Burbank Bears

Luther Burbank Elementary

216 Tidwell
Houston, Texas 77022
(713) 696-2690 
Liz Rios, Principal

Quick Links:

• Student Progression Analysis

• Ready Assessment

MISSION STATEMENT:

To teach the whole child intellectually, emotionally, physically, socially, and culturally.

 BURBANK MOTTO:

 Burbank Brings Out The Best In Me!

 BURBANK PLEDGE:

I will do my best

I will make by best

I will show my best

Because I am the Best!

DAILY SCHEDULE

Students will not be allowed to wait outside on the walkways or in the hallways before school hours.  To ensure the safety of our children, supervision will be provided for them in the cafeteria.  The students will be dismissed at 7:45 a.m. from the cafeteria to report to their classrooms.  Classroom teachers will escort each grade level to their classrooms by 7:50 a.m.

All walkers and car riders are dismissed and are to leave the campus promptly.  If a student’s ride does not arrive, please direct the child to come to the office. The Counselor will help him/her contact someone to provide transportation home.  Magnetstudents must go directly to the cafeteria, and the magnet teachers will escort them to their magnet classes.

Any child who stays on campus after 3:20 p.m. must be enrolled in our Magnet program.  No other supervision is available!    

STREET CROSSING

HISD places two crossing guards at the intersection of Bauman and Tidwell from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m., (Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday) and on Wednesdays from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. to supervise our children.      Children who wish to cross the street must cross at the supervised area.  No child will be allowed to cross the street in the middle of the block.  Another crossing guard is at the back of the school.

TRAFFIC AND STUDENT SAFETY

The following rules will help ensure the safety of our children in the morning and at dismissal time.

 Cars may not park or “stand” in the driveway in the back of the school.  This area is reserved for HISD buses.

 Children must cross the street at the crosswalk.

Cars, trucks, and vans should not attempt to pass buses in the driveway.

Thank you for your concern for the safety of our boys and girls.

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AFTER SCHOOL PROCEDURES

The dismissal process is still the same but in order to provide more safety preventative measures for our students, the teachers are walking and supervising the students to either of three locations which are: 1) the back of the school, 2) front of the school, 3) or the cafeteria for magnet classes and utilizing the time from 3:20 PM to 3:30 PM to remain with the students.  This allows for more supervision of students at the designated pick-up sites and in the movement of large amounts of students to the designated pick-up sites.  As we have tried to maintain order we are amazed at the number of cars hurriedly picking up students after school in unsafe ways.  Parents need to follow safe procedures and demonstrate patience and respect for other drivers when picking up the children at school.  It is unsafe to pick-up students from the street and motion them to cross from Tidwell Street and/or the back parking lot.  Students who walk between the congestion of cars and buses are in danger of being injured.  In this fast-paced world we should always take time for our children, and patiently await whatever it takes for their safety.  At the back of the school all buses are entering the gates first, especially Special Education and private buses, and proceeding to the end of the school driveway.  At the back parking lot there are 25 available parking spaces for parents to utilize beginning at 3:05 PM.  We strive to use the back parking lot to move the traffic as quickly and smoothly as possible.  Please make arrangements with your child before the end of the school day so students know where they are to report at dismissal.

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IMPORTANT DATES

HOLIDAYS

TEACHER STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS

NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

REPORT CARDS TO PARENTS – NINE WEEKS

PK REPORT CARDS TO PARENTS – TWELVE WEEKS

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

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POLICIES

PROGRAMS

PROCEDURES

Open House

We have scheduled our Open House for Saturday, September 15, 2007 for grades PK-5, from       10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.  At that time you will receive information from your child’s teacher about our discipline system, school, classroom rules and expectations, and scheduled events for the year.  We hope all parents will be in attendance at this important event.

Registration Requirements

For a child to be registered for school, it is necessary to have the following items:

1. Proof of residence, such as a paid utility bill or rent receipt

2. with the correct name and address.  All students must be zoned

3. to Burbank Elementary unless enrolled in the Magnet Program.

