Welcome to Horizon Elementary School.  Horizon Elementary School is a four-year old kindergarten through fifth grade school with specialists available in the areas of Special Education, Art, Music, Physical Education, Library/Media, Reading, Developmental Guidance, Computer Technology, and a Gifted and Talented program called PEGASUS.

To encourage everyone to see and be his/her personal best through successful learning experiences… BECOME YOUR BEST.

We believe in the dignity and worth of each individual within the school.  We desire to recognize and teach the whole child including the areas of cognitive, social, and emotional development as well as civic responsibility.  We will create an environment that is physically and emotionally safe as well as least restrictive for all students.  Our instructional programs are organized to emphasize process in pursuit of the product.  We are committed to focusing on the child through the recognition of and respect for different learning styles, the use of learning centers, and hands-on activities.  We will be aware of developmentally appropriate objectives in planning and implementing our curriculum, and will emphasize the integration of all learning styles.  We believe that students can successfully learn and become lifelong learners, recognizing motivation, ability, and rate of learning.

·        We believe that all students can raise their level of thinking and knowledge.

·        We believe that success at every increment is valued.

·        We believe that students are decision-makers.

·        We believe in the dignity and worth of every individual.

·        We believe in providing a physically safe and inclusive environment for all.

·        We believe that quality education is a team effort to include staff, students, parents, and community.

Visitors/Volunteers

Parents and volunteers are always welcome at Horizon.  Upon arriving please remember to stop in the office to sign in and receive a visitor’s tag.  When visiting during the school day, please park in the lower parking lot and enter through the main doors by the gym.  The office is on the upper level.  Your help and support is vital.

Daily Schedule

School begins each day at 8:40 a.m. with dismissal time at 3:40 p.m. for grades K-5.   We ask that you do not arrive at school prior to 8:30 a.m.  This ensures that your child’s teacher can devote full attention to preparing for the busy day ahead.  General supervision is provided outside beginning at 8:30 a.m.  We care about your child’s safety.   

Early Childhood and 4 year old kindergarten has classes from 8:00-11:12 and 11:48-3:00.  Those students are met at the buses each morning.

 If your child comes to school after the start of the day, please have them stop in the office to “sign in” as they may have already been reported as absent.

 When picking up your child from school at the end of the day, please remember to use the upper level circle. Busses will be loading in the lower level.  The upper area is designated for walkers, bikers, and students who are being picked up by their parents.  This area is for parents who do not get out of the car to pick up their children.  PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE UPPER CIRCLE AT THE END OF THE DAY! This causes traffic jams and decreases safety for students.  If you need to come into the building to pick up your child at the end of the day, please park in the lower level parking lot.  Children will not be allowed to run between busses to get into cars.  Parents must come into the building and pick up students if parking in the lower level lot.

Attendance

Regular attendance is expected of all students at Horizon School.  Students who are absent from school, whether for excused or unexcused reasons, will be expected to make up, to every extent possible, all missed work.  Any student who comes to school after the start of the school day or leaves before the close of the school day must sign IN and/or OUT in the school office.

 Tardiness

Students are expected to be in school by 8:40 a.m.  Those students arriving after 8:40 a.m. will be considered tardy.  Excessive tardiness hinders established routines and may disrupt learning in the classroom.

Absences

All excused absences require a parent/guardian explanation, in writing, which is submitted to the classroom teacher at the time the student returns to school. All absences should be reported to the school office by 9:00 a.m. by calling the automated attendance number at 892-5005.  If your child does not arrive at school we want to be sure he/she is safe with you. Excused absences are limited to the following:

1.     Illness

2.     Family emergencies

3.     Critical appointments- A request to have a student excused from classes during the school day should be sent the day of the early dismissal.  When possible, medical and dental appointments should be made during non-school hours.

4.     Religious holidays

5.     Family trips- Families should make a sincere effort to plan family vacations to correspond with the scheduled vacation days of the school year.  If you cannot match family vacations with school vacation, you must notify the principal by completing a Student Request to be Absent form available in the office.  Please make arrangements with the teacher to have missed schoolwork completed.

