Dodson Elementary & Montessori School

Parent-Student Handbook

2008-2009

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The Houston Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

 

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS

Parents delivering or picking up students at school should use the drop-off area in front of the school on Sampson Street. THE PARKING LOT IS RESERVED FOR TEACHERS, STAFF MEMBERS AND HISD BUSES.  PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS AREA.

 

STUDENTS SHOULD NOT ARRIVE AT SCHOOL BEFORE 7:55 A.M. UNLESS THEY ARE GOING TO EAT BREAKFAST AT SCHOOL. THE STARTING TIME FOR BREAKFAST IS 7:30 A.M.  STUDENTS ARE NOT SUPERVISED PRIOR TO THIS TIME.

 

Students who arrive prior to 7:55 must report directly to the library. Pre-K students who eat breakfast will be dismissed from the cafeteria for class at 7:40 a.m.  All other students will be dismissed for class at 7:55 A.M.

 

Students will be dismissed at 3:00 P.M. daily. Students must leave school promptly at dismissal unless special prearranged plans have been made.

 

ATTENDANCE

In order to meet attendance standards, a student is required to attend school no less than 90% of the days classes are offered (Senate Bill I).  A student is absent for classroom purposes if he is not in attendance at 10:30 A.M.  EXCEPTIONS: IF A STUDENT IS ON AN OFFICIAL SCHOOL PROJECT AT 10:30 A.M. HE/SHE IS NOT ABSENT. STUDENTS WITH MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS WHO ARE OUT OF CLASS AT 10:30 A.M. MAY BE COUNTED PRESENT, PROVIDED THEY ARE IN ATTENDANCE AT SOME TIME DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.

 

Whenever a student is absent, a dated written excuse must be presented to the teacher by the parent. This excuse is due the day the student returns to school after an absence, and must be received within three days of the student’s absence. If your child is ill for more than one day, please notify the school regarding the approximate date your child will return. A doctor’s note is required if a student is absent five or more consecutive days. If the teacher does not receive a note from the parent within three days after the student returns to school, the absence is counted as unexcused.

Students who present acceptable excuses for absences will be given the opportunity to make up work. Excuses for absences are personal illness, sickness or death in the family, quarantine, weather or road conditions making travel dangerous, participation in school activities with the permission of the principal, or “any other causes acceptable to teacher, principal, or superintendent.”  STUDENTS WITH UNEXCUSED ABSENCES MAY ALSO BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE UP WORK IF THE TEACHER AGREES TO ASSIGN AND GRADE ADDITIONAL WORK.

Students will receive recognition awards each nine weeks for perfect attendance.

 

BUILDING SECURITY

The following procedures are in effect daily:

 

1.     All students must report to their designated area if they arrive at school prior to 7:55. Please be advised that there is no adult supervision for students who arrive prior to 7:30 a.m.

2.     All visitors, including parents, must report to the office to sign-in before visiting classrooms or school personnel. Visitors must wear a name badge and report to the office to sign-out before leaving the building.

3.     Parents must provide the school with information regarding persons authorized to pick up their children from school.  Persons picking up students must be prepared to show identification.  Request to pick up a child before the end of the school day must be made in writing.  A form is provided for this request in the office. Teachers will not release students to anyone without a badge granting approval for early release.

4.     Students must always carry a hall pass.

5.     Panic bars will remain on several doors throughout the day.

6.     Code Red procedures will go into effect during emergencies.

7.     Members of the school security team will monitor the building and grounds.

8.     HISD POLICE will be used in emergency situations.

9.     Classroom doors will be locked when not in use.

10.   A “Rainy Day Emergency Plan” must be on file for each student.

 

BULLYING/TEASING

Students must not engage in bullying or teasing another student. A student who believes that he or she is being bullied or teased should report the incident to the principal.

 

CAFETERIA RULES

THE SAME GENERAL RULES FOR BEHAVIOR APPLY IN THE CAFETERIA AS IN THE CLASSROOM. Students are to remain quiet in line and keep their hands to themselves. Classes will sit together at their assigned table(s). Students are allowed to talk quietly, and may leave their table only when excused by a cafeteria monitor.

