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North Platte Public Schools

Buffalo Elementary Staff Handbook

2007-2008

1600 N. Buffalo Bill Ave.

North Platte, NE 69101

(308) 535-7130

Mike McPherron, Principal

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BUFFALO STAFF

2007-2008

Principal Secretary Counselor

Mike McPherron Pam Heitman Kara Dike

3901 Parkridge Rd 1820 West B 618 West 1st

532-6029 534-0348 532-4079

Kindergarten Kindergarten First Grade

Brooke Kusek Darlene Rhodes Sara Boyle

209 W. Francis #2 4020 Aspen Dr. 901 S. Bryan #A104

760-5745 532-1781 530-4439

First Grade Second Grade Second Grade

Susan Wesslund Doris Chevalier Carmen Rickett

3620 Sugarberry 810 Prairie Trace Rd 1815 West B

532-2488 386-4588 520-6753

Third Grade Fourth Grade Fifth Grade

Robin Deutschman Deanna Schwartz Sara Jordening

3699 N. Homestead 148 Hillcrest 3108 West D

534-3826 534-1808 534-2118

Resource Resource Speech

Ginger Foust Betsy McCrone Janie McCarthy

1106 West E 120 N. Emory 549 Goose Island Dr.

532-0513 402-416-2943 532-4665

P.E. P.E. Reading

Ron Mohs Mike McGuire Lois Logan

1621 Cedarberry 1801 Sunset 3901 Redwood

534-4618 534-6736 532-1438

Reading First Coach Music Orchestra

Denise Burbach Allison O’Neill Sheryl McGahan

2302 West E 2102 West 18th 655 E. Tumbleweed

534-9560 534-2350 520-5095

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Nurse Library Para

Cindy Rising Kim Ury

420 South St. 5265 N. Wagon Trail Rd

386-6261 532-2193

Paras

Shelly Battreall 2712 West E 532-7724

Gaylene Davis 6692 West Hwy 30 532-3177

Syrena Davis 2016 West D 534-9841

Sherry Joneson 705 S. Willow 534-6983

Ruth Kurth 1505 Alpha 532-0683

Carrie Naranjo 804 East 10th 534-3147

Chris Ochsner 2704 West 14th

532-1557

Dianna Rosse 2102 West 6th

532-6307

Martha Terry 1821 N. Sherman Ave. 539-0462

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How to Get Help with a Concern

Buffalo Elementary

Classroom

Concern

(Start Here)

School Wide

Concern

(Start Here)

District Wide

Concern

Contact

Teacher

535-7130

Contact

Principal

535-7130

Call Associate

Superintendent

535-7100

Concern

Resolved?

Concern

Resolved?

No

No

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Important Dates

August 20 New Teachers Report

August 21 All Teachers Report

August 27 First day of school / Noon Dismissal

August 28-31 2:00 Dismissal

September 3 No School/Labor Day

September 21 No School/PLC-Plan

October 5 No School/Site

October 19 No School/PLC-Plan

October 26 End of 1st Qtr.

November 8-9 No School/Parent-Teacher Conferences

November 21-23 No School/Thanksgiving Break

November 26 No School/Staff Continuing Ed.

December 21 No School/PLC-Plan

Dec. 24-31 No School/Christmas Break

January 1-2 No School/Christmas Break

January 18 No School/PLC-Grade/End of 2nd

Qtr.

January 21 No School/Staff Continuing Ed.

February 1 No School/PLC-Plan

February 22 No School/PLC-Plan

February 25-26 No School/Winter Break

February 27 No School/Staff Continuing Ed.

March 14 No School/PLC-Grade/ End of 3rd

Qtr.

March 19-20 No School/Parent-Teacher Conferences

March 21-24 No School/Easter Break

April 18 No School/PLC-Plan

May 9 No School/PLC-Plan

May 12 No School/Staff Debriefing Day

May 26 No School/Memorial Day

May 29 Noon Dismissal/Last day for students/End of 4th Qtr

May 30 Teacher Work Day

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Buffalo Elementary School

VISION STATEMENT

Buffalo School promotes academic excellence through a collaborative effort between students,

teachers, parents, and the community. We achieve our goals by setting high expectations,

promoting positive leadership, and developing strong interpersonal relationships while fostering

a desire for learning.

BUFFALO SCHOOL MISSION

Buffalo School… Learning today, contributing tomorrow!

BUFFALO SCHOOL BELIEFS

We believe in…

ABilities

EdUcation Fun

A Desire For Excellence

Acceptance ReLationships

GOals

BUFFALO SCHOOL ACTION PLAN GOALS:

1. We will continue to develop and implement, revise, and evaluate selected programs

promoting positive academic achievement.

2. We will continue to implement, revise, and evaluate selected program promoting positive

student behavior.

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GENERAL GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

Announcements Announcements and bulletins will be placed in staff mailboxes from time to time. Most information will be

sent via email, check your email twice daily. The principal will communicate by emailing a Weekly Calendar.

It is each staff member’s responsibility to check their email every morning for these announcements. Teachers

are to check their mailboxes twice daily. Announcements, Notes and Newsletters to go home with students will

be distributed to the classrooms via teacher’s mailboxes. These notes are to be sent home the same day they are

received unless otherwise instructed.

Attendance Records It is the teacher’s responsibility to keep an accurate attendance record. Attendance is to be sent to the office

TWICE DAILY - 8:30 am and 12:30 pm by Infinite Campus. If you know the reason for the absence, please

include this to the office. This will save the office making a phone call.

Students who are absent more than 30 minutes during a school day are counted one half day absent.

Effective Jan. 22, 2007 if a student comes to school within 30 minutes of the starting time for school, they will

be considered tardy. Any student arriving at school more than 30 minutes late will be considered ½ day absent.

Additionally, any student leaving school at the end of the day more than 30 minutes before dismissal time will

be marked absent for ½ day.

Tardy students must first report to the office to receive a tardy slip before being admitted to class. The tardy

bell rings at 8:20 a.m.

After lunch attendance needs to be reported to the office. Examples: students who were absent and return for

p.m., or students who were here and don’t return for p.m.

Regular attendance of students is something that needs to be stressed by everyone. The principal will recognize

students with perfect attendance at the end of each quarter. The principal will follow up on chronic tardiness

and absences.

Faculty Staff Meeting Schedule Faculty meetings will be held on the following dates unless otherwise informed. Additional faculty meetings

will only be held as necessary. All meetings will start at 3:45 in the library.

Sept. 4th, Oct. 2

nd, Nov. 6

th, Dec. 4

th, Jan. 8

th, Feb. 5

th, Mar. 4

th, April 1st, May 6

th.

If you would like a topic added to the agenda please submit it to the principal at least a day before the meeting.