Truancy

The research on children’s attendance in school indicates that when students are absent from school excessively, they develop “splinter skills”.  This means that they only learn part of whole concepts.  Splinter skills may not affect children early in their education, but as they develop and need to rely on those basic concepts, they will tend to struggle with more abstract and critical thinking skills.  State Law indicates that student absences greater  than 5 days in a semester or 10 days in any given school year for any reason is considered excessive.  It is the policy and practice of the district to notify parents quarterly when children are absent more than 7 days.  At this point the school may also request that any further absences require a doctor’s excuse.  If the absences continue, the school is obligated to proceed with filing of truancy.  Truancy is any unauthorized absence from school.

Inclement Weather/Snow Days

When it becomes necessary to close or delay the start of school due to inclement weather, this information will be made available to parents through broadcasts on local radio and TV stations and the Plymouth School District Web site (www.plymouth.k12.wi.us).  Keep in mind that teachers and schools cannot contact every parent when we have emergency dismissal.  Children will be dismissed to the location listed on the emergency school closing form completed by parents at the start of each school year.  When weather appears to suggest possible closing, either prior to the beginning of school or during the day, parents should listen to one of the following radio and television stations:

          WHBL        1330 AM Sheboygan

          WJUB         1420 AM Plymouth

WIXX         101.1 FM

          WXER        FM 104.5 and WCZN AM 95

          WKIT         Fm 98.1

          WTMJ         Milwaukee TV Channel 4

FOX 11       Green Bay TV Channel 11

NBC-26       Green Bay TV  Channel 26

WITI           Milwaukee TV Channel 6

WISN                   Milwaukee TV Channel 12

These stations, as early as possible, will give specific information regarding the status of school operations.   

Student Clothing and Appropriate Dress

It is felt that a school is a place worthy of respect and therefore worthy of effort on the part of students with supervision by parents to be dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with good judgment, good taste, and cleanliness.  Therefore, students are not permitted to wear clothing that is distracting, causes classroom disruptions or is inappropriate for the school setting.  Clothing that displays sexual innuendoes, profanity, or advertises alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs will not be permitted.  Apparel or accessories advocating violence are not acceptable.  Shoes must be worn at all times.  Students are not to wear hats inside the school building.

Students are expected to go outdoors in the winter, provided it is above 0 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind is not blowing excessively.  Children ARE REQUIRED to wear boots, snow pants, mittens, etc. when they are sent to school starting with the first snowfall.  In other words, the school will ensure your child wears proper clothing if it is available.

Warm weather dress may include shorts of appropriate length after warm weather starts.  Bare midriff shirts or tops are not considered acceptable, nor are T-shirts that are indecent or inappropriate.  Parents may be called in the event their child is inappropriately dressed, or an “accident” occurs. 

Physical Education requires girls to wear shorts or pants.  All children are expected to have tennis shoes for gym class.

Bus Behavior

The bus ride is an extension of the school day.  Bus riding is a privilege.  In the event misbehavior occurs, a series of greater consequences will be imposed.  Bus drivers issue Unsatisfactory Bus Conduct Reports to parents and principals of inappropriate student behavior.  This assures that needed communication is maintained in such instances. Forfeiture of riding privileges could result from repeated violations.

 Regulations for the Bus Riders

1.     All riders shall remain seated when the bus is in motion.

2.     Keep head, hands, and arms inside the bus.

3.     All riders shall remain in the seat assigned to them.

4.     Scuffling, fighting, and obscene language are forbidden.

5.     Bus riders will not litter the bus with food or other debris.

6.     The rider will pay for damage to the bus, other than regular usage.

7.     Bus riders need to be at the loading place at the scheduled time in mornings and/or afternoons.

8.     Students must provide their own transportation when the bus is missed at home or school.

          9.  Four-year-old kindergarten students will only be dropped off if an adult is               present.

Johnson Bus Services, Incorporated

The Plymouth Joint School District contracts busses and drivers through Johnson School Bus Services, Incorporated.  Their phone number is 893-5941.  Comments concerning the operation of bussing services should be addressed to either Johnson School Bus Services, Inc., or the school office.

Request for change to pick-up and/or drop-off sites

Forms to request a change in school bus pick-up and/or drop-off points require a five day notice to allow time for school district approval.  Requests are to remain within the student’s same attendance area and approval will also be dependent upon available room on the bus.  Forms may be mailed or delivered to the School District Business Office at the high school and may be picked up at the Johnson School Bus Terminal.

