Kent Lake Parent/Student Handbook

Welcome to Kent Lake Elementary. This handbook will serve as information and a set of guidelines for procedures and practices at our school. This document may be adjusted as needs arise, so please feel free to revisit as you have questions about how we do things at Kent Lake.

New students to the South Lyon Community Schools should contact the Transportation Department to see which school they will attend. New registrations for Kent Lake that occur during the school year will take place in the school office. During the summer, new registration will take place at the Administration Building at 345 South Warren, South Lyon.

All new students need to have:

· Three proofs of residency

· Photo Identification of the parent/guardian

· Updated Immunization Record

· Certified Birth Certificate

· Vision, Hearing, and Dental screening (Kindergarten/Junior Kindergarten only)

For specific details about enrollment and requirements, please visit the SLCS district website.

Kindergarten/Junior Kindergarten

Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten registration is conducted in the second semester of each school year. Registration links will be available on the district website and shared in communications from the building and district. Pay close attention to the instructions when registering a student as some programs have a strict deadline. In order to register students, parents must provide the office with certified birth certificates, immunization records, a current vision screening, photo identification of the parent/guardian, and three proofs of residency.

Withdrawing from Kent Lake

Those students who withdraw from school should use the following procedure:

1. Notify the office as soon as possible prior to moving ‑ We will need the following information:

(a) The new address

(b) The date of the move

(c) The name of the new school, if possible.

2. Each withdrawing student is required to:

(a) Return all books (library & texts) and magazines

(b) Collect all personal items

3. Once we receive a signed request from the new school, we will send records directly to that new school.

Junior Kindergarten through fifth grade school hours are 8:15 am-3:18 pm

*When a half day of school is scheduled, dismissal time is 11:09 am.

Attendance Line Phone Number: 248-573-8325

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is necessary for school success. It is important and expected that your child arrive at school on time as many days as possible. There is a demonstrated connection between school absences and learning difficulties. Although the teachers attempt to provide assignments and materials for students to make up work when they are absent, completing an assignment at home just does not compare with being present in the classroom. An absent student misses the teacher’s instruction and class discussion.

Step 1: Student misses either 10 days absent or 15 days combined absent/tardy days: a note is sent home to parents.

Step 2: Student misses either 15 days absent or 20 days combined absent/tardy days before March: letter is sent home including mandatory meeting with principal.

Step 3: Student misses either 20 days absent or 25 days combined absent/tardy days: the office will make a Youth Assistance referral.

Step 4: The office will initiate Family Court Proceedings if non-improvement or patterning is determined from Step 3.

A child is considered tardy if they arrive at their lockers after 8:15am. For those of you who drive your child to school, this means that your child needs to be dropped off between 8:05 and 8:15 am so that they can make it to their lockers on time.

A child will be considered absent if for the morning if they arrive after 9:35 am. A child is considered absent for the afternoon if they leave the building before 1:35 pm.

For your child to be marked with an “excused” absence, you must call the Kent Lake Attendance Line at 248-573-8325 before 9:00 am the day they are absent. Phone calls and messages received after 9:00 am will have a note added to the attendance record, but they absence will remain “unexcused”.

Arrival at School

Children should arrive at school no earlier than 8:05 a.m. Staff is not available to supervise before this time. Additional arrival procedures for the drop off loop can be found under the Safety Procedures section below.

Students must be signed in by a parent/guardian in the office if they arrive after the bell at 8:15 am (school start time). Please be aware that the doors will lock automatically at that time, and office staff will ask to see picture ID as part of our protocol for entry into the building. Students will walk themselves to class after being signed in by their parent.

Students Leaving While School is in Session

When it becomes necessary for a student to go home due to illness or prearranged appointment, a parent or other responsible person designated by the parent must pick up the child in the office. Parents are not permitted to walk the halls to gather a students’ belongings during the instructional day.

We will not release any student to leave the school grounds (other than at dismissal times) unless s/he is picked up from the office by:

1. A parent, guardian, or emergency contact designated in Skyward.

2. An individual designated in writing and signed by the parent or guardian.

3. A day care center designated in writing and signed by the parent or guardian.

The parent, guardian, or other designated individual in (1) and (2) above must provide picture identification such as a driver’s license.

Safety is a deep concern to all of us. We are enlisting your help in following these guidelines to ensure a high level of security for your children.

The office requests that all calls to the office regarding changes in an afternoon pick-up schedule be made before 2:45 p.m. Please discuss pick-up arrangements with your child AND send a note to school with him/her in the morning if there will be a deviation from his/her normal dismissal routine. Daily calls regarding changes to pick up schedules make it difficult to handle emergency situations at the end of the day. Please do not make requests through voicemail or email messages regarding dismissal; the staff is not always able to check voicemail or email regularly throughout the day. Dismissal after 3:00 pm will be done from the back of the building.

