment)

ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM

 

Kindergarten:
Reading Math Science Handwriting With No Tears Keyboarding (second semester) Computers English	Social Studies Music Art Physical Education Guidance Phonics

Grade 1:
Guided Reading Phonics English Spelling Math Guidance Handwriting With No Tears	Science Social Studies Music Art Physical Education Computers Keyboarding

Grade 2:
Guided Reading Phonics English Spelling Math Computers Handwriting With No Tears	Science Social Studies Music Art Physical Education Guidance Keyboarding

Grade 3:
Guided Reading Phonics English Spelling Math Guidance Computers 4th grade, SD History Writers’ Workshop	Science Social Studies Music Art Physical Education Keyboarding 4thgrade Beginner’s Band Handwriting With No Tears

Grade 4:
Reading Phonics English Spelling Math Guidance Computers South Dakota History	Science Social Studies Music Art Physical Education Keyboarding 4th grade Beginner’s Band Handwriting With No Tears

Grade 5:
Reading Math English Spelling Handwriting With No Tears Band Keyboarding Computers Writers’	Science Social Studies Music Art Computers D.A.R.E. Guidance Workshop

Grade 6:
Reading Math English Spelling Zaner-Bloser Penmanship Band Guidance	Science Social Science Music Art Physical Education Computers

 

ADMISSIONS

State Law requires that every child admitted to a public school must have
evidence of vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio. Also
required: a rubella/rubeola vaccination and the second MMR shot. Either
documentation of the child having had chicken pox, or date of immunization must
also be provided. Transfer students must show their immunization records before
they are allowed into the school.

INSURANCE

School insurance will be offered at the beginning of each school year. The cost
is small compared to the potential cost of medical care or dental care. Parents are
encouraged to take advantage of this service.


KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION

Children entering kindergarten are required to be five years old on or before
September 1st of the school year in which they are enrolling. A physical examination
by the County Health Nurse, an official birth certificate (not a photocopy), and up-
dated immunization records are required.

The kindergarten children will attend school for the full school year calendar.
Kindergarten Round Up will be held each spring for those children who plan to enter
kindergarten in the fall.

FIELD TRIPS

Classroom teachers throughout the school year schedule field trips to nearby
points of interest. These trips are designed to supplement different aspects of the
classroom curriculum and introduce students to the resources in the area. Each class
may take one field trip during the spring. Every parent will be asked to sign a field
trip permission form at the beginning of the school year. If this form is not returned,
the student will not be allowed to attend field trips.

COMMUNICATIONS

A newspaper containing items of interest to students and parents will be
distributed periodically throughout the school year. The newspaper will feature
items of interest about the students and will include menus, the current school
calendar, and timely information. The newspaper is mailed to all families in the
school district.

Occasionally additional notices will be sent home. Please help us by impressing
upon your child the importance of bringing notes home. These notices are printed on
pink paper. Every Monday there will be a folder sent home with student’s papers
and notes. Parents, please look through these folders on Monday night. They need
to be signed and returned on Tuesday.

Two Parent-Teacher Conferences are held each year. The first conference is in
October and the second conference will be in February. Conferences are scheduled
on the school calendar and additional reminder notices are sent to help ensure that
participation levels stay as close to 100 % as possible.

CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL

Cancellation of school takes place only during extraordinary circumstances,
such as extreme weather, equipment failure, or public crisis. School will not be
cancelled unless a significant safety risk has been created by unforeseen conditions.
In the unusual conditions that school must be cancelled during the school day, the
staff will determine that all students have satisfactory transportation and supervision
at their home before releasing them from school. Each family will be phoned to
determine this. It will also be broadcast on KJAM radio (Madison), KBRK
(Brookings Radio), and on the KELO and KSFY “closeline”.

LUNCH PROGRAM

The federal government subsidizes the school lunch program. Free and reduced
meals are given on the basis of need. Application may be made through the business
office. All families are encouraged to complete application forms for free and
reduced lunches because higher levels of participation help the school district gain
federal assistance dollars in a wide variety of other programs. The identity of the
families participating in the federal free/reduced lunch program is kept confidential.

The lunch program offers breakfast everyday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this service. The breakfast menu
consists of toast, cereal, orange juice, and milk. The cost is $0.95 for all students.