Safety Patrol/Crossing Guards

All students more than two miles of Horizon Elementary School are eligible for bus transportation.  If your child walks to school, fifth grade students provide safety patrol before and after school on the corner of E. Clifford/South, South/Reed, Clifford/Bruns, and Adrian/Highland. There is also an adult patrol on Highland Avenue north of the school entrance.  Students are expected to use crosswalks as well as to follow the directions of the student in charge at the crosswalk.

 Bicycle Safety

Students who ride bicycles to school must wear a helmet and observe the following rules to ensure the safety of all the students:

1.     Students must obey the rules set by the city for bicycle safety.

2.     Students riding their bicycles will be required to follow the direction of the crossing guard when crossing the street.  Bicyclists are to walk their bikes across the street at crossings.

3.     Bicycles are not to be ridden on school property, nor are they allowed to interfere with walkers.

4.     Bicycles brought to school must be kept in the bicycle rack provided by the school.  The area police department recommends using locks to secure the bicycle.

5.     The school is not responsible for the theft or damage of bicycles on school grounds.

6.     We strongly recommend that students in kindergarten and first grade do not ride bicycles to and from school.

7.     These same rules apply to scooters, skateboards, and roller blades.

Remember… Be a smart bicyclist… Wear A Helmet!

Curriculum

Horizon teachers are committed to focusing on the child through the recognition of and respect for different learning styles.  Our instructional program is organized to emphasize process instead of product.  That means that we put more emphasis on how a student understands the problem than on just getting the correct answer.

 Our school supports a variety of different teaching styles and classrooms may vary in the routines, materials and methods.  However, we also support the need for consistency in the overall education of all students.  The Plymouth School District has a scope and sequence for each of the grades to ensure that students will cover the proper curriculum.  Through parent conferences, report cards, and other communications with your child’s teacher, you should have a good picture of your child’s progress.

Homework

In general, homework is an extension of the school day and can influence a child’s success at school.  As a parent, reading with your child daily is the most important homework you should do.  The amount, frequency, and nature of the assignments should be based on the teacher’s professional judgment and should reflect the student’s grade level, subject, and needs. Homework can be work not finished during the school day as well as supplemental work.  In elementary schools the amount of time will vary from 20 minutes to an hour daily.  A good parameter is about 10 minutes per grade.  Parents are encouraged to find suitable areas for study at home and monitor student progress.  To assist with the development of study skills, students in grades 2-5 will be using daily planner.  Parents are encouraged to review their child’s daily planner each day to ensure all work is completed.  Planners chosen by our staff are available from the school office for an additional cost. 

Achievement Testing

The school district participates in the required Wisconsin State Assessment System at 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade levels. Additional achievement tests may be given locally as determined by the administration.  Achievement testing measures what a student is actually doing in a specific area, such as reading, math, or science.  This type of testing identifies areas of strength as well as areas that may need more work.  The reason for these tests is to obtain information that will help in developing a positive educational program for your child.

Remember, test scores do not measure everything and do not give a full picture of your child as a student or as a person.  Although these test scores may indicate how one student’s performance compares with other students in the same grade, a variety of factors affect these scores, such as how the student felt on the day of the test, the number of distractions (noise, temperature of the room), and/or nervousness of the student.

Always remember, tests are not a perfect picture of your child.  Don’t judge your child on this one test alone.  Some children just have difficulty taking tests.  This test is only one indicator of who your child is.

Children who are well rested and have had a nutritious breakfast usually do better on tests.  Children who are in school on a regular basis also do better.  Confidence is also important.  Let your child know that you are supportive of their efforts.

Library/Computer Technology

Horizon School offers many books, computers, and other learning tools and devices.  Students are responsible for any materials or fines that are issued.  Lost or severely damaged books will need to be paid for at current replacement costs.  Parents may be held liable for any willful damage occurring to computers and/or related technology.

Non-Custodial Parent

We recognize the importance of parental involvement.  Some families have more that one household.

·        Non-custodial parents may participate in all activities, including conferences.  Parent/teacher conferences or meetings initiated by the school or district will generally be scheduled only once.

