alwa student family_handbook_09-10_final

Albert

Student & Family Handbook 2009 – 2010 Academic Year

“Work Hard. Stay focused. Aim High.”

Literacy Academy

http://www.nolapublicschools.net/%00%E5%A1%B9%EF%92%81%E1%B4%BB%E4%A1%BF%E2%B2%AF%E5%B6%82%E8%97%84%E6%8C%A7%00%00%EA%AE%A5

Albert Wicker Literacy AcademyStudent and Family Handbook

These policies are subject to change at the discretion of the Administration of

Albert Wicker Literacy AcademyDear Families,

I am very excited that you have chosen to join the Albert Wicker Literacy Academy family. Our mission is to strive for academic excellence through a variety of learning experiences so that students will become productive citizens.

Developing our students for academic excellence is challenging and difficult work; and we cannot do it alone. That is why we are firm believers in the “education triangle” which is composed of students, the school, and students’ families. This Student & Family Handbook lays out our guidelines, procedures, routines, and systems for a highly structured environment where our students can excel. Please use the information in this handbook as a resource throughout the year.

If you have any questions about the handbook or the school, do not hesitate to contact me. I feel privileged and honored to work with you to ensure your child’s success in school and beyond.

Sincerely,

Sabrina E. PencePrincipal

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Albert Wicker Literacy Academy2011 Bienville Street

New Orleans, LA 70112

Main Office.................................................(504) 373-6220

Main Office Fax…………………………………………………………………………..(504) 571-6317

Principal

Sabrina Pence……………………………………………………………………………[email protected]

School Secretary

Joan Ulmer…………………………………………………………………………………[email protected]

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STAFF ROSTER 2009 – 2010

Administrative and Support Staff

Sabrina E. Pence Principal Room 3-7Patrice Fletcher Instructional Coach Room 2-11Joan Ulmer Secretary (Office Manager) Main OfficeMaria Jones Data Manager Room 2-11Elbert Coles Counselor Room 2-1Keith Schmidt Social Worker Room 2-1

Instructional Staff

Renee Heinlein 4th Grade, ELA/SS Room 3-2Juliana Persaud 4th Grade, Math/Science Room 3-4

Wilauna Jackson 4th/5th Grade, ELA/SS Room 3-6Christina Habashy 4th/5th Grade, Math/Science Room 3-9

Timothy Heiran 6th – 8th Grade ELA Room 3-13Gary Crosby, III 6th – 8th Grade SS/READ 180 Room 3-10Lisa Giarratano 6th – 8th Grade Math Room 3-5Donald Moore 6th – 8th Grade Science Room 3-10

Kelly Reinker SPED Coordinator Room 3-3

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Linda Washington SPED Teacher Room 3-3

Troy Mix Physical Education Teacher Court/P.E. AreaWilhamina Stroughter Art/Drama Teacher Room 2-12

Para Professionals/Instructional Staff

Betty McKenzie SPED Para Room 3-3Kendria Rousseve Para-Librarian

LibraryGayle Thompson PBISS Para Room 3-8Malita Thompson SPED Para Room 3-3

Operational Support Staff

Yolunda LaCroix Nurse Nurse’s Office

Melva Pepp Head Custodian 1st FloorDenise Walker Lead Custodian 1st FloorRolanda Decou Custodian 2nd FloorUngelle Alford Custodian 3rd Floor

Table of Contents

Mission and Values..........................................................................6

Academics.......................................................................................8

School Policies and Procedures.....................................................10

Discipline Policy.............................................................................13

Health and Safety..........................................................................17

Appendices

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Appendix A: School Calendar........................................................20

Appendix B: Discipline Policy.........................................................21

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VISION STATEMENT

Albert Wicker Literacy Academy provides a clean, safe, and diverse experience-based learning environment which empowers students to maximize their potential with the support of dedicated staff, parents and the community.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to strive for academic excellence through a variety of learning experiences so that students will become productive citizens.

MOTTO

Work hard. Stay focused. Aim high.

SCHOOL MASCOT

Mighty Wicker Bees

SCHOOL COLORS

Yellow and Black

OUR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE GOAL/JINGLE

“We are the Wicker Bees! We will fly to 75 with ease! How will we get there? (Work Hard.) How do we work? (Stay focused.) Where do we aim? (Aim HIGH!)

