Hickory Point Student Handbook
Table of Contents
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- Home
- Welcome Letter
- Daily Schedule
- Attendance
- Academic Program
- Support Services
- Special Subjects and Student Programs
- Discipline
- Building Procedures
- Transportation and Safety
- Food and Beverage Procedure
- Other Information
Home
Foreward
This elementary student handbook has been prepared through the combined efforts of parents, staff and administration with the intention of providing you and your child(ren) with important information concerning Hickory Point School and District 27. The handbook is designed to serve as a guide for parents and students, so they better understand the policies and procedures designed to assist children’s educational experience. As the need arises during the school year, additional information will either be mailed or sent home with your child(ren). However, the information contained in this handbook should answer most questions you may have. Please carefully review this book with your child(ren) so their rights and responsibilities are understood.
Mission Statement
Our Mission
Educating Students to Succeed in a Changing World
Our Core Values
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Pursue learning that develops individual growth, potential, and leadership to the fullest of our capacity.
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Commit to performance excellence as a learning community.
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Use performance results to honor our accomplishments, determine our needs, and improve learning experiences and achievements.
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Share the responsibility to learn and work in a collaborative environment.
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Adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior (both personal and organizational).
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Treat others with respect and value differences.
This mission statement was developed by a steering committee of parents, teachers and community members. It was approved by the Board of Education on April 21, 2005.
Welcome Letter
Dear Hickory Point Families
Welcome to a new school year. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your child(ren). Our Hickory Point family is very lucky to have each and every one of their smiling faces with us every day!
The student handbook explains the policies and procedures of District 27 in general and more specifically those of Hickory Point. Policies and procedures are important, however, we believe if we maintain a respectful, responsible and kind environment, everything else follows smoothly.
It has been our experience at Hickory Point that parents send their children to school ready to learn. Because of the emphasis our parents place on education, our students have the positive attitude and enthusiasm that contributes to effective learning. Please continue to support this healthy relationship between home and school.
Hickory Point is fortunate to employ an excellent professional staff. The teachers create a learning environment that actively engages the children in their own education. Please continue to work closely with your child’s classroom teacher so together you can enhance your child’s growth.
Instead of governing the daily life of your child by rules and regulations we emphasize an atmosphere of respect, responsibility and kindness. When children have a healthy respect for themselves, one another, their teacher and the physical environment of the school disciplinary issues are minimal. Please continue to support us in developing and maintaining an environment of respect, responsibility and kindness at Hickory Point.
Sincerely,
Lauren Weingarten
Assistant Principal
Daily Schedule
Time | Event |
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8:25 a.m. | First Bell |
8:30 a.m. | Tardy Bell |
11:30 a.m. | Beginning Lunch Bell |
12:15 p.m. | Ending Lunch Bell |
3:00 p.m. | Dismissal Bell |
Students are considered tardy if they arrive to school after the 8:30 a.m. bell. In order to preserve instructional time and teacher responsible behavior, please make every effort to get your child to school on time. Students who have unexcused tardies ,may be subject to disciplinary action. Students with chronic tardiness will receive a truancy letter from the Assistant Superintendent for pupil Services.
Supervision is provided fifteen minutes prior to the start of the school day. Please do not drop your child off before 8:10 a.m.. If a problem arises, it is recommended that you work with a neighbor or friend to arrange transportation to school. For your child’s safety we ask you make arrangements prior to the beginning of school.
When arriving at school, kindergarten students will enter the building immediately upon arrival through Door A, the front door. They will move to their designated waiting area. First and second grade students will wait on the playground and enter the building through their designated entrances at 8:25 a.m.. Supervision is provided at the bus arrival area and each of the designated entrances for students.
Students will enter the building at this time if the weather is inclement. Inclement weather is defined by the Board of Education as:
- Temperature below 15 degrees.
- Heavy new snow of three inches or more.
- Rain, regardless of the amount.
- The temperature, when combined with the wind speed, produce a wind chill below 10 degrees.
At dismissal students riding the bus will wait in the gym before loading the bus. Supervisors will walk students out and place them on the bus to go home. Students who attend the after school program will be walked by a supervisor to the Adventure Camp room. Students who are picked up from school will exit out Door H, the door facing the playground. Parents are encouraged to wait in the car pick up line at dismissal. Supervisors will only allow students to load into cars in the first six spots on the horseshoe. Please be sure to pull up as far as you can when staging
on the horseshoe. Parents who wish to pick their student up at Door H should wait to the outsides of the sidewalk to allow for all students to exit the building safely.
