Achievement Testing

In order to comply with federal and state laws, Fox Hollow students in grades 2 – 6 will be assessed three times each year. The assessment they will be given is known as the ISAT. This test measures student growth in acquiring the curriculum standards that the State has identified as being essential for success in the adult world. Students will have to pass the high school version of ISAT in order to graduate in Idaho. The ISAT is a 'dynamic test' that adjusts to each child's level of learning. This is a valuable tool to help teachers, parents, and students understand each student's individual learning needs.

Students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 will also take the Idaho Reading Indicators test three times each year. The purpose of this test is to determine the general skills the student has obtained in the reading continuum. Those students who are achieving below grade level will be invited to attend an after school program to help them improve their reading skills. Because reading is fundamental to school success, the state has set a goal for all children to be able to read at grade level by the end of third grade.

Attendance

Good attendance at school is an extremely important aspect of each student's education and has many carryover implications for success later in life. It is important that students be in attendance at school and, that they are on time. Habits and attitudes developed now will usually carry over into adult life. If a student must be absent from school, the parent is requested to call the office before 9:00 a.m. to report the absence for that day. If a phone call is not possible, a note explaining the absence should be given to the teacher on the day of return. If parents find it necessary to take students out of school for a period of time, a written request for the absence should be submitted to the teacher in advance, thus giving the student an excused absence. When a student arrives to school after the tardy bell (8:05), the tardy is recorded on the student's permanent record.

The services of District #91 public schools are extended to any resident between the ages of five (5) and 21 (21). An official birth certificate is required for proof of age for enrolling students. The school district complies with Idaho State Code requirements in matters related to age of enrollment and compulsory attendance.

Bicycle Safety

Please observe the following guidelines if your child rides his/her bike to school:

• Students riding bikes to school should walk their bikes as soon as they are on school property.
• Bike racks are available of the west side of the playground area. All bikes are to be kept their during school hours.
• Students are encouraged to wear a helmet and lock up their bikes.
• Parents are encouraged to discuss safe procedures for bike riding with their children.
• Kindergarten and 1 st grade students are NOT permitted to ride their bikes to school.

Birthday Activities

Occasionally students wish to observe their birthday at school. Each teacher has his or her own policy concerning this activity. However, there are general guidelines we all follow:

• No home prepared food items may be served as a treat at school.
• It is suggested that an activity other than a food treat be planned with the teacher's approval.
• Interruption of the school program should be kept to a minimum and not disrupt the educational setting.
• Please do not pass out invitations to private parties at school; it is more appropriate to do this privately, out of school.

On the first Wednesday of each month the school recognizes children whose birthday falls during the month at a 'Birthday Assembly'. Parents may attend if they wish.

Bussing

It is important that the school be accountable for students while being transported on school busses. Therefore, all students must ride their designated bus unless parents provide written notification. The bus driver will give a citation to students that misbehave on the bus. Parents will be notified if this occurs. Inappropriate bus behavior may result in being suspended from riding the bus.

The safe and proper transportation of students on school busses is of significant importance to all parties concerned. The conduct of students whether waiting for transportation, or while being transported, should be the same conduct as expected of students while in class. We will not tolerate any behavior that prevents our drivers from carrying out their responsibilities; or that intimidates; or that prevents fellow passengers from having a safe ride to and from school.

The following is a list of busses serving Fox Hollow:

Cold Weather

When the weather becomes extremely cold, students stay indoors. On the advice of the District's consulting physician, the policy is as follows: When the temperature is zero degrees (with wind chill) or below, the children do not go outside for recess or lunch. There is a difference between uncomfortable temperatures and those that present a health hazard. Please see that your child is dressed appropriately for our cold Idaho winters: a heavy coat, a warm hat and a pair of gloves.

Conferences

Back to School Night will provide parents an opportunity to see their child's classroom and meet the teacher. Back to School Night is August 31, 2006. Parent-Teacher conferences will be held on November 30, 2006 in the evening and on Dec. 1 during the day and again in the spring on March 1, 2007 in the evening and March 2 during the day. You will be notified of these times prior to the beginning of conferences. We ask that you make every effort to attend your conference at the appointed time. Rescheduling during these time frames is very difficult. If you need a conference at any other time during the year, please don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher.