Communications

Kent Lake Elementary communicates with families and the community members via the following: email notifications, mass mailings or targeted mailings as appropriate, electronic weekly updates (hard copy by request), information posted on our websites, letters/handouts sent home with students, Twitter, Facebook, and daily student announcements. Additionally, some classes may also have Facebook, Twitter, and Remind accounts as well as sending their own newsletters and reminders. You can also visit the Kent Lake Page on the district website for an up-do-date calendar. Every Friday you'll get an email from the building at 4:00 pm, please read them carefully and thoroughly as every piece of information will be shared in those emails.

Meet-The-Teacher Night

Prior to the start of the school year, students and families will get the opptunity to meet their child's teacher. Communication will be shared regarding specifics and timing over the summer.

Parent‑Teacher Conferences

Parent‑teacher conferences for elementary families are conducted in the fall. Families will receive advance notice of an electronic sign up for conferences. In the fall, information and a link will be emailed from the office detailing this process. In addition to this formal conference, parents are encouraged to contact the teacher whenever it is felt that an additional conference is needed. Teachers may also request a conference at any point in the school year, if they feel there is a need.

Students in grades Junior Kindergarten through 5th grade are instructed in the following academic areas in their classrooms:

Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, Word Work), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies are primarily though through teh workshop model. Students engage in shorter mini lessons for whole-group skills and then move into small groups or individual lessons base don particular need or practice. Technology, Habits of Mind and additional social and emotional learning for success are instructed through subject areas and specific lessons.

Art, Music, and Physical Education skills and knowledge are taught in each of their respective classrooms. Art is scheduled for 50 minutes one time per week. Music and PE each have two 35 minute sessions scheduled each week.

For a comprehensive guide regarding curriculum and instruction click the Parent Elementary Curriculum Guide

Assessments

The primary purpose of the SLCS Student Assessment System is to promote continuous improvement of student learning. All assessments are aligned with the standards adopted by the State of Michigan School Board. Professionals use assessment results to make informed decisions regarding the improvement of programs, as well as to focus instruction, and document individual student progress. All district assessments are selected or developed by professional staff and belong to one of the following tiers of the assessment system:

Tier 1. Individual classroom formative and summative assessments.

Tier 2. Building-Wide Assessments aligned with school improvement goals and the district curriculum.

Tier 3. District-Wide Standards-Based Assessments in required and core areas and district purchased assessment tools such as NWEA MAP Growth.

Tier 4. Statewide Assessments.

The final tier of this system and the only one independent of our curriculum is that of the state assessments. Often district assessments developed for one tier can be used across other tiers.

Additional Information can be found on the assessment page of our district website

Accidents or Illness at School

Only minimal first aid can be administered by school personnel. Parents/Guardians will be contacted when a student appears ill enough to go home or an injury involving the head takes place. If a parent/guardian cannot be reached, the designated emergency contact(s) will be contacted. If a student has any health problem, or is taking medication, it is important for school personnel to be made aware.

Students go outside each day. If there is a medical reason that a child must stay inside, a note from a physician is required.

Immunizations

Michigan law requires that every student enrolled in a Michigan school be properly immunized or have a signed waiver on file at the school. If not, the student, in accordance with the law, shall not be permitted to attend school.

Medication at School

School district policy prohibits school personnel from administering any medication (including, for example, cough drops, aspirin, and over-the-counter medications) to students without the following:

1. A South Lyon Medication Form obtained from the office. This form must be signed by the parent/guardian with the signed physician’s order indicating drug name, dose, time, and method of administration, and the duration of treatment. It is also recommended that possible side effects of a medication be indicated on the form.

2. No over-the-counter drugs will be dispensed without the written order of a physician. This includes cough drops. Please obtain a South Lyon Medication Form for over-the-counter drugs.

3. Medication must remain in the school office for the duration it is used. A student may not keep OTC items like cough drops or throat lozenges with them.

4. Medication should be dropped off and picked up by the parents and not transferred by the student. Medication will be disposed of at the end of the year if it has not been picked up by a parent.

5. Medication must be in the original containers that contains the student’s name, dosage, medication name and duration.

Hearing and Vision Screening

Oakland County Health Department provides hearing and vision screening at specified grade levels. If a hearing or vision problem is detected, the parent will be notified. Parents have the right to refuse these screenings.