 

CALENDAR FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR

The 2008-2009 calendar is included for your convenience. Students will not attend school on the following dates:

           

           

Labor Day	September 1, 2008
Fall Holiday	October 9, 2008
Thanksgiving	November 26–28, 2008
Winter Break	Dec. 22, 2008–Jan. 5, 2009
Martin Luther King Day	January 19, 2009
Spring Break	March 16–20, 2009
Spring Holiday	April 10, 2009
Memorial Day	May 25, 2009

 

The last day of school for students is May 28, 2009

           

Dodson will have six Early Dismissal Days during the 2008-2009 school year.  These days will be used for parent involvement activities, and staff development.  STUDENTS WILL BE DISMISSED AT 12:30 P.M.

 

Early dismissal dates are:

 

            October 8, 2008

            November 5, 2008

December 19, 2008

            January 14, 2009

March 13, 2009

            May 28, 2009

 

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER

It is extremely important that every student maintain an up-to-date address and telephone number on file in the main office. Notify the school immediately if you have a change of address or telephone number during the school year.  We use the district’s Connect-Ed system to do a call- out to all parents notifying you of upcoming events or emergencies.  If your number is not listed correctly in the system a red flag is received.

 

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

Each student will receive a copy of the CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT.  Please read and discuss the contents of this important document with your child.  When you have done so, you and your child must sign the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM and return it to school. This form will be placed in each student’s cumulative folder.

 

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

To protect students from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious.  Parents of a student with a communicable disease should phone the school nurse or principal so that other students who might have been exposed to the disease can be alerted.  Among the more common of the diseases is the following: Chicken Pox, Hepatitis A, Rubella, and Tuberculosis.  Further information is provided on Bacterial Meningitis.

 

Bacterial Meningitis/ WHAT IS MENINGITIS?

 Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering 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 serious headache, high temperature, vomiting, and sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness of 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 SERIOUS IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?

 

If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases it can be fatal; or a person may be left with a permanent disability.

 

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 cause 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 circumstance. 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 at 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 diseases. 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 websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov and the Texas Department of Health: www.tdh.state.tx.us.

 

CONFERENCES WITH TEACHERS OR PRINCIPAL

Parents are encouraged to visit the school whenever their schedule permits. To ensure availability, parents are asked to schedule times for conferences with the principal and /or individual teachers.  Please call our school secretary, at 713-226-2685, to schedule an appointment.  If you have a pressing concern or emergency, don’t hesitate to visit the principal, with or without an appointment.  If the principal is unavailable, her designee, Mrs. Andres will be happy to meet with you.

 

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

The Houston Independent School District has banned corporal punishment. Teachers and staff members are not permitted to use corporal punishment at Dodson Elementary School.

 

CURRICULUM
The district’s curriculum, known as CLEAR (Clarifying Learning to Enhance Achievement Results), clarifies and makes more specific the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the official curriculum of the state of Texas. The CLEAR curriculum is not only aligned to the statewide assessment, TAKS—it actually goes beyond the testing requirements. Developed by the HISD Curriculum Department beginning in 1997-1998 and revised in 2006, the CLEAR curriculum provides all teachers with a clear understanding of what their students need to know and be able to do by the end of each grade level and/or course.

A Vertical Alignment Matrix (VAM) is a series of documents that provides a global view of the curriculum for a particular content area by defining the progression of developmental objectives from one grade level to the next.

Vertical Alignment Matrices provide teachers, parents, students, business partners, and the community at large with a wider view of the flow of the district's curriculum (from prekindergarten through grade 12) by outlining what HISD students are expected to learn at each grade level.

For more information about CLEAR, please see the attached Explanation of Curriculum on page 19-20 of this handbook.

 

DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Teachers have the authority and responsibility to maintain discipline in the classroom.

Consequences for discipline will be handled according to the Houston Independent School District Code of Student Conduct.

