Parent and Student Handbook 2021-2022 - Lancaster ...
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Parent and Student
Handbook
2021-2022
Student/Parent Handbook
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
Just like other schools, our school has important rules and regulations in
place to protect our students and help our school run smoothly. We take the
safety of your child, and every child very seriously. Your cooperation and
help in reviewing these procedures with your child will help us all have a
wonderful and safe year.
Please read the handbook online at http://lancasterelementary.stpsb.org/
and discuss the contents with your child. To ensure that you have
reviewed the handbook and covered it with your child, we ask that you
sign and return this sheet to your child’s teacher by Friday, September
17, 2021.
If you would like a printed copy of the handbook, please indicate below.
If you have questions concerning the contents of the handbook, please
contact Laura Haggard, Principal.
We have read the Lancaster Elementary School Student
Handbook and agree to follow the included policies.
Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature
Teacher Date
Please provide a PRINTED copy of the handbook.
Lancaster Elementary School
133 Pine Creek
Drive
Madisonville LA
70447
School #985-792-0156
fax # 985-792-5716
Cafeteria # 985-792-5376, Beverly Fleming, Manager
http://lancasterelementary.stpsb.org
Laura Haggard, M.Ed ~ Principal
laura.haggard@stpsb.org
Benjamin Strohl ~ Assistant
Principal
Benjamin.strohl@stpsb.org
Jerrilyn Swett, M.Ed ~ Assistant Principal
Jerrilyn.swett@stpsb.org
Erin Roy, M.Ed. ~ Technology Resource
Teacher
erin.roy@stpsb.org
Carrie Anguzza, M.Ed ~ Administrative
Assistant
Carrie.anguzza@stpsb.org
SCHOOL HOURS Full Day: 8:05 – 3:11 Early Dismissal: 8:05 – 12:11
MASTER SCHEDULE HALF-DAY SCHEDULE
7:35-8:05 Buses and cars unload 7:35-8:05 Buses and cars unload
8:05 Classes Begin / Tardy Bell 8:05 Classes Begin / Tardy Bell
10:30-10:50; 10:55-11:15 6th Grade Lunch 10:30 Lunches begin
11:20-11:40 4th Grade Lunch 12:11 Bus and cars load for
11:45-12:05; 12:10-12:30 3rd Grade Lunch dismissal
12:35-12:55; 1:00-1:20 5th Grade Lunch
3:11 Buses and cars load for dismissal
Laura Haggard, Principal
Jerrilyn Swett, Assistant Principal
Benjamin Strohl, Assistant Principal
133 Pine Creek Drive ● Madisonville, LA 70447 ● 985-792-0156 ● fax: 985-792-5716
lancasterelementary.stpsb.org
Dear Parents or Guardians,
The faculty and staff welcome you to Lancaster Elementary School for the 2021-2022 school year. It is
my belief that students, parents, and the school all share the responsibility of the educational development of
a student. Parental involvement throughout the year is a vital component to the success of this process for
every child. I encourage you to communicate with the teachers and the administration team of Lancaster
Elementary. Your ideas and suggestions can make meaningful contributions and improvements to the overall
school climate and educational experiences afforded to all students.
Each year at Lancaster has proven very successful for our students. Our faculty will continue to grow,
develop and enrich our academic programs and school activities this year. Lancaster is fortunate to have an
outstanding and enthusiastic faculty and staff. Everyone is ready and prepared to make Lancaster continue to
stand out proudly among the best schools in St. Tammany and across the nation. We will need your help this
year, and I look forward to working with you and your child. The Student and Parent Handbook is designed to
provide information about school policies, rules, and procedures for helping secure a safe and caring school
environment where all students have the opportunity to learn and grow. Please take time to read over the
handbook carefully and feel free to review any parts which you feel would be beneficial to your child with him
or her. If you have questions about this handbook or other school issues during the school year, please don't
hesitate to call me or email me. We strive to maintain open and productive communication with parents and
welcome your comments, questions, and involvement.
Sincerely,
Laura Haggard
Principal
Lancaster Elementary School
MOTTO
Teaching Us Responsibility To Learn Every day.
MISSION
The faculty and community at Lancaster Elementary School strive to provide a quality
education where students are held to high standards and respected as individuals. We
envision our students taking an active role in their education and having the
confidence to be risk takers in their learning. As future citizens, our students will be
prepared to succeed in a technology- based, global society of the 21st century.
BELIEF STATEMENT
We believe that…..
● all students can achieve.