Hot lunches are served in the school lunchroom from 11:10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Our cooks in cooperation with the state lunch program determine the daily menu for
the school lunch program. The menu for the month is published in advance in the
school news notes. It is also published in the local newspaper and is aired on KJAM
(Madison) and Brookings Radio. The cost for lunches is:

$1.85 Elementary students
$2.10 Jr. High & High School students
$2.50 Adults

Students are allowed to bring lunch from home. The lunch must include
sandwich and fruit or vegetable. Juice or water is allowed and milk can be
purchased. Soda is not allowed! Please do not send items that need to be heated in
the microwave. The cooks are busy preparing and serving a hot meal and do not
have time to take care of items brought from home.

The state requires elementary students to have milk with every meal. Students
not drinking milk need to bring a signed note from a doctor explaining their reason
for not drinking milk.

The school also sponsors a milk program. Optional milk is served every
afternoon. There is a cost of $.30, and is added to the student’s monthly lunch bill,
which is mailed to the parents. The school encourages lunch and milk accounts be
paid in advance.

MEDICATIONS

According to state law, all medications must be kept under lock in the school
office. Parents have 2 different options to handle how medications are dispensed.

Signing Option I makes the school responsible for giving all medications to your
child. Your physician’s signature is also required! Signing Option II makes your
child responsible for coming to the office and taking his/her own medication. No
physician’s signature required for this option.

If your child must bring medication to school, the following requirements must be
met:
Prescription Medications—
1. Must be clearly identified as to the name and type of medication
2. Must be in the original container.
3. Must carry a prescription label with child’s name and prescription date.
4. The prescription must be current.
5. A blue medication form sent to you in the fall packet or available in the
office needs to be dated and signed by the parent or guardian. It must
accompany the medication, giving the child’s name, dosage amount,
specific dosage times and other instructions if necessary.
6. The permission note will be filed in the child’s permanent cumulative
record
7. Refrigeration is available
8. Medication will be given by certified school personnel.

Non-Prescription Medication—
1. Must be in the original container (aspirin bottles, cough medicine bottle,
etc.)
2. Must be clearly identified as to the name and type of medication and
dosage instructions.
3. A blue medication form sent in the fall packet or available in the office
needs to be dated and signed by the parent or guardian. It must
accompany the medication, giving the child’s name, dosage amounts,
specific dosage times and other instructions if necessary.
4. Medication will be given by certified school personnel.

Cough drops and Lactaid may be kept in the classroom and taken with the
classroom teacher’s permission. Please send a note when you send cough drops
or Lactaid.

GENERAL BEHAVIOR

Our district has the goal of establishing an atmosphere in which all children
will feel safe. Students are expected to display good behavior at school out of
common courtesy for others and for safety reasons. Students are responsible for
their actions. If they choose to break the rules, they will be treated firmly and
fairly. We ask for your complete support in our efforts.

DRESS CODE

School clothing should be neat and clean. Parents should be instrumental in
assisting students to make wise selections of clothing for school wear. Any type
of dress or grooming which is disruptive will not be permitted. The standards,
which will determine inappropriate dress in school, include the following:
- Cut-offs are not allowed
- Jeans with cuts or holes are not allowed
- Stomach exposing shirts are not allowed
- Shirts with spaghetti straps may not be worn
- Hats are not to be worn in the school building
- Clothing with inappropriate language isn’t allowed
- Clothing with alcohol or tobacco products isn’t allowed


SHORTS POLICY
- Shorts can be worn from April 15 through October 1.
- There will be no changing into shorts.
- It is suggested to wear sweat pants over them.
- If the weather is cold and the student is wearing shorts, students will
still have to go outside to recess.

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE PLAN

The following is a progressive discipline plan that Rutland students will follow
at any school event or activity. There are four steps to the plan. Each step is
listed below with specific rules and consequences. If your child has to serve
detention before or after school, notice will be given to allow parents/guardians
to arrange transportation. The Dean of Students or superintendent gives a
suspension from school. If your child is suspended, you will be notified by
telephone. The suspension will start on the next school day. All disciplinary
incidents will be documented on the school’s “Infinite Campus” database.
Parents are able to access these files by using their web-based “parent portal”
login.