  

DRESS CODE FOR STUDENTS

UNIFORMS ARE MANDATORY AT DODSON.  Students must wear plain white, red, or navy blue tops (no decals or excessive writing) and navy blue or khaki pants, knee length shorts, skirts, skorts, or jumpers as appropriate. Any other colors will be considered inappropriate. Shoes or tennis shoes with socks or stockings must be worn at all times. Students may not wear flip flops during the regular school year.  If a student is not wearing an official uniform he/she will remain in the office until a parent is notified to bring the appropriate attire.   

 

EARLY RELEASE OF STUDENTS

Parents must provide the school with information regarding persons, authorized to pick up their children from school. Requests to pick up students before the end of the school day must be made in writing. A form is provided for this request in the office. Teachers will not release students to anyone without this form granting approval for early release. Please do not fax a request for a student to be released early unless you telephone the school first.

 

EDUCATION GOALS

The basic goal of our school is to provide a quality education to every student. This means developing the academic and social skills of each student to the highest possible degree. Specific goals and objectives are outlined in our School Improvement Plan. Copies of Dodson's Plan are on display in the main office. Copies are available upon request for your perusal.

 

FIELD LESSONS

Field lessons within our city and to nearby points of interest will be scheduled by classroom teachers throughout the school year. These trips are designed to supplement different aspects of the classroom curriculum and to introduce students to community resources.  Parents will receive notice of Field lessons in advance of the scheduled trip date, and will be asked to sign a permission form. Sometimes a fee may be requested to help defray the cost of transportation or facility use. Parents are encouraged to attend Field lessons with their children if you have an official HISD criminal background check updated yearly. Parents will be notified at least three days in advance if a student’s misbehavior prohibits their participation in a field trip, or if it is mandatory for a parent to accompany his/her child due to chronic misbehavior as determined by the classroom teacher. Due to liability issues, only students enrolled in our school will be able to ride buses.

 

FIRE ALARMS  

For the safety of all students, Dodson Elementary now has a school-wide fire alarm system that sends an immediate message to the Houston Fire Department and the Houston Police Department in case of an emergency. Pulling any alarm located in the building transmits the emergency signal. All alarms were installed to be handicapped accessible; therefore children can reach them. The following rules will be enforced in regard to the alarm system.

 

1.     Any student pulling the alarm system will be assessed a fine from the Houston Fire Department.

2.     Any student pulling the alarm will be suspended from school for a period

of three days.

 

 

FOOD SERVICE

HISD is committed to providing nutritious, well-balanced breakfasts, lunches, and snacks to help students to perform better in all areas of their lives, including academic achievements. Each of the approximately 230,000 meals served daily by Food Services meets or exceeds the U. S. Department of Agriculture's daily dietary requirements as outlined under the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. HISD offers free breakfast to all students, and lunches are available to qualifying students at no cost or at a substantially reduced rate. Application forms for free or reduced will be sent home the first day of school.

 

The school breakfast program at Dodson begins promptly at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast for all students is free.  Adults pay $1.80 for breakfast.

 

The reduced lunch price is forty cents. All other students must pay $1.60 for lunch. Adults pay $2.55 for lunch. This includes one-half pint of milk. All parents are required to complete a lunch application even if you feel your child will not qualify for free or reduced lunch.  We are a Title I school, therefore every parent is asked to complete an application. If you write N/A across the front and sign the application we will still receive credit for the application submission.

 

Graduate Profile for HISD Students

HISD has worked with representatives from higher education, the local business community, and education organizations to identify the knowledge and skills that a student should possess to graduate from high school fully prepared to pursue additional education or to begin their careers. It was determined that to be successful in the 21st century, students not only need to meet academic standards, but they must also acquire the knowledge and skills to graduate as responsible citizens and as good communicators, thinkers, problem-solvers, and team players. They also need to be comfortable with technology and be aware of current events and issues.

These attributes are included below and practiced to the highest extent possible with our elementary school students.

Effective Communicator
Students will master the basic skills of reading, writing, comprehending, listening, and speaking that are critical to daily life. They will communicate with others in an articulate, effective, and efficient manner.

Proficient Problem-Solver
Students will make good decisions, handle problems and challenges, and think logically. They will interpret and process information, assess the current and desired situations, anticipate the potential outcomes, and solve problems.