·        Non-custodial parents are entitled to have access to school records

unless access to those records has been restricted by court order and a copy given to the school.

·       Non-custodial parents may release their child from school unless the custodial parent has presented the school with a court order or other legally binding document that prohibits such a release.

·       Non-custodial parents should inform the school office if they would like to receive school mailings of report cards, newsletters and events.

Promotion/Retention

Each student who demonstrates proficiency, in the opinion of the teachers and the administration, on grade-level benchmarks leading to mastery of the state standards shall be promoted to the next grade level of instruction.  In order to be promoted from fourth to fifth grade, students must successfully complete one of the following criteria:

·        Pass all subject areas at the end of the year and score “basic” or above on four of the five subtests on the fourth grade Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination.

or

·        Successfully complete the requirements of an alternative promotion plan that has been approved by the building principal.

Occasionally it is necessary for a child to repeat a grade.  This decision is based on the best interests of the child in question.  Parents will be contacted when the teacher is concerned about poor performance.  A review committee will be arranged to determine additional help for the child.  Continuous communication and parental support is necessary throughout the process.   

President’s Education Awards Program

As America enters a new millennium of unlimited possibilities, schools are setting even higher standards.  Principals and teachers have found that students do their best when we expect the best from them.  Specific goals and high aspirations encourage our young people to learn more and at much higher levels.

Honoring student achievement and hard work is the purpose of the President’s Education Awards Program.  Since 1983, the program has provided individual recognition from the President and the U.S. Secretary of Education to those students whose outstanding efforts have enabled them to meet challenging standards of excellence. 

The school principal determines the number of qualifying students based on the criteria set by the President.

President’s Award for Educational Excellence

          Grade point average of 3.5 in 4^th and 5^th grade

          Achievement at the 85^th percentile or higher in math and reading

          Recommendation from a teacher

President’s Award for Educational Achievement

          This award is to recognize students that show outstanding education growth, improvement, commitment or intellectual development in their academic subjects but do not meet the criteria for the President’s Award for Educational Excellence.  This award should not be compared to the President’s Award for Educational Excellence or seen as a second tier award, for it recognizes a very different type of academic achievement.  It is meant to encourage and reward students who work hard and give their best effort in school, often in the face of special obstacles to their learning

The school principal has the final authority to determine which students receive these awards.

Field Trips

Our students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of field trips during the school year.  Parents will be advised of each field trip’s destination and the method of transportation in advance.  Should an injury occur away from school, every attempt will be made to contact that child’s parent(s).  If school authorities are unable to obtain permission for medical treatment, permission will be granted via the field trip release.

Field trips are taken to highlight and support the learning that takes place in the classroom.  On field trips, teachers want to emphasize the educational aspects of the field trip.  Therefore, we recommend that parents do not send money for the purpose of “shopping”.  The district, teachers, and/or chaperones are not responsible for money and/or possessions brought on the trip.  Parents may be asked to contribute to the cost of field trips during the year.

Students are expected to ride the bus to and from a field trip.  Exceptions for a student to ride with their parent will only be made with a written request approved by the principal prior to the trip.

Parents volunteering to chaperone class field trips will be responsible for several students during the trip.  Due to this responsibility, other siblings or children are prohibited from attending with any chaperoning adult. 

Conferences/Report Cards

Frequent communication greatly helps your son or daughter’s education.  Report cards are distributed every nine weeks and parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice during the year.  Parents can make the conference more meaningful by returning the appointment slip promptly, making a list of any concerns before arriving, and sharing information about their children.  Parent or teachers may request additional conferences if they feel the need.

Supplies

In order for our students to perform as well as possible, certain supplies are essential.  In June, school supply lists will be issued with report cards.  All new students will receive lists at the time of registration.  In addition, each teacher will remind students of required supplies when school begins or when an item needs replacement.  Supplies should not be a hardship to a family.  If you need assistance please call the school office.

 Personal Items

Children should not bring items such as trading cards, cars, dolls, trinkets, electronics, etc., to school.  The school is not responsible for any broken, lost or destroyed items.  If these items are brought to school, they may be taken away.

