Our Handbook
HOMEWORK HELP:
Available through the Scott County Library System for those people with SCLS library cards.
Click here: www.scottcountylibrary.org. Click on "You've Got Homework". Enter your Scott County Library Number in the box and press Enter.
Available through the Davenport Library System for those with Davenport library cards.
Click here: www.davenportlibrary.com. Click on Homework Tutor
Breakfast and Lunch Menus:
http://www.davenportschools.org/meals.asp
Attendance
Regular attendance is necessary--at all grade levels--to insure your child's success. When it is necessary for your child to be absent, please call us (381-2232) by 8:20 A.M. and let us know. You may also call very early in the morning or the night before and leave a message on the answering machine. When your child returns from an absence, he/she is to return with a signed note as to the reason for the absence--if no phone contact was made.
Tardies also require anote signed by a parent in order to be excused.
Taking students out of school for a vacation during the school year is discouraged; however, it is considered an excused absence according to District policy. It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to secure permission from the principal in order to determine that students are not in academic jeopardy or will not be as a result of the trip.
After 5 absences, you will receive a standard form letter to make you aware of the number of times your child has been absent. A second letter will be sent home after 10 absences and a final letter will be sent home after 15 absences. If the truancy continues, a home visit will be made and/or the case will be turned over to the District Truant Officer. (If a student leaves for a doctor's appointment and then returns to school after the appointment he/she is not counted absent.)
Bicycles
Bicycles may be ridden to school only by students in grades 4 and 5. Bikes should be stored in the bike rack. Safety habits will be enforced at ALL TIMES. Bikes should not be ridden on school grounds or on sidewalks during school hours. Failure to comply with these rules will result in denial of the privilege of riding a bike to school. Students should always lock their bikes in the rack. Skateboards and roller blades are NOT permitted at school.
Busses
It is no longer possible for students other than bus students to ride on the busses. The busses are often filled to capacity, and safety becomes an issue when adding students who do not normally ride them.
The bus driver is responsible for the bus, the immediate conduct of students, and safe transportation of the students. Students must be courteous and respectful to the bus driver at all times, observe all safety rules, and respond promptly to the driver's instructions.
Riding the school bus is a privilege. The most common consequence is the loss of bus riding privileges. Any misbehavior or breach of conduct will be reported to the principal for action.
Discipline
It is our goal to have every student exercise self-control, to make wise decisions, and to resolve conflicts peacefully. It is important for our students to learn and to demonstrate positive social skills.
To maintain good discipline within our school, each staff member will be reasonable, fair, firm, and consistent. Buffalo School has prioritized the utilization of Lifelong Guidelines and Life Skills within our building. All people at Buffalo are to demonstrate the guidelines of Truth, Trust, Active Listening, No Put Downs, Personal Best at all times. Emphasis upon the Life Skills of Caring, Teamwork, Responsibility, Effor, Initiative, Perseverance, and Common Sense establishes continuityand consistency across the district.
When a student creates an undesirable situation under the supervision of a staff member, that staff member will respond with one or more of the following: a phone call to the parents, visit with the principal or teacher-in-charge, loss of privileges, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension or the development of a Behavior Improvement Plan.
Dress Code
The primary responsibility rests with YOU and your parents; however, the staff reserves the right to judge what is proper and what is not. Anything that causes a disruption to the educationl atmosphere is prohibited. Colored hair gel/spray and face paint are NOT appropriate.
Facility Use
Use of Buffalo School facilities must follow Davenport School Board policy 103.11. Any individual or organization needs to adhere to this policy and complete the necessary Request of School Facilities Application. Contact the building principal if you have any questions. (381-2232)
Fire and Severe Weather Drills
Several times during the school year, fire and severe weather drills are conducted. It is hoped that these drills will keep allstaff and students well-prepared in case of such an emergency.
Hot Lunch and Breakfast Programs
Milk Tickets Daily $.40
Breakfast Daily $.75
Lunch Daily $1.50
Food and Nutritions Services uses a computerized point of sale system in the cafeteria. Each student will use an identification number to access his or her private meal account. This provides confidentiality and convenience. The accounts are set up so that parents may deposit money into the account via the web at www.myLunchMoney.com or by calling 1-800-479-3531 and using a debit or credit card. Checks, money orders, or cash can be sent with the student and the payment given to the food service cashier. Students who qualify for free meals will automatically be considered "prepaid". Other students must deposit money into their accounts. Deposits may be given to the teacher the first thing in the morning.
Illness
Communicable diseases spread easily in the school environment. Disease are reported by the school to the Iowa Department of Public Health. When your child is ill (i.e. chicken pox, pink eye, fifth disease, rubella, impetigo, hepatitis A, measles, meningitis, mumps, head lice, scabies, ringworm, scarlet fever, scarlatina, strep throat, whooping cough), please report it to the school so the nurse can monitor for any outbreaks and follow-up as needed.