● all children deserve a quality education in a safe, positive and engaging environment.
● students should be recognized and supported as individuals.
● students should be engaged in meaningful and relevant learning experiences that
challenge them individually and as a group.
● technology skills are essential.
● everyone should be treated with respect and kindness.
● students succeed best when it is a team effort between home, school and community.ATTENDANCE, TARDIES & CHECKOUT POLICIES
In any case of absence, it is important to provide a written note from the parent or doctor stating the
reason for the absence in order for the absence to be determined “excused” or “unexcused.” The
school office does not have to be notified daily if a child is going to be out sick. The office should be
called only when a child has been out 2 consecutive days. Parents may call the school to arrange a
pick-up time for missed work, but must provide the office 24 hours to provide teachers the time to
prepare materials. We strongly encourage you to schedule medical and dental appointments, vacations,
etc. during school holidays or after school hours to minimize school absences.
COVID STATEMENT: Parents should notify the principal immediately upon symptoms
of COVID, or if a child has been exposed to COVID. Students should remain at home until
guidance is given from the school or central office on when it is safe to return.
Students in grades K-8 may not miss more than 10 days per year. Any student who misses more than
three hours of instructional time during the school day will be considered absent from school.
Students shall be excused from school for personal illness, serious illness in the family, death in the
family (not to exceed one week) or for recognized religious holidays of the student’s own faith. Days
of absence will include excused, unexcused, and suspensions. Students missing more than 10 days
will be required to have seat time made up either on the weekend, after school or both.
Please refer to the St. Tammany Parish School Discipline Policy Handbook given to you at the
beginning of the school year for a more thorough explanation of the Attendance Policy.
STUDENT CHECKOUT
For your child’s safety, if he/she has an appointment during school hours, please sign him/her out
in the office before leaving. Unless the appointment takes the entire school day, students are
expected to attend class both before and after the appointment. Please checkout students prior to
2:45 in order to avoid confusion during dismissal for students. The person picking up the child
must be listed on the Emergency Card. This person must be able to show identification (driver’s
license) upon arrival. When checking out your child, please remain in the front office until your
child arrives. CHECK OUTS MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO 2:45 P.M. Non excused early
check-outs count towards the 5 check-ins/check-outs allowed per nine weeks. For the safety and
security of all students please respect this rule.
** During crisis situations such as Shelter in Place, Evacuation, or Lockdown, students will remain
in their safe locations. For the safety of our students, checkouts will not be processed during the crisis.
**
COVID STATEMENT: The front doors of the office will remain locked at all times. The
school will be closed to all visitors. Parents needing to check-out a child or admit a child for a
tardy will need to call the number on the office door to state why they are here. After calling, a
secretary will meet you at the door to process your request.
Make-Up Policy
Parents should allow the teacher 24 hours to gather and send all make-up work to the office for pick-up.
Students will be given 48 hours to complete and turn in all make-up work.
ATTENDANCE DURING AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Students participating in afterschool activities must be able to commit to the full length of time of the
activity. Lancaster will not have office staff available to check students out during this time.
TRUANCY
Any juvenile student who is habitually absent from school or is habitually tardy will be reported as a
truant child to the supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance, the family, or juvenile court,
according to the provisions of Louisiana’s Children’s Code regarding families in need of services.TARDIES TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Students arriving after instructional time begins at 8:05 are considered tardy. Tardy students must be
signed in or out by a parent in the front office. A staff member will meet a parent by the office door
to complete a wellness check and to sign the student in. Students with excessive unexcused tardies or
excessive checkouts will be expected to serve detention as follows: 5 unexcused tardies – 1 detention,
10 unexcused tardies – 2 detentions
A parent conference with administration will be required for any student with excessive
tardies, absences or earlier checkouts due to it being a loss of instructional time.
BAND/CHORUS
Chorus is open to all fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students; band is open to all fifth and sixth grade
students who would like to participate. Students are allowed to participate in only one: band or
chorus. We strongly encourage students to maintain a grade point average of 2.0 while participating
in the band program. Students are expected to follow school rules while participating in chorus or
band. If students misbehave on a regular basis in band or choir, they will be excused from the
program. State discipline forms will be completed, and administration will handle according to the
school’s discipline policy.
COVID STATEMENT: Band and choir will not start right away. Once these programs
are ready to begin, students and parents will receive notification.