4. A certified copy of birth certificate or birth registration card.

5. A report card from the last school attended.

6. If enrolled during the current school year, a withdrawal sheet from the previous school, establishing a clear record.

7. Guardianship papers if the student is residing with someone other than the parent.

8. Immunization Records.

Age Requirements

Pre-Kindergarten children must be four years of age on or before September 1, of the current year for enrollment.  Kindergarten children must be five years of age on or before September 1 of the current year for enrollment.  First Grade children must be six years of age on or before September 1 or the current year for enrollment.  Once enrolled, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students are required to follow the compulsatory laws. 

Immunizations

All students are required to have current and updated immunizations as required by law.  It is the responsibility of the student and parent to provide the school with an accurate immunization record.  A student may not be allowed to attend school without these state-mandated immunizations.  Exclusions from compliance are allowable on an individual basis for medical reasons and religious conflicts.  Students falling into these categories must submit affidavits specified by law.

Withdrawal Procedures

Advance notification two (2) days is needed to complete the check-out forms and determine if fines and textbooks have been cleared.  Please inform the school of the student’s last day of attendance, new address, and the name of the new school the child will attend.  In elementary school, the parent/guardian must come and withdraw the child and sign the withdrawal form.  The completed check-out form must be taken to the new school with a copy of the last report card attached, if available.

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Lunch Provisions

Please provide your child with a lunch or lunch money daily.  If a child comes to school without lunch money, we will lend him/her money from a small fund established by the PTO for soup or sandwich and milk.  We will notify parents when a child has borrowed lunch money.  Please return the money to the school office as quickly as possible so that we may maintain our emergency lunch fund.

Lunch Cards

Lunch card applications must be renewed each year.  Applications will be sent home with each child at the beginning of the year.  Please fill it out completely and return it to the school as soon as possible.  Lunch cards are valid until October 8, 2007.  Please send your child with a sack lunch or money if your lunch card application has not been approved by October 8, 2007.

Cafeteria Prices

Under the guidelines for the 2007-2008 school year, the cafeteria prices are:

          ●Free breakfast for all students

          ●Reduced-price lunch, 20¢

          ●Elementary-school lunch with milk, $1.40

          ●Middle-and high-school lunch with milk, $1.50

          ●Lunch for adults and visitors, $2.35

          ●Adult breakfast with milk, juice, or coffee, $1.60

          ●Milk (half-pint), 35¢

Attendance Policy

According to the HISD requirements for promotion to the next grade, an elementary student must not have more than 10 absences for the year with no more than 8 unexcused absences.  Parents and/or legal guardians have three (3) days to send a note to the teacher indicating the reason for absence.  If a note is not sent within the three (3) day period, the absence is counted as an unexcused absence.  In May, the Attendance Committee will review the records of any student not meeting this criteria to determine if he/she will progress to the next grade.

Students who have been absent must present written excuses from the parent or guardian when they return to school.  Students who are tardy must also bring written excuses.  The only acceptable excuses for absences and tardiness are:

1.                 personal illness

2.                 sickness or death in the family

3.                 weather or road conditions making travel dangerous

4.                 participation in school activities with permission of the principal

5.                 emergencies or unusual circumstances recognized by the principal or person designated.

Official HISD and State attendance is taken at 9:30 a.m. for the whole day.  Children present at 9:30 a.m. are marked present for the whole day.  Those who are absent at 9:30 a.m. are counted absent for the whole day. 

Sample letter to Teacher when students are absent.

                                                          Teacher:________________  Grade:___

                                                          Date:________________

__________________________was absent on _________ because he/she was: 

               (Child’s name)                                      (Date)

●__________      Ill

●__________      Had a medical appt.

●__________      Was out of town

●__________      Other____________________________

Comments:_______________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian ____________________________

                                                          Burbank Elementary School

                                                          Phone: ______________________

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Excusing Students for Part of the School Day

Students must present a written request from parents or guardian stating the reason for early dismissal.  The request must be approved by the principal.  A student will only be dismissed from the office if a parent or guardian appears in person to sign for the child’s release.  A form of photo identification is required in the office when picking up your child.