Our Three Pillars

Three pillars lie at the foundation of Albert Wicker Literacy Academy:

We believe creativity flourishes within a structured academic environment.Good work can not occur unless there is a safe and orderly environment in and out of the classroom.

We have high academic and behavioral expectations.High expectations demand significant amounts of extra support before, during, and after school and on Saturdays.

We know that without great teachers, nothing else matters.

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Teachers must have the time and professional tools and resources to do their work effectively.

At Albert Wicker Literacy Academy, we do not believe that there is a panacea that makes a school work. Nor do we pretend that what we do is “rocket science” or necessarily innovative. We work hard and use common sense because elevating student achievement and transforming lives requires constant attention to hundreds of different elements – not one, magical 100% solution but rather one hundred, individual 1% solutions. Individually, any one of these solutions is not THEanswer. However, collectively, each of our 1% solutions come together to achieve results.

Core elements of Albert Wicker Literacy Academy’s design include:

Emphasize CollegeAt Albert Wicker Literacy Academy, we work relentlessly to prepare students to enter a college-prep high school. While our mission discusses preparing students to be productive citizens, the global economy is quickly changing. A college education is necessary for our students to compete at a global level. All teachers should highlight where they went to college in their classrooms to promote this theme, along with discussing where students want to go to college.

Focus on LiteracyOur goal is for 100% of our students to reach basic or above on the LEAP/iLEAP or grow a minimum two years in their reading level.

Target Curriculum Focused on Grade-Level ExpectationsThe RSD develops curriculum directly from the Louisiana Grade-Level Expectations in the form of the Managed Curriculum. The Managed Curriculum ensures students master a core set of basic academic skills before they can master higher-level, abstract material.

Assess Early and Often to Drive the Instructional ProgramThe most effective schools use assessment to diagnose student needs, measure instructional impact, communicate with parents and students, and build a culture of continuous reflection and improvement.

Provide Structure and Order

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Students need a safe and orderly environment to be productive. Albert Wicker Literacy Academy creates a calm, composed, and disciplined environment to maximize the amount of time on-task, including a strictly enforced school dress code, a merit and demerit system that defines clear expectations for and immediate responses to positive and negative behavior, and a common blackboard configuration (BBC) consisting of a Power-Up, Aim/Objective, Agenda, and Homework.

Academics

School Hours 7:30 am – 4:15 pm, Monday – Thursday7:30 am – 3:00 pm, Friday

Albert Wicker Literacy Academy is committed to developing college bound students. To achieve this goal, Albert Wicker Literacy Academy has a longer school day and a longer school year and increased periods daily in math and English.

All of these hours are focused on addressing the academic skills, intellectual habits and character traits of our students. Doors to the school open at 7:30 am for students. During the week all students will start the day with a 5 – 7 minute Power-Up and a 15 minute advisory period. Students will then engage in eight hours of instruction including reading, writing, math, social studies, science, art, P.E. and library. Students are dismissed at 4:15 pm Monday-Thursday and at 3:00 pm on Fridays. Please see Appendix A: School Calendar.

Curriculum Albert Wicker Literacy Academy’s curricula are aligned to the Louisiana Core Curriculum Content Standards and all curriculums are research-based. We will utilize the Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum (LCC) to ensure our academic program is closely aligned with state learning standards, as defined by the Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs), which we believe are aligned with our mission to prepare all students for college.

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RECOVERY SCHOOL DISTRICT

ELEMENTARY GRADING AND REPORTING GUIDELINES 2009-2010

Grading Scale: For all subject areas for grades 1st - 8 th

Letter Grade Numerical Grade

Quality Points

Quality Point Range

A 93 – 100 4.0 3.5 – 4.0B 85 – 92 3.0 2.5 – 3.4C 75 – 84 2.0 1.5 – 2.4D 70 – 74 1.0 1.0 – 1.4F 60 – 69 0.0 Below 1.0

Grading Procedures:1. The above scale shall be adhered to for all subject areas.2. A teacher must enter a minimum of nine major grades (test, project,

essay, lab, etc.) and nine other grades (homework, quiz, etc.) into the electronic gradebook each quarter.