If the weather is inclement at dismissal students will be dismissed one at a time out of the Door H Foyer. Parents in the pick up lane should stage as normal and students will be called one at a time out of the building.
Attendance
Student Attendance and Absence Policy
The habit of regular and faithful attendance is prerequisite to successful school life. Students should be absent only in cases of illness or emergency. The Board of Education directs the school administration and staff to enforce, on a consistent basis, all school regulations relative to school attendance. These regulations shall require that all absences shall be verified by phone, by the student’s parent or legal guardian. When a student is ill and unable to attend school, parents are asked to call the school office that morning (847.498.3830) by 8:00 a.m. to report the absence. Students absent for three or more consecutive days due to illness will be required to submit a written statement from a physician which includes the diagnoses for the extended absence.
If the office staff cannot personally answer the phone call, please leave a message including your child’s name, morning teacher and the reason for the absence. Parents who do not notify the school when their children are absent will receive a phone call from the office staff. This telephone message policy has been implemented in order to ensure the safety and security of your children.
Absence Policy
Board of Education policy requires all student to be in full attendance for the entire school day. State attendance reporting regulations require a student must be in attendance 2.5 hours in both the morning and afternoon or be reported absent for the respective half day. Students arriving late, but within the 2.5 hour limit shall be considered tardy.
For example:
- A student who arrives at 8:40 a.m. and attends more than 2.5 hours in the morning, between 8:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., is considered TARDY.
- A student who arrives at 9:25 a.m. and attends less than 2.5 hours in the morning, between 8:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., is considered ABSENT HALF DAY morning.
- A student who arrives at 1:40 p.m. and attends less than 2.5 hours between 11:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., is considered ABSENT HALF DAY.
- A student who is present until 2:45 p.m. and attends more than 2.5 hours in the afternoon between 11:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., is considered EARLY DISMISSAL with written parent authorization.
This policy is in compliance with the ISBE attendance regulations and is strictly enforced. Children with chronic absences will receive a truancy letter from the office of the Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services.
Excused Absences
The reasons for an excused absence shall include illness of a student or a family emergency such as a death in the family or a religious holiday. All other absences are unexcused even if the school office or teacher have been notified. Students absent for three or more consecutive days due to illness will be required to submit a written statement from a physician which includes the diagnoses for the extended absence.
Physical Education and Recess Exemptions
Physical Education and recess are considered a part of the regular school day. If your child has been ill and returned to school he/she may be excused no more than two consecutive days from PE and/or recess by a written parent request. If an absence for more than three consecutive days is necessary, a note from a physician stating the reason is required.
If a child has been ill or disabled in any manner, a physician must verify any physical education limits upon that child’s return to school. If a physician feels that the child is able to participate in a physical education setting with limitations, those limitations must be clearly identified in the physician’s note. Once those restrictions have been lifted, a note from the physician is required in order for the student to resume normal physical education activities.
Tardiness
Students who are late to school must report to the office for a “tardy slip” before going to class. An excused tardy may be given for any written verification for medical purposes or family emergencies. Excused tardies are given for late buses. Unexcused tardies are defined as all other reasons.
Academic Program
The primary goals of School District 27 are to provide each student with learning opportunities in every academic area, and to develop individual interests so students will continue their learning activities beyond the formal school setting.
The basic program for all students at Hickory Point includes reading, writing, language arts (grammar, usage, oral and written expression, handwriting and spelling), mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, art, music, computers, social emotional and library.
Students are placed in heterogeneous classroom settings that emphasize flexible, cooperative groupings, and opportunities designed to match various learning styles.
Grading System
Student in kindergarten through grade two receive report cards three times a year. In addition to the teacher's comments, skill achievement is evaluated as follows:
- Meeting district expectations.
- Making progress, but not meeting district standards.
- Not making expected progress towards meeting district expectations.
