Parent & Student Handbook

2005-2006

Parents are welcome to visit the school at anytime.

For reasons of security, Board Policy states that ALL VISITORS are to receive a permit from the office before visiting a classroom. PARENT-TEACHER conferences are to be scheduled with the teacher in advance so as to avoid conferences during instructional time. These conferences will be set up during a time when the teacher is relieved of classroom responsibilities because of library, music, or physical education, etc.

CAFETERIA PRICES OF ITEMS LISTED

Adult Plate Lunch with milk $2.00 Pizza slice $1.50

Plate Lunch with milk $1.25 Extra Milk $ .30

Reduced Plate Lunch $ .40 Pudding/Gelatin $ .35

Breakfast with milk $ .85 Cookies $.25, 30 & .50

Reduced breakfast $ .30 Soup with meat $1.00

Soup (no meat) $ .60 Ice Cream $.30, .35& .45

A free or reduce breakfast and lunch is provided for those who qualify. Breakfast will be served from 7:10-7:40 a.m.

A LUNCH APPLICATION.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL RULES

 SCHOOL HOURS

First Bell 8:00 a.m.

Tardy Bell 8:05 a.m.

Kindergarten through Fifth Grade 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Pre-Kindergarten (Morning) 7:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Pre-Kindergarten (Afternoon) 12:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Head Start Classes 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

STUDENTS ARE NOT TO ARRIVE AT SCHOOL BEFORE 7:50 A.M. The only exceptions are patrols and breakfast students. Breakfast is served from 7:10 a.m. to 7:40 a.m.

Once the children arrive, they must not leave the grounds without the permission of their teacher and principal.

The following behaviors help -- our -- students to be safe before and after school:

1. On their way to and from school, students should use marked crosswalks,

obey all traffic regulations, obey all crossing guards, and use caution at all times. Do not walk or play in streets or on private property of our neighbors.

2. Students are to arrive at school no earlier than 7:10 a.m. at the time of breakfast each day. The grounds are not supervised before this time. Students are to report to their designated area. The playground is not open to students before school.

The importance of regular attendance cannot be over emphasized. A child should be in school every day except when ill or in case of emergency. Irregular attendance makes it extremely difficult to keep up with classwork. Consistent unexcused absences will result in referral to the HISD Attendance Officer.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students who have been absent must present a written excuse from the parent or guardian when they return to school. The only acceptable excuses for absences and tardiness are personal illness, sickness or death in the family, quarantine, weather or road conditions making travel dangerous. Unexcused absences may not be made up and the student receives a 0 for the daily assignment. Students who are tardy must bring a written excuse on the day they are tardy.

ABSENCES

If a child is going to be absent from school or late to school, parents are requested to call the school at (713) 746-8260 between 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. If a child does not arrive at school, we need to be assured that he/she is safe with parent or guardian.

TARDINESS

It is very important that your child arrive at school on time (See School Hours). If your child is late to school he/she is to report to the office for a tardy attendance slip. Tardiness is noted in the office computer attendance file so that he/she will not be marked absent for the day. However, consistent tardiness will result in referral to the HISD Attendance Officer.

REQUEST TO LEAVE SCHOOL EARLY

A request to have a child excused from classes early should be sent with the child on the morning of the dismissal. For proper attendance accounting, the time and reason for leaving should be included when possible. Please make medical and dental appointments outside of school hours. A child will be released only to parents/guardian unless the school has been notified by the parent that they have granted permission for someone else to pick up their child.

Children should be waiting in the office at the designated time so that the classroom will not be interrupted. As the loss of time involved, interferes with the child’s work. Parents are urged to avoid making appointments during school hours. If possible, try to have your child in the classroom at 9:00 a.m. as attendance is taken at that time. The State pays HISD for students present at 9:00 a.m.

 STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS AT FOSTER:

"Pupils who do their work and behave themselves do not have problems in school". Please discuss the behavioral expectations with your child. Our staff has high expectations for students. We need your support.

1. Students will be expected to respond in a positive and timely manner to

the directions or request of all staff members and adults.

2. Students are expected to complete all class assignments following teacher’s direction to the best of their ability.

3. Students should respect the personal rights and property of their classmates and others.

4. Common playground and classroom courtesies are expected of all students.

5. Profanity or vulgar expressions of any kind are absolutely unacceptable.

6. Care of school property and equipment is of utmost importance. All students are charged with the responsibility of helping maintain a neat and orderly school environment.