3. The following weights will be applied: Grades 1-5: 50% tests/major grades; 50% classwork/homework/partici-

pation

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Grades 6-8: 55% tests (and/or projects, essays, labs, etc.); 25% classwork/homework/participation/quiz; 20% exam

4. The marking period benchmark test will be used as the exam grade. 5. Teachers will issue Interim Progress Reports from the electronic

gradebook to parents every three weeks during the year except when issuing report cards.

6. In determining semester averages numerical averages will be used to assign a letter grade. Only letter grades will be shown on the report card.

7. The lowest F in the gradebook can be 60.8. In determining semester and final grades, numerical averages are to be

converted to letter grades and quality points are to be averaged to determine semester and final grades.

9. Student conduct shall not be considered when computing the quarterly grade. Conduct should be considered separately and graded “O”=Outstanding, “S”=Satisfactory, “N”=Needs Improvement, “U”=Unsatisfactory. ]

8. In order to be eligible for promotion, elementary students shall be in attendance a minimum of 160 out of the 174 days in the school year.

*NOTE: Accommodations and modifications for students with IEPs and 504 plans are not an option; they must be provided in all instructional settings with no exception. The only way a failing grade for those students may be legitimate is if the following is documented:

Inclusion log of services provided on a routine basis Teacher’s gradebook documenting that accommodations/modifications were utilized

for each assignment or test Samples of assignments that have been modified or accommodations provided The appropriate number of grades are in the grade book (grade not based on only a

couple of assignments))

School Policies and Procedures

Attendance Policy

Please see the Recovery School District Student and Family Handbook for the policy. At Albert Wicker Literacy Academy, we will adhere closely to this policy.

Un-excused AbsencesPlease note that allowing your child to stay home on his/her birthday is an unexcused absence that negatively affects your child’s attendance and grades.Students who are absent for all or part of any day may not participate in any extra-curricular event or sporting event on that day or night except with the written permission of the Principal(s).

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Long Term Absences If a student is absent for a week or more, families must ensure that they make arrangements with the student’s teacher to pick up long term assignments. Depending on the nature of the illness, students will be responsible for keeping up with their class work and homework.

Student Dress Code PolicyAcademics are our primary concern at Albert Wicker Literacy Academy, and therefore we want to make sure that all students are able to focus on school and not be distracted by what they or their classmates are wearing. Listed below is our uniform policy. Please note that our uniform policy will be strictly enforced on a daily basis, and that there will be NO exceptions. Warnings will be issued the first time. After that, a parent conference will be scheduled. If a student is wears an improper uniform a 3rd time, the student will be scheduled for an after-school detention.

UNIFORM POLICYStudents are to wear the school uniform at all times. The policy is as follows:

GIRLS: -Yellow polo shirt-Black pants, skirts, or shorts (knee length)-Solid Black Shoes-Solid Black Belt (no large buckles)-Earrings: Studs only-No bangle bracelets or necklaces

BOYS:-Yellow polo shirt-Black pants or shorts (knee length)-Solid Black Shoes-Solid Black Belt (no large buckles)-No earrings or other jewelry

ALL STUDENTS:Pants and shirts should not be over-sized, baggy, or worn below the waist.Shirts must be tucked in at all times.All students wearing pants or shorts must wear a belt.Shorts must be knee length only.No hooded jackets or pullovers. Yellow, black or white jackets ONLY.Backpacks are required.

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ShoesBlack shoes are required. Shoelaces and all detailing on the shoe must be black. Students may also wear sneakers if they are completely black. Timberlands and other boots are not allowed. No open-toe sandals or flip flops are allowed. Shoes must be laced up, with tongue inside, and tied securely. Pant legs must be worn over the shoe.

BeltsSolid black belts must be worn at all times. Belts may not hang down. Please purchase bottoms that allow for belts, with the exceptions of skirts.

Jewelry and make-upBoys may not wear any earrings and girls may wear earrings only in their ears. Girls are only permitted to wear studs. No other jewelry is permitted. Wristbands and multiple wrist wear are prohibited. No make-up is permitted

HairHair may only be worn in natural colors. No designs of any kind are permitted to be in the hair.