Fire Drills Fire Drills will be conducted monthly. Fire Drill evacuation procedures are included in this handbook and must

be included in the substitute folder and posted in each classroom. A minimum of two of these drills will be to

our evacuation shelter (Christian Church).

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Travel Expense Request When attending a conference or workshop prior approval must be granted from the building administrator. A

―Travel Expense Request Voucher‖ and an ―Absence Request‖ form are to be submitted to the principal for

approval. Upon return, expenses must be reconciled within 10 days. Receipts must be turned into the principal.

Visitors and Volunteers Teachers are expected to notify the office prior to the scheduled date of the visitation. Any visitor or volunteer

working in the classroom for any reason such as guest presenters, special projects, observations, high school

helpers, or for any other business should first go to the office and obtain permission from the Principal and get a

Guest badge. Visitors or volunteers that have not been prearranged with the office will not be admitted to the

classroom.

Student Visitors North Platte district policy states that students not attending Buffalo School may visit during the school lunch

period or the last hour of the school day. Parents are asked to notify the school a day in advance of a student

visit.

Lesson Plans Teachers should prepare both daily and long-range plans for their classroom instruction. A curriculum map for

the year will be submitted to the principal in September. Weekly lesson plans are to be turned into the office on

Friday for the following week to be reviewed by the principal and be available to substitute teachers. Teachers

may customize their lesson plans but lesson plans must include the District required components. The teacher’s

name and date of lesson should be clearly displayed on the lesson plans. If your lesson assesses a NE State

Standard, mark that standard in red.

Required Components of all lesson plans Identification of Content Standard being addressed by Number in the four content areas of Language

Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Specific Objective in Terms of Student Learning (e.g. SWDAT… or SW… or TLWDAT…). Describe

what students will learn as a result of your lesson.

Assessment Process used to Determine Student Learning. Notation as to when the specific learning is

formally assessed using the assessments contained in the content assessment notebooks developed by

the district should be clear in the lesson plan.

Activities and Instructional Strategies linked to the Objectives. These are not to be extensive but use key

words such as lecture, cooperative group, small group,

Supervision of Students It is the professional and legal responsibility of all faculty members to supervise students during duty hours.

Supervision in the classroom means to maintain VISUAL contact with the students at all times. Students must

not be left unsupervised anytime during the school day.

Teachers are responsible to see that hallways and passing time between classes are supervised. Teachers are to

accompany classes to and from PE or music, lunch, and other times when they move as a group. All teachers

are to be at their classroom doors at 8:15 to greet students as they arrive in the morning, pick up their students at

the proper door after lunch recess and escort their students out of the building at the end of the day. The

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dismissal bell rings at 3:30 each day. Teachers are not to dismiss their students from the classroom before the

dismissal bell rings. The same rule applies on early dismissal days.

Do not leave students in the room at recess or lunchtime unsupervised for any reason.

Assigned Supervisory Duties

Staff will be assigned extra supervisory duties on a rotating basis. If you cannot be on duty at the appointed

time, you are to make arrangements for someone to take your place.

Custodial All extra custodial and maintenance requests are to be made to the principal via email. Teachers are to serve as

a good example for students by keeping their desk and other work areas in a neat and orderly manner. Teachers

are to see that children learn to be good housekeepers. Children should pick up material from the floor, and

leave the classroom area neat at the end of each day. Custodians will not clean areas where they may disturb

papers or other learning materials.

Candles in the Classroom Burning candles is a violation of fire code. It is a violation of Fire Prevention Code, Chapter 10-2.4.2. This

code includes scented candles in containers and all other forms of candles. Candles can only be used in special

ceremonies approved by the North Platte Fire Marshal’s Office. Not related to the fire code, but the scent of

candles can affect allergies, asthma and other respiratory afflictions.

Keeping Students After School When it is necessary to keep a child after school for completion of work, for behavior conferences, or for any

other reason, teachers are to notify the office. Should it be necessary to keep a child later than 3:30, parents

should be notified.

Request for Leave Request for personal, sick, professional, or other leave must be made by completing the on-line request form

and submitting it to the secretary. Such leave will be granted upon approval by the principal.

Minimum Duty Hours Teachers are on duty from 8:00 – 4:00 at a minimum with a 30-minute lunch break. All certified personnel are

expected to stay on call until 5:00 in some cases where special meetings etc. might lengthen the minimum duty

hours. On Friday, teachers may leave 10 minutes after the students. Duty hours may be adjusted on staff

meeting days to compensate for required early meeting times.

Teachers must be at their classroom doors to greet students at 8:15 a.m. and pick students up at the playground

door after noon recess. Things that take you to other areas of the building should be handled before these times.

Classified staff will be on duty only during their assigned time each day. Classified staff participation in events

after duty hours cannot be assigned but may be attended on a VOLUNTARY basis. Trade time or comp time

CANNOT be used.

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Telephone The school telephone is for school business only. Staff members should not expect to be allowed to make

personal phone calls that can be taken care of at home.

A phone will be available for staff in the lounge and AV room. Please limit the number of incoming personal

calls made to the school office. Phone messages for staff will be sent to the classroom via computer. Please

check your First Class E-Mail at the end of each day. Phone messages after 3:30 will be called to the room on

the intercom. Cell phones are to be turned off during class time.

Students will not be allowed to use the school telephone unless they bring a note from their teacher stating the

reason for the call. PLEASE USE CARE IN GRANTING PERMISSION. The principal may refuse the use of

the phone to anyone who abuses the use of it.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are not to be used by staff members while working with students.

Students are not to have cell phones turned on or in use during school hours. If a student is using a cell phone

or the phone rings during school hours the phone will be confiscated and given to the Principal. The phone will

be returned to the student at the end of the day. If the phone continues to be a problem the phone will be given

to the Principal and parents will be asked to pick the phone up at school.

GUIDELINES FOR USE OF INTERCOM Messages for students will be given between 3:00 and 3:15. We will not interrupt classes during the day unless

it is an emergency. Phone calls for the staff will be put out on the intercom before and after school. During the

day messages will be sent on the computer unless it is an emergency.

CALLING THE OFFICE:

Press the button, you will hear a beep, wait for the office to respond, identify yourself and then give a brief

message. The office will acknowledge receiving the message.

RECEIVING A MESSAGE:

The office will call the room, asking for the teacher, the teacher must let the office know they can hear them, the

message will then be given, and the teacher will let the office know they have received the message. PLEASE

STRESS TO YOUR STUDENTS THAT THE OFFICE IS LISTENING FOR ONLY THE TEACHER’S

VOICE WHEN GIVING MESSAGES. STUDENTS SHOULD TREAT AN INTERCOM CALL LIKE A

TELEPHONE CALL AND NOT INTERRUPT THE TEACHER IN RESPONDING TO THE OFFICE.