CALLING HOME BY STUDENTS POLICY
Due to the large school population, Lancaster students will be allowed to call home regarding
transportation concerns, illness, and true emergencies. Students will not be allowed to call home for
items such as lunch, binders, homework, projects, test folders, band instruments, book bags, IDs,
required club or afterschool supplies, etc. If you have concerns, please drop off necessary items to the
front office or email your child’s teacher.
CELL PHONE & SMART WATCH POLICY
It is school board policy that students are allowed to have cell phones at school and on the school bus
provided the device is turned off, completely stowed away, and not in use. Cells phones may be
placed in cubbies, school bags, or purses and shall not be displayed in view using a clip or other
device. Students cannot have cell phones in their pockets. If a student is found using a cell phone,
displaying a cell phone, or in possession of a ringing cell phone during the instructional day or on the
school bus, then proper disciplinary procedures will occur. Phones found in use will be placed in the
office for parents to pick up at their convenience. First offense is a warning, second offense is a
detention and third is administrative decision. Cell phones may be used in the event of a life
threatening emergency situation or injury only. The School System is not responsible for lost,
damaged, or stolen cell phones. The cell phone policy includes field trips.
Smart watches will be treated the same as cell phones. Students are allowed to wear them, but they
should be turned off so that phone calls and texts cannot be received or delivered, pictures/videos
cannot be taken, alarms cannot go off, etc. Policies and discipline for smart watches will be the same
as cell phones which is stated above.CHILD CARE ~ AFTER SCHOOL
After care will be offered for all 3rd through 6th grade students. Our after care services are available on
a full time basis only. All students must have proper paper work on file prior to attend child care. Due
to safety concerns, parents must walk to the cafeteria and sign their child out. Students will be
expected to follow all school rules and behave accordingly.
REGISTRATION
Parents or guardians are required to complete a registration packet prior to attending after care. A $10
registration fee is due with the packet. Parents or guardians should complete the Special Needs Form
if their child has special needs. If the student has an IEP/504 Plan, the parent must inform the Child
Care Director of this student plan. In addition, the parent or guardian must sign that they are fully
aware of the fee structure and specific guidelines of the program.
AFTER CARE ~ 3:11 PM-6:00 PM
Payment is due by the first of each month. There is a $20 late fee assessed for any
payments received after the 10th of the month. If the fee is not paid in full each month, the
child will not be allowed to attend the following month until all fees are paid.
ATTENDANCE
DROP-INS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. This jeopardizes the safety and security of students. We will
follow the same school calendar as the St. Tammany Parish Schools. When there is a holiday, there
are no childcare services. Aftercare services will not be provided on ½ days of school.
After Care 3:11 – 6:00 p.m Phone # 985-635-1974
· If a student is absent from a school day, they may not attend After School Care that day.
· If a parent checks out a child from child care, they may not return that same day.
· If a child becomes ill while attending child care, the persons on the registration form
will be contacted immediately to pick up the child from the program.
· The program closes at 6:00 p.m.
According to the new parish guidelines, parents will be charged a $10.00 late pick-up fee for every
15 minutes as follows:
6:01 PM – 6:15 PM $10.00 6:31 PM – 6:45 PM $30.00
6:16 PM – 6:30 PM $20.00 6:46 PM – 7:00 PM $40.00
Late fees are due upon pick-up through cash, check, or money orders. Multiple occurrences of
disrespecting the 6:00 pm pickup time will result in loss of participation in the program. Five
incidents of late pick-up will result in refusal of services for the remainder of the school year.
*Aftercare will close at 5 pm on the afternoons of Mandeville Mardi Gras parades. The parade
dates will be given in January. *
RELEASE OF CHILDREN from aftercare
Children will arrive directly to the aftercare program from their classrooms. Children must be picked
up by a parent/guardian or someone listed on the student’s emergency card. No one under driving age
is allowed to sign out a child. Identification will be required.
PROCEDURES FOR CHILDREN NOT PICKED UP BY 7:00 P.M. OR ONE HOUR AFTER
CLOSING TIME:
If neither parents nor emergency contacts can be reached and there has been no communication
from parent/guardian, the local police will be called, and the child released to them. A police officer
will sign the child(ren) out. If the police do not find someone to take the child, they will then notify
the Office of Child Services (OCS).DELIVERIES
Students may not receive any type of delivery (flowers, balloons, etc.) from parents or guardians at
school.
COVID STATEMENT: For birthday’s this year, students may bring pre-packaged, individually wrapped snacks
from the store, such as Little Debbie’s. You may not bag the snacks yourself or send cupcakes from the store. It
must be wrapped from the manufacturer. You may also NOT drop these off at the office. You must send them in
your child’s school bag.