Homework Guidelines
Homework is an integral part of the learning process in Northbrook School District 27. Homework should have relevance to students’ curricula and instruction and should facilitate learning. Homework is an effective instructional technique and serves different purposes at different grade levels. Homework reinforces classroom learning and provides teachers with additional insights about their students. It is also a vital link between school and home. Parent interest in their child’s school work provides encouragement and positive reinforcement in the learning process. Appropriate homework assignments facilitate students’ success in learning.
It is the belief of the Hickory Point staff that homework encourages parental involvement in the
learning process which is key to a positive school experience. Homework for young children:
- Develops positive reading habits and study habits.
- Fosters student responsibility.
- Communicates to students the importance of learning taking place both at home and at school.
- Fosters a positive attitude towards school.
The following guidelines regarding homework at each grade level have been developed to meet these objectives. It is important for children to understand that you, as your child’s primary teacher, value the types of learning activities in which your child engages at school. In order to enhance the home-school connection, we recommend the following activities. your child’s teacher will review specific homework expectations at the fall Curriculum Night.
Kindergarten Activities
Each night your child will be bringing home a folder. Please check this daily and look carefully for homework assignments. Examples of kindergarten homework:
- Reading to and/or with your child daily for at least 15 to 20 minutes a night. Even when your child is able to read independently, it is still important for your kindergartner to hear and enjoy the language and share the closeness of time with you. Children also love to read to their parents and show them how well they can read.
- Completing math homework and remembering pages.
- Taking care of library books and returning them on time.
First Grade Activities
Each night your child will be bringing home a folder. Please check this daily and look carefully for homework assignments. Examples of kindergarten homework:
- Reading to and/or with your child daily for at least 15 to 20 minutes a night. Even when your child is able to read independently, it is still important for your first-graders to hear and enjoy the language and share the closeness of time with you. Children also love to read to their parents and show them how well they can read.
- Completing math homework and remembering pages.
- Preparing materials or projects designed to reinforce and practice concepts learned in all areas.
Second Grade Activities
Each night your child will be bringing home a folder. Please check this daily and look carefully for homework assignments. Examples of kindergarten homework:
- Reading to and/or with your child daily for at least 15 to 20 minutes a night. Even when your child is able to read independently, it is still important for your first-graders to hear and enjoy the language and share the closeness of time with you. Children also love to read to their parents and show them how well they can read.
- Complete daily spelling practice.
- Complete math homework and remembering pages.
- Practicing math facts
- Preparing occasional projects designed to reinforce and practice concepts learned in all areas.
More Homework Guidelines
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Homework over holidays - Homework is not assigned for completion over the District’s Thanksgiving, winter or spring breaks, or on the “District Holidays” indicated on the District calendar. If you observe a religious holiday other than these, please contact child’s teach so he/she knows not to assign homework that night.
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Homework on weekends - Teachers may assign the same amount of homework on weekends as they would on a school night.
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Group projects as homework - When group projects are assigned as homework, students will be given the option of completing the project independently.
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Late procedures for homework - Late procedures for home are to be determined at the teacher’s discretion taking into account the type and grade percentage of the homework and in keeping with the goal of student success.
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Homework for absences - All students will have the option of requesting homework on the first of absence due to illness if the parents perceive this to be in the best interest of their child, and if the request is made to the school secretary by 8:30 a.m. Requests made after 8:30 a.m. will be honored the following day.
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Homework during vacations - In the event that a student has planned an extended unexcused vacation, the parents may request homework prior to the beginning of the vacation. Teachers will provide this homework whenever possible. Upon returning from the vacation the child will have the same number of days as he/she was absent, up to the maximum of five days, to complete overdue homework assignments. Test make-ups will be scheduled at the convenience of the teacher.
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Canvas – The vast majority of home/school communication occurs on the District 27 website. Parents will receive information about how to access Canvas from their child’s teacher.
Support Services
Hickory Point School provides students with the supportive services of a Social Worker, Psychologist, Resource teachers, Reading Specialist, Speech and Language Pathologist, and Emergent Bilingual teacher. The functions of each of these individuals are as follows:
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Social Worker- The social worker meets with students individually, in pairs, or with groups when academic performance is impacted by social/emotional needs. The social worker is also available to parents for consultation regarding their child. The social worker helps students to solve problems that may be affecting their school performance. Students may refer themselves to the social worker or may be referred by a teacher, the principal or their parents.