EMERGENCY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Emergency announcements will be made on the intercom system. Please refer to your emergency handbook for

proper procedures. In case of power failure, emergency messages will be delivered to the individual rooms or

by a megaphone.

Instructional Supplies Teachers will have anticipated their instructional supply needs at annual requisition time in the spring.

Incidental expenses throughout the year should be approved by the principal and limited to curricular items of

need. Food and incentive items will not be reimbursed.

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THE STAGE WILL BE IN ORDER AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. IT WILL BE EVERYONE’S

RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP IT IN ORDER.

PLEASE NOTIFY THE OFFICE IF YOU USE THE LAST OF ANY ITEM.

Please use the oldest items first: colored paper, paints. Do not return paper that has been cut. All items placed

on the stage will be considered available to anyone with a need for that particular item. This includes furniture,

art, and science materials.

TEACHERS ARE NOT TO SEND UNSUPERVISED STUDENTS TO THE STAGE TO PICK UP OR

RETURN MATERIALS.

Paper and art materials are not to be stored in the classroom, unless used in ongoing center activities. Please

return them to the stage when you have finished your classroom project.

COPY MACHINE Building Paras will be available to run off materials for the classroom teachers. Please submit materials a day

in advance to allow copying time. Paras in the Kindergarten thru first grade classrooms will do the copying for

their assigned classrooms. Students are not to be given permission to use copy machines.

Substitute Teachers Kim Moore will be the substitute caller this year. When you are ill and need a substitute call her at 534-9515

between 5:30 – 6:30 a.m. If you are ill the night before, you may call her directly or leave a message on the

answering machine. When calling for a substitute, give the following information:

Name

School

Grade taught

School starting and ending times

State full or half day and indicate a.m. or p.m.

Reason for the absence

Requested substitute (if possible)

Traveling teachers, state times and places

After calling Kim, contact the school office by calling 535-7130 after 7:30 am.

Lesson plans are not to be given to the substitute caller. Plans should be arranged ahead of time, but in case of

an emergency, leave any information about plans with the office. Teachers need to direct any concerns or

comments about subs to the building principal NOT to the sub caller. Do not call substitute teachers directly

and make arrangements. All subs are assigned through the sub caller.

For advance absences such as personal or professional leave days, the secretary will arrange for substitutes. Do

not call Kim to arrange these days. Use the substitute caller only to arrange for a substitute in the case of an

emergency. All other arrangements for substitutes should be made with Pam.

All teachers will prepare a substitute handbook that will be turned into the office by the first week in September.

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Student Medication All student medications are to be kept in the office and administered by the nurse, secretary, or principal.

Parents must complete a written permission form for the school to dispense medication. A record is kept in the

office of all medication distributed. Students may keep cough drops in the classroom to be dispensed by the

classroom teacher. A note from a parent must accompany the cough drops.

Student Injury The office must be notified of any student injured during school hours. At that time the building principal or

designee will decide what necessary steps need to be taken. A record must be kept in the office of any first aid

given to an injured student. The school district accident form must be completed and sent to Central Office.

Employee Injury Employees are covered by Workmen’s Compensation. On the job injuries must be reported immediately to the

supervisor. Upon notification that an employee has been injured on the job, please contact Central Office at

once to fill out a Workmen’s Comp. Form.

Communication One of the most important aspects of a good school is communication. Keeping these communication lines

open helps to encourage: 1) trust; 2) an exchange of ideas; 3) dialogue before problems develop.

Communication with Parents:

When parents are kept informed, they are more likely to support the school. It is the responsibility of the

teacher to keep parents informed at all times about their child’s progress in school. IT SHOULD NEVER BE A

SURPRISE TO A PARENT WHEN A CHILD GETS A LOW MARK ON A REPORT CARD. Timely calls or

notes to report good performances should be made whenever possible. We should always try to stress the

positive. The principal, prior to distribution, must approve all notes, which are sent to the entire class from the

school to home. Please leave a copy in the principal’s box or leave an email message.

Communication with Staff:

Communication with other staff members is vital to a school. Everyone working together promotes a healthy

atmosphere and a successful school. It is important to model what we teach. Working well with other

professionals is just as important as working well with children. This is another way to create a more powerful

learning environment for children.

Communication with the Principal:

Communication between the staff and principal is very important for the smooth operation of the school. Please

keep the principal informed! He does not appreciate surprises.

Discipline Teachers are responsible for the discipline of the students in their classroom. Effective teachers present their

rules clearly and provide reasonable explanations of the need for them. A discipline plan should be posted in

the classroom and submitted to the office. This plan must follow the district guidelines for student conduct and

behavior expectations of Buffalo School. Buffalo School will emphasize the Boys Town Social Skills model

and these skills will be directly taught and posted in every classroom.

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Students may be referred to the office to meet with the principal. When referring students to the office, teachers

must use the office referral form included in this handbook. The referral form should be sent to the office and

the principal will call the student down to the office for a conference. A conference will then be scheduled with

the teacher, student, and principal before further consequences are determined. Any time an office referral is

made, the principal will contact a parent or guardian either by phone or letter. Do not send the student to the

office without completing a referral form. The office is not to be used as a “time out” room.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORS IN BUFFALO SCHOOL

1. Intentionally damaging any school or private property on school grounds.

2. Possessing any weapon, or knife (including fireworks)

3. Swearing, vulgar language, or action

4. Threatening others, bullying, or fighting

5. Any action, which is against the law

6. Failure to obey any and all staff members

7. Any activity, which creates unnecessary disturbance within the school or infringes on the rights of other

persons

8. Intentionally hurting others

CONSEQUENCES

STAFF CONSEQUENCES

Teacher/Student Conference

Loss of School Privileges

Loss of Recess Privileges

Detention after school

Parent Notification

Refer to Office

Other

ADMINISTRATIVE CONSEQUENCES

Principal/Student Conference

Time Out in Office

Loss of Recess privileges

Parent Conference

In School Suspension

Out of School Suspension

Expulsion

Police Called

Other

“WE GET WHAT WE REWARD. WE DESERVE WHAT WE TOLERATE.”

Disruptive Student Procedures

1. The student will be given the choice to go to the office on their own. Buzz the office and let the Principal

know the student is on the way.

2. If the student fails to leave the room, the teacher will buzz the office for the Principal.

3. The Principal will ask the teacher to take the other students to another classroom.

4. The student will have the choice of going to the office for an intervention or the Principal will call the

parents or the police.