#1 – Before/After- School Detention
- Any student who is sent to the administrative office for the
following, will (1) Call home (2) Serve after detention.
- Physical or verbal fight
- Use of profanity or foul language
- Defiance of school staff
- Possession of matches or lighter
- Cheating
- Stealing
- Any student who is sent to the Dean of Student’s or
Superintendent’s office for the second time, will (1) Call home
(2) Serve detention (3) A letter will be sent home notifying the
parent/guardian.

#2 – In-School Suspensions
- Any student who is sent to the Dean of Student’s or
superintendent’s office three times in one school year will
serve a 2-day in school suspension

#3 – Out-of-School Suspensions (one to five days)
- Any student who is sent to the Dean of Student’s or
superintendent’s office four times in one school year and has
already had in-school suspensions.
- Possession of a controlled substance or tobacco
- Use of profanity towards school staff
- Vandalism of property
- Physical assault

#4 – Referral to the Board of Education for Disciplinary Action
- Any student who is sent to the Dean of Student’s or
superintendent’s office five times in one school year and has
already had in-school and out-of-school suspensions.
- Possession of gun or knife

PLAYGROUND RULES

1. Everyone has the right to be safe on the playground.
2. Grades K-3 and 4-6 will have separate play areas.
3. The football field and bleachers are off limits.
4. Students must stay in sight of the supervising teacher.
5. Students should not use profanity or foul language.
6. Boots will be worn on the playground when there is snow, mud, or cold
temps.
7. Snow pants, caps, and mittens must be worn when there is snow or cold
temps.
8. Students with excuse slips to miss outside recess are not allowed to have
recess in the gym either.
9. Tennis shoes are required on the gym floor.

The playground is only supervised during scheduled recess times as shown
below. Students are expected to stay off the playground during any other time.

First recess grades K-6 8:15 a.m. – 8:30 AM
Morning recess grades K-4 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 AM
Noon recess K-2 11:35 a.m. – 11:50 AM
Noon recess 3-6 11:45 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
Afternoon recess K—6 1:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

During extra curricular activities students should be there to watch the
activity. It is the parent/guardians’ job to keep track of their child (children). If
students do not follow the rules, they may be asked to leave the event.

GYM ACTIVITIES:
- Must stay in the gym
- Cheer the Raiders to victory
- Playground is off limits
- Playing in the lobby is never allowed
- Watch the game
- Stay out of school building
- Sit in bleacher area only
- Always walk

FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES:
- Use of playground prohibited
- Playing in the gym is not allowed
- Stay out of school building
- Playing football in the parking lot is NEVER allowed
- Playing in parking lots is never allowed


BUS RULES

School bus rules are as follows, Students must:
-remain seated at all times
-remain in their seats until the bus has stopped
-keep arms/head in the bus
-not throw objects
-not eat sunflower seeds on the bus
-place all litter in the wastebasket
-never use foul language
-use a quiet voice at all times
The bus driver is an official representative of the school and has full authority
to discipline students on the bus. The following progressive discipline policy will be
followed for any infraction of the rules, or serious misbehavior. Violation of school
bus rules could mean cancellation of bus privileges on all buses.

- First bus offense will be handled by the driver

- Second bus offense will be handled by the Dean of Students.
The parents will be notified.

- Third bus offense will result in the suspension of bus
privileges from 1-5 days, depending on the severity of the
incident(s).

- Fourth bus offense will result in the suspension of bus
privileges for the remainder of the semester or entire school
year, depending on the severity of incident(s).

BULLYING POLICY

Bullying is any activity that is done to pester or pick on a victim, either as an
isolated incident, or over a longer period of time. It can be verbal, physical, or more
subtle types of behaviors meant to humiliate, harass or harm another person. Rutland
School has a zero tolerance policy toward bullying. Any student found to be bullying
would immediately follow the discipline policy stated in this handbook. This is your
only warning!

Please report any incidences of bullying to either the classroom teacher, the
Dean of Students, or Superintendent. Not reporting bullying enables and gives the
bully power and allows an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

Many types of bullying behaviors are not direct or obvious enough to be noticed
by supervising adults. Thus, the burden of responsibility is on the victim(s) and
witnesses of any bullying to promptly report such behaviors. Teachers and other
school officials cannot possibly address and correct that which they know nothing
about.