BackpacksAll students must bring a backpack to school for their homework folder and other assignments. Rolling bags and messenger bags are not permitted. All bags must be backpacks that can be worn over two shoulders.

Communication Policy

Telephone

Families may leave messages for Albert Wicker administrators and expect a return call within one school day of leaving a message. The telephone number is: (504) 373-6220.

Students’ families are also encouraged to communicate with their child's teacher. Teachers are available for phone calls before and after school. If you would like to schedule a conference with a teacher, please call the office and leave a message. The message will be delivered to the teacher. Teachers will return your call within 48 hours. If after 48 hours a teacher has not responded to your message, please contact the Principal. Please remember that messages may not be received until after the instructional day ends.

Student Phone Use:Although Albert Wicker Literacy Academy aims to have as much communication as possible with its families, it would take an incredible amount of staffing and resources to provide message services, and we cannot guarantee that messages

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will actually reach students or teachers during the day. Students may not receive incoming phone calls during the school day unless it is an emergency that requires immediate attention. If it is an emergency, please call the main office number and leave the message with the School Secretary. Students are prohibited from using school telephones. In the event of an emergency, students may be allowed to use school telephones, but only at the discretion of school staff members. Students may not use cell phones or have them at school. Cell phones will be confiscated by the Principal, and secured in the office. They will be available for pick-up by a parent only at the end of the school day.

Electronic MailAdministrators and teachers may be contacted via e-mail. Each staff member’s e-mail address is their first name.last name @rsdla.net. For example, if a teacher’s name is John Smith, he can be reached at [email protected]

Visiting the SchoolThe school is always happy to have visitors. Anyone, including parents who wish to visit our school, must first call the office to set up an appointment. Our School Secretary will make every attempt to arrange the visit within 24 hours of the request. All visitors must sign in at the office and wear a name tag.

Meeting with a Teacher If you need to meet with a teacher, you need to make an appointment. An appointment can be made by calling the school and speaking with the School Secretary. Students’ families are not permitted to come and meet with teachers without making an appointment.

Meeting with the Principal(s):If you need to meet with the Principal, please call the School Secretary and schedule an appointment. Please note that you may not meet with the principal during student arrival or dismissal, from 7:15 - 8:00 am or 4:00 – 4:45 pm.

Discipline and Behavior Management

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IntroductionPicture this in your mind: walking through the halls of Albert Wicker Literacy Academy during class time is a remarkable experience. In every classroom, teachers are presenting rigorous lessons and students are rising to the challenge. Teachers hold their students to high academic expectations, and are able to focus energy on effective instruction because of consistent classroom management expectations enforced by every teacher. Classes run fluidly with clear communication between students and teacher. Teachers proactively plan to avoid misbehavior. Consistency in application of consequences drives student actions away from negative behaviors. Positive incentives encourage students to succeed. Teachers use school-wide systems, individual techniques, strong student-teacher relationships, and strong teacher-family relationships to promote and reinforce behavior excellence.

Student Achievement as the Primary GoalThe school is proactive in discipline, building a strong sense of community, getting students ready for college, and giving teachers and staff the support they need. The goal is to create a culture of ambition in the school. Together, we place the highest value on student achievement and show students the path to college success. We will create a community where students would rather learn than distract, where the college mission is alive and attainable.

The School is What We Make ItIt is critical that we all hold the highest expectations for ourselves. In holding high expectations for ourselves, we need to first realize that the school is our charge, and that the school is what we make it. We need to accept responsibility for what happens in our school. We need to accept also that there are more and less effective ways to assert authority and to strive for effectiveness as a school.We must be firm and positive in our approach to asserting authority. A firm and positive teacher uses the school’s discipline system in conjunction with his/her own systems, non-verbal cues, strong teacher-student relationships, strong teacher-family communication, positive reinforcement, academic motivation, and clear, well taught and re-taught rules and procedures. We must all agree to address and never ignore misbehavior in our classes, in the halls, in the bathrooms, during our planning periods, and outside of the school. Disciplinary situations should never become simply “someone else’s problem”—they are all ours to solve: administrators, teachers, students and families.

