Dear Taft Parents:
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to a new school year. We will continue to provide a safe child-centered learning environment to foster growth and nurture the whole child. We invite you to stop in to see all of the wonderful events taking place and to celebrate learning!!!!!
Parent Involvement
Volunteerism at Taft Schools continues to be very strong. Research does prove when parents are involved in their children's education; they will reach higher levels of success versus parents who are not involved. During our School Open House in August your child's teacher will visit with you about how to be involved.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
To date, the most satisfactory system of reporting the child’s progress is the parent-teacher conferences held in November and March. This is a 15-minute scheduled conference. At these conferences, parents and teachers discuss the child's progress and together they plan for his/her further development. If you require additional time, please contact the classroom teacher. Report cards are distributed to the students three times throughout the school year. Please contact the school office or your child's teacher any time during the school year with your questions. Communication between home and school is essential and we very much want to assist in any way we can. Emailing is appropriate too.
ABSENCES, ATTENDANCE and TARDIES
The philosophy of the District is that consistent and punctual attendance is of vital importance and is a prerequisite for completing an education.
Attendance requires cooperation and communication among students, parents/guardians, and school. The parent/guardian must notify the school prior to 8:30 a.m. if their child will not be in school that day. The attendance secretary or designee will call the child’s home or the alternate number in case of no answer at the home if the school is not notified of a student’s absence by the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian shall also notify the school, in advance, of an anticipated absence. Students are expected to be at school on time. A note is to be sent with students who arrive at school late. The note must state the reason for the tardiness. Excessive tardiness is a serious matter. Tardiness will result in making up time missed, completing extra homework, etc. at recesses or after school.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Please send a note (or call the school) if there is any change in how your child should go home, or where your child should go after school. There is no supervision at either attendance center until 8:00 a.m. Doors to the schools will be open at 8:00 a.m. daily.
Cell Phone and Electronic Devices
Any electronic device, cell phones, PDA, etc. will not be permitted in the school building during regular school hours 8:25 a.m.-3:27 p.m. Cell phones that are visible, are used, vibrate, or ring during the day will be taken to the office and may be picked up at the end of the school day by the student if this is the first violation. On the second and subsequent violations, the student's parent, guardian, or non-student owner may pick up the device from the school after showing proof of ownership. If devices are not claimed by the end of the school year, the student's parent, guardian, shall be given 30 days prior notice before the District will dispose of the device.
PLAYGROUND
With Wildcat Wonderland and Kollmorgen Playground, students have the use of the finest playground facilities in the state. We are very proud and appreciative of these community projects.
Teachers will make students aware of the proper use of all playground facilities at the beginning of school. In general terms, however, we do not allow rough-house play at any time. Students are to respect the rights of others and play fairly. Students who are unable to behave in an appropriate way will lose recess privileges. The school discipline policy may result in discipline actions beyond a loss of recess privileges. Students who play on the equipment must always keep their heads above their feet. Appropriate shoes for recess play are required. Sandals are not designed for running at recess.
SAFETY
A. Bicycles: Children in grades 2-5 may ride bicycles to school.
B. Safety on the Street at Taft School: We solicit the parents’ cooperation in the matter of safety. Students are expected to go to the intersections to cross the streets between the white lines upon entering school and upon leaving school at Taft. Parents who transport their children to and from school are asked to deposit or pick up children on the school side of the street so students do not have to cross the street. Please keep the far left lane open on 2nd Avenue North. Please NEVER leave your vehicle double parked and unattended on the street in front of the school grounds.
C. Safety Patrols: The school patrol is organized for the safety of the students, and we ask all students to cooperate with the patrol by following their directions promptly and courteously.
SCHOOL COUNSELOR - Please check out Mrs. Thiele's website by clicking this link:Mrs. Thiele's website
The school counselor works with ALL students developmentally through classroom guidance lessons, small groups, and individual counseling. Students can refer themselves or be referred by teachers, parents, and administrators requesting services. To make a referral, parents are encouraged to contact the counselor directly. Follow-up communications will be made as needed. She is here for the needs of ALL elementary students.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Except in cases of emergency, students or teachers are not called to the telephone during the time of classroom instruction. In case of necessity, leave a message at the office, and we shall convey important messages. To reduce the number of students using the telephone during the day, students are requested to make after school arrangements prior to coming to school.