Computer Lab

Fox Hollow has a technology lab where students learn keyboarding skills and strategies for using software as a tool for learning and presenting information. The lab has 30 brand new eMAC computers purchased last spring by the PTO and District matching funds. The most recent update of Office for Macintosh is installed on each computer as well as a variety of other software. A 'Smart Board' is available for teachers to use to when providing instruction to the whole class. The 'Smart board' provides a large view of a computer screen and actions are executed by touching the 'Smart Board'. There is also a miniiMAC lab set up in the library. Each classroom has a three station computer (various models of Apple Computers) available for student use. The school has purchased 24 laptops for classroom use. These computers operate on a wireless hub.

Curriculum

Fox Hollow teachers focus on basic skills. The curriculum in District 91 is aligned with the Idaho State Standards. Students are assessed three times each year to measure their growth in reading, math, and language arts. The results of these assessments are reported as a RIT score. The RIT score shows how well a student is mastering the curriculum on a learning continuum. In order to graduate from high school, students will have to pass a state assessment that demonstrates competency in basic skills. Parents can determine how well their child is meeting the Idaho standards for each grade by comparing their child's RIT score with the standard expected for each grade level. If students are not meeting the grade level standard, they may access special tutorial services and after school programs. Teachers, parents, or the principal may request such services.

Discipline

It is our belief that by working together as a team, your child's education at Fox Hollow will reflect excellence. It is our policy that students be held accountable for their own actions. If a student demonstrates inappropriate behavior, they will be dealt with fairly and with dignity. When necessary we will involve and inform parents when these things arise. It is our belief that children of informed parents experience little misbehavior. We sincerely invite parents to come in and talk with us about concerns. Citations (9 KB, Adobe Reader required) for unacceptable behavior may be issued by the teacher or the principal. At Fox Hollow, students are expected to exhibit behaviors that contribute to a positive learning environment. The staff at Fox Hollow strongly supports student behavior that:

1. Shows RESPECT
• for other students
• for teachers and staff
• for school and personal property
2. Shows RESPONSIBILITY
• for consistent attendance and punctuality
• for active participation in all learning activities
• for completing assigned work
• for following classroom rules
• for following Fox Hollow discipline program
3. Shows EFFORT
   • in working toward individual ability
   • by cooperating with teachers and classmates
   • by contributing to a positive, safe and productive school
4. Other expected classroom Learning Behaviors are:
   • Raise your hand to be called on
   • Follow teacher instructions
   • Listen to the teacher
   • Focus on tasks
   • Be prepared

Behaviors that are unlawful will be reported to the proper authorities. Behaviors that result in damaged or loss of property will result in restitution.

Part of becoming a good citizen is learning to accept responsibility for one's actions. In order to help children learn this important aspect of life, consequences will be delivered for unacceptable behaviors at school. Unacceptable behaviors that result in disciplinary action include the following:

• Behavior that disrupts the educational process for others
• Profanity
• Unsafe actions
• Refusal to work
• Vandalism
• Disrespect toward authority figures
• Harassment
• Disobedience
• Dishonesty
• Illegal activities

Possible consequences for unacceptable behaviors may include any of the following:

• Loss of privileges, A.M. and/or Lunch Recess
• Saturday School
• In School Suspension
• 3B Detention Center Suspension Program
• Out of School Suspension
• Referral to juvenile authorities

Dress Code

Student's, clothing should be clean and in good repair appropriate to current weather conditions. Extremely tight fitting clothing, midriff tops, short-shorts, bare feet, fishnet shirts, shirts without sides, and tank tops are considered distractive to the educational process and are unacceptable school clothes. Hats are not to be worn in the school building. Clothing promoting or alluding to products or actions inappropriate to the school environment will not be allowed. Parents will be notified if inappropriate clothing is being worn to school.

Driving Students to School

Please drop off and pick up your passengers in the traffic loop on Genevieve Way. Do not drive into the parking lots before or after school or during the lunch hour. It is dangerous to have traffic in either parking lot while students are coming or going to school. Your cooperation is appreciated in our efforts to keep our students safe! Please refer to the map for parent drop off/pickup procedures.

Email

Email addresses are available for teachers, administration, and other staff members. We invite parents to communicate frequently with our staff by using email. The general Fox Hollow email address is foxhollow -AT- d91.k12 -DOT- id.us.

Facilities Usage

Board policy states: 'District facilities may be made available for community use on a rental basis when such activity is not in conflict with the District needs and when the activity is compatible with the facility being requested. It is not intended the School District compete with other privately owned space that may be otherwise available.'