ChoicesAt Albert Wicker Literacy Academy, there are positive incentives for when a student chooses to follow a rule or procedure and negative consequences for when a student chooses to break a rule or procedure. Students can choose to follow the rules or they can choose to break the rules. Students quickly learn that every positive contribution results in a positive consequence and conversely every negative infraction results in negative consequence. This is

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the basis of our Code of Conduct. Therefore, students who choose not to meet the school community’s clearly defined standards for reasonable and acceptable behavior will not be permitted to disrupt the education of others. See the Appendix for the positive and negative behavior policy.

ConsistencyStraightforward rules coupled with consistently applied consequences make clear to students what is expected of them and what is unacceptable. No misbehavior can go unchecked at any time for any reason. We must acknowledge misbehavior, address it, and offer a consequence every time; it is not the severity of the punishment that deters people from breaking rules, but the consistent application of consequences.

Reinforcement of the PositiveIn order to succeed, our discipline system must contain more positive incentives than negative consequences. Students who choose to follow the rules choose academic success, opportunity, positive recognition, and individual merits and Wicker Bucks. Classes who choose to support each other in being responsible, being respectful, being safe, working hard, staying focused, and aiming high earn recognition, privileges, and rewards.

FamiliesFamilies are our partners. Students know that we communicate frequently with families, reporting on their successes and missteps. The school staff enlists family help in modifying student behavior. Families and students are accountable for continued poor behavior.

Our CommunityWe believe in a community where students know what is expected of them, using structure and predictability to allow students to feel supported, safe, and included. In this community they can thrive as students and as people. It is our job to provide this. This sense of community will come from showing and earning respect, being firm and positive, and sharing the commitment to students and their achievement that brought us to this school, even when issuing consequences.

Family Involvement PolicyAt Albert Wicker Literacy Academy, we believe in the importance of working together to make a positive impact on the academic and social growth of every child. Family involvement is not only welcome, but absolutely critical to the success of the school. We want all parents to be actively involved in the education of their child.

Albert Wicker Literacy Academy Families are asked to: Establish a daily routine for your childProvide a quiet space for your child to studyProvide positive reinforcement of student progress and successDiscuss academics and student work among family members

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Help your child take responsibility for his/her actions. Stress the importance of telling the truth. Remind your child that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. Discuss the infractions listed on their weekly paycheck

Check with your child’s teacher for the facts regarding a disciplinary infraction. A student may alter a situation to appear more innocent

Chaperone field trips and volunteer at the schoolSupport other Albert Wicker Literacy Academy families

Albert Wicker Literacy Academy Families are asked to:Meet with the Principal(s) to review the Student Family handbookReinforce the Albert Wicker Literacy Academy discipline policyAttend two mandatory workshops that will focus on math and /or literacyMake sure your child completes the daily homework and returns it dailyAttend your child’s report card conference Attend two school-wide events/performancesEffectively communicate with your child’s teacher by responding to letters or

phone calls within 48 hours of receiving the letter or phone call

Computer UseThe goal of computer access at the school is to build technology, research and communication skills. Students have the privilege to use the computer workstations, the school network, and the school internet for school-related assignments ONLY. Parents/guardians will be required to sign an acceptable use policy in order to grant permission for their child to access the internet at school. Students failing to return this form signed will not be allowed to access the internet until the signed form is returned to the school.

In order for the school to provide sound educational opportunities through its computer network, each student must use the computers and the network responsibly. Students must leave a computer in the same condition that they found it; namely, making NO setting changes that alter the computers’ appearance or function, avoiding damage to the mouse, keyboard, printers and furniture; and keeping the mouse, keyboard, monitor and furniture clean.Students are not allowed to access, use or possess pornographic, gang related, violent or illegal material. Students are not allowed to send inappropriate, offensive or threatening emails, texts, chats or blogs on the Albert Wicker Literacy Academy network. Students must comply with the following safety rules:

1. Students may not give out any personal information such as their address, telephone number, parents’ work address or telephone number, without parental permission.

2. Students may not give out the personal information of any teacher, student or person connected to the school without their permission.

3. Students should immediately inform their teacher if they experience any uncomfortable situation while on the computer.

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4. Students may never agree to meet or send their picture to someone they have been communicating with online.