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Boys Town Social Skills – 2007-2008

August 27 (Week 1) Formal Line

How To Greet

August 28, 29, 30, 31 Formal Line

How To Greet

How To Get Teacher’s Attention

Sept. 4 (Week 2) Review previous skills

How To Listen

Sept. 10 (Week3) How To Follow Directions

Sept. 17 (Week 4) How To Ask For Help

Sept. 24 (Week 5) Review all skills taught

Oct. 1 (Week 6) How To Follow School Rules

Oct. 8 (Week 7) How To Accept No For An Answer

Oct. 15 (Week 8) Tattling & Taking Care of Business

Oct. 22 (Week 9) How To Accept Consequences

Oct. 30 (Week 10) Review all skills taught

Nov. 5 (Week 11) Review all skills taught

Nov. 12 (Week 12) How To Make A Request

Nov. 27 (Week 13) How To Accept & Give Compliments

Dec. 3 (Week 14) How To Win Graciously

Dec. 10 (Week 15) How to Accept Defeat/Loss

Jan. 3, 2008 Review Skills

January 7, 2008 Review Skills

Continue to review skills as needed throughout the remainder of the school year.

**Skills for Kindergarten

Formal Line

How to Greet

How to Get Teacher’s Attention

How to Listen

How to Follow Directions

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Character Counts Schedule for 2007-2008

Month Character Topic September Trustworthy

October Respect

November Responsibility

January Fairness

February Caring

March Citizenship

Situations for Preventive Teaching Field trips

Guest speakers

Health screening

Picture Day

Assemblies / Programs

Arrival / Departure from school

All Drills (fire drill, tornado drill, bomb threat)

Early dismissals

Greeting while in formal line

Getting around the building

Classroom procedures; Sharpening / turning in papers

Field Day

Class parties

Working with volunteers

Procedures Drills

1. Stop and listen

2. Formal Line

3. Exit to designated location

4. Maintain Formal Line

Fire Drills Close classroom door, windows, and turn out the lights as students leave

Bring red and green cards with attendance sheet, grade book, teacher packet

Teacher is the last one out the door

Once outside, take roll to ensure all students are accounted for.

Hold up green card to show all students are accounted for / Hold up red card to indicate any missing student

Assemblies / Programs 1. Formal line Enter the gym:

Grade 5 (on chairs) and other classes enter in descending order (on floor)

2. Sit appropriately

3. Appreciative Audience

4. Exit Formal Line:

Kindergarten first and other grades follow in ascending order

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Restroom 1. Go in 2. Use it

3. Wash hands 4. Get out

Getting Around the Building 1. Move quickly, quietly to and from your destination

Guidelines for Supervising the Playground The safety of the children is the primary responsibility of those assigned to playground supervision.

Proper supervision will prevent many difficulties and can keep minor mishaps from becoming major concerns.

As a representative of the school, the playground supervisor is liable for all occurrences on the playground. For

this reason the following guidelines should be reviewed and adhered to as nearly as possible. When two or

more adults are available, the play areas will be divided in order to ensure total coverage of student activities.

Proper Supervision Means…

1. Continuous circulation among the students

2. Awareness of all activities going on throughout the play area

3. Instruction – guiding students into appropriate and fair play

4. Decisions and action eliminating potential accidents due to unsafe play

5. Proper reporting of injury or accident

6. Proper reporting of broken or unsafe equipment

7. Follow-through on set disciplinary procedures

PLAYGROUND GUIDELINES Play Area -

Children should play only on the south side of the building. Play area includes soccer field on East to the west

fence and the building on the north to sidewalk on the south along the fence on 15th Street.

General Guidelines -

1. Students will respect authority - no talking back to adults supervising.

2. Absolutely no fighting. This includes kicking, shoving, tripping, pulling on clothing or throwing one

another down.

3. Students will not ride on each other’s backs (pushing-pulling-tackling).

4. No substantiated foul language, harassing, name calling of peers will be tolerated on the playground. All

threatening language will be taken seriously.

5. Students are never to leave the playground for any reason without first getting the permission of the

playground supervisor.

6. There is to be no playing with branches, sticks or other sharp objects.

7. Absolutely no throwing of any object such as sand, gravel, stones, sticks or SNOWBALLS.

8. Playground equipment should be used for the purpose that it was intended.

9. No toys from home are to brought to school

10. Tag is to be played only in open, grassy areas not in or around equipment.

11. No wood bats, baseballs and toy guns are allowed on the playground.

12. When the bell rings, children should stop playing and line up quickly and quietly.

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13. Gum, candy or any other food item is not allowed on the playground.

INCLEMENT WEATHER: *Students will avoid any mud, water, or ice on the playground.

*Muddy or wet clothes may warrant a consequence such as benching or loss of recess.

*Cold weather - students will be asked to wear coats if the temperature (or wind-chill) is below 40 degrees

unless otherwise directed by the building principal.

This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of rules. In situations not covered by this list, common sense

and good judgment will dictate a course of action.

CONSEQUENCES - IF A STUDENT CHOOSES NOT TO FOLLOW PLAYGROUND RULES, THEY WILL

BE BENCHED FOR THE REST OF THAT RECESS PERIOD OR NEXT RECESS IF IT COMES AT THE

END OF THAT PERIOD. REPEAT OFFENDERS MAY TEMPORARILY LOSE RECESS PRIVILEGES.

WE WILL FOLLOW THE DISTRICT'S DISCIPLINE POLICY.

Weather Guidelines

1. When the recess flag is up, classes are not to go out for recess.

2. Raining/snowing – stay indoors for recess.

3. Temperature or a wind-chill of 10 degrees students will not go out for recess.

4. Snow on the ground – the students will go outside.

5. The teachers will use their discretion as to whether the students will stay outside for recess due to

inclement weather.

6. Students are expected to dress appropriately for the weather. All students go outdoors daily for recess

unless there is inclement weather as stated above.

7. Excessively wet conditions on the playground.

8. Other weather conditions to be determined by the playground supervisors.

OUTSIDE RECESS GUIDELINES

Students will go outside when there is snow on the ground unless the temperature or wind chill is 10 degrees or

lower. It is recommended that students have boots on to play in the snow but not required. Classroom teachers

need to encourage students to bring boots to school when there is snow on the ground. When snow from the

blacktop is piled next to the benches on the north side of the blacktop the students are to stay off of those piles

at all times.

Students are allowed to play on snow piles from the plowed blacktop as long as:

1. Students do not push other students while on the snow pile.

2. Students do not run on the snow piles and run into other students.

3. When a snow pile becomes too slick or hard students will be asked to stay off of the snow piles.

4. Throwing of snow is not allowed.

When the playground is muddy, wet or ice students will be required to stay out of such places. Playground

supervisors are in charge during recess supervision. Anytime a supervisor feels that an activity is dangerous,

the activity must stop.

Homework Guidelines Homework for elementary students should be minimal. Well-designed homework assignments relate directly to

class work and extend student’s learning beyond the classroom. Homework is most useful when teachers

carefully prepare the assignment, thoroughly explain it and give prompt comments when the work is finished.

Homework should serve a sound educational purpose. It is not intended as punishment or busy work.

Students should be motivated to correctly and carefully complete homework assignment.

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Homework must be within the capabilities of the individual student.

