Grand Prairie Elementary strives to promote pride, respect, and positivity and to encourage academic excellence in all learners.

Table of Contents

Click each heading to access the page.

FOREWORD

This handbook has been published to provide students, parents, teachers, and staff members with a brief and general source of information to reference the customs, practices, regulations, and activities of the school. We hope that parents and students of Grand Prairie Elementary School will use it as a source of information regarding school policies, both curricular and organizational.

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS HANDBOOK IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON FEDERAL, STATE, AND PARISH DIRECTIVES/LAWS AND ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS DEEMED NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE STUDENTS OF GRAND PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. Situations/incidents arising that are not covered in this document will be handled at the discretion of the administration. The administration and faculty are ready to assist you in making this a positive and productive school year.

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that every child that enters the doors of Grand Prairie Elementary School should receive an equitable education that will be most beneficial to him or her. The education your child attains will provide an outlet for rational and creative thinking and will train each to student to read, write, compute, and communicate effectively. The goal is to produce autonomous learners for the future.

Grand Prairie Elementary aims to develop in each of our students a desire for lifelong learning so that they become valuable members of society. The school places a high emphasis on teaching the students how to live with others and we encourage creativity and endorse the philosophy of “considering the feelings of others at all times.”

VISION STATEMENT

As a school, Grand Prairie Elementary will work with families and the community to equip our young people with the skills and mindset to thrive and then take on the world.

MISSION STATEMENT

Grand Prairie Elementary strives to promote pride, respect, and positivity and to encourage academic excellence in all learners.

SCHOOL OBJECTIVES

To adequately achieve such philosophy, Grand Prairie Elementary, through its activities and facilities, must strive to provide in the proper sequence at different levels, a complete program with the following main objectives:

I. To aid each child in acquiring and developing the best self-realization, Grand Prairie Elementary emphasizes:

• The development of a positive self-concept
• The creating of situations that will arouse, motivate, stimulate curiosity and interest through the uses of concrete and scientific methods
• An understanding of facts and principles
• The teaching of how to study
• Using dependable sources of information
• The importance of daily attendance
• The need for a sound body

II. To aid each child in developing good human relations, Grand Prairie Elementary emphasizes:

• The need to speak clearly and correctly
• Conformity to disciplinary rules so that he or she may achieve socially acceptable behavior

III. To develop civic responsibility, Grand Prairie Elementary emphasizes:

• Respect for all property
• A sense of responsibility for self-discipline
• Application of democratic principles in work and play

IV. To safeguard our students, Grand Prairie Elementary emphasizes:

• The development of safe practices
• Fire and emergency evacuation drills

V. To add to the aesthetic side of life, Grand Prairie Elementary emphasizes:

• Use of varied library materials
• Audio and visual educational opportunities
• Use of community resources

VI. Grand Prairie Elementary emphasizes the need for a well-rounded education and the right of each child to

pursue and acquire a comprehensive education.

PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT ENROLLMENT

Basic requirements for student enrollment:

• 1. Copy of birth certificate
• 2. Current proof of immunization
• 3. Copy of parent/guardian driver's license or state identification
• 4. Two proofs of residence with the physical address (water, gas, electric)
• 5. Students transferring to Grand Prairie Elementary must provide an official withdrawal document from their prior school showing the enrollment dates, current grades, and parent /guardian signature.
• 6. A SCHOOL FEE OF $25 WILL BE ASSESSED YEARLY AND MUST BE PAID BY SEPTEMBER 30th.
  
• 7. Change of Address or Phone Number

*Proof of residence must be submitted each school year for ALL students, new and current.

*Change of information: Parents are asked to inform the school office in writing of any change in address or phone numbers so that we have accurate, up-to-date information for all students. All parents must give a working phone number (home, work, cell phone, etc.) where they can be reached during the school day in the event of an emergency.

STUDENT FEES/FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

All students are required to pay a registration/activity fee at the beginning of the school year. Students who do not pay this fee, or any other type of financial obligations, are excluded from field trips, fun days, and other such activities when school money is required to help fund the trip/activity. Activity fees are used in the following manner:

• Awards/Incentive Programs • Instructional Materials

• Enrichment/Remediation Materials • Supplemental Resources

• Technology Fee

UNPAID FEES

For students to attend school activities, such as fun days, etc. and field trips, all fees must be paid.