To reserve the Fox Hollow Multi Purpose Room for after school activities, please call the office 2 weeks before the desired date.

Grading

Kindergarten students receive a checklist of skills noting mastery at the end of each grading period. In grades 1 and 2, students are evaluated on mastery of specific concepts in terms of 'Demonstrates Consistency', 'Progressing/Improving' or 'Needs Improvement'. For grades 3 through 6, a traditional evaluation system is provided as follows:

• 90% - 100% = A
• 89% - 80% = B
• 79% - 70% = C
• 69% - 60% = D
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Please refer to the School Calendar for the end dates of each grading period. The District's report card also contains their RIT score. This score provides information about the student's progress on meeting State Standards. Report cards are sent home at the end of each trimester. Progress reports are sent home every 6 weeks.

Health and Immunization

State law requires all elementary students to have proof of immunization. Any pertinent health information should be shared with the school nurse and the teacher. For the protection of your child, complete immunization will be required before the student enters Fox Hollow.

Fox Hollow staff members are concerned for the health and well being of all our students. Our health room is available for those children who become ill or are injured at school. If a child runs a temperature, is deemed truly ill, or has an injury that appears to require medial attention, parents will be called and will be expected to come immediately. To assist with securing help promptly for each child, all parents must have a minimum of two (2) emergency names and telephone numbers recorded on their child's registration records in case the parent cannot be reached immediately.

Due to students sometimes coming to school ill and the risk that it creates to other studentsx and staff, we request that parents use the following guidelines for keeping your student home to recuperate. They are as follows:

• Productive cough with mucus that is green or yellow in color;
• Fever greater than 100 degrees;
• Vomitting, diarrha, rash, increased lerhergy (decreased energy; sleepiness), or open draining wound;
• Fever within last 24 hours; (If takes medicine such as Tylenol or ibuprofen to keep fever down,student must remain home until no fever for 24 hours without these medications);
• Awaiting results of a lab;
• Taking antibiotics less than 24 hours prior to returning toschool;

If any of these symptoms develop while a student is at school, he/she will be sent home. Your cooperation with this policy is most appreciated.

A student is considered for homebound services if they are to be out of school for three or more weeks due to a medical condition. Please report such illnesses to your child's teacher. Upon a doctor's recommendation, Homebound instruction may be provided.

Homework

Please refer to the District's Homework Policy Guidelines. Pay particular attention to the types of homework your student should have and the maximum time that should be spent on homework. Be aware of your child's time on task while working on homework. Teachers have been advised to avoid homework on weekends and holidays as stated in the homework policy. Please contact the school if you have a concern.

For your child to be successful with homework, he/she needs:

• A place to do homework. If possible, your child should do his homework in the same place. The place should be un cluttered and quiet.
• A schedule of completing homework. Set a homework schedule that fits in with each week’s particular activities.
• Encouragement, motivation, and prompting. It is not a good idea to sit with your child and do homework with him. Your child needs to practice independently and to apply what he has learned in class. If your child consistently cannot complete homework assignments alone, please call the teacher.
• Understanding of the knowledge. When your child is practicing a skill, ask which steps he finds difficult and easy and how he plans to improve speed and accuracy with the skill.
• Reasonable time expectations. If your child seems to be spending too much time each night on homework, please contact the teacher.
• A bedtime. When it is time to go to bed, please stop your child, even if she has not finished the homework.

 Teachers may refer students to an after school Study Support Group for special help with homework. Parents will be notified in advance. The Study Support Group meets for 1 hour 3 days each week.

Kiln Use Policy

Fox Hollow is very fortunate to have a kiln. Teachers use the kiln to fire student art projects made with clay or ceramic tiles. Because the kiln is expensive to operate and maintain, it may not be used for personal projects. No overnight kiln operation is allowed when the night custodian is not on duty.

Learning Materials

Specific items such as textbooks, workbooks, penmanship paper, basic art supplies, etc. are provided free of charge. Parents are expected to purchase certain supply items such as pencils, paper, crayons and other supplies according to the needs of particular grades. A list of school supplies was sent home in student report cards last spring.

In addition to the regular school supplies, parents assume the cost of P.T.O. holiday treats, supplemental art supplies and assemblies to provide enrichment experiences to the regular curriculum.