Head Lice

Because of the close proximity of children in school we occasionally have students with head lice. It is the district practice that a child with head lice must be excluded from school until one treatment at home has occurred. A student may come back to school provided the parent/guardian documents the treatment and upon examination by the school’s designee that any remaining nits are farther away than ¼” from the scalp. It is recommended that all nits be removed. There is information in the office on procedures for ridding a child of lice. The Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Department of Health, Oakland County Health Division, and the American Academy of Pediatrics support these practices.

Communicable Diseases

Children catch a variety of illnesses and it is important to know when and when not to keep your child out of school. A child who has had a fever or is vomiting cannot be in school until they are healthy for 24 hours. A child who just has cold symptoms is welcome at school but please note the medication policy, which does not allow over-the-counter medication to be used by students at any point during the day. If your child vomits during the school day, a parent/guardian will be required to pick up their child.

Additionally, if a communicable disease/condition is suspected, families may be called to have a medical professional diagnose symptoms to ensure a student is not contagious before returning to school. The most common conditions are suspected pink eye and various skin rashes.

Emergency and Disaster Procedures

In the event of an emergency during the school day, a crisis plan will be put into operation. Emergency plans meeting district and national standards have been adopted to cover all foreseeable emergencies. Tornado, fire, and lock down emergency procedures are rehearsed throughout the year. Fire and tornado procedures are posted in each classroom.

Severe Weather and School Closings

When the district deems necessary, school will be closed. School closing phone calls, emails, and text messages will be sent out according to how your family preferences are set in Skyward. Closings will be posted on the district social media sites and will also be communicated to major TV and radio stations. Please check: www.slcs.us or www.cancellations.com. Do not call the building to find out if there is a closing.

Contingency Plans

Occasionally, school systems have to send students have to send students home early due to weather conditions, power outages, boiler failure, and so on. Although we try to avoid sending students home early, there have been times in the past and there will, no doubt, be times in the future when this action is necessary. Please discuss this possibility with your children, and devise a plan for them to follow. Your plan might involve going straight home and calling a parent at work. It might involve going to the neighbor’s home, if the neighbor agrees. It might involve a high school child staying at home with the younger children. Whatever plan is decided upon, make sure your children know it and follow it, for their safety and your peace of mind. Whenever possible, students at the elementary level will not be released unless a contact has been made with a parent, guardian, or other individual listed on their emergency card. Please continue to keep emergency contact information up to date for all students, regardless of their ages. Updates to an emergency contact list can be made by emailing the office staff.

Programs and events offered to our students include Music Concerts, the 5th Grade camp days and track meet, Student Council, 5th Grade Safeties, All School Field Day and other PTO sponsored events, and Spirit Days. Information about these programs and events will always be included in our Friday communications.

Field Trips

Any student going on a field trip must have a signed parent authorization. If a teacher does not have such authorization by the day of the trip, the student will not be permitted to go.

Student Pictures

Student pictures are taken in the fall. Student yearbooks will be available for order at that time. Yearbooks will be delivered at the end of the year.

Assemblies

Assemblies are funded and planned in collaboration with the PTO. Students also attend other all-school gatherings planned by Kent Lake PTO and the Kent Lake Staff.

Birthday Recognition

Birthdays are a special day and we look forward to recognizing your child on his/her birthday with an all school announcement. In addition, your child will receive a birthday sticker from his/her teacher to wear at school or to take home. In accordance with the policy and procedures established by the Kent Lake Shared Involvement Process (SIP) team, children will not be allowed to hand out edible treats, give trinkets, or pass out birthday invitations.

Clubs

Kent Lake hosts several clubs throughout the year. Communication is shared prior to registration. Families are responsible for transportation when student clubs meet outside of school hours.

After‑School Activities

A wide variety of athletic, recreational and educational activities are offered through Community Education (248-437-8105).

At Kent Lake we are working to consistently improve the school experience for all members of our community. An important part of that work is to establish, teach and reinforce desired behavioral expectations. The Kent Lake community has adopted the attached matrix to show students and families the basic expectations in various locations in our school.

Students will learn and practice these expectations throughout the school year in an effort to maintain habits that help students demonstrate safe, kind, and responsible behavior.

Our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) System reinforces these desired behaviors through various avenues including individual recognition, rewards, praise, and leadership opportunities amongst others. In the event that students do not adhere to these expectations various forms of redirection can occur, including, but not limited to: reminders, reflection sheets, restorative meetings, missed opportunities for desired activities, family meetings or removal from school. Student behavioral expectations and outcomes will be in accordance with SLCS guidelines and policies.

According to Board Policy 8270 Bullying toward any student or member of our community is not tolerated.