Failure to pay district technology fee could result in students not being allowed to take home technology devices and/or being responsible for paying for devices damaged by student at school.

TEXTBOOKS

Students are financially responsible for the textbooks and library books. Lost or damaged books must be paid for.

CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK

Students are expected to do all class work as assigned by teachers daily. Homework assignments are to be completed and turned in on time.

MATERIALS

Students are expected to have the necessary materials for each subject as outlined on the grade level school supply list.

STUDENT PAPERS

Students are to bring graded papers home on a weekly schedule as determined by the teacher. Parents are encouraged to review papers, sign, and see to it that papers are returned to teachers on the following day.

SCHOOL DRESS CODE

UNIFORM SHIRTS: The shirt shall consist of a white, navy, or royal blue polo knit shirt with no logo and with either short or long sleeves. All shirts must be tucked in at the student's waist. All shirts must be long enough to remain tucked when seated. An undershirt may be worn under the uniform top. The undershirt must be white, and the sleeve cannot be longer than the sleeve length of the uniform top.

UNIFORM BOTTOMS: Bottoms shall consist of classic, traditional, straight leg dark khaki/navy cotton twill uniform pants or walking shorts with a finished hem (side slits on hems are not allowed). Uniform bottoms must fit at the waist and crotch and be within one (1) size of student's actual waist/inseam measurement. No cargo pockets or flaps on back pockets are allowed on uniform bottoms. Bell-bottoms, joggers, carpenter/cargo style pants, hip huggers, or jeans of any color and/or type are not allowed. Brand name emblems on uniform bottoms may not exceed 1" to 2" in size. All uniform bottoms must have a waistband with belt loops. Walking shorts shall not be more than four inches (4") above the back crease of the knee. Sagging of the uniform bottoms will not be allowed. Spirit sweatpants will be allowed in extremely cold weather (40° or below temperatures).

NOTE: No tight or revealing clothing are allowed, this also includes leggings & tights.

BELTS: A black, brown, khaki, white, navy, or optional school color belt must be worn or a plain belt with a buckle no larger than 2" x 3". No studs will be allowed. The entire length of the belt must be worn inside the loops. Hanging of any part of the belt outside the belt loops is not allowed. However, Pre-K through 2nd grade students may wear uniform bottoms with an elastic waistband without having to wear a belt. Spirit sweatpants are exempt from belt requirement.

SOCKS: Socks must be worn at all times. They must be solid navy, white, black, brown or the school optional color with no inappropriate emblem or logo.

SHOES: Students must wear a closed shoe (front and back). Sandals, clogs, flip-flops, slippers, or other similar types of shoes are not allowed. Shoes must be laced and tied; Velcro straps must be secured.

OUTERWEAR: Students will be allowed to wear the following over their school uniform: SWEATSHIRT - A sweatshirt WITHOUT A HOOD must be waist length with a tight, ribbed elastic bottom, must be plain, solid-colored in black, white, heather gray, or navy with no emblem, logo, or marking. Students can wear a sweatshirt in the optional school color with school logo.

SWEATERS: Crew neck, V-neck, or cardigan style (those that button or zip from the bottom) sweaters must have sleeves, must be waist length, must be plain, solid-colored in black, white, heather gray or navy with no emblem, or marking. Optional school color with school logo and school-issued sweaters are permitted.

LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET/WINDBREAKER/COATS: All outerwear, except for sweatshirts, must zip, button, or snap from top to bottom and must not be longer than upper mid-thigh and MAY NOT HAVE A HOOD. Outerwear must be plain, solid-colored in black, white, khaki, heather gray or navy with no emblem, logo, or marking, however, optional school color with school logo and school-issued jackets are permitted.

GROOMING: Earrings are the only body piercings allowed. Hairstyles for both males and females shall be neatly maintained and/or restrained for health, safety, and identification of students.

No student shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, blade, symbols, sign or other things (including hair style and hair color) which presents evidence of affiliation with drugs, alcohol, violence, or gang related activities or exhibits profane or obscene language/gestures.

DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS

Parents will receive a form denoting the dress code violation. Once a note has been sent home, the next offense will result in the parent being called to bring the student an appropriate replacement garment and student receiving an infraction as per the Discipline Policy.

navy, white, royal blue polo

ANY GPE school spirit shirt can be worn on any day of the week

GPE school spirit sweatshirt WITHOUT HOODS can be worn on any day of the week

solid navy, gray, royal blue sweatshirt WITHOUT HOOD

navy or khaki skirt

navy or khaki pants or shorts

spirit sweatpants on cold days

navy or khaki uniform jumper

navy or white uniform dress

Black, Navy, Royal Blue, Khaki, White SOLID COLORED jackets, sweaters, parkas, windbreakers, etc. MAY NOT HAVE A HOOD.

**Pictured are some EXAMPLES of acceptable uniform outerwear. These items can be found at major retailers.**

SCHOOL DAY

No students will be dropped off prior to 7:20 a.m. Supervision WILL NOT be provided for students who arrive prior to 7:20 a.m. Students are to enter the main building upon arrival at school.

Visitors are not allowed on campus beyond the office until they sign in and receive a visitor's pass from the secretary.

TARDIES/CHECKOUT

Arriving at school on time and remaining for the entire day is important to a child's success in school. The school day begins promptly at 7:45 a.m. and dismisses at 3:05 p.m. If a student arrives later than the designated time, the student is considered tardy and MUST BE CHECKED IN BY PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN. Students who habitually arrive late and check out prior to dismissal will be referred to the SLPSB, Child Welfare Office, and the St. Landry Parish District Attorney's Office.

Parents must report to the office upon arriving on campus and are NOT to enter the classroom during instructional time for any reason.

SCHOOL DISMISSAL/CAR RIDERS

Morning Drop-off and Afternoon Pick Up Procedures

Morning Drop-off Procedures

Buses will drop off at 7:20. They will drop at the front of the cafeteria. Students will enter the cafeteria, pick up breakfast, then enter the main building at the right entrance.

Car Riders will be dropped off NO EARLIER than 7:20 at one of the Car Rider Stops (1-4) in front of the cafeteria. Cars must stay in a single line and drop off at one of the stops.

Students will enter the cafeteria, pick up breakfast, then enter the main building at the right entrance. Students will check their temperature then proceed to their homeroom class.

Afternoon Pick Up Procedures

Buses will pick up at 3:05. They will pick up in the bus line in the front parking lot. Students will exit the main building at the right entrance and board their bus.

Car Riders will be picked up at 3:15 at one of the Car Rider Stops (1-4) in front of the cafeteria. Cars must stay in a single line and pick up at one of the stops. Students will exit the main building at the right entrance and wait under the catwalk.

PARENTS: If you arrive early for student pickup, we ask that you park across the street at the gym until the buses have departed, then form a single pickup line. Please see the illustration below for pickup line procedures:

ABSENCES AND EXCUSES

1. All students have the right to attend school until graduation, provided they are not expelled because of their conduct.

2. Student absences may be excused due to extenuating circumstances for the following reasons:

• a. Extended personal physical or emotional illness as verified by a physician
• b. Extended hospital stays as verified by a physician
• c. Extended recuperation from an accident as verified by a physician
• d. Extended contagious disease within a family as verified by a physician.
• e. Visitation with a parent who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who has been called to duty or is on leave from a combat zone (not to exceed 5 days)
• f. Observance of special and recognized holidays of the student’s faith
• g. Prior school district approved travel for education
• h. Death in the immediate family (not to exceed one week)
• i. Natural catastrophe and/or disaster
• j. Students granted excused absences for the above reasons shall be allowed to make up any schoolwork which was missed.

3. Pre-K through eighth grade students will not be allowed to exceed ten (10) absences each school year. Absences of two or fewer consecutive school days due to personal illness or serious illness in the family may be validated by a parent written excuse note. PARENT NOTES will ONLY be accepted under special circumstances. The school will not accept more than 3 parent notes within a school year. Also, If a student is absent for three (3) or more consecutive days, a student must present a note from a physician, nurse practitioner, or dentist to be excused. These new guidelines will not allow students to be excused for vacations or other family trips.

The responsibility for a student attending school lies with the parents or the legal guardian. If the student is chronically absent or chronically late (tardy) to school or class, the parent and/or student shall be referred to the Office of Child Welfare and Attendance. If attendance does not improve, the parent shall be referred to the St. Landry Parish City Prosecutor and Opelousas City Court.