Rainy Day/Emergency Plan

Make plans with your child and be sure he/she understands what to do for bad weather and early dismissal.  This gives a child a sense of security.  Office phones are needed during emergencies.  Rainy Day Forms must be returned to school as soon as possible.  Complete the Day/Emergency Form and be sure your child’s teacher has a copy on file.  Inclement weather hotline for HISD is 713-267-1704.

School Communications

Children will often be given notes to take home.  Please encourage your child to bring these to your attention.

Change of Address or Telephone Number

In order for the school to handle emergencies, school file information should be correct.  Please notify the school office of address, telephone, name, or other changes that need to be made.  Some parent communications will be sent through U. S. mail.  To guarantee that you receive these messages, please make certain that we have a current address on file.  Our school telephone number is 713-696-2690.

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Conferences and Visitors on Campus

Parents are always welcome on our campus.  HISD policy specifies that all visitors must check in at the office before going to a classroom, state the purpose for the visit, and obtain approval by the principal.  This is for the protection of all our students.  We want a safe environment for everyone.  You will be issued a badge to wear should the purpose of your visit warrant you be on campus.  You will be asked for a photo ID, such as a drivers’ license to run through our Raptor System which checks immediately for violations.

It is in the best interest of the students that conferences be held before or after school instead of during instructional time, unless a conference has been scheduled during a teacher’s planning period.  Please feel free to call and schedule an appointment for a conference with your child’s teacher when you feel the need for one.

Use of Telephone by Students

No student is allowed to go to the office to use the telephone without a permit from his/her teacher.  Students are not allowed to receive phone calls.  Arrangements and home procedures should occur before the students arrive on campus.

Textbooks

Students are held responsible for all textbooks checked out to them by the teacher.  According to HISD policy, a lost textbook must be paid for by the student before a replacement can be issued to him/her.  State law also states that all textbooks are to be covered.  A student’s records can be withheld until payment is received for lost books.

School Celebrations and Special Events

Two celebrations are permitted per school year.  These celebrations are traditionally held at the end of the school day prior to the Winter Holidays and the last day of school.  Halloween and Valentine’s Day treats may be passed out just before the school day is over.  Piñatas and birthday parties are also prohibited.

Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV)

Foods of minimal nutritional value cannot be served during the school day and at any of these celebrations.  These include soda water (which is any carbonated beverage), chewing gum, and certain candies.  The certain candies include hard candy, such as lollipops, candy sticks, sour balls, cough drops; jellies and gums such as jelly beans, and fruit flavored slices; marshmallow candies, fondant, licorice, spun candy, and candy coated popcorn.  Please do not bring any of these items on campus.

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Field Trips

Field trips and other extra-curricular activities will be scheduled by classroom teachers or grade levels throughout the school year.  A child’s participation in these events will be influenced by his/her current conduct grade.

1.       If a child is making a “U” during the grading period in which the trip is to be taken, he/she will not be included in the field trip or activity.

2.       If the trip is to occur during the first two weeks of the nine weeks period the general conduct grade for the previous nine week will determine the child’s participation.

3.       When an activity is being planned, parents will be notified in writing if it appears that their child’s conduct grade might cause the child to be excluded from the event.

4.       Teachers will also notify parents of the cost to the student for each field trip.  Payment must be sent in cash to the school before the day of the trip.

Field Trip Chaperone Guidelines

Before chaperoning a field trip, a request for a criminal background check must be completed.  The process takes three weeks, and is for the safety of our students.

CHAPERONE GUIDELINES

• Sign-in at the office before entering the classroom.

• The teacher is in charge.  Follow his/her directions.

• No individual pictures may be taken  - only group pictures purchased by the teacher.

• Do not purchase food or other items unless you can buy for all the class.

• Do not smoke or use profanity on the field trip.

• Teachers’ and parents’ siblings and non-Burbank children are not allowed on this trip.

• Chaperones will not be allowed to take their child home before dismissal time.