Library

The school has an excellent library. Students are encouraged to check out books. Each class has a scheduled library time each week. Reading levels and A.R. levels are indicated on the spine of each book. Students are responsible for returning their library books on time. In the event that a book is lost, parents will need to pay the replacement costs to the Fox Hollow Library.

Lunch Program

Students have the opportunity to eat either hot or cold lunch at school or to go home for lunch. The cost for a hot lunch is $1.40. We ask that parents purchase the necessary number of lunches for an entire week or month at one time. Menus are prepared and sent home monthly. Students eating a cold lunch may purchase a carton of milk for 30 cents. The District 91 Lunch Program Coordinator is Bobbie Landon. If you wish to eat lunch with your child, please ask him/her to order your lunch when ordering their own lunch. The price for adult lunches is $2.60.

Fox Hollow has lunchroom management program called the Power of Positive Students.

Breakfast: students may purchase breakfast each morning from 7:45 to 8:00. The cost of breakfast is $.95.

Free and reduced lunch/breakfast application forms are available in the office.

Medications

Before any medication can be administered at school, the child's doctor and parents must give written permission. Please see the secretary for the required forms.

Newsletter – Fox Tales and Fox Hollow News

School newsletters are sent home twice each month. They contain information that will help keep you informed of things that are happening at Fox Hollow. Fox Tales is published by the PTO and Fox Hollow News is published by the school office. Any parents wishing to contribute to either newsletter may contact the school office for deadlines and guidelines pertaining to the newsletters' content.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

The PTO is one way parents can become involved with their child's education. Every parent is encouraged to take an active part in the operation of Fox Hollow School. You are invited and encouraged to become involved with the PTO. You may wish to help a teacher in the classroom by preparing work, making bulletin boards, listening to children read, work in the library, help with fundraisers, provide treats, or do any of the many things that need to be done. You will find that volunteering at school is a positive and rewarding experience for you and your child.

Pictures

We provide parents and students the opportunity to purchase school pictures at a special price. Individual and group pictures will be taken September 8, 2006.

Placement Of Students

Every teacher and student have unique talents and needs. We do our best to place your child in the class that will provide an environment that optimizes success and, at the same time, maintains a balance between classes at the same grade level. Academic, emotional, social, and personal needs of each child are considered when placing students in a classroom. Sometimes parents wish to become involved in this process, a written letter documenting the educational needs of the child should be submitted to the principal by May 4. Your information will be considered along with that of the professional staff. The final placement of students is determined by the school.

Playground Safety Rules

Play Areas:

• Grassy fields
• The blacktop area where games are marked
• On climbing structures
• The swings

Only children enrolled in the Pre School program may play in the Pre School Playground area.

Students May Not:

• Leave the school grounds
• Go into the street for any reason
• Play in the parking lots
• Enter or reenter the building without permission
• Block the doors to the building at any time
• Throw rocks or gravel in the play area
• Hit, kick, or shove others at any time
• Rollerblades are not allowed on the playground

Proper Equipment Use:

• Swings
  • Swing front to back only, no side to side or spinning
  • One person on a swing at a time
  • No “Bailing out”
  • Do not change the length of the swings
• Climbing Structures
  • Slide down only the slides
  • Do not block the slides
  • Travel across the ladder one person at a time.
• Tetherball
  • Do not hang or swing on the rope

We urge parents to help protect our playground and its equipment! Please caution your children about abusing the equipment! Let's work together to keep our playground a safe and useable place!

Public Concerns Procedures

According to the Board Policy (Section 506), the Board recognizes that situations may arise in the operation of the system, which are of concern to parents of the public. Such concerns are best dealt with through communication with the appropriate staff members and officers of the district, such as the faculty, the principals, the central office, and the Board. The following procedure shall be used by persons with complaints:

1. Any concern involving a teacher will first be addressed between the teacher and the concerned party. If the initial concern is expressed to an administrator or a counselor, the concerned party shall be referred to the teacher as soon as possible but no later than five working days.
2. If the parties are not able to resolve the concern, it will then be resolved in an administrator mediated conference between the teacher and the concerned party.
3. Appeals of the mediated resolution will be according to Board Policy # 506.