Independent Worker and Thinker
Students will set priorities and goals; identify, assess, and apply available information; and create options, develop plans of action, and monitor and evaluate their progress.

Cooperative Team Member
Students will use effective leadership and group skills to develop supportive and cooperative relationships with other students, teachers, and members of the community. They will understand and respect the contributions of diverse cultures.

Efficient Technology-User
Students will use technology to research, develop, and complete classroom assignments and projects. They will demonstrate basic knowledge of computers and software.

Knowledgeable About Worldwide Issues
Students will have a basic knowledge of world issues, foreign affairs, history, politics, and geography. They will be aware of current events and be able to discuss issues affecting America and the world.

Responsible Citizen
Students will contribute their energy, time, and talents to improving the welfare of themselves and others. They will have a sense of social responsibility and participate in the democratic process.

Culturally Aware
Students will demonstrate knowledge of cultures and regions beyond the borders of the United States.

 

HOMEWORK FOLDER

A standardized homework folder will be sent home daily. Contact your child’s teacher if your child does not bring the folder with homework daily.

 

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is important. It is an extension of the learning that takes place in school. Homework can provide practice and drill that reinforces classroom learning. Parents can help their children by providing a quiet, comfortable place for the student to work and by seeing that assignments are completed.

 

Dodson School homework policy is as follows:

1.     No homework will be given on Friday or Weekends unless a long term assignment has been given.

2.     Parents will be made aware of long term assignments.  The teacher will send explanations and due dates in writing.

3.     No written homework will be given on extended holidays.

4.     Parents will be notified if missing homework assignments become habitual.

5.     All homework will be checked; however homework will not be averaged with report card grades unless specified for special projects assigned in writing by the classroom teacher.

6.     Teachers will provide opportunities for students to conduct research activities with materials at school.

7.     Each student will maintain a homework folder. This folder will contain places for assignments to be written as well as a place for parents to sign daily/weekly.

8.     Upon returning from an absence, a student will be given one night to complete each homework assignment missed. This will be in addition to any regular nightly homework.

 

HONOR ROLL

The Honor Roll is a very special recognition for academic achievement. Students in grades one through five who make all A’s or no more than two B’s are placed on the Honor Roll. A student must maintain an E or S in conduct to qualify for the Honor Roll.

 

HOURS

The main office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.  School hours are 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. daily.

 

Inclement Weather Hotline and Emergency Closing of Schools Information

 

HISD Procedures for Emergency Closing of Schools and Offices—The superintendent of schools may close schools and offices due to inclement weather or emergencies (e.g. flooding, icy roads, power failures, etc.) HISD instantaneously announces such closings through its telephone and e-mail notification system, Connect-ED. This information is also announced on radio and television stations. HISD's superintendent of schools will decide whether to close the school district, then make an official announcement based on one of two HISD emergency plans:

Under Plan A, all schools and administrative offices are closed.
Under Plan B, all schools are closed, but administrative offices remain open.

Inclement Weather Hotline—Call 713-267-1704 for any schedule changes or closures that may occur because of severe weather only.

 

LOST AND FOUND

All clothing found on the campus will be placed in the lost and found barrels, which are located in the cafeteria behind the stage. Money, jewelry, or any other articles of value are to be submitted to the clerk in the main office.

 

MEDICATION POLICY

Do not allow your child to bring medicine to school unless you have an official HISD Consent Form completed by a physician. You may obtain this form from our school nurse. ONLY THE SCHOOL NURSE MAY ADMINISTER MEDICATION!

 

PARENT AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers provide a very important service to our school. They are needed to assist in preparation of materials, and are especially needed for extra-curricular activities. Please contact the school if you can share some time to help make our campus a better place for students to learn and grow.  All school volunteers must agree to have HISD conduct a background check before volunteering on campus.

 

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT POLICY

If students are to be successful, their parents or guardians must be actively involved in their education. Dodson Elementary School developed this policy to describe how we involve parents in the total education of our students. The School Title I Parent Compact is a part of this policy which defines how parents help their children achieve in school, and to ensure that parents with limited English proficiency or disabilities can participate in their children's education. This policy was developed with the assistance and approval of parents of children participating in the Title I program, as well as the Principal, Sherell Andres, Title I Coordinator, Nancy Rodriguez, Title III Bilingual Coordinator, Parent Advisory Council President, Communities In Schools, Coordinator, Teachers, and Community Members. Please see pages 17-18 for detailed information on our Parental Involvement Policy.