Dress Code

No hats or other head coverings, flip flops, or halter tops may be worn in the school. Inappropriate slogans or pictures are not to be worn to school on clothing. Please make sure your child is dressed for the ever-changing Michigan weather. Make sure they have a hat, boots, mittens and snow pants during the winter months. Boots are required during inclement weather or the student may be confined to the blacktop area of the playground during outdoor recess. In the warmer months, students should wear shorts with reasonable shoulder straps so that they do not fall down while running. Shorts or skirts should be long enough to not allow undergarments to be visible. Student shoes should have a back (no flip flops or open back shoes) for safety.

Homework Expectations

Teachers may assign homework as they feel appropriate for their classrooms. Students should complete the homework in a timely fashion as indicated by the teacher. Any challenges with homework should be communicated to the classroom teacher.

Homework may be requested for students due to lengthy period of absence due to illness or vacation. In the event that items can be prepared prior to the extended absences, teachers will communicate that as appropriate, but this isn't always possible.

Alternative assignments may be given at the discretion of the child’s teacher. In some instances, missed assignments may not be able to be completed, such as, videos, hands-on group activities, simulations, class discussions, and science experiments, which are part of science kits. Some assignments may be provided upon return from the extended absences, in which case students will receive the same number of days to complete assignments as were missed.

Breakfast and Lunch Programs

Breakfast and lunch are available as an important addition to our students’ school day. Milk can be purchased by those bringing their own lunch. Applications for free and reduced lunch are available as part of the online back to school registration process. Lunch menus are sent home at the beginning of each semester. A cheese sandwich will be available for those students without lunch money. Contact the Food Service Department at 248-573-8925 with questions regarding the breakfast and lunch programs.

Personal Property

Electronic Communication Devices (ECDs)-Students are discouraged from bringing ECDs to school. If brought to school, all ECDs must remain in the student’s locker. Elementary students should not use their devices for communication while in school or on the bus. Devices that are used are subject to being held until a parent can retrieve the device.

If an ECD is damaged, lost, or stolen while on school property, Kent Lake Elementary/SLCS is not responsible for recovering or reimbursing the student or his/her parent/guardian for the replacement of the device.

Clothing‑ Label all student possessions, including coats, hats, boots, gloves, lunch boxes, book bags, etc. with permanent marker.

Money‑ Students are discouraged from bringing more money than what they need for lunch. Deposits can be made to your child(ren)’s lunch account by sending a check payable to “SLCS” in a labeled envelope or making an online payment through Skyward.

Pets‑ Pets are not allowed on school grounds.

Student Supplies

Students may bring their own supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons, paste, rulers, etc. The school will also have these items available for all children. At different times during the school year, teachers may ask for donations for a classroom. All donations are greatly appreciated.

Visitors

In order for any visitors (even regular volunteers) to enter the locked building, they will need to:

1. Approach the front doors
2. Press the call button
3. State your name and purpose for your visit when the office staff responds
4. Extend a photo ID toward the camera
5. Report to the office to sign in immediately upon entrance to the building and obtain a visitor’s badge
6. Wear the visitor badge in a visible location during your visit at Kent Lake

How can you help?

*Never open the door for other visitors.

*Report any concerns to the office immediately.

*Whenever possible, schedule appointments with staff prior to arriving at school.

*Whenever possible, try to avoid picking up students early from school.

*Have your photo ID available prior to pressing the call button at the front door.

*Remember to return your visitor badge and sign out in the office at the end of your visit

Sibling Policy

To ensure a quality learning environment, no siblings are allowed in the classrooms during the instructional day, or with parents who volunteer in the building.

Video Surveillance and Electronic Monitoring

In order to protect Board property, promote security, and protect the health, welfare, and safety of students, staff, and visitors, the Board of Education authorizes the use of video surveillance and electronic monitoring equipment on school property, and in school buildings, and school buses. Information obtained through video surveillance/electronic monitoring may be used to identify intruders and persons breaking the law, Board policy, or the Student Code of Conduct (i.e., it may be used as evidence in disciplinary actions and criminal proceedings).

Parent Drop Off Loop

For their safety, children are not allowed to walk unaccompanied from the parking lot into the building. When dropping off a child, you must use the loop on the east side of the school. This is a drop off only loop and not a loop for parking. In order for this procedure to work smoothly and safely, parents/guardians should have children seated so they may quickly exit the car on the passenger side. Children must be ready to exit (with lunch, money, pick up arrangements worked out, backpacks, etc…) as soon as the car stops. Please do not double up in front of the loop, as it is unsafe for students to walk between cars. It is essential that you park in the parking lot if you are going to walk your child to the doorway.

A staff member is in front of the building until the bell rings. Therefore, it is not necessary for you to wait in your car to see the children enter the school. By following the above procedure, a stop of only a few seconds will alleviate a long wait and prevent a dangerous situation. Patience and politeness are required for the safety and education of our students. Please do not pass cars in front of you; wait until they have safely pulled away.