• Chaperones are not to walk freely throughout the campus and are to remain only in the part of the building for which they are assigned.

• Noise is to be kept to a minimum for other students.

• Chaperones for field trips must ride the HISD bus and not their personal cars.  Parents are not to meet students at the field trip designation.

• A criminal background check must have been received and approved prior to going on the Field Trip.  This process takes three weeks or more.

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Grading

Criteria For Grading Academic Subjects:

          A       =  90 – 100            Excellent

          B       =  80 – 89             Good, Above Average

          C       =  75 – 79             Satisfactory, Average

          D       =  70 – 74             Passing, Below Average

          F       =  Below 70           Failing, Unsatisfactory

Criteria For Grading Enrichment Subjects:

          E = Excellent

          S = Satisfactory

          N = Needs Improvement

          U = Unsatisfactory

Criteria For Grading Conduct:

          E = Excellent

          S = Satisfactory

          P = Poor, Below Average

          U = Unsatisfactory

Winners Get To School On Time

Certificates are awarded each nine weeks by the teacher to those students who arrive on time to class before 8:05 AM.

Perfect Attendance

Perfect Attendance certificates are awarded to students with perfect attendance in the current reporting period (nine weeks) who are present in school each school day.

Burbank Honor Roll

The Burbank Honor Roll is awarded to students in the current reporting period (nine weeks) who achieve grades in the 90-100 range with no more than two grades in the 80-89 range.  An “S” in conduct is required.

Principal’s Honor Roll

The Principal’s Honor Roll is awarded to students in the current reporting period (nine weeks) who achieve all grades in the 90-100 range.  An “E” in conduct is also required.

Report to Parent Notices

Report to Parent Notices will be sent by the teacher to the parents/guardians of all students doing unsatisfactory work.  A duplicate copy of this notice is placed in the student’s permanent record folder.  These notices will be sent no later than the middle of a grading period and at other times deemed necessary by the teacher.  Please sign and return the notice to your child’s teacher.

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Title I Letter

Dear Parent(s)

Our school has been identified as a Title I school for the 2007 - 2008 school year.  Your child is very fortunate because he/she will participate in one or more of the Title I programs we are offering.

The Title I programs are supplemental in nature and are designed to provide intensive skills development in the areas of language arts (reading, etc.) and/or mathematics.

As the parent(s) of a Title I eligible child, you are encouraged to participate in our Title I Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meetings.  Your participation will give us valuable input into the planning, design, and implementation of Title I programs.  Your participation will also enable you to become knowledgeable about the Title I Programs and to become a more successful parent-teacher at home.

Help us to reach our goal of 100% parental involvement.  Please, won’t you become actively involved?  Our children are depending on each of us - - parents and teachers.

Watch for the announcement of our first Parent Advisory Council meeting.

Make plans to attend, because it will be EXCITING!!

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Title One

Burbank has a schoolwide Title I program.  In addition to providing funding for personnel and instructional materials, Title I program also provides the following services:

1.                 field lessons and fine arts enrichment programs;

2.                 parent workshops;

3.                 additional instructional supplies to the regular classroom;

4.                 staff development for the faculty;

5.                 additional school personnel to assist with student learning.

If you have any questions about Title I or about any of the services it provides please call the school office at 713-696-2690.

Special Education

Burbank Elementary serves a large population of students who receive special education services according to their eligibility.  The programs provided are Multiply Impaired, Resource, Content Mastery, Behavior Adjustment Class, Speech Therapy, and OT/PT services.

VIPS – Volunteers in Public Schools

Schools are very active places and we need your help.  If you would like to volunteer to assist with classroom projects, making bulletin or instructional materials, helping the school librarian, or telephoning parents regarding student absences or upcoming meetings please call the school office at 713-696-2690.  Before volunteering you must complete a criminal background check and be approved.  The process takes approximately three weeks, and is for the safety of our students.

PTO

Burbank Elementary has a PTO.  Please be supportive and join the PTO.  Dues are $5.00 per member for the 2007-2008 school year. 