 

PORTFOLIOS

Student portfolios, which contain work samples, photographs, etc., will be maintained for each student. This portfolio of work samples will help determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses in order to plan appropriate class work. Throughout the school year, parents will be invited to review their child’s portfolio, and share their observations with the teacher.

 

PRE-TESTS

All students will be given pre-tests during the first month of school.  These tests will cover the major subject areas, and their results will enable teachers to address your child’s specific needs in a timely manner.

 

PROFICIENCY TEST

Students will take summative and formative assessments frequently and at the end of the nine weeks period to enable teachers and parents to measure academic growth and plan for on-going instruction.

 

PROGRESS REPORT TO PARENTS

Notice of Progress will be distributed to parents/legal guardians during the fourth week of each grading period for each student who is failing a subject. If a student’s average falls below 70 after these reports have been sent home, the teacher will send a report home immediately.
Notice of Progress Reports will be sent according to the following schedule:

Week of September 15, Week of November 17, Week of February 9, Week of April 27.

 

PROMOTION STANDARDS

·                    a passing score on the HFW assessment for grades 1-2 or TAKS TEST in grades

3-6.

·                    a score within one grade level of appropriate grade level placement on the Stanford 10 test; and

·                    a passing average at the end of the year in academic subjects and overall course

average.

Subject                                                            End of Year Average

                        Reading                                                            70 or above

                        Other Language Arts                                        70 or above

                        Mathematics                                                     70 or above

                        Science or Social Studies                                  70 or above

                        Overall Average                                               70 or above

If the student fails to demonstrate mastery in one of the three academic measures, the student will be required to attend summer school and achieve mastery of the objectives before being promoted. If the student fails to demonstrate achievement of two or more of the three measures, (one measure being grades), the student will be required to attend summer school.

 

Promotion Standards Quick Reference Card

The Houston Independent School District uses three different academic measures to decide whether a student will be promoted to the next grade level. They are course grades, a local or state test (High-Frequency Word Test or Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS)), and a nationally norm-referenced test (Stanford or Aprenda). Please note that attendance may also affect promotion to the next grade level, since students may have no more than seven percent unexcused absences during the school year.

	Grades 1 and 2	Grade 3	Grades 4 and 5
A	Course Grades: Overall yearly grade-point average of 70 or above and a grade-point average of 70 or above in reading, other language arts, mathematics, and science or social studies.
B	High Frequency Word Test: Passing Score	TAKS: Passing score ("met minimum expectations") in reading on English or Spanish TAKS	TAKS: Passing score ("met minimum expectations") in reading and math on English or Spanish TAKS
C	Stanford or Aprenda: Meets appropriate passing standard for reading Grade 1 standard = K.4 Grade 2 standard = 1.4	Stanford or Aprenda: Meets appropriate passing standard for reading Grade 3 standard = 2.4	Stanford or Aprenda: Meets appropriate passing standard for reading and math. Grade 4 standard = 3.4 Grade 5 standard = 3.9

 

If your child is in grades 1-2 please be certain that you receive a copy of the High Frequency Words to review with your child throughout the school year.

 

RECESS

Teachers have the option of taking their students to recess or remaining in the classroom for additional academically engaged time.   

 

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued following the completion of each nine weeks-grading period. Please carefully review your child’s progress and contact the school if you have any questions regarding grades. Report Cards will be issued as follows:

 

            Grades K-5                                         Pre Kindergarten Only

            November 5, 2008                               November 19 2008

            January 14, 2009                                  March 4, 2009

            April 1, 2009                                        May 28, 2009

            May 28, 2009

 

 

 

RESOLVING PROBLEMS

HISD and Dodson Elementary are grateful for the support we receive from the parents of our students. All HISD employees share with parents the goal of achieving what is best for those students. Nevertheless, sometimes parents and school personnel may not agree on a particular issue. In the interest of arriving at a quick, satisfactory solution, it is very important to adhere to the procedures and reporting structures that HISD has in place.