EMERGENCY CARDS & CHANGE OF STUDENT INFORMATION
It is essential that the school has up-to-date information for each child. This information is written on
the EMERGENCY CARDS each school year and kept in the office IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.
Please notify the school immediately if you have ANY CHANGES including phone numbers,
addresses, contact names or any changes in after school care arrangements. Parents or guardians
must come to the school office to make changes to the emergency card such as emergency
contact information and who is allowed to check students in/out of school or pick up students in
car line. This information cannot be changed over the phone. This information is essential in
helping us provide for your child promptly and efficiently during an emergency. If your phone is
disconnected, please inform us immediately. Please include cell and work phone numbers on all
forms.
FIELD TRIPS
COVID STATEMENT: Due to current district requirements, students will not be participating in
field trips at this time.
CHAPERONES
Parents may be asked to help chaperone. You will receive a Parent Chaperone Responsibility Form
to sign before the field trip. We ask that you abide by these rules. Many factors will decide the number
of chaperones needed. In accordance with the school board policy, there will be no smoking on school
grounds or while chaperoning on school related field trips. We also ask that parents not use their
cell phones while chaperoning field trips. School policy is that students leave for field trips together
and return together on the bus. Checkouts at field trip location are not allowed.
The purpose of the chaperone is to supervise a class group of 4-6 students. Parents who are
chaperones must give their total attention to the students. Siblings may not attend field trips.
Permission slips are required for all trips.
FIELD TRIP FEES
A deadline for payment will always accompany the permission slip. THIS DEADLINE IS FINAL.
Because event sponsors require advanced notice, the deadline is strictly enforced. Ample time will be
given to pay any fees. If it is not possible for you to send the money for the trip by the deadline, an
extension may be granted if you contact the teacher and notify him/her of your intention to pay at a
later date. However, a permission slip still must be returned by the deadline. Please check your
child’s bookbag/binder daily to make sure that any payment has been turned in to the teacher.
Bag lunches are provided by the cafeteria if the event is held during the lunch period. No cameras or
electronics will be allowed on field trips! The cell phone and smart watch policy includes field tripsFOOD SERVICES / CAFETERIA COVID STATEMENT: School breakfast and lunch will be free this year to all students. Our school serves nutritionally balanced meals; a hot lunch and breakfast is served daily. Breakfast and lunch prices can be found on the school website. Payment should be made monthly, at the beginning of each month. If this is not possible, you must pay on a weekly basis. Payment must be enclosed in an envelope, labeled with the students’ name, homeroom teacher, and lunch I.D. number. This is very important as teachers do not collect and record lunch payment. Envelopes are turned in at the cafeteria daily. My Payments Plus is also available for all lunch payments to be made online. Simply go to our school’s website, www.lancasterelementary.stpsb.org and click the My Payments Plus logo. If your child accumulates charges totaling $25.00, you will be contacted in order to arrange for payment. All cafeteria accounts must be paid by the last full week of school. If you know that your child will NOT eat lunch in the cafeteria during the entire school year, please send a note stating that you would like your child’s lunch account blocked. We appreciate your efforts to keep your child’s lunch account current. Free and reduced meal information will be sent home. Applications for free and reduced lunch applications are online. Please visit the online application portal to apply for free and reduced lunch. For more information, please contact Mrs. Beverly Fleming, Cafeteria Manager at (985)792-5376. Breakfast is served daily from 7:35 a.m.– 8:05 a.m. Students eating breakfast at school must report to the cafeteria immediately upon arrival and should arrive by 8:05 a.m.; however, in the event that a bus is late, students will be allowed to eat breakfast before reporting to class. A monthly calendar of lunch and breakfast menus are posted on the school website. The menu is subject to change due to availability of food items. If you plan on eating lunch with your child, it is helpful that you send a note to the homeroom teacher or call the school cafeteria at 792-5376. Lunch Visitor Policy COVID STATEMENT: Parents and guests are not allowed to eat with students at this time due to visitor restrictions. Parents and guests who are listed on the student’s emergency card are welcome to join students in the cafeteria for lunch time only. For the safety of all of our students, parents are asked to check back out in the office after students are dismissed to recess. Due to the numerous food allergies among our students, we ask that you refrain from passing out special treats to other students. Please make sure that anyone coming to eat with your child is aware of this rule. Visitors shall sit at designated visitors’ tables. Only your child will be allowed to sit at the table with you for lunch. We encourage you to enjoy a meal from the cafeteria.