7. Students are expected to refrain from rough or aggressive play (e.g. pushing, shoving, tripping, play fighting and tag games) which may result in injury to themselves or others.

8. Fighting, provoking a fight or intimidation is prohibited. Students must avail themselves of the resources here at school to resolve conflicts. If students need help, they should contact one of the following: a Teacher, the Principal, or a member of the office staff.

9. Students using a playground equipment/apparatus should refrain from stunts or activities that have been judged to be dangerous.

Hold onto bars with both hands at all times. Students may not play on the playground equipment before school.

10. Orderly and otherwise appropriate behavior is expected of all students at all times.

BASIC RULES OF CONDUCT

The HISD has a Student Code of Conduct, which outlines a student’s rights and responsibilities. This Code of Conduct will be strictly enforced at Foster as the teachers and staffs feel a right and moral responsibility to our students to guide them in the development of those citizenship skills necessary to function at a successful level as a productive, law-abiding member of our democratic society.

1. Follow the HISD Code of Student Conduct.
2. Keep to the right and walk quietly in the halls, classroom, and cafeteria.
3. Use a hall pass when going to the restroom, office or other classrooms.
4. Fighting is strictly forbidden for any reason.
5. Students with a "U" in conduct will not be permitted to participate in any
field trips.
6. Follow Foster’s School Wide Discipline Plan

 CAFETERIA/BREAKFAST/LUNCH

Breakfast and a hot lunch are served daily in the cafeteria. Children who wish to bring a lunch from home may do so and eat with the class in the lunchroom.

 Lunchroom Rules

1. Speak softly.
2. Walk
3. Use good table manners
4. Stay in your seat at the table until dismissal.
5. When cleaning your tray, form a line at the garbage can.
6. Clean your table and floor around you after eating.
7. Place money in upper right-hand corner of tray for cashier.
8. Glass containers are not allowed.
9. Canned carbonated soft drinks are not permitted.
10. Students are only permitted to go through the lunch line once. Be sure

that all selections are made then.

STUDENT DRESS CODE FOR FOSTER SCHOOL

Students should be clean, wear clean, modest, and comfortable clothes to school.

ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR THE FOSTER

SCHOOL UNIFORMS DAILY (MONDAY - FRIDAY)

BOYS - White shirts or light blue shirts or red shirts/navy blue or black pants. Uniform shorts may be worn (blue or black)

GIRLS - White blouses or light blue shirts or red shirts/navy blue jumpers. Uniform shorts/skorts only blue or black.

ALL BOYS SHIRTTAILS MUST BE TUCKED IN.

HAIRSTYLES - should be neat and clean. No extreme hair cuts for boys. Hair should be groomed at home prior to coming to school

NO EARRINGS - are to be worn by boys.

STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO WEAR HATS, CAPS, OR HEAD COVERING of any kind in the school building. Scout uniforms are an exception.

NO FACIAL MAKE-UP will be applied at school. Make-up and fingernail polish should not be brought to school.

SHOES - must be worn at all times and must be free of metal taps, unless prescribed by a doctor. Cleat shoes are not to be worn except for physical education.

Thank you parents for your support.

STUDENT SAFETY

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION CARDS

We must have accurate addresses, telephone numbers, and emergency numbers for all students. If you move or change the telephone number where you can be reached during the day, please send us this information so we can keep our files current and be able to reach you in the event of illness or accident. Please fill out the front and back of the enrollment card and send it back to your child’s teacher. One enrollment card will be kept in the main office and the second enrollment card will be kept in the nurse’s office.

SAFETY PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

In the event of an emergency, the safety of students and staff is of paramount importance. Thus all actions will be related to the safety and well being of both students and staff. Under no circumstances will a student be released from the custody of school personnel until such may be done with complete safety.

Students will be released only to an individual listed on the enrollment information card unless specific parental permission is obtained. Adults must sign the pupil out before they leave the premises.

The following emergency procedures have been implemented:
1. Fire drills occur at least once a month.
2. The School Safety Plan is available for your information in the school office.
3. Students will receive instruction through drills and classroom orientation in all aspects of emergency plans, including fire and disaster drills.
4. Evacuation from the school site will be implemented upon direction and orders from the HISD Administration.

ILLNESS AT SCHOOL

When a child becomes ill at school, every effort will be made to contact the parent immediately. Please see that we have a current home and work telephone number so that you may be reached in case of emergency. This is very important. Children must be picked up by parent/designee within a reasonable period of time after being notified of student illness.