Immunization
According to Iowa law, it is the parents' responsibility to assure their child is properly immunized. A record of student immunization must be on file in the nurse's office. Parents or legal guardians of all students registering for school must provide written proof of up-to-date or a completed immunization series at that time. The child will not be permitted to enter school until such written proof is provided to the school. Parents or legal guardians of all students transferring into the Davenport Community School District from out-of-state or out-of-district are expected to provide written proof of up-to-date or a completed immunization weries at the time the student registers. Students who are not able to receive immunizations for medical or religious reasons must provide the necessary waiver or exemption certificate at the time the student registers and will not be allowed to enter school without the appropriate documentations.
Injury
The Board policy states: "First aid may be rendered by qualified school personnel. Follow-up care shall be left entirely to the parent or legal guardian.
In cases of emergency, every effort shall be made to contact the parents or legal guardian for instruction. If, after a reasonable times, the parent or legal guardian cannot be contacted, the student may be transferred to a hospital. If an ambulance is needed, it will be summoned by dialing 911. The Buffalo Volunteer Ambulance would be the one most likely to be used by this school.
Lost and Found
There is a Lost and Found box located in the cafe. Children are welcome, at all times, to check it for any lost belongings. We would encourage you to remind your child to be responsible for his/her property. We find many coats, hats, gloves, books, etc.; when they are found they are placed in the Lost and Found box. PLEASE PUT YOUR CHILD'S NAME ON ALL PERSONAL BELONGINGS.
Medication
By law, we are not allowed to dispense medication without a written statement from your child's physician. This means NO Tylenol, aspirin, cough drops, etc., as well. If possible, we encourage you to give the medications at home. If this is not possible, we must have the medicine, the dosage, the time to be given, and a written statement from the physician before we can administer it. (Medicine must be in the prescription bottle.)
Should your child be recovering from an illness and need to stay in during recess, we need a physician's note after three days.
Parent Teacher Association (P.T.A.)
President:
Vice President:
Secretary: Jodi Hoogland
Treasurer: Heidi Heirigs
The PTA is an organization dedication to promoting communication between Buffalo School Administration and families; to promote understanding and open discussion of topics important to our children's education and well-being; to communicate the concerns and questions of the association; to promote academic excellence and physical excellence of Buffalo students; to improve the overall physical condition of the school building and grounds; and to promote volunteerism among teachers, classes, and children.
Please feel free to contact any of the PTA board members with any ideas or suggestions.
Personal Belongings
Students are not to bring personal items, such as radios, tape players, MP3 players, electronic games, jewelry, lip gloss, Pokemon cards, or toys to school. These are distracting to the school environment and students risk having them misplaced, stolen, or broken. Also, sports equipment should not be brought to school. The school will provide the necessary playground and program equipment.
School Closings
General Policy:
1. It is the policy of the Davenport Community School District to be open for classes for every scheduled day for the scheduled number of hours.
2. School may be canceled for a full day if a severe storm is in progress or streets are not cleared. School closing will be broadcast ALL local radio and television stations. A decision to close or delay school prior to the opening of school will be made before 5:45 A.M. and communicated through the media. A decision to dismiss school early because of weather or other emergencies will be made by approximately 10:00 A.M. and communicated through the local media and the telephone relay system to all school facilities.
If a storm deveopes after the school day has started, or if excessive temperatures develop, the following may be necessary.
A. Parents may pick up students at school at any time.
B. After school activities may be cancelled.
Please do not call the school for information regarding school closings. Tune into local television and radio stations. During the winter months send you children to school adequately clothed in case severe weather conditions exist. It is important that during inclement winter months whe childen may be dismissed from school early (due to weather), your child knows what to do ahead of time. whether it is to wait at school for pick-up, go with a babysitter, walk home, etc. This will save the school unnecessary tie-ups on the telephone lines during this time.
School Colors: Yellow and green
School Mascot: Buffalo Bison
Service Fees
Kindergarten $27.00 per semester; $54.00 per year
1st-5th grades: $27.00 per semester; $54.00 per year
Student Information
We are happy to be able to work with you as well as your child during the year. We want you to feel that your are part of our team and realizae that by working together, we can create success for your child. One of the most important things you can do at home is to create an image of the teacher and the school which will make your child eager to attend and take part. A wholesome attitude on your part is essential. Another thing your can do is to be aware that children sometimes need to adjust to school or to changes from spring to fall. Below are some tips with that adjustment:
1. Have student dress according to the weather.
2. Do not allow valuables to be taken to school.
3. Mark items of clothing for ease of identification.
4. Send money to school only when necessary, labeled and in an envelope to avoid loss.
5. Help your child establish good health habits, to observe safety rules, and to be courteous and attentive.
6. A nourishing breakfast and a good night's rest are essential.
7. Encourage your child to fulfill homework obligations promptly.
8. Share any concerns about school matters with the Principal. She is there to help you and your child.
9. Express an interest in school activities. Your child needs to know that you care about his/her progress.
10. Cooperate with the teacher. We have your child's best interests at heart!
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