Offending students will be pursued to the point of suspension or expulsion from
school- whatever is needed to keep students physically and emotionally safe at
school and at school sponsored activities. After any incident is reported, further
bullying or any such reprisal type behavior on the part of the offending student(s)
will not be tolerated, but must also be promptly reported to be corrected.

Please do your part to make our school a safe and enjoyable place to learn!
Know the difference- Tattling hurts someone and makes the tattler feel better.
Telling helps someone in a difficult situation! Observers must help!

LEAVING SCHOOL

Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds during school hours
unless they have written permission from their parent or guardian. Students will need
a note or phone call from their parent/guardian if they are not riding on the school
bus.
Students are not allowed to stay after school. They are expected to be off
school grounds within a reasonable time after the final bell as no supervision is
provided.

TELEPHONE

Except in cases of emergency, pupils or teachers are not called to the telephone
during the time of classroom instruction. If you need to talk to a teacher please call
before 8:15 a.m. or leave a message at the office and the secretary will deliver the
message. Parents are encouraged to use email to contact teachers. Teachers will
check their school email daily.

No student is to use the telephone without permission from the Dean of
Students, a classroom teacher, or other adult.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Two fire and tornado drills are periodically conducted during the school year.
Detailed escape plans are posted inside the door of each classroom. During tornado
drills each classroom goes to a designated area within the building.

PETS

Teachers may give special permission for pets to be brought to school as part of
a special display or activity. However, under no circumstances will the school allow
pets to run free on school grounds. The pet will be tied up and the owner will be
called.

PICTURES

Individual student pictures and class pictures will be taken sometime during
the first nine weeks, and will be available for purchase.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks, workbooks, and library books are furnished for students. If a book
is lost, misused, or damaged beyond reasonable wear, the student shall pay
replacement cost.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued following the completion of each nine-week grading
period. Please carefully review your child’s progress and contact the school if you
have questions regarding grades. The following is the grading system Rutland
Elementary will go by.

K, 1st, & 2nd 3rd through 6th
E Excellent 96-100 A
S Satisfactory 95-94 A-
I Improving 93-92 B+
N Needs to improve 91-89 B
88-87 B-
86-85 C+
84-82 C
81-80 C-
79-78 D+
77-73 D
72-70 D-
69 & lower F

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework assignments are a necessary part of the educational program. It
provides meaningful and practical experiences for understanding educational
concepts. Homework assignments are to be turned in during class on the following
school day. Only partial credit will be given for late assignments. Teachers may use
their own discretion in emergency situations.

Students will be allowed two days for every one day missed to make up
homework for an absence due to illness. Otherwise, all homework is due at regular
class time. Teachers may use their own discretion in emergency situations.

RETENTION POLICY – GRADES K-2

Retentions are based on an evaluation of academic, physical, social and
emotional growth. Retention at this age should be considered as a positive
alternative and parents will be involved in the decision. However, the final decision
will be made by the school. If a student is on an I.E.P., and has a modified
curriculum, special considerations will be given in regard to this policy.


RETENTION POLICY – GRADES 3-6

Retentions at this level are based on an evaluation of academics. The student
must have completed all assigned work and have a passing yearly grade in three of
the following subjects: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, or Reading. A
student who is on an I.E.P., and has modified curriculum will be given special
considerations in regard to this policy.

PARTIES

Parties are a part of the regular school program and these activities, for K-6,
shall be held during the day. They will be celebrated in the traditional fashion for
Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. All parents will be asked to help
furnish refreshments at one party. Sign up will be done at the elementary Open
House in the fall. Parents will be contacted to furnish the refreshments.
Any other parties must be cleared through the Dean of Students.
Individual birthday treats may be given at school. These treats will be given
during milk break or at the end of the day. Please keep treats simple.

To avoid disappointment and hurt feelings, invitations to private children’s
parties that do not include all class members, shall not be issued at school or on the
bus. Please do not ask party guests to bring gifts and overnight bags to school for
parties unless everyone is invited. Student’s feelings are very easily hurt if they are
left out. Feel free to call your child’s teacher if you have questions.