HEALTH SERVICES

Health services are under the supervision of the school nurse. The nurse identifies health problems and confers with the teachers and parents within the school. The nurse is available for consultation on emergencies and health problems. Please notify the nurse if your child has special health problems. (asthma, sickle cell, etc.)

FIRST AID MEDICATION

First aid must be given according to the Recommended First Aid Procedures. All school personnel are legally responsible for administering first aid whenever the occasion arises at school. Every student must have an enrollment card on file so that the parent or other responsible adult may be notified in case of accident or illness.

Teachers do not give students medication. All medication must be housed and administered in the school clinic. A form signed by the physician must be on file in the clinic. School board policy states that the nurse and other school personnel can give medication during school hours under the following restrictions: Pupils who are noncontiguous, on long-term medication that cannot under any arrangement be administered other than during school hours may take medication in school. The physician’s statement must be accompanied by written permission of a least one parent. Parents may request this form from the school nurse.

TELEPHONE

Teachers and children cannot be called to the telephone during school hours. A message will be taken and placed in the teacher’s box. Emergency calls to parents by the child or from the parents will receive special attention.

RAINY DAYS

Please give definite instructions for rainy days. Make sure your child understands how he/she is to get home on rainy days. He/she will not be allowed to use the office phone to call each time it rains. On days when the streets are in a flooded condition, we will hold the children in the classroom until you come for your child.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

The challenge of traffic safety today is greater than ever. Our best hope for control of the traffic accident problem is to provide adequate safety instruction for the young people attending our schools.

We urge you to instruct your children to observe all safety rules and obey the directions of the crossing guard at all times. We further urge that we, as adults, set good example.

RUNNING

Because of the little children about the school, and because of other unseen dangers, running is restricted to the playground only.

STUDENT PERSONAL PROPERTY

BICYCLES

Bicycles may be ridden to and from school with the understanding that they are maintained and operated in a safe manner. Because of heavy traffic congestion we are requesting that kindergarten, first, and second grade children not ride bicycles to school.

Double riding on bicycles is not permitted.

Bicycles are not to be ridden on the school grounds and are to be parked and locked in the racks that are provided. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen bicycles.

There shall be no lending or borrowing of bicycles.

Students must walk their bicycles to campus rack. To walk your bicycle on campus means that both of your feet are on the same side of the vehicle (not astride or on the pedal).

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Students should not bring large sums of money, their own playground equipment, radios, or other items of value to school. The school cannot be responsible for damage or loss of these items. 

If it is necessary to send money to school for lunch, milk or for any reason, you may wish to put it in an envelope with your child’s name on it. Lunch cards may be purchased through the office.

LOST AND FOUND

A lost and found box is maintained in the main hall. Please encourage your child to look for lost items as soon as the items) are known to be missing. Many items are not labeled and remain unclaimed. At the close of each semester, unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE LABEL YOUR CHILD’S NAME IN
COATS, SWEATERS, OVERSHOES, RAINCOATS,
LUNCH KITS, AND OTHER BELONGINGS
STUDENT INFORMATION
ENROLLMENT CARDS

We must have accurate addresses, telephone numbers and emergency numbers for all students. (See Student Safety).

HOMEWORK

Homework may be given daily. Homework practice is an important step in the accomplishment of a skill and is an outgrowth of what is introduced and taught in the classroom.

Each teacher will be sending homework guidelines for his/her class. Weekly work will be sent home by all teaches on specified days. Parents are requested to review, sign and return student’s work in student‘s folder.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

School supplies are valuable. Parents are encouraged to purchase students’ school supplies early, so that student can begin their schoolwork on time and do their very best. Please replenish during the year as needed.

PARENT CONFERENCING AND REPORTING

Communication among parents, teachers, and school personnel are essential to a successful educational program. The processes employed in our school district include a number of communication levels, both direct and indirect.

The parent conference is of prime importance in communicating information about your child’s progress during the school year, as it provides a unique vehicle for exchange of information between you and your child’s teacher on his academic and emotional growth. In addition to regularly scheduled conferences, you may, at any time, arrange a conference by contacting the school office to set up an appointment with your child’s teacher.

Parent conferences for the purpose of reporting your child’s progress in school are scheduled. You will be notified of conferences dates. During conference days, parents are requested to arrive at the scheduled appointment times. Appointment forms will be sent home with your child.