Magnet

There is an after school Magnet program at Burbank.  This program includes classes in dance, gymnastics, art, music, team/lifetime sports, and computer.  Magnet Classes are Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.  On Wednesdays all students, even Magnet students are dismissed at 12:45 p.m.  If you would like more information about the Magnet program please call our Magnet Coordinator, at 713-696-2698.  Students must maintain an “S” in conduct and follow all magnet guidelines.

Counselor

Our school counselor is on duty to assist students in achieving their full potential.  The program includes discussions concerning rights and responsibilities, discipline, and character development.  Parents or students may make an appointment with the counselor at any time by calling the school office or sending a note to your child’s teacher. 

GIFTED AND TALENTED

The Gifted and Talented program is designed to provide enrichment and challenge activities in Language Arts and Mathematics for gifted and talented students.  For Gifted and Talented information, please contact the School Counselor, at 713-696-2690. 

DEVELOPMENTAL BILINGUAL PROGRAM 

In this program, LEP students are allowed to fully develop and maintain their native language while learning English.  The subject areas are taught in the native language from Pre-Kindergarten to 3^rd grade with daily instruction.  English instruction increases gradually through the elementary grades until reaching the same level of proficiency in both languages.  This leads to a 50% native language curriculum and 50% curriculum at grades 4^th-5^th.  The goal of this program is to prepare the students to be fully bilingual and biliterate. 

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DISCIPLINE

The philosophy of the Burbank Elementary School is to foster a safe and happy school environment for both students and school personnel.  Our supervised Disciplinary Plan is necessary to enhance the learning environment of all students as well as to change their unacceptable behavior to an acceptable behavior.  This will establish pride in themselves and their school, and form a positive attitude toward learning among teachers, parents, administrators and students.  We have developed a structured plan that will assure an environment that is truly conducive to both teaching and learning, maintain the dignity of our students when being disciplined, and which will provide equity as well as maximized learning on our campus.

A detailed description of the school’s discipline plan will be sent home for you to review with your child.  Please take time to go over it with him/her and then sign and return the acknowledgement form.  Please remember that we have a zero tolerance policy.  Discipline and successful instruction go hand in hand at school and at home.

CELL PHONES

Cell phones are not encouraged or recommended for elementary school aged students.  If cell phones are brought to the school, they are not to be used during the instructional day.  Cell phones that are made visible or used by the student during the instructional day will be confiscated by the school and will be turned over to the HISD Police Department.   Burbank Elementary is not liable for lost or stolen cell phones or complications and/or problems arising from bringing a cell phone to school.  Charges incurred for misuse of the cell phone will not be the responsibility of Burbank Elementary, and Burbank Elementary is not liable.  If your child brings a cell phone on the school campus, you do so at your own risk and expense.

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STUDENT DRESS CODE

A student’s appearance can influence behavior and affect the learning environment of the classroom.  Students are required to wear uniforms.  Uniforms shirts can be purchased at the school for $12.00.  The uniform schedule follows.

          ·  The royal blue Burbank polo shirt with bear logo (uniform), navy pants,

    skirt,  jumper, walker shorts (below the knee), or blue jeans.

The following recommendations are to act as guidelines to assist pupils, parents, and teachers.

General Guidelines

·  Students should wear clean, comfortable, and size appropriate clothing to   

    school.

·  Any apparel or adornment, which attracts undue attentions and disrupts the  

    learning atmosphere of the classroom may not be worn.  This includes  

    extreme, bizarre, or unsafe decorations, pictures, or messages on clothing or

    buttons.  Unsafe or disruptive articles include, but are not limited to, heavy

    studs, chain belts, or long, fashion earrings.

·  Earrings on boys are not permitted.

·  Make-up is not permitted.

·  Shoes must be worn at all times and tennis shoes must be tied at all times.

    Platform or high-heeled shoes and slip-ons, backless sandals, and flip flops are

    not suitable for regular school activities. These types of shoes are unsafe during  

    physical education and should not be worn.  They are not permitted for the

    safety of our students.