VISITING SCHOOL
All visitors are required to first report to the office. If you would like to visit your child's classroom, please make prior arrangements with the classroom teacher. At that time the teacher will make the necessary arrangements with you. Children unaccompanied by adults are not permitted to visit any elementary school.
HOMEWORK, ASSIGNMENTS, AND INCOMPLETE WORK
Homework is work not completed at school. Parents are requested to contact the teachers concerning make-up work when students are absent or if individual help is necessary. Assigned work is an extension of the daily school program. We expect assignments to be completed and returned to the teacher the following day. If you have any questions regarding any assignments, contact your child’s teacher. Students of Taft Elementary, who consistently refuse to satisfactorily complete their work, will be required to attend study sessions after school. You will be notified if your student is required to attend any after school sessions.
LOST AND FOUND
Please put your child’s name on all items (including coats, hats, mittens, boots, etc.). Labeling items will help identify found items and settle questions regarding ownership. A "Lost and Found" area is located in each school building. Any items unclaimed by the end of the year will be donated to charity.
PARTIES, GIFTS, AND BIRTHDAY TREATS
Parties will be scheduled for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. At Halloween, a "dress-up" parade is usually held for Mease students. On Valentine’s Day, students may exchange valentines. We feel that parties are part of the regular school program. These activities for all elementary students are held during the school day. We strongly discourage flowers and balloons delivered to school for students. It is a kind and thoughtful thing to do, but they are not appropriate to have in the classroom during the school day. Children who attend birthday parties after school hours are also requested not to bring the gifts to school. Birthday invitations are not to be handed out at school. The HCSD has a policy regarding the types of treats allowed in school. The policy will be made available to all parents and students at the start of the school year.
PETS IN SCHOOL
Live animals will not be allowed in school district facilities except under special circumstances and only for an educational purpose. Permission from the principal will be required of anyone wishing to bring an animal into school district facilities. Appropriate supervision of animals is required when animals are brought into the school district facilities. When permission is granted, special instructions will be given at that time.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to a new school year. We will continue to provide a safe child-centered learning environment to foster growth and nurture the whole child. We invite you to stop in to see all of the wonderful events taking place and to celebrate learning!!!!!
Parent Involvement
Volunteerism at Taft Schools continues to be very strong. Research does prove when parents are involved in their children's education; they will reach higher levels of success versus parents who are not involved. During our School Open House in August your child's teacher will visit with you about how to be involved.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
To date, the most satisfactory system of reporting the child’s progress is the parent-teacher conferences held in November and March. This is a 15-minute scheduled conference. At these conferences, parents and teachers discuss the child's progress and together they plan for his/her further development. If you require additional time, please contact the classroom teacher. Report cards are distributed to the students three times throughout the school year. Please contact the school office or your child's teacher any time during the school year with your questions. Communication between home and school is essential and we very much want to assist in any way we can. Emailing is appropriate too.
ABSENCES, ATTENDANCE and TARDIES
The philosophy of the District is that consistent and punctual attendance is of vital importance and is a prerequisite for completing an education.
Attendance requires cooperation and communication among students, parents/guardians, and school. The parent/guardian must notify the school prior to 8:30 a.m. if their child will not be in school that day. The attendance secretary or designee will call the child’s home or the alternate number in case of no answer at the home if the school is not notified of a student’s absence by the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian shall also notify the school, in advance, of an anticipated absence. Students are expected to be at school on time. A note is to be sent with students who arrive at school late. The note must state the reason for the tardiness. Excessive tardiness is a serious matter. Tardiness will result in making up time missed, completing extra homework, etc. at recesses or after school.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Please send a note (or call the school) if there is any change in how your child should go home, or where your child should go after school. There is no supervision at either attendance center until 8:00 a.m. Doors to the schools will be open at 8:00 a.m. daily.
Cell Phone and Electronic Devices
Any electronic device, cell phones, PDA, etc. will not be permitted in the school building during regular school hours 8:25 a.m.-3:27 p.m. Cell phones that are visible, are used, vibrate, or ring during the day will be taken to the office and may be picked up at the end of the school day by the student if this is the first violation. On the second and subsequent violations, the student's parent, guardian, or non-student owner may pick up the device from the school after showing proof of ownership. If devices are not claimed by the end of the school year, the student's parent, guardian, shall be given 30 days prior notice before the District will dispose of the device.