Students must be completely clear about what they are to do and how they are to accomplish their

homework

Homework should be intended to enlarge or extend the children’s knowledge and understanding of the

concept

Homework should be given within a reasonable time frame for completion

Students should be able to complete homework by themselves without the help of their friends or parents

INSTRUCTIONAL TELEVISION Television programs viewed during school time are be used to supplement classroom learning activities. Films

shown for entertainment should be reserved for holidays and special events only. Each television lesson is to

contain an introductory and a follow-up discussion.

STUDENT EXAMINATION/GRADING/RATING Policy #5121P Purpose:

To establish guidelines for examination, grading, and rating of all K-12 students in the North Platte Public

School District.

Relevant To:

All Professional Staff

Responsible Officer:

Superintendent of Schools or the Superintendent’s designee.

Modification History:

This is a rewrite of the rules and regulations 5121(a), (b), (c), (d), and (e). These rules and regulations are being

rewritten in policy format because they deal with the specific issues related to examination, grading, and rating.

Principles:

1. The evaluation of pupil progress is a continual responsibility of each member of the professional

staff and requires the highest professional skills.

2. Grades reflect a student’s progress and achievement in meeting the objectives of course/curriculum

through a variety of evaluative measures, such as: text assignments (both oral and written), special

assignments, research, activities of various kinds/types, special contributions or projects and

tests/quizzes.

3. The purpose of grading is to evaluate the quality of student work and requires that standards be

established against which the quality of student work is judged. Teachers will be able to support all

grades with student assessments such as tests, quizzes, daily work, rubrics, portfolios, individual

and/or group projects, etc.

4. It is the intention of the Board of Education and all staff members to recognize the motivational

value in grades. While the primary purpose of grading is the evaluaton of student achievement, it is

also a significant motivational factor. Grades are not to be used for disciplinary purposes, to impose

personal biases, or to be influence by undue pressure.

5. Grading practices are positive and serve to measure and report student achievement. Grades

measure learning or achievement. Grades are not used as disciplinary measures.

6. Reporting practices are consistent across the district.

7. Teachers make every effort to encourage students to complete daily work and home assignments.

8. Students are not failed without formal notice to parents/guardians and students, as appropriate.

9. Grades given at the conclusion of grading period are those provided for in Board policy.

19

10. Principals review and provide input on grading practices of their respective faculty members.

11. Rules and Regulations specifying grading processes for Kindergarten through 2nd

Grade

11.1 Kindergarten through 2nd

grade students are evaluated using standards-based assessments

indicating their achievement of grade level skills and competencies.

11.2 An Academic Achievement Scale will be used to report progress toward the mastery of

State and local standards. The Academic Achievement Scale will be as follows:

Score Rating

1 Beginning – not meeting standard

2 Progressing – working toward standard

3 Proficient – meeting standard

4 Advanced – exceeding standard

11.3 Social Skills, work habits, and subject area content indicators will be reported as follows:

Score Rating

N Needs Improvement

S Satisfactory

X Exceeds Expectations

11.4 A Progress Report for Elementary PE and Music indicating student achievement of grade

level skills and competencies will be provided once each semester.

12. Rules and regulations specifying grading processes for 3rd

through 5th

grade

12.1 Grades for student work in grades 3 through 5 are assigned as follows:

Grade Rating “+” or “-“ signs are not used

A Outstanding

B Above Average

C Average

D Below Average

F Failing

Definition of symbols:

A The student is independently and consistently performing at a superior level as

indicated by course requirements and consistently receives 93-100 percent on

measures of academic performance.

B The student is consistently performing at an above average level as indicated

by course requirements and consistently receives 86 to 92 percent on measures

of academic performance.

C The student is progressing adequately as indicated by requirements and

consistently receives 78 to 85 percent on measures of academic performance.

D The student is experiencing severe difficulties in meeting course requirements and

consistently receives 70 to 77 percent on measures of academic performance.

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F The student is not achieving minimum course requirement and consistently

receives below 70 percent on measures of academic performance.

12.2 Final grades in the grade book, on report cards and permanent records follow the A, B,

C, D, F system. Percentage grades may be used for daily grades.

12.3 Nine week grades represent student’s achievement.

12.4 An Academic Achievement Scales will be used to report progress toward the mastery of

State and local standards. The Academic Achievement Scale will be as follows:

Score Rating

1 Beginning – not meeting standard

2 Progressing – working toward standard

3 Proficient – meeting standard

4 Advanced – exceeding standard

12.5 Social Skills, work habits and subject area content indicators will be reported as follows:

Score Rating

N Needs Improvement

S Satisfactory

X Exceeds Expectations

12.6 A Progress Report for Elementary PE and Music indicating student achievement of grade

level skills and competencies will be provided once each semester.

12.7 Make-up work. All work missed, whether for illness or otherwise, is to be made up

within the number of days absent plus one day. (Example: If a student is ill for two

days, allow three days to make up the work.)

12.8 Students will be held accountable for assignments. Work that is late or neglected will be

labeled ―I‖ for incomplete until that work is completed. No zeros will be used and no

points will be deducted from the grade. Incompletes are at the end of the grading period

will be recorded as missing assignments and may result in failure.

STUDENT ASSIGNMENT/PROMOTION/RETENTION Policy #5123.1 Purpose:

To establish guidelines for the assignment, promotion, and retention of all K-12 students in the North Platte

School District.

Relevant To:

Administrators and staff.

Responsible Officer:

Superintendent of Schools or the Superintendent’s designee.

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Modification History:

This is a rewrite of the rules and regulations 5123 (a), (b), (c), (d). These rules and regulations are being

rewritten in policy format because they deal with the specific issues related to grade assignment, grade

promotion, and grade retention.

Principles:

1. Decisions relative to student grade assignments, promotion, and retention will be the responsibility

of the building principal.

2. Students who transfer to the North Platte School District in grades 1-5 will be assigned to a grade

level based on their cumulative records. Students who transfer into the North Platte School District

may be required to take the MAP assessment prior to determining grade placement.

3. Assignment, promotion, retention of pupils in grades Kindergarten through five (K-5) is generally

based on the teacher’s evaluation of the student’s classroom performance.

4. Special placement may be made at any time on the recommendation of the teacher, and with the

approval of the building principal.

5. Provisions may be made to allow students to progress at their own rate within subjects or grades.

6. Pupils who transfer from other systems into the North Platte School District will be given an

opportunity to meet the academic requirements in the grades to which they were assigned by their

previous school district.

7. Students may enroll in the middle school upon successful completion of the requirements to be

promoted from the 5th grade of one of the North Platte elementary schools.

8. A student may be accepted into a middle school program from the district elementary schools when

the building administrator deems that the pupil will profit more from a middle school environment

than continue in the elementary grades. Students may enter middle school upon presentation of

promotion credentials from elementary schools of other accredited school systems, and completion

of the MAP assessment.