Failure to comply with the computer usage policy and safety measures can lead to the loss of computer privileges.

TextbooksStudents are responsible for keeping their textbooks in the condition in which they received them. When they are returned at the end of the year, books should have no writing in them and be in good condition.

Electronic DevicesStudents should not have electronic devices in school. Electronic devices include games (Gameboys etc.), portable stereos (iPod, walkman, discman, CD players), and cell phones. None of these devices are needed in school and often represent a distraction from academics and the learning environment. In addition, these are items that cause conflict and lead to grief when lost or stolen. While Albert Wicker Literacy Academy obviously strives to prevent theft of any item, the school will not spend extra energy tracking down electronic devices that should not be in school in the first place. In the event that a student disobeys this rule and is seen with an electronic device or uses a prohibited electronic device in school, a staff member will confiscate it. It will be returned only after a parent/guardian has come to school to pick it up. Repeated violations of this policy may result in indefinite confiscation irrespective of any costs or fees students and/or their families may incur as a result.

Toys

Students are not permitted to bring toys to school unless they are instructed to do so by their teacher.

Food

All Albert Wicker Literacy Academy students are provided with breakfast (if they arrive on time), lunch, and an afternoon snack. Students may not bring outside items that are high in fat or sugar. Examples: soda, cookies, doughnuts, etc. Students’ families are required to notify the school of any food allergies and provide documentation from a doctor for the student’s health file. Parents should also notify the school of any other food restrictions due to religion or custom.

Students are not permitted to bring in their own breakfast or snack unless they have a food allergy that is clearly documented by a doctor.

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Birthday CelebrationsStudents’ families are not permitted to bring in “treats” to be shared with classmates. The only celebrations that we will have are ones that are organized by the school

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Health and Safety

Fire Drills

Posted in every room is a map detailing the required evacuation protocol. Students are to follow their teacher according to the map and to stay with their class. In the event of a fire drill or fire, students must not stop at bathrooms or lockers. They must go directly outside and stay in the designated outside location as a class until given further instruction. Any student violating this procedure is jeopardizing the safety of the school and will face consequences including possible suspension. There is to be NO talking during a fire drill.

Bus Transportation

A school bus with undisciplined passengers is hazardous. The misbehavior of students can lead to accidents. The driver must concentrate on driving and cannot be expected to constantly discipline the students while the bus is in motion. Therefore, for the safe operation of the school bus, students should be aware of and obey the following safety rules:

1. Cooperate with the driver; your safety depends on it.

2. Be on time. The bus will not wait. (Arriving 5 minutes before pick up time is suggested.)

3. Cross the road cautiously under the direction of the driver when boarding and disembarking the bus.

4. Follow the driver’s instructions when loading and unloading the bus.

5. Have written permission and be authorized by an administrator to get on or off at a stop other than your designated stop.

6. Remain in your assigned seat at all times while the bus is in motion.

7. Remain quiet enough not to distract the driver.

8. Keep arms, head and other body parts inside the bus at all times.

9. Refrain from throwing objects in the bus or out the windows of the bus.

10.Use emergency exits only for emergencies, and when instructed to do so.

11.Refrain from eating or drinking on the bus. This includes chewing gum.

12.Avoid the use or possession of tobacco, matches, cigarette lighters, obscene material, weapons, drugs or other prohibited items of the bus.

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13.Take no glass or other objects on the bus if prohibited by state, federal law or RSD/Albert Wicker Literacy Academy policies.

14.Take no musical instruments, projects or other objects that are too large or too hazardous to be held by the student or safely stowed under the seat. They will not be permitted on the bus.

15.Refrain from damaging the bus in any way.

16.Be courteous, and safety-conscious.

17.Protect your personal riding privilege and enjoy the ride.

Consequences for Violations of the Bus-Riding Regulations

Please see the RSD Student and Family Handbook for bus behavior violations policies. Please note that if a student creates an unsafe situation on the bus, the Principal will suspend the student from the bus. This DOES NOT excuse students from school.

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I have read the Student and Family Handbook and understand the policies set forth within.

I will uphold these policies at all times.

X______________________________________ Student Signature ________ Date

X______________________________________ Parent Signature ________ Date

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alwa student family_handbook_09-10_final

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