FRANKLIN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

a caring, child-centered, educational community

2015 - 2016 Safe Kids In Local Latchkey

School-Age Childcare Program

Parent / Child Handbook

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guidelines OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT FRANKLIN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENTS Franklin Local Philosophy for the Latchkey Program The Board of Education believes that the purpose of education in the schools of this District is to facilitate the development of each child to the fullest. The school staff seeks to recognize individual differences and to encourage achievement and progress, not only in basic skills but also in the ability to think independently and critically. The school staff is concerned with helping young people to understand what the American way of life means; to believe in it and to act democratically in their relationships with others; to develop in themselves attitudes of respect and helpfulness towards others; to want and be able to perform well some portion of the work of the world and to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to this with satisfaction to themselves and society; to understand and use effective methods in framing the questions and tackling the problems that they may function politically, economically and socially in a democratic society. Each individual should be accepted into the educational program as he/she is. He/she shall be provided with a stimulating school environment and opportunities for learning experiences. These shall be designed to promote behavior changes that will affect continuing satisfactory adjustments to life. Since public schools belong to the people of the community, we encourage lay participating in shaping the purposes of the school. We intend to develop communications between the school and the community so that the community realizes and understands what the school is doing. We believe that every child is entitled to sincere respect and should be made to feel welcome and accepted in the school program. He/she should be provided with a warm and friendly atmosphere in which to work and learn. This same respect and cooperation should be shown to all school staff. The “Statement of Philosophy” of this District shall be a living document, which reflects the contributions of staff members as well as the attitude and direction of the Board of Education. Moreover, it must be augmented and implemented by statements of philosophy and purposes, which have been cooperatively developed at the elementary, junior high school, and high school levels in this district.

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guidelines Franklin Local Goals for the Latchkey Program Goal 1: To provide a quality school-age childcare program, which operates throughout the school

year. Goal 2: To offer a variety of developmentally appropriate activities which include Recreation and

games, arts and crafts, reading, music, time to work on homework, and free time for the children to pursue their own interests in a safe friendly environment.

Goal 3: To establish staff development practices that ensure staff at all levels have the knowledge,

skills and abilities necessary in working with school-age children and their families. Goal 4: To establish a program evaluation process that will regularly assess the performance of the

program, staff, and students, as a basis for expending successes and making improvements. Goal 5: To establish a process for regular, sustained communication between the home and school. Goal 6: To develop and implement a plan for collaboration with other child-centered agencies and

organizations to expand the resources available for providing a comprehensive school-age childcare program.

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Franklin Local School District Latchkey 6:30 a.m. – 15 minutes prior to the start of school.

End of school day – 6:00 p.m.

1. Who is eligible to be in the Latchkey program? Children, ages 5-15, may attend before and after school. 2. Where will the Latchkey program be located and what are the times? The program will be held in the cafeteria at Duncan Falls Elementary and in the gym at Roseville Elementary, from 6:30 a.m. - 15 minutes prior to the start of school, and end of school day - 6:00 p.m. Children may be dropped off at any point during this time. Latchkey will operate every day school is in session. It will not operate on snow days, early dismissal afternoons, or on morning delays. 3. Who will be in charge of the children? A Latchkey Leader and Latchkey Aides will be hired for the morning and afternoon sessions. All employees are school board approved. 4. What kind of activities will my child be doing in the program? Some examples are: silent reading, puzzles, games, writing activities, work on homework. 5. If my child attends the junior high, how will he/she get to that building from the elementary? Franklin Local will provide a shuttle to Philo Junior High at 7:30 a.m. 6. What is the cost of the Latchkey program? A $10.00 registration fee is required for each child. Please see fee scale. We ask that all accounts be paid in advance. Nonpayment of tuition is grounds for dismissal.

To answer your questions, please call any of the people listed below: Roseville Elementary Latchkey Leader, Patsy Hinkle – 697-7151 Duncan Falls Elementary Latchkey Leader, Janice Dupler - 674-5330 Roseville Elementary School Principal, Dustan Henderson – 697-7216 Duncan Falls Elementary School Principal, Steve Rice - 674-5211 Franklin Local Latchkey Director, Jean Lahna - 674-5203

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Franklin Local School District

S.K.I.L.L. LATCHKEY (Safe Kids In Local Latchkey)

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Payment of Fees

• All fees are to be paid by parents/guardians to the Latchkey staff. Receipts will be issued. • Children are not to give payments to other school employees. • We ask that all accounts be paid in advance. • Parents/guardians will receive weekly notices of account balances. • Nonpayment of tuition is an administrative problem. Delinquent accounts past 72 hours are grounds for dismissal.