Reading Emphasis

The staff at Fox Hollow provides excellent reading instruction. Research shows that reading instruction alone does not produce good readers. Children must practice their reading skills. There are many reading activities that encourage students to practice reading in interesting and challenging ways. Read With a Parent Night or RWAPN will occur on the third Tuesday of each month. Parents are encouraged to come to school, read a book with your child and then take the Accelerated Reader Test with them. Watch for more information on reading throughout the year.

Releasing Students from School

We assume responsibility for your child's well being during the school hours. Students may be released to their parent/guardian during the school day after the parent/guardian has signed the release log located in the office. This precaution is taken solely for the protection of your student. We ask your cooperation and assistance by observing this policy.

Safety Plan

Due to recent crisis in some schools in the United States, the District has asked schools to develop a Safety Plan. The Fox Hollow parents and staff have developed a plan that should increase safety for all children at school.The plan includes procedures for evacuation (for fires, bomb threats, etc.) and lockdown (intruders, violence). Part of the Safety Plan requires that all doors except the front door remained locked at all times. A Safe Place has been identified in the event that we would need to evacuate the school grounds. Teachers and staff are aware of the plan and students have been trained on all procedures. The school conducts monthly fire drills and quarterly lockdown drills.

Special Education

Special Education services are available for students who possess individual needs that are difficult to meet within the regular program. We can, through thoughtful use of our personnel, provide a free and appropriate education for our students. If you feel your child has a disability that impacts educational performance, please talk to the teacher or Mrs. Clute.

Student Injuries

Even with the greatest precautions and close supervision, accidents can and do happen at school. Parents need to be aware of this and be prepared for possible medical expenses that may arise should their child be injured at school. The school district does not provide medical insurance to automatically pay for medical expenses when students are injured at school. This is the responsibility of the parents or legal guardians. The district carries only legal liability insurance.

Student Travel To And From School

The following are safety rules we encourage parents to discuss with their children. We share our desire for safe travel to and from school by the students.

• Start for school early enough to arrive on time.
• Walk on sidewalks.
• Cross streets at intersections only.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• Look both ways before crossing at intersections.
• Bicycles are to be parked in bike racks located at the entrance the west parking lot.
• No bicycle riding on school grounds during school hours.
• Walk your bicycle across the street.
• We recommend that students in Kindergarten and Grade 1 not ride bicycles to school.
• We recommend students always wear bicycle helmets.
• In the winter, walk carefully on the ice – no sliding. Do not walk in the street.
• Respect other people's property. Do not take short cuts through or across others' yards.
• Do not accept a ride form strangers or talk to anyone you do not know. Report any such incidents immediately to your teacher or to your parent.
• Go straight home after school.

Telephoning and Messages

Please do not call the office and request that a message be delivered to your student. With over 490 students and 60 adults in the building, the office staff is unable to deliver non-emergency messages. Of course, if you experience a family emergency, we will be happy to assist you.

Transfer from Fox Hollow

If you move from Fox Hollow School attendance zone, please notify the office or your child's teacher in advance. This will allow time to complete the check out procedure. Please take care to see that all school property has been returned. The new school will send a request for your child's records.

Visitors at School

Occasionally, the school receives requests from students or parents to have friends or relatives accompany students to school for a visit. These situations are an interruption to the classroom and the educational program. We ask that other arrangements be made for these children during the school day.

Volunteers

Parents are encouraged to volunteer to help at school. Volunteers are needed in many areas of the school. Please talk to your child's teacher about ways that you can help. The PTO is also in need of people to help with activities during the year. Your help is always appreciated and it lets your child know school is an important place.

Please sign in the office when you are volunteering or visiting the school. For safety reasons, we need to know who is in the school at all times.

Zero Tolerance for Weapons and Explosives

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees of School District 91 that any student who has a firearm or explosive in their possession (either on their person, in the purse, or backpack) will be immediately suspended from school. The administration of the building where the offense occurred will hold a Due Process hearing within five (5) days of the incident and make a written recommendation for expulsion to the Board of Trustees, if appropriate. If petitioned for expulsion, the Board will hold such hearing at it next regularly scheduled meeting, or at a special meeting if the Board deems necessary.

In addition, any student who uses other deadly or dangerous weapons as defined in Federal Law Section 921 of Title 16 of the United States Code shall be subject to the same procedures and penalties described in the above paragraph.

Any student expelled under this section may not apply for readmission for twelve months from the date of expulsion. If readmission is granted after proper application, it will not occur until the start of the next grading term following approval of readmission.