School Policies

(Parent Information)

We have prepared this handbook to familiarize you with some of our policies and procedures. Since all phases of our school operation cannot be covered in one small handbook, we will send bulletins, newsletters and other information sources to you throughout the year. Please let us know it you have any other questions or suggestions.

The faculty and staff look forward to your support and involvement. Help us put children first!
 

 
Absences / Excuses

Parents are responsible for their child's attendance on a daily basis. Regular attendance is important and is required by law. Students may be excused when the absence is due to personal illness, serious illness or death in the student's immediate family, or to observe recognized holidays of the student's religious faith .

It is the responsibility of the parent to furnish a written excuse explaining the cause of the absence. This written excuse must be sent in with the student on the day he or she returns to class. If the school does not receive a written excuse, your child's attendance records will automatically reflect an unexcused absence.

Excessive absences will be reported to the Orange County Social Service Department for investigation.

Bicycles

Students will be allowed to ride their bicycles to school as long as they lock their bikes during the school day. Please discuss bicycle safety with your child before allowing him or her to ride to and from school.

Bus Riders

A child is not allowed to ride a bus unless he or she is an assigned bus student.

School bus safety is of great concern. District policy provides for suspension from riding a school bus for those who consistently interfere with the opportunity of the other students to ride comfortably and safely in school buses.

Parents are responsible for the behavior of their own children while at the bus stop.

Car Riders (Loading/Unloading)

Parents are to unload and load their passengers at the Rose Avenue parking lot drop off. The Edgewater entrance is reserved for buses only. It is critical that no student be dropped off or picked up on Edgewater Drive.

Change of Address or Phone Number

Parents are responsible for notifying the office and their child's teacher immediately of any change in address, telephone number, baby-sitter, or person to contact in an emergency. Emergencies can occur at any time, and the school must be able to contact the parents at all times! If you fail to keep the school and your child's teacher informed of any changes, especially your telephone number, you may cause us to lose precious time in contacting you.

Change of Transportation

It will be necessary to send the teacher a written note or fax the office if you change your child's method of transportation. The teacher will not allow the student to alter their normal routine without this note. This is for your child's safety.

Clinic

The school clinic is maintained on a part-time basis. IT IS FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL IF HE/SHE IS SICK. Students who become ill at school will be sent to the clinic. If the nature of the illness is such that a student should go home, parents will be notified. Students will not be released to anyone except a parent or another person designated by the parent. In the event of a serious injury, school officials will notify parents or the paramedics via 911. The child will be taken to a hospital emergency room if such action is deemed necessary. Be sure you keep up-to-date telephone numbers on file in the office.

Please see Medication Procedures for guidelines in administration of medication in school.

Clothing / Dress Code

Cleanliness and appropriate dress contribute to a positive learning environment. Students should not wear articles that are unsafe or will interfere with the normal operation of the classroom. The following should not be worn to school: halter tops, tube tops, suggestive or offensive T-shirts, cut-off tops ( half shirts ), floor-length dresses, inappropriate short shorts, and thongs. Sneakers or closed-toe shoes must be worn for physical education classes.

Conduct / Discipline

In addition to high expectations in the academic realm, we also expect the highest of standards in the behavior of our students. We pride ourselves in the fact that the majority of Lockhart students show good manners, are courteous and kind. We expect appropriate behavior on the way to and from school, in the hallways, the cafeteria and restrooms, in addition to the classroom. Students who continually be disruptive, disrespectful, or discourteous will be dealt with in accordance to the Orange County Code of Student Conduct. It describes the rights of each student and the rules that must be followed. It also explains what will happen if the rules are not followed. A copy of the Orange County Code of Student Conduct is given to each student at the beginning of the year. Please read and discuss this with your child.

Custody Considerations

Parents having sole custody of a child with any specialized court orders that restrain a natural parent from coming into contact with the child need to notify the office of the circumstances. Legal documents of this type need to be included in the child's records.

Early Release

Please come to the school office to complete our sign-out roster if it is necessary for a student to leave early during the school day. Do not go to the classroom. The student must be signed out in the office when he/she is dismissed during the school day. Students may not leave the school during school hours unless they are picked up, from the office, by their parent(s) or guardian. If someone other than a parent or a guardian picks up a student, that person's name must appear on the Emergency Form. For student safety, a driver's license or other identification may be requested by school personnel. When possible, medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school hours.

Extended Day Care

Affordable extended day care is available for Lockhart Elementary students from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the Extended Day Coordinator at             (407) 296-6444.

Field Trips

Educational field trips are a part of the school program. Students need written permission slips from the parent or guardian in order to attend all field trips. Children without written permission will remain at school. Students who are tardy for field trips may be left behind. Parents volunteering to chaperone must fill out an ADDitions registration form. Chaperones may not bring their other children on the trip.

Parents may be required to accompany their children on a field trip when their child has demonstrated that he or she does not obey the classroom teacher during any school experiences.

Head Lice

We urge all parents to examine their child's scalp periodically for head lice. If a student has been diagnosed as having head lice or nits (eggs), the parent will be contacted at once. It will be necessary for the student to be isolated from the other students. Any student with lice or nits must be effectively treated before returning to school. The student must be treated with an over-the-counter prescription shampoo that is made specifically of lice and nits. All nits need to be completely removed from the hair after shampooing.

In order for your child to return to school and to the classroom, he or she should be clear of all lice and nits. If lice or nits are still visible, he or she will not be admitted to class and you will be notified again to pick up your child.