9. Students may enter the high school by successful completion of the requirements to be promoted

from the eighth grade. A middle school student may enter high school prior to successful

completion of the eighth grade requirement if the middle school and high school principals deem

that it would be in the best interest of the students to be enrolled in a high school environment.

10. Student may enter high school upon presenting appropriate credentials from other accredited school

systems, and completion of the MAP assessment.

11. Reintegration of Rule 14 students.

11.1 Rule 13 students are those whose parents have requested and have been granted an

exemption from attending an accredited school and exempts the children from being in

violation of the compulsory attendance laws of the State of Nebraska.

11.2 Grade placement of elementary children and students entering the first year of high school

or middle school shall be determined by chronological age, transcript review, and the MAP

assessment results.

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11.3 Secondary school-age children who desire to enroll at a time other than the beginning of the

first year of high school or middle school shall be placed on the basis of the MAP

assessment results, transcript review, and course examinations.

11.4 Students transferring from non-accredited/non-approved schools in grades 9-12 must

satisfy all of the graduation requirements of the North Platte Public Schools to be eligible to

receive a diploma from North Platte High School.

11.5 Students entering 9th or 10

th grade will receive no credit and must complete at least 245

credit hours for graduation.

11.6 Students entering in 11th or 12

th grade may receive credit based on receiving a score at or

above the 50th percentile in each of the core areas (Math, Science, Language Arts, Social

Studies) or a composite score at or above the 50th percentile on the ACT test.

11.7 To receive a diploma from North Platte High School a student must earn a minimum of 245

credit hours from an accredited high school, fulfill the written requirements of an individual

educational program (IEP), or meet all of the standard requirements set by The Learning

Center (TLC) alternative school.

12. Retention

12.1 Retention of a student at the selected grade level should only be considered after all other

available options to increase academic performance have been attempted.

12.2 The decision to retain a student will be made with the best interest of the student in mind.

The building principal must schedule, or attempt to schedule, a meeting with the

parents/guardian of a child who is being considered for retention.

12.3 If a parent/guardian disagrees with the placement of their child, the parent/guardian may

request a placement waiver. However, the final decision regarding the child’s placement

shall be at the discretion of the building principal. The decision of the building principal

will be reduced to writing, signed, and delivered to the Superintendent of Schools on or

before May 15.

12.4 Any student who has been retained in an elementary grade, and is being considered for a

subsequent retention, the recommendation for the subsequent retention must meet with the

approval of the Superintendent of Schools.

BULLYING 5131.8

Purpose:

North Platte Public Schools provides physically safe and emotionally secure environments for all

students and staff. Positive behaviors (non-violence, cooperation, teamwork, understand and acceptance

of other) are encouraged in the education program and are required of all staff. Inappropriate behaviors,

including but not limited to bullying, intimidation and harassment, must be avoided by students and all

staff.

This policy is to include bullying as reason for long-term suspension, expulsion or mandatory

reassignment as per provisions of the Student Discipline Act.

Relevant To:

All students, faculty and staff.

Responsible Officer:

Superintendent of Schools

Modification History:

New Policy

23

Principals:

1. Bullying disrupts a school’s ability to educate students.

2. Bullying threatens public safety by creating an atmosphere in which such behavior can escalate into

violence.

3. Bullying means any ongoing pattern of physical, verbal, or electronic abuse on school grounds, in a

vehicle owned, leased, or contracted by a school being used for a school purpose by a school

employee or his or her designee, at a designated school bus stop, or at school-sponsored activities or

school sponsored athletic events.

4. The school district shall review this policy annually.

STUDENT CUM FOLDERS Student records will be kept in a locked file cabinet in the office. These records may be taken to the classrooms

but are not to leave the school building. Student grades are to be updated on the Cum Folders at the end of each

semester for grades 3-5. A copy of the student’s report card in grades K-5 is to be placed in cum folders at the

end of the year.

RELEASING STUDENTS DURING THE DAY No student shall be released from school without consent of the office. Parents must check their child out at the

office and then the child will be obtained from class by the intercom. No student is to be released to any person

other than a parent. If a person comes to your room requesting to see a student, do not release the student –

notify the office immediately.

PETS IN THE CLASSROOM Due to health and safety concerns, pets from home will NOT be allowed at school. If you have a student that is

allergic to any kind of pet, see that these animals are not a part of your classroom environment.

FIELD TRIPS All field trips must have an educational value and must be cleared with the principal in advance. These are the

steps in planning a field trip:

1. When at all possible use a school bus/vans.

2. If using private cars all drivers must submit a ―Liability Information‖ form and provide a copy of proof of

insurance and current driver’s license. Seat belts are a must. Provide the office with a list of drivers and

the Liability Information Sheets THE DAY BEFORE the date of the trip.

3. If private cars are being used for an out of town trip, approval must be received from the Director of

Personnel.

4. If there are activities that are possibly dangerous send a list and ask permission for each planned activity.

5. Check to make sure that a signed permission is available for each student.

6. After the field trip, submit in writing any accident incidents. Include a detailed description of the accident

listing all witnesses.

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EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS

(FIRE and TORNADO)

FIRE DRILL PROCEDURE Each teacher will conduct a practice fire drill during the first week of school at their convenience. Please stress,

―There should be no running, pushing, shoving, or talking during the drill.‖ Teachers will bring a class list and

conduct a roll call once outside the building. Staff will be assigned to check restrooms before leaving the

building. Classroom doors and windows are to be closed before leaving the classroom. Fire drill instructions

should be posted by the door in each room.

TORNADO DRILL PROCEDURE Each teacher will spend an adequate amount of time instructing students in tornado procedure. Tornado drill

instructions should be posted by the door in each room. Doors and windows do not need to be closed in the

event of a tornado.

OTHER EMERGENCY SITUATIONS All other emergency procedures should be outlined in your Emergency Handbook.

SECURITY All building entrances will remain locked during the school day except the front door. Staff is asked to carry

their building keys with them when leaving the building.

If a possible threatening situation should occur in the building, the office will announce a ―Lock Down‖

situation. Teachers are to lock their classroom doors, cover their door window, draw their mini blinds, and not

allow students out of the room. A ―Lock Down‖ cancellation announcement means the threatening situation has

passed.

25

Buffalo Elementary

Student Assistance Team (SAT) Procedures

Teacher requests assistance from SAT

Form #111 (available in office)

Describe what you would like the student to be able to do…..

Assets/Deficits

Describe efforts to help this student

Background info

Teacher returns form to Counselor & Principal

Counselor schedules initial SAT meeting

Counselor/Principal schedules initial SAT meeting. The SAT will meet every Monday at

3:45 unless otherwise notified.