CLASSROOM VISITATION

We welcome visitors, especially the parents of our students. Houston Independent School District (HISD) policy requires all visitors to register in the school office and to obtain a visitor’s permit. This measure is planned for the protection of the children. Any person coming in the school for any reason is a visitor. At no time may a teacher leave her class unattended to have a conference (see Parent Conferencing) or visit in the halls. The instructional time belongs to the students. The teacher is responsible for their instruction and for their safety. Parents are requested not to stand outside classroom doors for the purpose of observing student behavior or instruction program.

Parents bringing lunches, etc. to their children are asked to label them with the student’s name and room number and leave these items in the school office.

REPORT ON STUDENT’S PROGRESS

Teachers will confer with parents whenever necessary. These contacts may be in the form of notes, telephone visits, or personal visits with the teacher at school. Please ask for a conference with your child’s teacher at school. Please ask for a conference with your child’s teacher when you feel it necessary.

A Report to Parent will be sent home during the fourth week of the nine-week grading period or as needed to inform parents of students’ progress and/or conduct.

Standards for symbols used on report cards:
90 - 100 Excellent quality of work - thorough mastery of subject matter
80 - 89 Good quality of work - above average with consistent effort.
75 - 79 Satisfactory quality of work, average achievement.
70 - 74 Below quality of work expected - below average achievement
Below 70 Unsatisfactory quality of work - poor work failing

PROMOTION/RETENTION

Promotion/Retention Committees consisting of the principal, grade level teachers, and other professional staff meet during the second semester to project student placement for the following year. Parents will be notified if there is a chance the student will be retained, based on the information at the time of the review.

CONDUCT GRADE

The conduct grade is determined by the student’s daily behavior and citizenship traits. "E" indicates exemplary behavior, "S" indicates satisfactory behavior, "P" indicates probationary behavior and "U" indicates unsatisfactory behavior.

TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS

HISD BOARD OF Administrative Procedures - No 313.224: Each pupil as well as his parents/guardian, is responsible for textbooks, library books, and workbooks issued to him. If they are lost or damaged, the parent or guardian is financially obligated. Please encourage your children to take care of their books and to keep them covered. State Law requires that books be covered.

Library Policy: Students are urged to check out one to three books for a week at their assigned library period. Books must be returned or renewed each week.

 

Overdue Library Books Policy: If books are overdue, no new books may be checked out by the student. The student is responsible to see that his record is cleared with the librarian or her designee at the check out desk. One week prior to the issuing of report cards, the librarian will give each teacher and the principal a list of students who have overdue books. When the student gives the teacher the book, the teacher may issue the report card.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All students are to participate in physical education activities UNLESS A NOTE FROM A DOCTOR OR PARENT IS SENT INDICATING AN ILLNESS OR INJURY. Students should have proper shoes, not sandals, to wear when playing.

FIELD TRIPS

Students must have passing grades in order to participate in a field trip and conduct must be a "P" or better. Money collected for field trips cannot be refunded if a student is not allowed to attend because of grades, behavior or illness.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Birthday parties are not allowed, however prior arrangements can be made with the classroom teacher for parents to have cake, cookies, or cupcakes during lunch only.

PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

The Parent-Teacher Organization is a vital part of our school community. All parents are invited and urged to become active members and to become involved in school activities. The yearly membership drive will be held during Open House. It means a great deal to your children for you to support their school and its programs and activities. The PTO meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. The entire community is invited to participate.

VOLUNTEERS

There are several areas in our school that need volunteers to help. Our volunteer program at Foster has always played an important role in helping our school run smoothly. If you have some time that you could help we would appreciate it very much. School personnel will give any needed training. VIPS supplement our school program by sharing their time and talents. Programs in which they are involved are: ENRICHMENT, ART, TUTORING, LIBRARY-MEDIA CENTER, LUNCHROOMS, and CLASSROOMS. There is a place for you if you have some time to devote. Please contact the school or the VIPS Coordinator. VIPS should report to the office when entering the building. Office personnel will assist you with signing in and placement for available time. We need you!