SPECIAL SERVICES

The Rutland School District provides special education, speech, and related
services to students who meet the requirements set up by state and federal guidelines.
These services are provided by certified personnel and may occur in a variety of
settings.

ATHLETIC COMPETITION

All students are encouraged to participate in elementary athletics, regardless of
their skill level or experience. Elementary athletics are directed by parent volunteers.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The goal of Rutland Out-of-School Time Programs is to provide a safe and fun
environment for all students in kindergarten through 6th grade. These programs
support working families by providing students with a safe, fun and academically
challenging place before and after the regular school day.

Students arriving before 8:00 AM or staying after 3:20 PM must be enrolled in
the Rutland Out-of-School Time Programs. Parents are responsible for the fees for
these programs.

Before School Assistance Program operates from 7:00-8:00AM by appointment
only. After School Program hours are 3:15-5:30 PM. Earlier and later care can be
made available by appointment only to assist families. Programs are based out of the
Kindergarten room, but may use other parts of the building depending on participation
numbers and scheduled activities. Programs do not operate during weather related
closures or teacher in-service days.

These programs involve a cost to families. Please feel to contact the
Out-of-School Time Coordinator for fee schedules. The Rutland Out-of-School
Time Programs are a licensed Child Welfare Agency. Parents may apply for Child
Care Assistance. Forms are available from the OST Coordinator.

Although our programs serve elementary students we have implemented a
mentoring program for students grades 7-12th. The mentor students assist fellow
students with tutoring and are involved with service related projects. There is no cost
for mentor students to attend the Rutland OST Programs.

The Rutland School’s Out-of-School Time programs rely on fundraisers, grants,
and family fees for continuing support. You can do your part by bringing your Hy-
Vee grocery receipts to support these programs. Hy-Vee donates a percentage of all
store purchases to the Rutland Out-of-School Time programs and other non-profit or
charity causes.

In Conclusion

What teachers know, do, and feel makes the critical difference in maintaining
quality classrooms. Certainly the knowledge and experience of teachers is a critical
part of maintaining a quality classroom and school atmosphere. But truly effective
teaching goes far beyond subject-matter knowledge or pedagogy.
Rutland teachers also exhibit a wider understanding of their students as social
beings. New teachers come and veteran teachers stay at Rutland for all the right
reasons. They believe that above all else, students must first be known and valued as
unique human beings- in the words of our veteran Kindergarten teacher Barb Meyer,

“ LOVE FIRST, TEACH SECOND!”
This is what we all do. There are no “weak links” in our Rutland K-12
education chain. Come and check out the evidence for yourself, and consider
enrolling your child(ren) if they are not here already. There are motivated, competent
and compassionate teachers at every school, but only at Rutland are such teachers
given the chance to focus their attention on classrooms of 15 or fewer children at a
time (or 20 for grades 7-12).

RUTLAND ELEMENTARY INTERNET CONTRACT

Students are responsible for appropriate behavior on the school’s computer network just as
they are in the classroom or on the school playground. Communications on the network remain
public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. It is expected
that users will comply with district standards and the specific rules set forth below. The use of
the network is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. The user is personally
responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the school’s computer resources. The
students are advised never to access, keep, or send anything that they don’t want their parents or
teachers to see.
Rules for computer use:
1. I will be polite and use appropriate language.
2. I will never give out personal information such as my home address, telephone
number, or the name and location of my school.
3. I will tell my teacher right away if I come across any information that makes me
feel uncomfortable.
4. I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with
my teacher.
5. I will always treat people online with respect and treat them as I want to be
treated.
6. I will not reply to any message that is mean or in any way makes me feel
uncomfortable.
7. I will not enter any chat rooms.
I, _______________________________________, pledge to follow these rules
(student’s signature)
while using the Internet, at school, home, or elsewhere. If I break these rules, I agree to
the following consequences.

*FIRST OFFENSE-Lose Internet privileges for 2 class periods. Write a
paper on why I lost my Internet privileges during that class time.
*SECOND OFFENSE-Lose Internet privileges for 4 class periods. Write a
paper on why I lost my Internet privileges.
*THIRD OFFENSE-Lose Internet privileges for the rest of the school year

**PARENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY OF ANY OF THE ABOVE OFFENCES.

Parent Signature/date

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