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School Psychologist - Provides assessment to help determine learning strengths and needs of students. In addition, the school psychologist collaborates with staff and parents to problem-solve concerns. The psychologist also provides individual and group counseling for students.
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Resource Programs - The resource teacher helps provide various types of special instructional programs for students in consultation with the classroom teacher and other specialists. These programs offer learning assistance primarily in the areas of reading, language arts, and mathematics.
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Reading Specialist - The reading specialist, in consultation with the educational team, provides direct reading instruction to identified students.
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Speech and Language Pathologist - The speech pathologist is available as speech or language problems are detected by classroom teachers.
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Emergent Bilinguals - The purpose of this service is to assist children with bilingual background to acquire skill and competency with the English language. Direct support is given to students based on their current ability to demonstrate command of the English language. Students generally meet in small groups and receive support with their regular academic activities.
Parents are notified and must give written consent for their child(ren) to receive on going assistance from the resource teachers, social worker, speech pathologist, reading specialist, or Emergent Bilingual teacher.
Special Subjects and Student Programs
Students at Hickory Point receive instruction in library, physical education, music, and art twice weekly for 40 minutes. In addition, kindergarten students attend computers and dramatic play. The instruction is presented by specialists who provide opportunities for students to learn, express themselves and develop in ways not provided for in the regular classroom.
Children are required to wear gym shoes during physical education classes. An extra pair of gym-shoes may be kept in your child’s cubby.
Library
Our school library has a great variety of materials to help students learn. These include a large collection of books, magazines, and other reference materials.
Students formally visit the library once a week to receive instruction on library skills and to check out books. A replacement fee is charged for books that are lost or damaged.
Technology
Laptops and iPads are used at Hickory Point to support the learning Process when appropriated. Technology is used in the classroom to enhance instruction. Hickory Point uses Apple-based technology. Classrooms often visit the Computer Lab to develop and apply technology skills. Our district’s technology plan focuses on helping our students become digital learners and develop 21st Century Learning Skills.
Student Programs
Throughout the school year, classrooms may have special presentations designed for parental attendance during the school day. Information regarding these programs will be shared in advance by the teacher.with you by your child’s teacher. If parents are unable to attend we do our best to have another adult from the school work with the child during this time.
First and second grade students have a music program that is held as an evening event lasting 30 to 40 minutes. The kindergarten music program takes place during the day. You are encouraged to attend these programs. Specific information pertaining to these performances will be sent home several weeks prior to the event.
Discipline
Good discipline is considered to be a function of a well-managed classroom. In most instances discipline is a matter between teacher, student and parent. However, the School District has established a comprehensive discipline policy with the involvement of parents, teachers, Board of Education members and administrators. This policy along with the rights and responsibilities of students is published in the “Rules of Conduct” handbook available online. Parents or guardians are expected to review the rules and regulations and discipline policies governing students with their children. Refer to the “Rules of Conduct ” posted online through the District 27 web page.
Within fifteen (15) days of the opening of each school year, the School District will provide all students and parents or guardians of students enrolled in the School District with a copy of the student rules and regulations and discipline policies governing students. If a student enrolls subsequent to the beginning of the school year, a copy of the rules and regulations will be provided to the student and parent or guardian within fifteen (15) days of the student’s enrollment.
Rights and Responsibilities
Students, teachers, administrators and parents must work together to promote a healthy and productive learning climate. A solid partnership between the home and the school is important for the well being of the student.
We believe each student has the right:
- To live and learn in a school environment that is conductive to learning.
- To physical and emotional safety.
- To be recognized as an individual and be treated with dignity and respect.
- To take a risk, accept responsibility for the action, and learn from the experience.
- To due process with fact finding.
- To pride and ownership in the school.
- To discipline that is developmentally appropriate.
- To consistent attention to the rules and consequences by staff, administration and Board.
We believe the teachers, administration and Board have the responsibility to communicate and work cooperatively with parents regarding student school behavior, but it is recognized that the school has the responsibility to take appropriate measures to assure order and the safety of students and staff.
Personal Appearance
Students are expected to dress appropriately and exercise good personal hygiene in respect to their daily appearance. Please remember shirts should cover the midriff and be of the appropriate length during warm weather months. School officials may regulate dress and hairstyles when such styles present a health or safety hazard or a disruption to the educational program.