GRADING POLICY
Our grading policy will be as follows:
A = 93-100 B = 85-92 C = 75-84 D = 67-74 F = 66 and below
JPAMS
Student grades are entered in JPAMS by their teachers. Using the access information (username and
password) mailed, parents can access JPAMS to monitor students grades. JPAMS automated system
calls student’s primary number in the event of a school absence. JPAMS is also used periodically to
call student’s home in the event of emergencies, bus breakdowns, school events, etc. Please notify the
office of changes in phone numbers to ensure you receive school information. We encourage you to
monitor your child’s grades on JPAMS weekly. Interims will be provided for students who have a
“D” or “F” in any subject midway through each grading period. The teacher should be in contact with
the parent regarding lack of progress.
Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions.
HOMEWORK POLICY
We believe that support from home is critical to student academic success. Homework is meant as an
extension of the day’s lessons and to offer our students opportunities to reinforce key skills and
concepts. A good rule of thumb for typical students and classes would be about 10 minutes times the
grade your child is in this year. For example, 3rd grade 30 minutes, 4th grade 40 minutes, 5th grade 50
minutes, and 6th grade is 60 minutes. Students should also be reading at least 15 minutes a night
depending on the grade level. If you feel your child is struggling with homework, contact the
homeroom teacher. Even though homework is considered optional, it is highly encouraged. The state
of Louisiana and the St. Tammany Parish library offer homework help. These links are: State Library
of La: http://homeworkla.org St. Tammany Parish Library:
https;//www.sttammanylibrary.org/learning-tools/homework-
help/?_ga=2.213714388.1722592516.1611175009-1152565700.1580405775
HONOR ROLL
Third through sixth grade students are eligible for special Academic Honor Roll Awards each grading
period if they have a grade point average of a B or better. Honor roll awards are also given at the end
of the year awards ceremony.
MEDICINE
Medicine cannot be administered by the school without proper forms completed by a doctor. These
forms are available in the office. To ensure children’s safety, medicine MAY NOT be transported on a
school bus.
Children are never allowed to bring medicine of ANY kind to school. If you have questions, please
call the office.
MONEY COLLECTED
When sending money to school for any event, please provide exact change or write a check for the
exact amount. When writing checks, please write the student’s first and last name in the memo
section. If exact amount is not given, a donation will be given to the school using the change.PARENT INVOLVEMENT
CONFERENCES
COVID STATEMENT: Parent conferences may include phone calls and or Zoom/Google Meet video
conferencing.
Communication between the teacher and parent is important for a child’s success. If you are interested
in meeting with your child’s teacher, please email, send a note or contact the school office at 792-
0156 to set up a conference with your child’s teacher. We ask that any concerns you have regarding
your child be brought to the attention of the teacher first before contacting the principal or assistant
principal.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS / VISITORS
COVID STATEMENT: At this time, visitors are not allowed on school campuses.
Parents are always welcome at Lancaster! If you are able to volunteer your time and energy, please
contact the school, classroom teacher, or a PTA officer directly. Anytime you come to the school to
volunteer, please remember that you will need your I.D. in order to receive a printed identification tag.
Volunteers are required to sign a confidentiality statement. Any classroom volunteer time should be
arranged with the classroom teacher in advance. We truly appreciate all that you do to help make us a
better school.
PTA
COVID STATEMENT: Our PTA is working on ways to do their programs virtually. Please check out
their website for more information.
Lancaster Elementary believes that parents are a vital link between student achievement and school
success. We invite parents to be a part of our PTA and join us for meetings held throughout the school
year. There are many opportunities for parents to get involved in their child’s education and
participate in numerous events scheduled throughout the year. Please look for notices to go home and
check the school’s website for more information. PTA sponsors a monthly newsletter.
PARTIES
COVID STATEMENT: For birthday’s this year, students may bring pre-packaged, individually wrapped
snacks from the store, such as Little Debbie’s. You may not bag the snacks yourself or send cupcakes from the
store. It must be wrapped from the manufacturer. You may also NOT drop these off at the office. You must
send them in your child’s school bag.
Birthday parties are NOT allowed at school. We ask that birthday invitations be taken care of at home
unless the ENTIRE class will be receiving one. Individual serving items such as cupcakes or cookies
may be sent to school for birthdays and will be handed out at the teacher’s discretion.
Several holiday parties are held at school. The room mothers will ask for volunteers to send something
to the party. Only Lancaster Elementary students are allowed to participate in our school parties.