One of the major components of a brain compatible learning environment and of a quality school is the absence of threat.  We select programs that capitalize upon students’ ideas, strengths and skills to help them learn ways to solve problems in their lives.  We desire to teach self-discipline and want school to be a successful experience for all children.  Our goal is to help students make responsible, caring choices.  Children need to be aware of our expectations for their performance and their behavior.  Our expectations must be appropriate, consistent, and fair.  The most effective plan avoids problems in the first place.  School environments that are open, loving, and allow children to have many activities leave little room for misbehavior.

It is important for children to develop inner control, self-discipline, and personal responsibility.  In order to help them achieve these goals, a school committee has established the following guidelines and consequences.

 Please read and discuss the following expectations with your child(ren).  The Horizon Staff greatly appreciates the time and effort you will be taking.

Student Expectations

At Horizon Elementary School, we believe that:

·        All students have a right to learn and develop in an orderly environment

·        All students have a right to feel safe in school, to work and play without fear of being bothered or hurt

·        All students have a right to be safe at school and to be protected with rules that encourage a safe environment

·        All students have a need to know how to make good choices and opportunities to practice making them in a caring environment

·        All students have a need to learn how to get along with other children and adults

We also believe that respect is very important to each child’s growth.  We believe that each student:

·        Will be respected as an individual

·        Will be expected to respect the rights of other students to learn and to be safe

·        Will treat other students with respect and politeness

·        Will respect other peoples’ belongings

·        Will grow in respect for him/herself

At Horizon, we believe that each student has a job to:

·        Try to do their best

·        Listen and follow directions

·        Allow others to do their job peacefully

·        Assist others who need help

These expectations will help to provide a safe and learning environment for all students:

·        Quiet and courteous behavior at all times

·        Walking safely throughout the building

·        Appropriate language and activities at recess

·        Good manners in the lunchroom

Harassment and Sexual Harassment

All students will be treated with respect.

Harassment is defined as any behavior toward people based on race, religion, national origin, sex, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability which greatly interferes with one’s ability to learn or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment.  A few examples include bullying, inappropriate touching, sexual gestures, name-calling, or spreading rumors.  Horizon School will take proactive steps to prevent and eliminate pupil harassment.  School personnel will help to educate students on appropriate talk and behavior as they mature.  Should any student feel they are being harassed while at school, they should notify their classroom teacher, guidance counselor or principal immediately.  There will be consequences for those who harass others.

Dangerous Items at School

Objects that could be dangerous, or are brought to school with the intent to cause bodily harm to others, are strictly prohibited at school.  Students who threaten or project violent behaviors onto others will be given appropriate consequences.  Horizon school will continue to place emphasis on creating a school culture that provides opportunities for students to feel connected and learn appropriate conflict resolution strategies.

 Expected Recess Behaviors

·        Equipment should be used appropriately.  This means that there should be no running, no tag, no balls or other toys on the equipment.

·        Boundaries are established and everyone must maintain them.  Do not go off the blacktop on the southeast end of the playground by the parking lot.  Stay away from the classroom windows.

·        Football games must be played off the blacktop below the hill.

·        Play at recess should be cooperative.  There should be no roughhousing, wrestling, or tackling.

·        When the bell rings, students must stop playing and quietly line up in their classroom lines.  They must remain quiet while entering the building.

·        Restrooms should be used before going outside.  If there is an emergency, the student must ask for permission from the person on duty to use the restroom.  Upon returning to the playground, they must check back in with the person on duty.

·        All students must go outside unless otherwise authorized by a teacher.  Students are not allowed in the hallways or bathrooms during recess time.

Expected Cafeteria Behaviors

·        Students should use proper manners and be respectful of others while eating.

·        Students should remain in their seats at all times while eating and raise their hands if they have a question or concern.

·        Seven students are allowed at the round tables, six at the rectangle tables.

·        When the bell rings, students must pick up their area and wait to be dismissed.

·        Everyone must be quiet when announcements are made.

Dismissal Procedures

1.     Bus riders will stand quietly in their lines.

2.     Walkers, bike riders, and car riders will remain in designated areas until dismissed by the adult in charge.

3.     Please send a note to school if your child/children have a change in their procedure for going home (Example: parent pick up, note for different bus, or going home with a friend).  Without a written note, standard dismissal procedures will be followed.