·  Bicycle shorts are not allowed.

·  Tank tops are not allowed.

·  Garments of see-through material may be worn over another article of  

    clothing.

·  Caps and hats can be worn outside before and after school only.

·  Shorts may be worn underneath jumpers and skirts for physical activity.

·  Shorts may be worn, but must be knee length.

·  Leggings may only be worn under shorts, skirts or with oversized shirts that

    reach mid-thighs.

·  Shirts are to be tucked in and not oversized and hanging out.

·  Students must wear their royal blue Burbank T-shirt with bear logo daily.

Consequence

Students not adhering to the dress code will be referred to the principal or the administrative staff by the classroom teacher and their parents will be notified.  Appropriate clothing and/or shoes must be brought to the school immediately.

Prohibited Articles

Students are not allowed to bring hand held recorders, Walkman, CD players, radios, iPods, Mp3 players, beepers, portable TVs, guns, drugs, computer games, fireworks, smoke bombs, or knives of any size to school.  The items will be taken from any student who has them in his/her possession and the parents will be notified.  Beepers, guns, and knives will be confiscated and turned over to the HISD Police Department.

Gum chewing is not permitted on campus.

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SCHOOL CLINIC

A school clinic is located at the back of the school and is operated by our school nurses.  The service is provided to those students who become ill or injured while at school.  Minor injuries (scratches, bruises) will be treated in the clinic.  Parents will be contacted in case of more serious injury or illness.   Please inform the school nurse if your child has a medical condition of any type, such as Asthma or any other medical condition.  Our school nurses are Joan Maset and Andrea Wyche.

Health Tips

· Make sure your child gets a least eight (8) hours of sleep a night.

· Make sure your child has a good breakfast.  Your child needs a good breakfast to    

   stay alert throughout the day.

· Encourage your child to brush his/her teeth after meals to prevent tooth decay.

· Make sure your child lets someone at school (teacher, nurse) know when 

   he/she is not feeling well.

● Make sure your child bathes daily.  Older students may require deodorant.

· Keep your child home at least 24 hours if he/she has a fever, persistent  

  coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes or a skin rash.  CHECK WITH  

  YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS.

Student Illness

Here are some guidelines concerning health:

          ·        Keep them home if they are sick.

          ·        If your child becomes ill at school, he/she will be sent to the

nurse’s office.   Parents will be called to come for him/her.

          ·        Please notify your child’s teacher if your child has any

communicable disease so others will know if they have been

exposed.

          ·        Please send a note if something unusual or sad has happened

                   (death of a person or pet, for instance).

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Medication

HISD board policy prohibits school personnel from administering any medication, (including aspirin or cough medicine or prescription medication) during school hours.  If a child must take a long-term medication, the school will provide parents with a form to be signed by a physician stating this need.  This form may be obtained from the school nurses.

BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

WHAT IS MENINGITIS?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord.  It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria.  Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious.  Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of serious bacterial infection with the potential for serious, long-term complications.  It is an uncommon disease, but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Someone with meningitis will become very ill.  The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours.  Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.

Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or confusion.  In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots.  These can occur anywhere on the body.

The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.

HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS SPREAD?

Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.  The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body.  They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing; sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes).

The germ does not cause meningitis in most people.  Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks or even months.  The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and causes meningitis or another serious illness.

HOW CAN BACTERIAL MENINGITIS BE PREVENTED?

Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes.  Limit the number of persons you kiss.

While there are vaccines for some other strains of bacterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances.  These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high risk of getting the disease.  Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls.  The vaccine is safe and effective (85-90%).  It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain in the injection site lasting up to two days.  Immunity develops within 7 to 10 days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to 5 years.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU THINK YOU OR A FRIEND MIGHT HAVE BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?

Seek prompt medical attention. 

For more information

Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all communicable disease.  You may also call your local health department or Regional Texas Department of Health office to ask about meningococcal vaccine.  Additional information may also be found at the web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov and the Texas Department of Health: www.tdh.state.tx.us.