Visitors

In order for any visitors (even regular volunteers) to enter the locked building, they will need to:

1. Approach the front doors
2. Press the call button
3. State your name and purpose for your visit when the office staff responds
4. Extend a photo ID toward the camera
5. Report to the office to sign in immediately upon entrance to the building and obtain a visitor’s badge
6. Wear the visitor badge in a visible location during your visit at Kent Lake
7. 
   

At no point should a visitor hold the door open for an additional individual unless that person has gained access to the building at the same time as you.

Rules for Indoor Recess

Students will have outdoor recess when the temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or above, including wind chill, as verified by the office computer.

During inclement weather students will remain inside the building during recess and the lunch hour. Lunch supervisors will be on duty during the lunch period. Students are expected to adhere to cafeteria and classroom expectations.

Accident Insurance

The South Lyon Community School District will have student accident insurance applications available in the office.

Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO)

Purpose:

• To establish good communication among parents, legal guardians, teachers, and administrators.
• To encourage family involvement in school activities.
• To provide a forum for discussion regarding matters of mutual concern.
• To oversee, with school administrators and personnel, activities regarding the school, and to submit recommendations that would benefit Kent Lake students.
• To oversee the use of money raised by, or donated to, the PTO to maximize the benefits for all students.
• To coordinate volunteers for the delivery of services.

Membership

• All parents/legal guardians with children currently enrolled at Kent Lake are automatically members of the PTO.
• All current faculty and staff of Kent Lake Elementary.
• All members shall be voting members. In the event that a person holds more than one position (i.e. multiple committees and/or board member), they will have only one vote. The President holds the tie-breaking vote when necessary.
• PTO Members must be present at meetings to vote.

C.H.E.E.R.S

C.H.E.E.R.S. (Citizens Helping Educators Encourage Responsible Students) is the name of the district volunteer program for the South Lyon Community Schools. This program was developed in 1987, and has been in effect since that time. The program is directed by a district volunteer coordinator, and numerous building coordinators. In excess of 500 volunteers log thousands of hours of volunteer service to the school district. CHEERS is a K‑12 program operating in each school building in the district, as well as in several of the community education departments. We believe that the success of the program can be attributed to a dedicated team of coordinators, as well as a total commitment from the Board of Education and the school district staff. Kent Lake Elementary has a CHEERS coordinator on the PTO board who will help parents get involved in the school setting.

Volunteers/Visitors

We greatly appreciate the support of our families and the involvement of parents/guardians both at home and as volunteers. While we welcome parent/guardian volunteers, it is important that we followed Board Policy 9230 (District Volunteers). This screening process is to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff in each building.

If you would like to serve as a volunteer at Kent Lake, you are required to complete the Volunteer Background Check Authorization form, which can be found on the district website under the “Parent” tab. This should only be filled out once you have a specific event or date for which you are volunteering.

All volunteers/visitors are required to report to the office upon arrival in the building. Anyone entering the building needs to buzz at the front door, show valid identification, sign in to the office and obtain a badge. Lunch time visitors are welcome to have lunch with their child however, they will not be able to participate or observe during recess.

We ask that any work with students or observations made during volunteering are kept confidential to protect the privacy of all students.

Shared Involvement Process (SIP)

The South Lyon Community Schools has adopted the following mission statement: In support of our community, the mission of the South Lyon Community Schools is to provide the highest quality educational process so that all students can excel as individuals and become contributing members of society.

To accomplish our mission, the South Lyon Community Schools endorses the concept of Shared Involvement Process (SIP) as the necessary and appropriate means by which all educational decisions of the highest quality are most likely to be achieved at all levels.

The following are examples of the many benefits of the Shared Involvement Process:

• Improving the morale of the staff

• Focusing accountability for decisions

• Bringing resources in line with school’s goals

• Nurturing and stimulating new leaders

• Increasing quantity and quality of communication

• Increasing ownership into decisions to be made

• Placing decisions at the closest level to those affected

• Promoting input of a greater and more diverse nature

So what is Shared Involvement Process (SIP)?

SIP is a process for soliciting, collecting, evaluating and using information and the expertise of educational partners for the purpose of making and implementing decisions that will improve or enhance student achievement. The building SIP committee may implement decisions that do not impact other buildings in the district, do not require the expenditure of more funds than are available in the approved budget and do not conflict with district goals, procedures, policies, collective bargaining agreements or federal or state laws and requirements.