Consequences

When a student refuses to obey the above expectations, a behavior slip will be completed by the student or supervising adult.  The behavior slip will be turned in to the classroom teacher.  Consequences will be administered accordingly.  In severe situations or repeated situations, the principal will be notified and parents will be contacted.

Suspension

Suspension occurs when serious or repeated behavior disrupts the educational process and/or endangers the property, health or safety of others. A suspension becomes a permanent part of a student’s behavioral record.

Immunizations

State law requires all public and private school students to present written evidence of immunization against certain diseases (measles, rubella, polio, chicken pox, diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough) within 30 school days of admission.  The law also requires hepatitis B vaccine for students entering 4 year old kindergarten, kindergarten, or 7^th grade.  These requirements can be waived only if a properly signed health, religious or personal conviction exemption is filed with the school.  These immunization dates are to be provided on a form and signed by the parent or legal guardian.  Immunization forms are available in the school office.

Insurance

The Plymouth School District does not provide any type of health, dental, or life insurance coverage for injuries incurred by your child while at school.  We encourage you to review your personal insurance program.  If you feel that your insurance may not be adequate, or if you do not have insurance, you may wish to consider the insurance protect6ion made available through Student Assurance Services, Inc.  A brochure explaining overages and costs may be obtained from your school’s office.

Medication Policy

Medications should be administered to students by their parents/guardians at home whenever possible.  In the event this is not possible, proper written consent must be given to designated school personnel to administer medication.  Each medication requires a separate authorization form.

For Non-prescription Medications:

          Parent/Guardian written authorization is required

For Prescription Medications:

          Parent /Guardian written authorization and Practitioner written authorization is required

No medication will be administered by school personnel or its agents until the consent forms are completed and on file with the school.  Medication authorization and administration forms will be kept and stored confidentially as required under Wis. Stat. 118.29(4).

All medication must be in the original container labeled with the student’s name, correct dosage, time and quantity to be given.  All prescription medication must be in the original container labeled from the pharmacy.  All medication will be kept in a securely locked cabinet or storage area accessible only to those who have been given the authority to administer medications to students.

Parents are responsible for bringing medication to school and picking up unused medication within 10 days after the medication is discontinued.  Students are not allowed to transport their medication to and from school.

School personnel who administer medications to students will have been provided orientation and training.  By law, school personnel may not cut tablets.  If your child needs to receive half a table, have this done at home or by the pharmacy filling the prescription.

Current school policy does not allow non FDA approved drugs (herbal medication) to be administered at school.

Illness At School

In the event your son or daughter becomes ill at school, our office will call you at home or work to make arrangements for transportation home.  Parents or “emergency” persons are asked to remove sick children from school as soon as possible for the comfort and security of the sick child, as well as other children.

Children are expected to go outside for recess daily.  A doctor’s excuse is required if you request that your child stay in for recess for more than one day.

Head Lice

When head lice become known at school, the school must take action promptly.  Because head lice are a troublesome, contagious problem the school district has guidelines in place to help manage the problem.

If a student is found to have head lice, he or she will be sent home.  The student must be treated with a lice-killing product, and once treated, may return to school.  If parents are vigilant about treating head lice, including removing the nits (eggs), it is much easier to keep the problem from becoming wide spread.

Sending children home who have head lice is not a punishment but a precaution.  If you need help or information about treating head lice please contact the school office.

Because this pest is often spread at school, our schools, on an infrequent basis, may schedule “head checks”.  In the event we find something that resembles lice or nits, we will contact that child’s parent or guardian.  If deemed necessary, the infected child will be sent home.

Latex

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of people with allergies to latex products.  There are several students and staff members with this allergy in the Plymouth School District. 

Reactions can range from skin conditions to a severe respiratory crisis.  People are not born with latex allergies.  Sensitivity occurs with repeated exposures.

 Therefore, products containing latex such as balloons are not permitted on school property.  Many other common materials contain latex.  Please check labels before sending these items to school.

Accident Reports

Should a serious injury occur at school, school officials will attempt to diagnose the severity of the injury.  All attempts will be made to locate the affected child’s guardian or parent. Updated emergency numbers are a necessity!  