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FIRE DRILL PROCEDURES 

Fire drill and disaster drill plans will be posted next to the classroom door in all rooms in the school.  There will be a fire drill on the first day of school.  Consult the fire drill exit plan.  It is of the utmost importance that children leave the classroom and the building in a quiet, orderly manner.  Close all doors and windows and turn off all lights as you exit.  The children should remain quiet throughout the entire drill.  Grade books are carried outside during fire drills and the roll of students called to make sure no student was left behind.  This, of course, is training in the event of a real emergency. Remind your children that this practice might save lives in the event of a real emergency.  Fire drills are conducted once a month and are for the safety of the students.

THREE LONG BELLS is the signal for a manual fire drill.  A continuous, loud blaring sound is the signal for our fire drill.  No one is allowed to remain in the building during a drill.  This could result in a personal citation from the fire marshal.

TWO LONG BELLS is the signal that all is clear and students may return to the building.

ONE LONG BELL indicates that each person must stop without taking another step.  If a one-bell signal is followed by a pause then two long bells, students may then return to the building.  If one bell signal is followed by a pause then three long bells students are to return to their assigned station away from the building and await the all clear signal.

A RED FLAG indicates a fire hazard in that area and an alternate exit route will need to be taken.  Instruct your students regarding the alternate routes available.  If you take an alternate route, you are to go to your assigned area away from the building and you must return to your classroom by that alternate route.

A QUICK (STACATTO) BELL SEQUENCE indicates a disaster drill and a danger is imminent.  Students should kneel on the floor away from windows with their heads touching their knees.  The hand or arm with which the student writes should be protected under the chest and the other arm should be folded over the head to protect the head and ears.  A disaster drill will always be followed by a fire drill. 

Other fire safety precautions to follow include:

          - -      No multiple connector devices shall be used in electoral

                   outlets or at the end of extension cords.

          - -      Extension cords shall not exceed six feet in length.

          - -      All flammable liquids shall be stored in approval metal

                   safety containers.

          - -      Kilns or other heating devices for arts and crafts shall be

                   securely mounted on noncombustible floors and are to be

                   provided with noncombustible shields.

          - -      Candles are not permitted on the campus.

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EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES

BUS EVACUATION FROM BUILDING

When a bus evacuation from the building notice is received by the principal, or his designees (Instructional Coordinator, Lead Teacher, Magnet Coordinator, Counselor or Nurse in this order) from the General Superintendent, Fire Department, Police Department, or HISD Security the following procedure will be implemented.

1.     Evacuate students to Bethel Baptist Church, 25 Tidwell, or other site.

2.      Post notice on front door that students have been evacuated and give destination.

IMMEDIATE EVACUATION FROM BUILDING

When notice of immediate evacuation from building is received by the principal, or his designee (Instructional Coordinator, Lead Teacher, Magnet Coordinator, Counselor or Nurse in this order) from the General Superintendent, Fire Department, Police Department, or HISD Security the following procedure will be implemented (Grade Chairperson designated to relay instructions from person in charge to other teachers on grade level):

1. Sound the fire alarm to evacuate buildings.

2. Move students by grade levels to Bethel Baptist Church, 25 Tidwell.

3. Post a notice on front door of school building that students have been evacuated to a certain location if time permits.

4. If it can be determined that there is no danger in cafeteria, Food Service Employees will be directed to prepare food for evacuation.

5. Notify nurse to prepare first aid kits for evacuation, if time permits.

Assembly Locations

The following locations will be designated as assembly point for students of Burbank Elementary:

          North of the school –

                   Students will walk along Bauman Road to:

                             ½ mile from school

                                      Community Outreach Church

                                      10110 Bauman                713-692-7533

          West of the school –

                   Students will walk along

                             ½ mile from school

                                      Bethel Baptist Church

                                      25 Tidwell                       713-694-2381

          South of the school –

                   Students will walk along Bauman Road to:

                             ½ mile from school

                                      Burbank Middle School

                                      315 Berry                        713-696-2720

                             1 mile from school

                                      Janowski Elementary

                                      7500 Bauman                  713-696-2844

          East of the school –

                   Students will walk along Tidwell to:

                             ½ mile from school

                                      Sam Houston Senior High School

                                      Tidwell at Irvington         713-696-8900

                             1 mile from school

                                      North Central Baptist Church

                                      2102 Tidwell                   713-692-6316

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DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Safety of School Building:

District students are housed in buildings which meet state specifications.  They are built to be resistant to natural disasters.