Each building will have a committee consisting of the building principal, a minimum of two elementary teachers and at the secondary level, a minimum of three teachers or a ratio of 1/500 students. Teachers will be chosen in a manner acceptable to the staff. Also on the committee will be a minimum of one support staff and, when possible, representation from the community. Parent representation will equal the number of teachers and be chosen by the SIP or by other parents in the school. At each middle school, two eighth grade students may be members when deemed appropriate. At the high school level, a total of four students, one from each grade, will be selected under the direction of the student government.

The responsibility of the SIP is to review and/or approve, when appropriate, the school improvement efforts, and school climate and safety issues. These items will be included on the SIP agendas when appropriate.

The duration of terms will be implemented to ensure continuity of membership. Prospective members should be made aware that a commitment of time will be necessary to effectively deal with these building issues and responsibilities.

How do I learn about my school’s SIP Committee?

SIP committees meet monthly and each school’s agenda and meeting minutes are posted on the South Lyon Community Schools website at www.slcs.us. Minutes are also shared in newsletters, at PTO meetings, etc…

The district and SIP committees encourage all members of the school community to learn about the Shared Involvement Process and support our mission to increase achievement for all students.

The Governor of Michigan signed into law The School Quality Bill, Public Act 25 of 1990 which is an amendment to the state school code. The Act will have a significant impact on all school districts in the state. The bill contains several requirements which include an annual education report, school improvement plans, core curriculum, and accreditation for all schools in a district.

The annual report must include district and building level data which includes accreditation status, school improvement plans, core curriculum, aggregate student achievement, retention reports, participation data from parent‑teacher conferences and a comparison of present year’s report and data to preceding years’ report. This report is presented annually and is available on the district website.

School improvement plans will be required from each individual school. The plans are to include a mission statement, goals based on outcomes for all students, curriculum alignment corresponding to these goals, evaluation processes, parent and community involvement, staff development activities, and building level decision making with respect to organization.

Accreditation means meeting or exceeding standards established for five areas of school operation: purpose and direction, governance and leadership, teaching and assessing for learning, resources and support systems, and using results for continuous improvement.

Shared Involvement Process

The South Lyon Community Schools has adopted the following mission statement: In support of our community, the mission of the South Lyon Community Schools is to provide the highest quality educational process so that all students can excel as individuals and become contributing members of society.

To accomplish our mission, the South Lyon Community Schools endorses the concept of Shared Involvement Process (SIP) as the necessary and appropriate means by which all educational decisions of the highest quality are most likely to be achieved at all levels.

The following are examples of the many benefits of the Shared Involvement Process:

• Improving the morale of the staff

• Focusing accountability for decisions

• Bringing resources in line with school’s goals

• Nurturing and stimulating new leaders

• Increasing quantity and quality of communication

• Increasing ownership into decisions to be made

• Placing decisions at the closest level to those affected

• Promoting input of a greater and more diverse nature

So what is Shared Involvement Process (SIP)?

SIP is a process for soliciting, collecting, evaluating and using information and the expertise of educational partners for the purpose of making and implementing decisions that will improve or enhance student achievement. The building SIP committee may implement decisions that do not impact other buildings in the district, do not require the expenditure of more funds than are available in the approved budget and do not conflict with district goals, procedures, policies, collective bargaining agreements or federal or state laws and requirements.

Each building will have a committee consisting of the building principal, a minimum of two elementary teachers and at the secondary level, a minimum of three teachers or a ratio of 1/500 students. Teachers will be chosen in a manner acceptable to the staff. Also on the committee will be a minimum of one support staff and, when possible, representation from the community. Parent representation will equal the number of teachers and be chosen by the SIP or by other parents in the school. At each middle school, two eighth grade students may be members when deemed appropriate. At the high school level, a total of four students, one from each grade, will be selected under the direction of the student government.

The responsibility of the SIP is to review and/or approve, when appropriate, the school improvement efforts, e.g. each phase of the credentialing and AdvancEd process, state assessment outcomes, AYP goals, Ed. Yes/MI Plan requirements and outcomes, and school climate and safety issues. These items will be included on the SIP agendas when appropriate.

The duration of terms will be implemented to ensure continuity of membership. Prospective members should be made aware that a commitment of time will be necessary to effectively deal with these building issues and responsibilities.

How do I learn about my school’s SIP Committee?

SIP committees meet monthly and each school’s agenda and meeting minutes are posted on the South Lyon Community Schools website at www.slcs.us. Minutes are also shared in newsletters, at PTO meetings, etc…

The school’s SIP committee would like to provide parents and community members the opportunity to share questions, comments, or concerns. Feel free to contact a SIP member or use the tear off sheet included with the minutes and return it to the school’s office. Please be sure and sign your name so that a member of the SIP committee can be in contact with you.

The district and SIP committees encourage all members of the school community to learn about the Shared Involvement Process and support our mission to increase achievement for all students.

The Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. (Board Policy 3122 revised July 19, 2010).

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:

Sue Toth

Title IX Coordinator

South Lyon Community Schools

345 South Warren

South Lyon, Michigan 48178

(248) 573-8130 or (248) 573-8140

The Board of Education is committed to providing a school environment in which staff may deliver and students may receive educational services without disruption or interference. Expectations for students are based on principles of civility, mutual respect, and otherwise doing what is necessary to be a functioning member of a school community. These expectations apply to conduct on School District premises, while en route to and from school, while in attendance at school functions, as well as when off-campus, to the extent the off-campus behavior is likely to or does substantially disrupt District academic or extracurricular activities or programs.”

SLCS Board Policy 2006 outlines expectations for students in detail.

At the elementary level, violations of the student code of conduct require disciplinary action, up to and including suspension. Common examples of violations at the elementary level include, but are not limited to:

• Fighting/Assault
• Bullying
• Destruction of school property
• Substantial disruptions to the learning environment
• Possession of nicotine products and/or delivery devices (vapes, e-cig, cigarettes, etc.)
• Possession of weapons(including pocket knives), look-alikes and paraphernalia (ammunition and casings)

For disciplinary investigations that involve unsafe behaviors, including actual or planned emotional or physical harm to others, elementary students may be suspended during the length of the investigation, which is typically one or two school days. Additional days of suspension may be assigned for severe infractions.

SLCS Board Policy 2006 defines student due process rights when violations of the SLCS student code of conduct are exhibited and possible disciplinary hearings are necessary.

For a complete list of South Lyon Community Schools’ Board Policies, please visit

www.slcs.us

In accordance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA USC 1232 (g)), the Board of Education of the South Lyon Community Schools has designed the following information as directory information:

• The student’s name
• The names of the student’s parents
• The student’s address
• The student’s date of birth
• The student’s class designation
• The student’s extracurricular participation
• The student’s achievement awards or honors, not scholastic grades
• The student’s height and weight‑if a member of an athletic team
• The student’s photograph
• The name of the school or school district the student attended before he or she enrolled in the South Lyon School District

While all other information concerning students of the school district remains confidential, and will be released only in accordance with the school district’s Student Record Policy, the above directory information will be released to a requesting party, unless a parent or an eligible student has advised the school district with respect to that particular student.

A parent or eligible student desiring that the above directory information or any part thereof concerning a particular student not be released, should contact the student’s building principal.

Bus Rules must be followed for safety of students

In order to guarantee all children riding the bus the safe transportation they deserve, certain rules have to be followed. Parental support is essential to a safe transportation program. The prime responsibility for the application of these rules is with the parent. The schools will assist parents in any way possible. We are publishing the rules so that the district’s expectations are clear.

Responsibilities of Students

1. Students must be on time as designated bus stops. Buses cannot wait, so students should leave home in time to arrive at the bus stop about 5 minutes before the bus is due. Unless there are unusual weather conditions or the bus has an emergency situation, the established schedule should be accurate.
2. Students must stay off the roadway at all times while waiting for the bus, and conduct themselves with courtesy and consideration for others. The safety and conduct of the students at a bus stop is the responsibility of the parents.
3. Students are required to cross in front of the bus when crossing a roadway, NOT in back of the bus.
4. Students must wait until the bus has come to a stop before attempting to enter or leave the bus.
5. Students should be seated immediately upon entering the bus. Students may be expected to sit three (3) in a seat. Personal belongings are to be held on the rider’s lap. Only items fitting on students’ laps will be accepted on the bus. The aisle must be kept clear.
6. No pets or other animals may be transported on the bus.
7. Students are expected to conform promptly to directions of the bus driver.
8. Students must inform the driver when absence from school is expected.
9. Students must help keep the bus clean and orderly at all times.
10. Students must report to the driver at once any damage to the bus. Any student disfiguring or mutilating a bus will be suspended from riding until a satisfactory adjustment is made.
11. Loud, boisterous, or profane languages, indecent conduct, scuffling, or throwing of object will not be tolerated. Student causing trouble after they have been warned will lose their privilege of riding the bus.
12. No windows or doors are to be opened except by permission of the driver. Students are required to enter and leave by the front door ONLY, except in case of an emergency and then the back emergency door may be used.
13. Students must keep hands and head inside the bus at all times.
14. Smoking, eating, or drinking will not be permitted on the bus.
15. Only students registered to ride the bus are permitted to ride. We do not carry a commercial license. This prohibits us from carrying students not listed on the original registration sheet. Students may not ride any other bus to homes of friends or places of employment.
16. Students must not leave the bus without the driver’s consent, except at home or at the school.
17. Students are expected to be picked up and dropped off at one (same) bus stop only.
18. Students may be assigned a seat by the bus driver.
19. Complete silence at railroad crossings is required.
20. No use of cell phones on the bus.