The key to settling any problem is clear and honest communication. If you do not understand or do not agree with an action or a policy that affects your child, the first person to turn to is your child's teacher. Make an appointment to meet with the teacher and discuss the matter. If that does not resolve the problem to your satisfaction or if your concern is with something that involves the whole school, take the issue directly to the principal, who is the chief administrator for the campus.

In the unlikely event that the principal cannot resolve the problem, the next step is to take it to the parent manager for the Central Region.

SAFETY ABOVE ALL ELSE

Student safety on campus and at school related events is a district core value.  The cooperation of students is essential to ensure school safety.  Students should follow rules in the classroom, in the cafeteria, on the bus, and as listed in the Houston ISD Code of Student Conduct Booklet. Soon after school opens, parents will have the opportunity to purchase low-cost accident insurance that will help in meeting medical expenses, in the event of injury to your child. The district/school cannot pay for medical expenses associated with a student’s injury.

 

SALE OF ITEMS BY STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND TEACHERS

Students are not allowed to sell candy, etc. to their classmates or teachers during the instructional day. Parents and unauthorized vendors are not to sell items at school or anywhere on the grounds.  Likewise, staff members are not to sell candy, pencils, etc., to students during the instructional day. This policy does not apply to the sale of items by the P. T. O. or school fund-raisers.

 

SCHOOL COLORS AND MASCOT

The Dodson School mascot is a mustang, and the school colors are red, white and navy blue. We encourage students to identify with these symbols as a representation of our school spirit and pride.     

 

SCHOOL RULES

It is the responsibility of every adult at Dodson School to help students comply with the school rules as printed in the attached Discipline Management Plan.

 

SHARED DECISION MAKING

The Shared Decision-Making Committee meets on a monthly basis. Selection of SDMC members (parents, community members, teachers, and other school-based staff) is held according to HISD guidelines.

 

 

STUDY SKILLS

A parent can help his/her child be aware of skills and techniques, which make learning easier and more enjoyable. The following are student guidelines for achieving good study habits:

 

            1.  Come to class prepared with pencil, paper and necessary materials.

            2.  Listen well and take part in class.

            3.  Ask questions if you don’t understand.

            4.  Do your best daily.

            5.  Plan your day and include time for homework.

            6.  Set High Goals and strive to achieve them.

 

SUSPENSIONS

Suspensions from school are given by the principal or her designee for severe or chronic offenses. (Ex: Fighting, pulling the fire alarm, profanity, stealing, vandalism, non-compliance, and chronic misbehavior).

 

TARDIES

It is very important that students arrive to school on time daily. Students who are tardy for class must (20 minutes or more) must report to the main office for an admit slip.

 

TESTING CALENDAR

Jan. 12-23                                Stanford 10 /Aprenda 3                                    Grade K

Jan. 20-29                                Stanford 10 /Aprenda 3                                    Grades 1-5

March 4                                   TAKS Writing                                                  Grade 4

                                                TAKS Reading                                                 Grades 3 and 5

                                                TAKS M Reading                                            Grades 3 and 5

March 17- April 11                  TELPAS                                                          Spanish K-5

April 7                                      LAT Math                                                        Grade 5

April 8                                     TAKS                                                               Grade 5

April 28                                    LAT Math                                                        Grades 3-4

April 29                                    LAT Reading                                                    Grades 3 and 5

April 29                                    TAKS Math/TAKS M Math                            Grades 3-4

April 30                                    TAKS Reading                                     Grade 4

April 30                                    TAKS Reading Retest                                      Grades 3 and 5

May 1                                      TAKS Science                                                 Grade 5

May 2                                      LAT Science                                                    Grade 5

May 13                                    TAKS Math Retest                                          Grades 5

July 1                                      TAKS Math Retest                                            Grade 5

July 2                                       TAKS Reading Retest                                      Grades 3 and 5

 

Your child’s teacher will also inform you of when major assessment tests will be given. If you have additional questions about testing dates you may refer to the testing calendar on the HISD website (houstonisd.org) or contact the school at (713) 226-2685.