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Special programs offered here at Foster are as follows:

COMPUTER
LIBRARY
MUSIC
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
SCIENCE
SPECIAL EDUCATION
ESL
TITLE I MATH
SUCCESS FOR ALL READING: GRADES Pre - K - 5
MOVE IT MATH
CONSISTENCY MANAGEMENT DISCIPLINE PROGRAMS
HEAD START
MHMRA
SIGHTS

 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Special activities offered here at Foster are as follows:

BASKETBALL/CHEERLEADERS
BOY SCOUTS
GIRLS CLUB ESSENCE
CHORUS
FIRE PATROL
SAFETY PATROL
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
STUDENT COUNCIL
SPIRIT AND PRIDE
STUDENT CONTESTS (Dental Health, Rodeo, History Fair,
Black History, Spelling Bee, Number Sense,
Science Fair, Name That Book, etc.)

SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS WITH CHILDREN WITH LANGUAGE/LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

1. Your attitude of understanding and support is basic. There is a reason for your child’s trouble in school; he/she is not lazy or stupid, but requires a different approach to learning language skills. Detachment and humor can be very helpful. Convey your belief that he/she will ultimately succeed.

2. HELP your child to realize exactly what his/her difficulty is. Let him/her know that you understand it, too. Attend parent/teacher or other meetings which may strengthen your knowledge of specific language disability. Read available pertinent literature.

3. ENRICH his/her life with active experiences such as field trips, expeditions to museums, classic movies and TV programs, and lessons in individual skills or sports. The study of piano may be especially difficult for children with this problem. Strengthen any avenues through which he/she can learn other than through reading.

4. GIVE him/her the benefit of academic help in any subject in which he/she feels uncertain. Until he/she becomes more comfortable with his/her language skills, the pressure can be erased if his/her knowledge and understanding is reinforced.

5. READ to him/her as much of his/her homework assignments as seem feasible, especially outside reading books and basic classics which his/her limited reading ability may have excluded from his/her background.

6. ENCOURAGE his/her use of records and tapes.

7. EMPHASIZE any positive asset or talent which he/she possesses and help him/her to develop it or attain a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

If you suspect your child may have learning disabilities, discuss your concerns with the teacher. Students who are experiencing difficulties can be referred for psychological educational services at Foster--including speech and language therapy, assistance in the resource room, assignment to a self-contained special education classroom, or modification to their curriculum in regular education.

· The Neuhaus Education Center works with children with language learning difficulties and is an available source.

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

IF A CHILD LIVES WITH CRITICISM,
HE LEARNS TO CONDEMN.
IF A CHILD LIVES WITH HOSTILITY,
HE LEARNS TO FIGHT.
IF A CHILD LIVES WITH RIDICULE,
HE LEARNS TO BE SHY.
IF A CHILD LIVES WITH SHAME
HE LEARNS TO FEEL GUILTY.
IF A CHILD LIVES WITH ENCOURAGEMENT,
HE LEARNS CONFIDENCE.
IF A CHILD LIVES WITH PRAISE,
HE LEARNS TO APPRECIATE.
IF A CHILD LIVES WITH FAIRNESS,
HE LEARNS JUSTICE.
IF A CHLD LIVES WITH SECURITY,
HE LEARNS TO LIKE HIMSELF
IF A CHILD LIVES WITH ACCEPTANCE AND FRIENDSHIP,
HE LEARNS TO FIND LOVE IN THE WORLD.

-Dorothy Law Nolte

SCHOOL MAP

All teachers are expected to line up their students and escort them to the proper gate exits listed below. Teachers are to encourage all students to go home immediately if they are not waiting for a ride.

Gate Assignment Gate Entrance

AM Pre-K Main Gate/Ward Street
PM Pre-K Main Gate/Ward Street
Kindergarten East Gate/Sherwood Street
First Grade West Gate/Driftwood Street
Second Grade East Gate/Sherwood Street
Third Grade East Gate/Sherwood Street
Fourth Grade South Gate/Ward Street
Fifth Grade South Gate/Ward Street
BAC Class/Generic Class Main Gate/Ward Street
Dismissal Bell will ring at 3:00 p.m.

Words From The Principal	2005-2006 Calendar	Parent/Student Handbook	School Supply List
The Technology Initiative	Faculty & Staff	TAKS Release Test	Parent & Student Links
Foster Elementary Library	Foster's School Programs	Promotional Standards	School Improvement Plan
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M. E. Foster Elementary School 3919 Ward Street Houston, Texas  77021 Houston Independent School District phone  713.746.8260 * fax 713.746.8260 Date Last Modified:  07/14/2005 07:54:08 PM http://es.houstonisd.org/fosteres/Handbook/Handbook.htm Send All Questions & Comments to Richard K. Reynolds, Jr.