PERMISSION TO LEAVE SCHOOL

Any student who is in school at the beginning of the school day is to remain throughout the entire day unless an emergency arises. In the event this occurs, the student is to be picked up and signed out by the parents or designee listed on the student’s checkout card. In the event of a school emergency parents will be contacted. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE SCHOOL WITH ANYONE NOT LISTED ON THE CHECKOUT CARD. NO EXCEPTIONS.

CHANGES IN THE WAY A STUDENT GOES HOME

Should a change be made in the way a student normally goes home, the parent or legal guardian of that child will be required to send a note to that child’s teacher notifying him/her of such change. NO CHANGES MAY BE MADE AFTER 2:45 EACH DAY. The phone will not be answered between 2:45 and 3:10 to make transportation changes.

USE OF THE SCHOOL PHONE

Students may not use the phone unless they receive permission from the principal or a designee. The student must come with a note from a teacher indicating the nature of the call they will be making before they will be allowed to use the phone. No social calls are to be received or made by the students. Please do not call and ask for your child to be removed from a classroom during instructional time to speak with you on the phone.

STUDENT ACCIDENTS

All accidents must be reported immediately to the principal’s office. For all injuries that require medical attention, parents will be notified. In the case of extreme emergencies, school personnel will call 911.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

All students must have all the immunizations required by the health unit. At the beginning of each school session or upon the entry into school, the immunization record will be checked and a copy will be retained in the cum folder. If a student is not up to date on his/her immunizations, he/she will be sent home until the record is brought up to date. Pre-K and K students will not be allowed to register without proper and up to date immunization records.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR EARLY DISMISSAL

School buses will run their regular routes if conditions permit. Parents of students who do not ride the bus will be contacted by phone. Therefore, it is imperative that you have on file a current, working telephone number. We recommend that parents listen to the local radio and television stations for information concerning early dismissal.

FIRE DRILLS

Unannounced fire drills will be held monthly.

TORNADO DRILLS AND OTHER CRISIS DRILLS

Safety instructions and procedures will be discussed and posted in each classroom. Drills are practiced periodically.

LOST AND FOUND

All articles found on the school grounds should be brought to the office. A student may inquire at the office about a lost item. The school is not responsible for lost articles.

NON-RELATED SCHOOL ITEMS

Toys and other non-related school items are not to be brought to school. Students may not sell non-related school items at school. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.

SCHOOLWIDE DISCIPLINE & BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT PLAN

The school’s discipline plan, also known as the PBIS plan, is used to encourage positive behavior. Students are given incentives for positive behavior and consequences for negative behavior. All students are expected to exhibit proper and appropriate behavior at all times. Unacceptable behavior will be dealt with appropriately, as stated in our school’s plan and according to the policies set forth by the St. Landry Parish School Board.

It is the responsibility of our school to provide a safe and secure learning environment for all students. Behaviors that impede the learning process will not be tolerated. To achieve this type of environment we felt we needed to incorporate the following principles:

1. To identify a common set of rules and consequences.

2. To be firm, fair, and consistent.

3. To create a safe and positive learning environment.

There are three components of the school wide discipline plan:

1. Rules

2. Positive interventions or rewards.

3. Consequences.

The purpose in specifying these components is to:

• provide consistent management of students by the teacher

• provide specific information regarding expected behavior to the parents

• improve social skills and increase appropriate behavior of the students

The success of the system depends entirely upon consistent implementation, which includes application of rules, consequences and rewards by the teacher and parents. In order to maximize learning opportunities, create a positive school atmosphere, and teach appropriate school behaviors, all components must be implemented.

Classroom Rules

The committee found the following rules to be appropriate for the classroom. They are applicable to all school activities, levels and special classes.

1. Follow staff directions.

2. Show respect for people and property.

3. Stay on task.

4. Keep hands and feet to self.

What is school culture?

The design of the PBIS approach is to educate all students of acceptable social behaviors and to adopt and sustain the use of effective, positive practices throughout the school and community.