If a parent is unreachable and hospitalization is required, school officials and emergency medical technicians will take needed action.

Internet Access 

Electronic communications and information access is a necessary educational tool for faculty and students.  It is the policy of Plymouth School District to provide access to such electronic forms of media for faculty, staff, and students. The Internet is a global network that will provide your child with access to a wide range of information from throughout the world. Your child will also be able to communicate with people throughout the world.  Use of the Internet for educational projects will assist in preparing your child for success in life and work in the 21^st century.     

The levels of access to the Internet provided to your child will vary according to the educational purpose and your child’s age.  At elementary schools, students will only be accessing the Internet under the direct supervision of a staff member.  Students will not be given individual accounts.  At times, older students may use the Internet (under teacher supervision) to research information.  Staff will be using bookmarks to access sites that will supplement their curriculum.  This approach at the elementary level will limit access to inappropriate material. 

A vast majority of material on the Internet is positive, however, like all media, a portion is not.  The District’s Acceptable Use Policy restricts access to material that is inappropriate in the school environment.  Horizon School will provide as much supervision as humanly possible.  The school district continuously experiments with different filters in an attempt to find one acceptable.  It is not possible to have complete control of the Internet and it is not possible to completely block out all objectionable topics.  As parents and teachers we must teach students to be responsible consumers of information.  Students in classes will be encouraged to explore local and worldwide information sources in a responsible manner.

Parents are asked to sign the waiver attached to the handbook giving permission to allow your child to use computers to access the Internet.  A copy of the Manual of Acceptable Use is available in the school office upon request.  

Parent-Teacher Association

At Horizon School, our parent teacher association is know as P.A.T.H. (Parents and teachers for Horizon)  P.A.T.H.  meets often throughout the year.  Parents are strongly encouraged to become active members and attend meetings.  Please check with the school calendar for the dates of the meetings.  Your support can and does make a difference.  The association helps the school in a variety of ways.

Tornado Warnings

In the event of a tornado warning, students will proceed to the designated tornado shelter.  Students will stay in the designated area until the warning is cancelled.  Buses will not pick up students during such an emergency.

 Lunch

Students are expected to bring a cold lunch or purchase a hot lunch each day. When packing a cold lunch for your child, remember to pack a healthy lunch. Always include a fruit or vegetable.  Pre-packaged lunches are expensive and not healthy.  They are often high in fat and sodium.  Please do not include soda.  The Plymouth School District has a computerized lunch program.  This program allows parents to send one check to pay for all of their students’ breakfast, lunch, or ala carte purchases at all of the district schools (elementary only has lunch).  The DEBIT program is family based and not individual accounts.  Parents need to keep a prepaid balance in their account.  Lunch costs $1.75 daily.  Students bringing a cold lunch may purchase milk through the debit system for $.30.  Semester costs for lunch is about $157.50.  Applications for federal free or reduced lunch program is available in the district or school office.  Contact the school’s secretary for details.  All applications for “free” and “reduced” lunch are held in strict confidence. 

Adult lunch tickets, should you choose to join us for lunch, are $2.75.  Please notify the school the day before or the morning of prior to 9:00 AM if you are planning to have lunch so we may include you in our lunch count. 

Healthy Snacks

Within classrooms each teacher sets aside time for students to have snacks.  Children are asked to bring a snack from home to eat during this time.  Early childhood, 4K, and 5K classrooms have their own snack plans.  We encourage parents to include healthy snacks.  Healthy snacks include: fruit, cereal, vegetables, cheese and crackers, bagels, and or granola bars.  Parents are asked to supervise the selection of snacks that are brought to school.  Let’s work as a team to help our children make good choices in regards to healthy habits.  The habits they form now will affect them in the future.

Performance Release

Plymouth Public Schools reserve the right to record, tape, and/or publish the appearance, property, or possessions of its students by means of live performance, video tape, sound recording, web sites, photographs or printed material made by Plymouth Public Schools or their agent of assign, authorizes the editing, reproduction, copyright, sales, exhibition, broadcast, and/or distribution of said materials without limitation.

Any individual wishing to waive the above authorization needs to submit in writing, to the building principal, a written letter requesting exemption from the above policy.  This policy does not take precedent over any state or federal laws relating to student privacy.