Appropriate Language
Students are expected to exercise good taste in the manner in which they address each other and their teachers in both written and oral communication. Vulgarities and disrespectful language will not be tolerated, and students who use this type of language will be subject to disciplinary action.
Building Procedures
School Closings
If schools should be closed because of an emergency, prior to the start of the school day, parents will be notified through the District’s emergency notification system. Parents can expect to receive an automated phone call, email, and text message. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide the schools with updated contact information. Emergency closing information is also available through the district website, WGN’s Emergency Closing website, local major radio and TV sources and the district’s social media sites. Please do not call the school during these emergencies.
In the event of an emergency occurring during the school day while children are in attendance, the Superintendent of Schools will initiate the District emergency notification system. Additionally, appropriate action will be taken to ensure the safety of students.
Emergency Procedures
Safety is our top priority. On-going safety threats to schools exist and challenge our District to constantly evaluate our safety protocols, practices and training. Northbrook School District 27 has created a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan designed to protect the students and staff and to respond in the event of a critical incident. The emergency preparedness plan follows the National Incident Management System (NIMS) incorporating Incident Command System protocol; which includes training, drills, practices and procedures in order to create a comprehensive emergency response plan. Emergency response drills are practiced with students and staff throughout the school year.
Video Surveillance
Northbrook School District 27 operates video monitoring systems for safety and security. With Board approval, the Superintendent or designee shall determine all locations where video cameras will be placed. Video cameras may be used to record activity in areas where individuals have no reasonable expectation of privacy. Cameras will be placed to monitor building exteriors and entrances. School buses are equipped with video cameras.
Transportation and Safety
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Bicycles are considered as vehicles of transportation to and from school. The following rules,
as well as all “Illinois Rules of the Road” are to be followed:
- Bicycles should be walked on school property and when crossing intersections.
- Helmets are highly recommended.
- Bicycles are to be parked in and locked to the rack with a secure cable and lock in the assigned area as soon as students arrive at school.
- A student is to ride his or her own bicycle.
- The bicycle area is off limits at all times except when students are parking or leaving with their bicycles.
- Students are to obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Students should never carry a passenger on their bicycles.
- It is recommended that students carry all books in a backpack.
- Students are to ride their bicycles on the sidewalk to and from school at all times. Bicyclists always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Food and Beverage Procedure
Hickory Point students have a morning snack break. Each child is responsible for bringing his/her own snack if they wish to do so, but it must be a snack of a fresh fruit or vegetable. Water bottles are the only beverages allowed in the classroom. Gum chewing is not allowed at Hickory Point. Students should get rid of their gum before arriving at school. Due to concerns over various food allergies or sensitivities, children are not allowed to share snacks or lunches.
Lunch Room
Students are expected to remain in school during lunch unless prior arrangements have been made for them to leave school. Students will be walked to the lunchroom at the beginning of their lunch period with all the items they need to eat. Classrooms are off limits to students during lunch time unless the student has permission from a teacher to spend the time with that teacher. Lunches are only to be eaten in the lunchroom.
The time allotted for lunch and recess is 45 minutes. Children spend half of this time in the lunchroom and the other half at recess.
On occasion, parents bring a lunch to school for their children. We ask that sack lunches be brought and left on the lunch cart in the office. The school office will not accept food deliveries from restaurants in a child’s name. Please do not arrange food deliveries to the school for your child, as that delivery will be refused. Parents are not allowed to provide lunch for anyone other than their own child.
The school staff provides supervision during the lunch and recess period.
Supervision for the lunchroom and recess is provided by the school. If students go home for lunch, they should have a note in the school office and must be signed out an and back in the school office by a parent.
Birthday Celebrations
Birthdays are special days at Hickory Point. However, we ask that birthdays be celebrated with books. Edible treats are not allowed at the school. Children may bring a book to share with the class or donate a birthday gift book to the classroom library. Each classroom teacher will share specific details for their class with parents during Curriculum Night.
Other Information
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The Northbrook Park District, in cooperation with School District 27, sponsors a before and after school extended care program. This Adventure Campus program is available before school from 7:00 - 8:10 a.m. as well as after school from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Hickory Point.
Prior registration is necessary to participate in these programs. Registration and additional information can be found in the Northbrook Park District’s Recreation Guide or you can call the Northbrook Park District’s registration office at 847-291-2995.