Grand Prairie Elementary complies with the St. Landry Parish School Board's Code of Conduct. The complete Discipline Plan, Guidelines, and Procedures can be found in the SLP Student Handbook at https://www.slpsb.org/apps/pages/district_student_handbook

GRAND PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY DISCIPLINE PLAN ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Grand Prairie Elementary students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect, safety, and responsibility. An understanding of “discipline” is necessary for this to happen. Discipline is not simply a prescription of punishment for rule violation. It promotes the orderly atmosphere needed in a school so that learning can take place. “Although the ultimate responsibility for student conduct rests with the student and his/her parents, it is the daily responsibility of school personnel to see that no single person interferes with the total learning environment of other students.” (Kristonis 2000)

Grand Prairie Elementary’s faculty, staff, and students have established a school-wide discipline plan, which is required by the Louisiana Dept. of Education. This plan will be strictly and consistently enforced. No student will be allowed to behave in a manner that disrupts the teaching and learning process.

You are being provided a packet that explains the discipline plan in its entirety. Note that the plan involves not only punishments for poor behavior, but also rewards for good behavior. Please read and discuss the plan with your child. You will receive a signature page from your child's teacher that must be signed and returned to the school.

Please read and discuss the plan with your child. You will receive a signature page from your child's teacher that must be signed and returned to the school.

CAFETERIA & MEAL POLICIES

The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the health program of the school environment. To encourage good nutrition, a well-balanced breakfast and lunch is offered free of charge to all students. The cafeteria staff and your fellow students will appreciate your cooperation in:

•  Depositing all breakfast & lunch litter in trash cans.
•  Returning all trays and utensils to the dishwashing area.
•  Leaving the table and floor around your place in a clean condition for others.
•  Leaving the cafeteria immediately upon completing your meal.

Note: No food may be brought to a student during the school day unless the student is on a special diet. A statement from the doctor is necessary for verification of a special diet. By law, students are not allowed to receive food delivered from outside vendors or businesses (i.e. McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, etc.). Students are not allowed to bring food or drinks into classrooms, and they will not be excused from class to eat delivered food regardless of the person who brought it. Due to social distancing guidelines, allowable exceptions are Grab and Go Meals to eat in the classroom from the cafeteria. Students with Food Allergies must provide the Diet Prescription for Meals at School Form completed and signed by a physician as well as meet with the school nurse, cafeteria manager and other stakeholders for special arrangements.

All schools are NUT and SEAFOOD free.

Child Nutrition Services Parent Information Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

The St. Landry Parish Child Nutrition Department is pleased to inform you that we will continue

to implement the Community Eligibility Provision For the school year 2023-2024. This means that all enrolled students in St. Landry Parish public school system are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at no charge to your household each day of the 2020-2021 school year. No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.

ALL STUDENT MEALS ARE FREE!

Meals from Home

Food may be brought from home; however, it is at the discretion of each principal. If the principal allows students to bring meals from home, the following rules apply. All meals from home must incorporate whole grains and other nutrient-dense foods by following the current meal pattern (meat/meat alternate, grains, fruit, vegetables, and milk) for breakfast and lunch in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations and policies. To ensure proper holding temperatures, please make sure the food products are kept cold using ice packs until meal service. The cafeteria cannot store student meals brought from home. Fast food, candy, chips and soft drinks or sugar-based juice drinks are not allowed in the cafeteria. Milk and 100% juice drinks are allowed and can be purchased in the cafeteria.

Allergies

All school campuses are Nut and Seafood Free. Any food brought from home may not contain any type of nuts or any kind of seafood. There are several students with allergies that are enrolled in our schools.

Microwave

Students at the elementary level (K-8) are not allowed to use the microwave at school. Therefore, parents are encouraged to pack student meals with ice packs to ensure proper temperature control for the safety of the student.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

SCHOOL & CLASSROOM COMMUNICATION

It is extremely important for parents/students to utilize all methods of communication between home and school to ensure student success.

Thrillshare – Parents and guardians will receive texts from the school and district through the number 98900. Contact information must be updated with the school for you to receive these texts.

JCampus Parent Portal - Students receive their login information at the beginning of the school year. Parents can use this to log into the portal to view their child's grades, attendance history, and behavior referrals.

School Website - Visit our school site to see school news, upcoming events, and school wide information.

GPE Facebook Page - Visit our school's Facebook page for important school news, updates, and upcoming events.

Google Classroom - Each teacher will set up Google Classroom for their class. Parents should ensure students check their student's Google account for instruction, assignments, and news.