Attendance

• Attendance will be taken each day for safety and security. • If your child is ill and will not be in school, please notify the office staff at your child’s school.

Hours

• Latchkey opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. • An adult must enter the building and sign-in each child for the morning session. • We ask that every effort be made to pick up children by 5:45 p.m. • Late pick up fees will be assessed at the rate of $1.00 a minute, per child, if past 6:00 p.m. • At least one employee must stay until all students have been picked up. • A sign-out sheet is available that parent/guardian must sign when picking up their

child. No child will exit the building on his/her own. • If someone other than the person who normally picks up your child is sent, the Latchkey staff or the school office staff must be notified. We will not release a child without proper consent. • The Latchkey staff or the school office staff should be notified if there is a specific individual who

should not be picking up the child. Discipline

• All board of education policies, administrative procedures, and Duncan Falls Elementary/Philo Junior High and Roseville Elementary building rules apply to the S.K.I.L.L., Latchkey program.

• Disciplinary problems will be handled first by a parent-staff conference. • Persistent disciplinary problems are grounds for dismissal.

Emergencies

• Emergency medical and health forms will be kept on site. • Procedures for emergencies will follow instructions indicated on Emergency Medical Treatment

Request form on file.

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Errand and Restroom Policy

The Latchkey staff may schedule restroom breaks where all participants go at the same time.

1. The Latchkey staff will send a 4th grade student or older with a student who is in K-3rd grade. 2. Children who attend Latchkey may run errands or use the restroom facilities without direct adult supervision only when the children are within hearing distance of the staff member. The staff member must know the child’s whereabouts at all times and must check on the child every fifteen minutes.

Supervision Policy

1. All children will be located within the cafeteria or hallway where the staff can check on children at all times.

2. When weather permits, children may go outdoors or to the gymnasium under the staff’s

supervision. 3. Fourth-fifth-sixth grade students may be used to oversee small groups of younger children.

2. Children who attend Latchkey who are fourth grade or higher may be without direct adult supervision only if they are in groups of two or more and are located in an adjourning or adjacent space.

3. Staff members must know the whereabouts of the children at all times, must check on them every

fifteen minutes and document this observation. Transportation Policy

1. Children who attend Philo Junior High School will be transported by shuttle in the morning from the elementary to those respective schools.

2. Parents will be responsible for transporting children to Latchkey in the morning.

3. Children may leave the program for specific activities only with the agreement of the

parent/guardian and Latchkey staff.

4. Bus transportation will be provided for children from the site to the school of attendance in the morning.

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Student Medication The Franklin Local School District recommends and encourages parents to make every effort to medicate their children at times other than the regularly scheduled school day. If, however, it becomes absolutely necessary for a student to receive medication during the school day, the Physician’s Request for the Administration of Oral Medication by School Personnel and Parent’s Request for the Administration of Oral medication by School Personnel must be completed and on file before any medication will be administered. This form must be completed in its entirety regardless of whether the medication is prescription or non-prescription. This policy includes items such as aspirin, Tylenol and cough drops. Rev. 7/95 Fee Scale Registration Fee: $10.00 per child The hourly rates for the S.K.I.L.L. program are as follows:

$1.75 for the first child $1.50 for the second child $1.25 for the third child

We ask that all accounts be paid in advance. Parents/guardians will receive weekly notices of account balances. Additional Expenses: Late fees ($1.00 per minute per child) will be assessed to accounts of children not picked up by the programs closing time of 6:00 p.m. Conceal and Carry Law: Unless otherwise authorized by law, pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.1212, no person shall knowingly possess, have under the person’s control, convey, or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance onto these premises.