Principal sends parent notification letter

Initial SAT meeting

Form #111c (yellow) is completed

Request achievement testing

Obtain parent signature on Form #124

Students up to age 8: testing by Resource teacher

Students age 8+: testing by Dolly Mroczek at McKinley

Request achievement testing (Form #58 & Form #124)

Classroom observation scheduled

Form #502

Follow-up SAT meeting is scheduled in about two weeks

Follow-up SAT meeting

Form #111c (yellow) bottom portion is completed

Achievement test results are shared

Achievement testing scores:

90 or above: referral discontinued

85 or below: referral continued

86-90: considered individually

If referral discontinued:

Refer back to SAT team for further strategies

If referral continued:

Resource teacher will activate student on SRS system

26

Form #126

Notice & Consent for Initial Evaluation

(Parent signature) (blue)

SPED parental rights form

Teacher will complete Referral Information Sheet

(Form #100 – goldenrod)

Return to Resource teacher

Resource teacher will obtain Principal’s signature and compile all information and send to

Special Services.

Psych personnel conduct assessment.

MDT meets to review results and make placement recommendation.

The following procedures need to be followed when referring a student to SAT.

Teacher recognizes problem – academic, behavior or other.

Buffalo Intervention plan has been followed.

Classroom Teacher has discussed problem with Principal.

Follow district SAT procedures –see flow chart.

SAT Team consists of: Team leader, classroom teacher of referred student, parent/guardian (or

input), counselor, assigned team members and other staff members as needed.

When should a student be referred to SAT:

A student has academic difficulty

A student was in resource and after 3 year reevaluation, the student no longer

qualifies for resource or special services if needed.

A student went through the SAT process and did not qualify for resource.

A student has behavior concerns.

SAT forms are located in the office.

SAT MEMBERS First Quarter Second Quarter Deanna Schwartz Sara Jordening

Robin Deutschman Doris Chevalier

Carmen Rickett Sara Boyle

Susan Wesslund Brooke Kusek

Darlene Rhodes Kara Dike

Kara Dike Lois Logan

Lois Logan Mike McPherron

Mike McPherron

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Buffalo Elementary

Pyramid of

Interventions

2007-2008

Special Education

Services

Qualified students

receive services in

accordance with an

IEP.

Student Assistance Team A team consisting of teacher,

counselor, Principal, parent, student

meet to examine concerns and create

a plan or decide to conduct

evaluation.

Extension of the school day Student assigned to Wednesday School.

Kids Klub

Kids Klub after school reading intervention.

Parent Contact Phone contact, Parent/Teacher Conference, Assignment book,

Take Home folder, Curriculum night, Newsletter,

Principal/Teacher/Parent conference, Intervention plan for

behavior or academic support, Parent/Teacher compact, Notes to

parents.

Classroom Interventions administered by teacher Seating arrangement, Assignment modification, Homework assignment,

Small group re-teaching, Peer tutoring, Para tutoring, Volunteer tutoring,

Behavior plan, Recess or after school with teacher or Principal.

28

GUIDELINES FOR SAT

Keep in mind that all SAT information, (form #111) the classroom observation, (form #502) and the classroom

performance checklist (pg. 3 of form #100) becomes part of the psychological report and a copy is sent to the

parents as well as the referring school. Since parents have to opportunity to read what is being said about their

child, it’s important to use facts, not opinion, when describing their child or their role as a parent. Everything

said should be related to the impact the information has on the child’s education. This helps to keep

communication open between the school and parent and also lessens the school’s liability for making statements

that can’t be proven.

1. Try not to make statements that sound judgemental.

For example: don’t use words like lazy, etc. Instead, describe their action, (paperwork is poorly done,

doesn’t’ begin tasks without prompting, etc). This also applies to statements about the parent. Don’t

say that parents are uninterested or don’t care. Instead, state the facts—such as haven’t kept

appointments to discuss child or have not attended Parent Teacher Conferences.

2. Keep statements educationally relevant.

For example: don’t say child is dirty and smells or wets his pants. Instead, say child has poor hygiene

which interferes with their social development as peers don’t want to be near them, or taking care of

bathroom accidents takes time away from class. Our idea of hygiene may be different from the parents’,

but if we can show that the problem is related educationally, it’s less offensive and there can be no

argument.

3. Don’t make ―diagnostic‖ statements.

For example: don’t say a child is ADHD or depressed if you don’t have the medical/clinical data to

support it. Instead, say that the child exhibits CHARACTERISTICS of ADHD or depression.

4. Don’t make ―prescription‖ statements.

For example: don’t say a child needs to be on Ritalin, etc. unless you can prove it has been already

prescribed by a medical doctor. If it has been, and they’re not taking meds, you can ask the parent to

discuss it further with their doctor or get permission from the parent for YOU to discuss the behaviors

you observe with their doctor.

5. Don’t recommend outside evaluations from medical or clinical doctors. This could put you &/or the

district at risk for having to pay for such evaluations. Instead, say that you recommend the parent

consider obtaining an evaluation, at their expense. You should have checklists, etc. to show the parent

which document they need for such an evaluation.

If you have any other information that is important for me to know when evaluating the child, but is confidential

please put that on a separate piece of paper with a note that you do NOT want this information included in the

report.

29

North Platte Public Schools

SAT Process

Team Leaders schedules SAT meeting

(within 3-5 days)

Principal notifies Team Leader & sends copies of Request to SAT Members. Parent

Notification (#124a) and Student Information Summary (#124b) sent to parent.

Teacher Requests Assistance from SAT

(Form 111)

SAT members study Request individually

Placement in appropriate program

Request for Individual

Achievement testing

(Form #118)

Follow-up SAT meeting to review student progress.

SAT members meet

Solutions generated for teacher

Generate

additional

solutions.

A classroom observation may be needed to help

generated suggestions for teachers.

Refer back to SAT

Special Services recommended

Solution implemented by teacher.

Referral to Special

Services (Form 100)

Recommendation made to

continue with initial solution.

Special Services not recommended

Allowable in

emergency

cases

30

BUFFALO SCHOOL CALLING CHAIN

2007-2008

In the event of a crisis situation, it is necessary to have current and accurate information to allow us to make

rational decisions. The telephone calling chain system will be implemented in the event of the following

emergence situations:

1. School Cancellation

2. Student crisis situations

3. Crisis situations involving staff members

Mike will call these people:

1. Pam Heitman ==========534-0348

2. Doris Chevalier ========386-4588

3. Janie McCarthy ========532-4665

FROM THIS POINT ON, EACH PERSON WILL CALL THE PERSON BELOW THEM. IF YOU ARE

UNABLE TO CONTACT THAT PERSON, PLEASE SKIP TO THE NEXT PERSON, BUT KEEP TRYING

THE PREVIOUS PERSON.