During a Disaster

Teachers will command “duck, cover and hold”.   Students and personnel will remain under desks or in other appropriate locations until the danger is over.  When the danger is over, students will be dismissed as a class, under teacher supervision, to predesignated areas outside the buildings.  They will remain outside until buildings are judged safe by qualified inspectors.

Telephone/Communications

If telephones are operational following a serious disaster, their use will be restricted to reporting medical, fire or other emergencies.  Please do not call the school.  Information for parents will be released by radio stations.  Parents will be advised regarding school conditions, dismissal times and procedures. Inclement Weather Hotline for HISD is 713-267-1704.

Dismissal

In the event of a disaster, school will not be dismissed and children will remain under the supervision of school authorities.

Picking Up Your Child

No child will be released to anyone other than his/her parent or guardian, except under the following conditions:

1. The person is listed on your child’s  Emergency Information card in the school office.

2. The signature and phone number of any person signing a child out will be required before the child is released.

3. If any of the above are judged to be in doubt, the child will remain in the care of the school.

Please minimize the possibility of a traffic jam and facilitate the smooth release of children by walking to the school to pick up your child when possible.

Emergency Information Card

Keep the information on your child’s Emergency Information card current.

Thank you for your cooperation in this important matter.  If you have any questions regarding this information, please call the school at 713-696-2690.

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HOMEWORK POLICY

The Board of Education acknowledges that it is appropriate for pupils to be assigned homework in addition to the regular classroom learning experience.  When properly utilized,

Homework constitutes a valuable supplement to the pupil’s directed study during school hours.  Homework assignments are to be made at the discretion of the individual classroom teacher.  The extent and amount of homework should be expected to increase as the pupil progresses through the grade levels of school.  The assignment of homework as punishment is to be avoided.

Homework is purposeful when assigned to pupils in order to:

·  Maintain and extend good study habits developed in the classroom

·  Strengthen fundamental skills

·  Develop responsibility for completing tasks on time

·  Provide opportunities to apply work, study, and reference skills

·  Provide opportunities to engage in creative projects and self directed activities

The principal’s responsibility is to:

·  Discuss the homework policy with teachers

·  Develop with teachers a homework program adapted to the school

·  Implement the homework program and policy to parents

·  Maintain a continuous evaluation of homework

The teacher’s responsibility is to:

·  Provide assignments related to class work

·  Notify parents at the beginning of the school year of the homework requirements

·  Make available the materials need for the assignment

·  Make certain pupils understand the assignment and its purpose

·  Check and evaluate the homework

·  Provide feedback to students on their homework

The pupil’s responsibility is to:

·  Be sure he/she understands and knows how to do the assignment

·  Have the necessary materials on hand

·  Take care of and return school books needed for homework

·  Follow study techniques outlined  by the teacher

·  Apply and practice skills learned in class

·  Strive for the best quality of work which he/she is capable

·  Complete and return assignments on time

The parent’s responsibility is to:

·  Provide the child with a quiet place and adequate time to do the homework

·  Encourage the child to do his/her own work and be a good listener

·  Encourage the use of good study habits and the completion of assignments

·  Insist upon the proper use and care of books and materials

·  Remind the child to bring all materials back to school each day

SATURDAY CLASSES

Saturday classes for TAKS assistance will begin in January, 2008.  All students in grade 3, 4, and 5 are to attend.  Classes are from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon.

AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING

After school tutoring will be implemented throughout the year.  Classes will be from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM.  It is important that your child is picked up promptly at 4:30 PM.

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