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Confidentiality/Privacy: Information concerning individual students is considered confidential and is shared with only those school personnel who have reasonable need to know it. No information will be shared with outside agencies without written consent from the child’s parents. The following directory information may be released at the Board of Education’s discretion, UNLESS the parent certifies in writing within two weeks of this notice that they refuse to allow its disclosure: name, address, phone number, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams. Such notice should be sent to the school office. Child Custody All natural or adoptive parents have the right to review student records and communicate with school personnel concerning their child’s progress in school regardless of the custody arrangement. Stepparents may review records or conference with school personnel only with the permission and in the presence of the natural parent. Any natural or adoptive parent will also be permitted to visit the child’s classroom, or pick them up from school unless we have a copy of the latest court order restricting visiting rights. STATE LAW REQUIRES PARENTS TO PROVIDE A COPY OF THE MOST RECENT CUSTODY PAPERS ISSUED BY THE COURT TO THE SCHOOL. Parent’s Access to Records Latchkey is in compliance with state and federal laws regarding maintenance of student records. Both custodial and non-custodial parents have the right to inspect and review their child’s official student records and related information upon request to the principal. In addition, there are procedures for challenging material found in the record if it is deemed inaccurate and damaging to the student. No Child Left Behind Act Parents have rights to be notified. Actual forms may be picked up in the school or Board Office. These forms include:

• Access to Student Information by Military or College Recruiters • Right to Review Teacher Qualifications • Rights with respect to Student’s Education Record (FERPA) • Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

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Daily Schedule

Morning: 6:30 - 8:45 Students may arrive at the site during these hours. They may participate in quiet

activities including games, reading, listening to tapes, talking with a friend, arts and crafts, listening to music, free time, or studying.

Students may bring a breakfast snack from home or participate in Latchkey’s breakfast program. Toast, milk and juice will be available in Latchkey at no charge.

7:30 Philo Junior High School students transported to their school. 8:30 Roseville Middle School students transported to their school. Students will be dismissed to class or breakfast. A continental school breakfast is

available to all students at no charge.

Afternoon: Students arrive during this time and attendance is taken. 3:55 - 4:30 Snacks and clean up. Students will be assigned to help with these tasks. Restroom

break / discussion time will be held during snack time. 4:30 - 5:30 Students may participate in various activities, including group games, art, music,

studying, or doing homework. 5:30 – 6:00 Quiet time, finish homework, read, study for test, (tutoring or small group instruction

available as requested), educational T.V. programs when available. Snacks/Breakfast Program Morning Session - Children may bring in a breakfast snack or participate in Latchkey’s breakfast program. Toast, milk and juice will be available in Latchkey at no charge. Once your child is dismissed to the classroom a continental breakfast will be available as part of our free breakfast program. Afternoon Session - Children will be provided with a nutritious snack. The Latchkey director and director of food services program will develop a variety of snack items from the food pyramid. Suggested snacks might be vegetable sticks, cheese and crackers, fruit or bagels. Drink items might include milk or fruit juices. The Latchkey Director will contract with Franklin Local Food Services to provide the morning breakfast items and snacks for the afternoon.

15 minutes prior to the start of school day.

End of school day.

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As a Parent. . . . How Can I Be Involved? • Visit my child's Latchkey program.

• Complete all formal & informal surveys which may be sent home.

• Ask my child how he/she likes Latchkey. • Help identify volunteers who may help with special activities.

• Establish good communication between the Latchkey staff and my child's school.

• Attend any meetings related to the Latchkey program.

• Advise the staff if you have any items to donate to the program.

Parent Concerns Policy If you have any concerns with our Latchkey program please follow this procedure: * Speak with the Latchkey Leader. * Speak with Jean Lahna, Franklin Local Latchkey Director – 674-5203. * If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, please write a letter addressed to Ms. Jean Lahna. She will share your concerns with Ms. Sharon McDermott, Superintendent of Franklin Local Schools. By working together, we will resolve any conflicts.

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Student d & ACTIVITIES STUDENT RULES When I am at Latchkey I will. . . . .

• Choose an activity to do that I enjoy. Sometimes the Latchkey staff will help me choose.

• Respect the Latchkey staff and other students in the

program by obeying the rules.

• Clean up my area when I am finished with an activity. I will also clean up after snacks.

• Be a helper when asked to help others.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES What activities do I have to choose from? • homework • reading • study for tests • puzzles • games • drawing • crafts • art activities

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Building an Academic Foundation for Future Success