***THE LAST PERSON ON THE LIST IS TO CALL MIKE AT 532-6029 AND LET HIM KNOW

THE CHAIN HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

Pam: Janie:

Susan Wesslund = 532-2488 Kara Dike = 532-4079

Deanna Schwartz = 534-1808 Sara Boyle = 530-4439

Brooke Kusek = 760-5745 Lois Logan = 532-1438

Ginger Foust = 532-0513 Allison O’Neill = 534-2350

Betsy McCrone = 402-416-2943 Sherry Joneson = 534-6983

Sheryl McGahan = 520-5095 Martha Terry = 539-0462

Kim Ury = 532-2193 Dianna Rosse = 532-6307

Syrena Davis = 534-9841 ***Ruth Kurth = 532-0683

***Carrie Naranjo = 534-3147

Doris:

Cindy Rising = 386-6261

Robin Deutschman = 534-3826

Carmen Rickett = 520-6753

Darlene Rhodes = 532-1781

Sara Jordening = 534-2118

Denise Burbach = 534-9560

Mike McGuire = 534-6736

Ron Mohs = 534-4618

***Gaylene Davis = 532-3177

31

BUFFALO PRIDE BOARD

WE WILL CONTINUE A STUDENT PRIDE BOARD WHERE STUDENT WORK AND EFFORT CAN BE

RECOGNIZED BY THE PRINCIPAL AND HONORED SCHOOL-WIDE.

SIX PIECES OF STUDENT WORK IS NEEDED FROM EACH CLASSROOM TO BE DISPLAYED FOR

ONE MONTH ON THE BULLETIN BOARD OUTSIDE THE OFFICE. A SCHEDULE IS LISTED

BELOW.

WE WILL BEGIN THE PRIDE BOARD THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER AND EVERY MONTH

THERE AFTER. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU GET THE ART WORK TO PAM BY THE 1ST

OF

EVERY MONTH.

WORK SUBMITTED MAY BE FROM ANY SUBJECT AREA, INCLUDING ART. A TEST OR DAILY

WORK MAY BE SUBMITTED. EFFORT AS WELL AS ACHIEVEMENT CAN BE RECOGNIZED AND

REWARDED.

A NOTE WILL BE SENT INFORMING PARENTS THAT THEIR STUDENT’S WORK IS ON THE PRIDE

BOARD AND INVITING THEM TO COME VIEW THE WORK.

WORK FROM MUSIC, RESOURCE, AND P.E. IS WELCOME. P.E. MAY WANT TO INCLUDE LISTS

OF STUDENTS WHO BREAK OR SET RECORDS ON PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTS.

THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION. THIS IS A POSITIVE WAY OF RECOGNIZING BUFFALO

STUDENTS FOR THEIR EFFORTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS. LET’S GIVE IT 100%.

SEPT. – JORDENING

OCT. – SCHWARTZ

NOV. – DEUTSCHMAN

DEC. – RICKETT

JAN. – CHEVALIER

FEB. – WESSLUND

MAR – BOYLE

APRIL – RHODES

MAY - KUSEK

32

BUFFALO GOOD CITIZEN RECOGNITION

Purpose: To provide recognition to students who display good citizenship skills.

Each classroom will recognize one student per month. Any staff member can nominate a

student. Please give the nomination to the classroom teacher so that the office will receive one

nomination per classroom. The student will receive a ―Good Citizen‖ certificate, have his/her

picture displayed on the bulletin board for a month, have their name published in the newsletter,

and parents will receive a letter.

The following guidelines will be used to recognize the students.

Wants to learn

Puts forth best effort

Helpful to other students

Uses time wisely

Completes daily work

Has a positive attitude towards work

Regular attendance

Uses self-control inside and outside of the classroom

Uses manners

Participates in music & physical education with a positive attitude and best of ability

Nominations are due in the office the third Friday of each month so pictures can be taken and

developed.

Revised August 2007

33

Dear Parent,

I am writing to inform you that ____________________has been selected for

____________________grade Good Citizen for the month of ____________.

In order to be selected as a Good Citizen the students had to exhibit some or all of the following

good citizen characteristics.

Wants to learn

Puts forth best effort

Helpful to other students

Uses time wisely

Complete daily work

Has a positive attitude towards work

Regular attendance

Uses self-control inside and outside of the classroom

Uses manners

Participates in music & physical education with a positive attitude and best of ability

As a result of being selected a Buffalo Good Citizen, _____________ will receive a certificate

as well as have his/her picture displayed for one month on our ―Good Citizen‖ bulletin board.

Congratulations on having _____________________selected as a Buffalo Good Citizen.

Sincerely,

Mike McPherron

Buffalo Principal

34

Drug Free Workplace It is the intent of the North Platte Public Schools that its employees are able to perform their tasks safely and

efficiently in a work environment free of the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol. The district is committed to

providing appropriate motivation to ensure a creative and productive work force. To that end, the workplace

shall be free from the detrimental effects of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Employees are prohibited from possessing, using, manufacturing, dispensing, distributing or being under the

influence of illegal drugs, or alcohol while on duty on or off school premises. A violation of this policy shall

result in the school system taking appropriate disciplinary action against any employee.

While due consideration will be given to the unique facts of violation of this policy on a case-by-case basis,

the North Platte Public Schools shall take appropriate disciplinary action including, but not limited to,

enrollment in and completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program at the employee’s expense, a written

reprimand, suspension with pay, suspension without pay, termination, cancellation or non-renewal of

employment, and reporting any law violations or other drug related conduct which interferes with the ability of

any employee to perform his/her duties, to the appropriate licensing or law enforcement agency, if any, which

has jurisdiction over the employee.

The North Platte Public Schools shall provide drug abuse awareness training to all employees within six

months of the adoption of this policy. New employees shall receive such training within six months of the date

of each person’s employment. The training shall include, but not be limited to, information on specific drugs

and the effects of drug abuse, dangers of drug abuse in the work place, availability of counseling and treatment

services, and disciplinary action which may be imposed on employees for violations of this policy.

Employees are encouraged to notify their supervisor(s) if they are taking prescription drugs that may affect

their behavior and/or performance in the workplace.

All current and newly hired employees shall receive a copy of this policy. Each employee shall also receive a

Drug Free Workplace Policy acknowledgment form stating that the employee has read this policy, understands

it, and agrees to abide by it. The form shall be signed and dated by the employee and placed in his/her district

personnel file.

Legal Reference: PL 101-226 Workplace Act of 1988

Amendment to Drug Free Schools and

Communities Act of 1986

Policy Adopted: July 9, 1990 North Platte Public Schools

North Platte, Nebraska

TITLE 6 OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964

The North Platte Public School is an Equal Opportunity Employer who pledges to recruit, hire and promote for

all job classifications without regard to race, creed color, national origin, handicap, sex or age (except where sex

or age is a bona fide occupational qualification)