PLAYGROUND
With Wildcat Wonderland and Kollmorgen Playground, students have the use of the finest playground facilities in the state. We are very proud and appreciative of these community projects.
Teachers will make students aware of the proper use of all playground facilities at the beginning of school. In general terms, however, we do not allow rough-house play at any time. Students are to respect the rights of others and play fairly. Students who are unable to behave in an appropriate way will lose recess privileges. The school discipline policy may result in discipline actions beyond a loss of recess privileges. Students who play on the equipment must always keep their heads above their feet. Appropriate shoes for recess play are required. Sandals are not designed for running at recess.
SAFETY
A. Bicycles: Children in grades 2-5 may ride bicycles to school.
B. Safety on the Street at Taft School: We solicit the parents’ cooperation in the matter of safety. Students are expected to go to the intersections to cross the streets between the white lines upon entering school and upon leaving school at Taft. Parents who transport their children to and from school are asked to deposit or pick up children on the school side of the street so students do not have to cross the street. Please keep the far left lane open on 2nd Avenue North. Please NEVER leave your vehicle double parked and unattended on the street in front of the school grounds.
C. Safety Patrols: The school patrol is organized for the safety of the students, and we ask all students to cooperate with the patrol by following their directions promptly and courteously.
SCHOOL COUNSELOR - Please check out Mrs. Thiele's website by clicking this link:Mrs. Thiele's website
The school counselor works with ALL students developmentally through classroom guidance lessons, small groups, and individual counseling. Students can refer themselves or be referred by teachers, parents, and administrators requesting services. To make a referral, parents are encouraged to contact the counselor directly. Follow-up communications will be made as needed. She is here for the needs of ALL elementary students.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Except in cases of emergency, students or teachers are not called to the telephone during the time of classroom instruction. In case of necessity, leave a message at the office, and we shall convey important messages. To reduce the number of students using the telephone during the day, students are requested to make after school arrangements prior to coming to school.
VISITING SCHOOL
All visitors are required to first report to the office. If you would like to visit your child's classroom, please make prior arrangements with the classroom teacher. At that time the teacher will make the necessary arrangements with you. Children unaccompanied by adults are not permitted to visit any elementary school.
HOMEWORK, ASSIGNMENTS, AND INCOMPLETE WORK
Homework is work not completed at school. Parents are requested to contact the teachers concerning make-up work when students are absent or if individual help is necessary. Assigned work is an extension of the daily school program. We expect assignments to be completed and returned to the teacher the following day. If you have any questions regarding any assignments, contact your child’s teacher. Students of Taft Elementary, who consistently refuse to satisfactorily complete their work, will be required to attend study sessions after school. You will be notified if your student is required to attend any after school sessions.
LOST AND FOUND
Please put your child’s name on all items (including coats, hats, mittens, boots, etc.). Labeling items will help identify found items and settle questions regarding ownership. A "Lost and Found" area is located in each school building. Any items unclaimed by the end of the year will be donated to charity.
PARTIES, GIFTS, AND BIRTHDAY TREATS
Parties will be scheduled for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. At Halloween, a "dress-up" parade is usually held for Mease students. On Valentine’s Day, students may exchange valentines. We feel that parties are part of the regular school program. These activities for all elementary students are held during the school day. We strongly discourage flowers and balloons delivered to school for students. It is a kind and thoughtful thing to do, but they are not appropriate to have in the classroom during the school day. Children who attend birthday parties after school hours are also requested not to bring the gifts to school. Birthday invitations are not to be handed out at school. The HCSD has a policy regarding the types of treats allowed in school. The policy will be made available to all parents and students at the start of the school year.
PETS IN SCHOOL
Live animals will not be allowed in school district facilities except under special circumstances and only for an educational purpose. Permission from the principal will be required of anyone wishing to bring an animal into school district facilities. Appropriate supervision of animals is required when animals are brought into the school district facilities. When permission is granted, special instructions will be given at that time.