Failure to observe bus rules may result in the issuance of a bus conduct report.

Students are reminded that bus riding is a privilege. They are expected to observe bus safety rules and failure to do so many result in the bus driver issuing a bus conduct report, which will be reviewed by a school administrator. The administrator reviewing the report has the right and responsibility to reprimand according to the student's disciplinary history. In instances of severe bus misconduct, administrators may invoke any or all of the corrective measures listed for each offense. If a bus misconduct results in a suspension from school, the student's suspension from the bus is effective upon return to school. The following is the district procedure with regard to bus conduct reports:

1. Warning Notice: At the bus driver's discretion, and based upon the severity of the offense, issues may be addressed through verbal warnings. In these cases, a copy of the Transportation Code of Conduct may be provided to the student as a reminder of the transportation expectations.

2. 1st Conduct Report - the student receives a warning that further conduct reports could result in suspension of bus riding privileges; however, a student may be removed for 1st conduct report in case of serious offences, such as fighting.

3. 2nd Conduct Report - the student is suspended from riding the bus for five (5) school days.

4. 3rd Conduct Report - the student will be suspended from riding the bus for up to thirty (30) school days.

5. 4th Conduct Report - the student will be suspended form riding the bus for the remainder of the school year.

Note: If a student’s misbehavior is serious, the bus may return to the school so that the student can be removed. If this happens, he/she will be removed from the bus for a minimum of five (5) days.

Bus Suspension Appeal Process- Elementary:

1. Parent/Guardian may appeal bus suspensions of less than ten (10) days to the principal.
2. Bus suspensions of ten (10) or more days shall follow the appeal process outlined below:
1. If a parent/guardian disagrees with a suspension, an immediate appeal must be made to the building principal. Immediate is defined as by the end of the next school day. If the principal is not in the district, the parent will be directed to the assistant superintendent of CITA who will be the first and final administrator in the appeal process.
2. If a parent/guardian disagrees with the principal’s decision, an appeal must be made to the assistant superintendent of CITA within twenty-four (24) hours of the principal’s decision. Within twenty-four (24) hours is defined as the next school day. The decision made by the assistant superintendent of CITA is final. If the assistant superintendent of CITA is not in the District, the Superintendent or his/her designee will handle the appeal.
3. Depending on the circumstances, as determined by the building administrator, the student will be suspended during the appeal process.

Bus Suspension Appeal Process- Secondary:

1. Parent/Guardian may appeal bus suspensions of less than ten (10) days to the administrator issuing the suspension. Often this is the assistant principal.

2. Bus suspensions of ten (10) or more days shall follow the appeal process outlined below.

a. If a parent/guardian disagrees with a suspension, an immediate appeal must be made to the administrator issuing the suspension. Immediate is defined as by the end of the next school day.

b. For bus suspensions issued by the assistant principal:

If a parent/guardian disagrees with the assistant principal’s decision, an appeal must be made to the principal within twenty-four (24) hours of the assistant principal’s decision. Within twenty-four (24) hours is defined as the next school day. The decision made by the principal is final.

If the bus suspension was issued by the assistant principal and he or she is not in the district, the parent will be directed to the principal who will be the first and final administrator in the appeal process. For bus suspensions issued by the assistant principal, the final administrator in the appeal process will be the school principal.

c. For bus suspensions issued by the principal:

If a parent/guardian disagrees with the principal’s decision, an appeal must be made to the assistant superintendent of CITA within twenty-four (24) hours of the principal’s decision. Within twenty-four (24) hours is defined as the next school day. The decision made by the assistant superintendent of CITA is final.

If the bus suspension was issued by the principal and he or she is not in the district, the parent will be directed to the assistant superintendent of CITA who will be the first and final administrator in the appeal process.

If the assistant superintendent of CITA is not in the District, the Superintendent or his/her designee will handle the appeal.

d. Depending on the circumstances, as determined by the building administrator, the student will be suspended during the appeal process.

• Kent Lake: 248-573-8350
• Attendance Line: 248-573-8325
• Fax: 248-486-0412
• Transportation: 248-573-8235
• Board Office: 248-573-8127
• District Hotline: 248-573-8251
• Early Childhood Center/Kids Club: 248-573-8330
• Recreation: 248-437‑8105
• School Closings are posted on http://www.cancellations.com, on the district web site, and on the school social media
• District Web Site: www.slcs.us (Kent Lake has a page on this site.)
• E-mail address for all staff: last name, first initial, @slcs.us, all lower case. For example, the principal is MetcalfR@slcs.us