Eastern Elementary School General Information
We appreciate your entrusting your children's education to us. Our goal as a school is to work with students, parents and the community to achieve the greatest possible success for each child. On this page, you will find a brief explanation of our school policies and procedures. If you have any questions about this information, please feel free to contact us at 845-8640. We look forward to getting to know your family and working with you.
Visitors are Welcome!
We welcome the opportunity to share with visitors the wonderful things happening at Eastern Elementary. We ask that visitors enter at the front doors by the office, sign in so that we might have a record of your visit, and obtain a visitor badge to wear while you are in our building. Persons without a badge will be stopped and asked to follow this procedure for the safety of our students.
Student Check Out
Sometimes students need to leave early; we MUST have parents sign out their children in the school office. For your convenience, make sure that you list the names of all the people you would allow to check-out your child on the "check-out card" included in the school folder. We absolutely cannot allow a child to leave with any person that is not listed on that card. If you need to add or delete someone's name from the checkout list, please send in a written note, and we will be glad to do that for you. Also, don't forget to send in a written note giving permission to go with another person. We just cannot take somebody's "word" that you're giving permission, even if it is a family member.
Attendance
We want and need your children at school so they may reach their fullest potential. Unfortunately, illnesses and family situations occur. However, we are bound by state law to follow certain procedures in the event of excessive absences. Please refer to the district attendance handbook received in your child's folder for detailed information. You can help us by doing the following:
- Please try to schedule appointments on days when school is not in session; consult the school calendar (3x5 magnet) for those days.
- Always send in a physician's statement if you take your child to the doctor.
- District policy requires a parent/physician's note within two days of returning to school.
- Parents are ONLY allowed 5 parent notes for excused absences and/or tardies. We need a written note for tardies, too.
- A tardy is counted when a student checks in late (after 8:30 AM) or checks out early (after 3:10 PM); tardies can add up to days missed.
- Every absence is unexcused until a parent note/physician's note is turned into our school secretary.
- State law dictates that if a child has 3 unexcused absences he/she is considered a truant; the parent will receive a letter, and I am required to notify the Director of Pupil Personnel.
*We are committed to encouraging our students to be at school. School is a fun learning community, and high attendance is rewarding. Check out the incentives students can earn for good attendance:
- Name is displayed on our "Star Attendance" bulletin board.
- Monthly prizes are given for students with perfect attendance.
- The classroom with the highest percentage wins the attendance banner for the month; it gets very competitive!!!
- Gift packages will be held in a drawing for students with perfect attendance at least once each year.
- Students with perfect attendance and no more than 3 tardies for the entire school year will be treated to an all-expense paid field trip. We went to The Planetarium and toured UL this past year.
Bus Notes
Each time your child needs to ride a different bus, he/she will need a written note from a parent/guardian giving permission for the child to go to a different location. In the event you must make a change after the school day has begun, please call the school BEFORE 12 PM . Your help in doing this avoids confusion and delaying buses to get children where they need to be. Thank you in advance for helping us with smooth departures in the afternoon.
Field Trip Chaperones
We encourage parent participation in our field trip and volunteer program. Kentucky law requires that schools do a criminal background check on any adult that will be responsible for children. If you, a friend, or a relative would like to chaperone a field trip or volunteer at our school, you must complete the "Youth Leader Request" form included your child's folder. Unfortunately, any person whose name is not on the approved list will NOT be allowed to chaperone children on a field trip, nor will they be able to participate in volunteer programs.
Student Medication
Prescription or over-the-counter medication cannot be given to children unless you have a completed "Authorization to Give Medication" form on file. If you anticipate your child needing even over-the-counter medication, I would suggest you ask your physician to complete the form stating that the child could take the medicine any time during the school year. Also, you'll need to send the medication in the original container along with a note from you.
Medication that is sent in a plastic baggie will be disposed of. Prescription medication MUST be in original container that includes the child's name, name of medication, correct dosage, times to be given, and the prescribing physician's name.
If at all possible, we recommend that you give medication at home. You may want to consult with your physician to determine if there is flexibility in time to avoid having to send medication to school. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our school secretary or me.
Home/School Connection
"It takes a village to raise a child." This African proverb reflects the home/school partnership needed to help all children to achieve at high levels. Simple actions reinforced at home help children to be successful in school:
- become involved in school activities (home room parent, PTO, etc.
- check homework folder and/or agenda every night for teacher notes
- telephone the teacher, share your e-mail address , or request a parent/teacher conference if concerns arise
- read to/with your child daily if only for 15 minutes
- make real-life connections as much as possible to learning in school (counting, adding, etc. for math)
- consider limiting the amount of time watching television and/or playing video games
- encourage your child to be physically active daily
- encourage a positive attitude about school and learning
- review your child's school work daily and praise his/her best efforts
- children need 8 hours of sleep; a consistent bedtime during school is important
- begin the day with a healthy breakfast