It is very important that you notify the school at once if you find that your child has head lice. When we know, we are then able to check the entire class. This is the best measure we know to prevent lice from further spreading.

Insurance

Insurance may be purchased through a school-sponsored insurance program. Please read the insurance form carefully. It may be of great benefit to you to participate in one of the plans offered. Please notice that the checks for school insurance should be filled out and mailed directly to the insurance company. The school will provide you with a claim form in case of injury.

Lunches

A well-balanced breakfast and lunch is served daily. The price includes chocolate, whole or low fat white milk. A lunch menu is sent home each month. A written statement from a doctor is required if a student needs to receive a juice instead of a milk. If a child brings his or her lunch, he or she may purchase milk separately. Children may bring a thermos of milk, water, or juice. Absolutely no soft drinks, carbonated beverages gum or candy are to be brought. Refrain from sending junk food in lunch bags. Look for items that are low in added sugar, salt, and excess chemicals.

Students are encourages to make advanced payment for lunches on Monday morning. Up to one month's payment is accepted. Send the money in a sealed envelope, clearly marked on the outside with child's name, the teacher's name and the amount sent.

We know that parents like to eat lunch with their child or children from time to time. You are welcome! However, we do need to know of your plans a few days ahead so that we can prepare enough food for everyone.

Media Center

The Media Center strives to maintain a current collection of print and non-print materials that enhance the development of each student. The Lockhart Media Center operates on an open/flexible schedule. Materials can be checked out for up to 14 days. It is the student's responsibility to care for and return materials. Teachers will receive weekly printouts of students with overdue materials. The student will be expected to pay for lost or damaged materials. Please feel free to contact the Media Center if you have any questions.

Medication Procedures

The School Board has adopted specific guidelines regarding the administration, record keeping, and authority in handling medications in our public schools. Effective January 1, 1984, schools must observe the following procedures:

A. For each prescribed and over the counter medication, the student's parent must complete an authorization form, in person at the school.

B. Medication must be hand delivered by the PARENT to the school.

C. When there is a change in the medication or dosage from that on the original container, the principal or designee shall require new directions from the doctor in addition to parent authorization.

D. All prescribed medication to be administered by school personnel shall be received and stored in the original container, with the original label from the pharmacy showing the student's name, name of the drug, and directions for administration.

E. Prescribed medication received by the school shall be stored in a secure fashion under lock and key in a location designated by the principal.

F. Children with temperatures will need to be picked up immediately.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

The School Board of Orange County, Florida does not discriminate in admission or access to or treatment or employment in the programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, handicap or any other reason prohibited by law.

Parent Organization

The Lockhart Elementary Parent Teacher Association exists to promote the education and welfare of our children. Parents are encouraged to join and participate in the activities of the PTA. We are always looking for new ideas and new members. Please join Lockhart's PTA!

Patrols

The patrols at Lockhart Elementary are fifth graders that have been nominated by Lockhart Staff. They have been trained to help student movement safely on school grounds. Patrols help direct the flow of car traffic during the morning and afternoon student pick-ups. They assist children at the bicycle racks and on the bus loading area. Children need to walk in the halls for their safety as well as for the other students. Patrols are there to help other children remember to follow these rules. Please encourage your child to listen to and obey the directions of the school patrols.

Registration

Age Requirements - Florida law states that in order for a child to enter the first grade, the child must have attended a kindergarten program and be six years old before September 1. The age requirement is five years old by September 1 for kindergarten entry. A birth certificate is required of all pupils new to Orange County.

Health Records - Immunization certificates (HRS 680 or 3040) and a physical examination within the last year is required off all students entering Florida schools for the first time.

Proof of Residence - Proof of residence may be provided in the form of a current homestead exemption certificate, a lease agreement, notarized manifestation of domicile, or a notarized statement of residence.

School Advisory Council (SAC)

The SAC meets to monitor the progress of the School Improvement Plan and in the spring sets new goals for the following year. If you are interested in joining or attending the meetings, please watch for SAC bulletins.

School Hours

8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

8:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays

We ask that students arrive no earlier than 8:30 a.m. If it is necessary to drop your child off earlier, please enroll them into the extended day program offered at the school.

School Visitation

All visitors must stop by the office to sign in and get a visitor's pass before entering a classroom or other school area. Please do not make unscheduled visits to the classroom. All interruptions hinder student learning.

Tardiness

Promptness in class is very important. Students should be seated and ready to work when they bell rings at 8:45 a.m. Any student entering the classroom after 8:45 a.m. will be considered tardy and they must go to the office to obtain a tardy slip in order to be admitted to class. Parents will be notified if a student is consistently tardy without a written excuse. Excessive tardies will be reported to the Orange County Social Service Department for investigation.

Textbooks/ Books

All textbooks, library books and books from the classroom are on loan to the students free of charge. However, students are responsible for lost or damaged books and will be expected to pay for them. Students are always expected to take good care of books.

V.I.P. (Very Important Papers) Envelope

Once a week, a V.I.P. Envelope will be coming home with school information. It is very important that you review the papers and sign, if requested, so that you are aware of all the opportunities offered at school and your child can take part.

Voice Mail

Messages may be left for all staff members in their voice mail box during the school day. You may leave messages by calling the school at 407-296-6440 and then dialing the extension for the person you wish to reach. See Voice Mail Listings.
 

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