 

*An explanation of these and other assessments can be found on pages 21-22 of this handbook.

           

TEXTBOOKS

Students are responsible for textbooks assigned to them. Students must pay for any lost books issued to them. A student who fails to return textbooks forfeits the right to free textbooks until each textbook previously issued but not returned is paid for by the student, parent, or guardian. If a textbook is not returned or paid for, the school may withhold the student’s records.

 

TITLE I

Our school has been designated as a school wide Title I campus for the 2008-2009 school year. All parents are asked to review the Title I Compact located on pages 15-16 of this handbook.  Parent Advisory Meetings (PAC) are held each month. Please designate any inquiries to Mrs. Andres our coordinator. 

 

VISITORS

Parents are encouraged to visit classrooms during the instructional day. All visitors must report to the main office, sign-in, and wear a visitor’s badge while on the school campus. There are no exceptions to this rule.

 

WORK SAMPLE PACKET  

A representative sample of graded assignments will be sent home weekly by your child.  Please review this work and sign the documentation log. If your child is not bringing home the work sample packet, please contact your child’s teacher or the principal.

 

 

Title I School Parent Compact

2008-2009

STUDENT PLEDGE

I will strive to:

• Attend school daily unless ill
• Complete classroom/homework assignments
• Be at school on time 

·        Respect others and their property

• Follow School and class rules

 

PARENT PLEDGE

I will strive to:

• Make sure  my child is at school every day unless he/she is ill 
• Get my child to school on time each morning
• Have at least two Parent/Teacher conferences this school year
• Support the Code of Student Conduct
• Read at least 20 minutes each evening with my child
• Provide current information regarding address, phone, etc.

 

 

TEACHER PLEDGE

I will strive to:

• Provide a variety of learning experiences that will address student academic needs student strengths, and student learning styles.
• Utilize CLEAR, SFA and the HISD Model lessons.
• Respect cultural backgrounds of all students, parents, and community members
• Continue to participate in staff development activities to enhance my professional growth.

 

 

SCHOOL PLEDGE

I will strive to:

·        Provide a safe positive learning environment.

·        Provide enrichment activities that will help students improve skills in the areas of oral and written communication, conflict, resolution, and inter-personal relationships.

·        Provide parents with knowledge of academic standards

·        Provide awareness training for parents on academic objectives

Compacto de Escuela y Padres

2008-2009

 

Juramento del estudiante

Me esforzaré en:

·        Asistir todos los días a la escuela.

·        Completar los trabajos en la escuela y hacer las asignaciones.

·        Llegar a tiempo a clases

·        Respetar a los demás y su propiedad

·        Seguir las reglas de la escuela y el aula.

 

Juramento del padre/madre

Me esforzaré en:

·        Asegurarme que mi hijo/hija asista a la escuela todos los días.

·        Llevar a mi hijo a la escuela a tiempo.

·        Tener conferencias con el maestro durante el año escolar.

·        Apoyar el Código de Conducta del Estudiante.

·        Leer al menos 20 minutos cada tarde con mi hijo/hija.

·        Proveer la información actual en cuanto a la dirección, el teléfono, etc.

Juramento del maestro/maestro

Me esforzaré en:

·        Proveer una variedad de experiencias educativas que ayudaran con las necesidades académicas del estudiante, sus fortalezas, y métodos de aprendizaje.

·        Utilizaré estrategias del Clear y los Cinco Estándares de Pedagogía Efectiva.

·        Respetaré la diversidad cultural de todos los estudiantes, padres y miembros de la comunidad.

·        Continuaré participando en actividades como parte de mi crecimiento profesional

Juramento de la escuela

Me esforzaré en:

·        Proveer un ambiente más seguro y positivo. .

·        Proveer actividades de enriquecimiento que ayudaran a los estudiantes a mejorar sus habilidades y conocimiento práctico; en áreas de comunicación oral y escrita, conflicto, resolución, y relaciones

·        inter-personales.

·        Proveer a los padres los métodos para entender los conocimientos del estándar académico.

·        Proveer a los padres entrenamiento para el entendimiento de objetivos academic.