Siblings from other classes or those who do not attend Lancaster are not permitted to attend.
PETS
Students are not allowed to bring any type of pet to school at any time due to health and safety
concerns of others.PERSONAL PENCIL SHARPENERS
COVID STATEMENT: Due to current restrictions in place with students sharing supplies, we
ARE allowing personal pencil sharpeners at school as long as they are used in the correct manner.
SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES
When withdrawing a student from Lancaster, please check to see what library books and textbooks
your child has signed out in his/her name. Please contact the school office several days prior to
withdrawing the child, as this allows the staff and teachers time to complete the necessary
paperwork. Your cooperation will save you time and money in avoiding lost book fees and it ensures
that records can be sent without delay.
CAMPUS SECURITY
Security cameras are currently installed throughout our campus. The cameras have been installed in
strategic areas and monitor our school campus 7 days per week / 24 hours per day. Lancaster currently
has a school resource officer assigned to our campus.
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION, EDUCATION, AND REPORTING
PROGRAM
As mandated by the St. Tammany Parish School Board, students in grades K – 8 will receive
instruction on the topic of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention, Education, and Reporting. All materials
used in the instruction may be previewed by contacting the school administration. We encourage you
to talk with your child about this topic as well as other general safety issues.
CIVIL RIGHTS LAW COMPLIANCE
In order to comply with current laws, St. Tammany Parish School Board ensures that:
1. All homeless students will be enrolled in school.
2. The civil and constitutional rights of students with disabilities will be protected.
3. Students and employees shall be protected from sexual harassment.
4. Students and employees shall be protected from discrimination of the basis of race, color,
national origin, religion or sex.
DRUG FREE SCHOOL
Lancaster Elementary is a drug free school. The drug free zone that encompasses our school requires
maximum fines and imprisonment for drug violation within that zone. Please refer to the STPSB
Student Handbook for consequences for student use of illicit drugs. A resource list of available drug
and alcohol counseling programs may be obtained in the school office. All St. Tammany Parish
Schools are smoke-free workplaces. No smoking is allowed on school grounds.ILLNESSES
COVID STATEMENT: If your child exhibits any of the COVID symptoms and/or has a fever of
100.4 or higher, he or she will be escorted to the sick room. You will be called to pick up your child
immediately. If your child is diagnosed with COVID, has been exposed to someone with COVID, or has
COVID symptoms, please keep your child at home and notify the school immediately.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL WITH FEVER, VOMITING, DIARRHEA OR
OTHER SYMPTOMS OF A CONTAGIOUS ILLNESS. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED TO PICK UP A
SICK CHILD.
Please DO NOT CALL the school to notify us if your child is absent, unless it is an extended illness
of two days or more. (If your child has a communicable disease, please inform the school as soon
as possible. This way the school can monitor the other students/staff that were exposed to the
disease.) ANY CHILD WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 100.4 DEGREES OR MORE WILL BE SENT
HOME. Parish policy recommends
that a student is fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. Please send a notice the following
day to school with your child in order to document the absence appropriately with a parent or doctor
notice.
HEAD LICE
If you should find head lice or nits on your child at home, please notify the school or your child’s
teacher. School personnel must check students for readmission to school. If we receive reports from
parents, we send a letter home with all students in the class as a courtesy to parents and to prevent
further issues. The more we know, the more proactive we can be. Please see the St. Tammany Parish
School Board policy for more information.
KIDS IN TRANSITION (K.I.T.)
Education of Children and Youth in Homeless Situations
The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law passed in 1987 to help people experiencing homelessness.
The Act requires states and school districts to make sure students in homeless situations can attend and
succeed in school. The McKinney-Vento Act applies to all children and youth who do not have a fixed,
regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including children and youth who are living in the following
situations:
· Doubled-up housing with other families or friends because they lost their home or their family is
having temporary financial problems;
· Living in a motel/hotel because of economic hardship or loss of housing;
· Living in an emergency or transitional shelter, domestic violence shelter, or in a
runaway/homeless youth shelter;
· Living in a vehicle of any kind; campground without running water
and/or electricity; abandoned building; substandard housing;
bus/train station;
· Awaiting foster care placement; or
· Abandoned in a hospital.
Children and youth in homeless situations have the right to the following:
· Enroll in school despite the lack of a permanent address or lack of school and immunization
records, or birth certificates and other documents;
· Attend and succeed in school no matter where they live or how long they have lived there;
· Receive services comparable to those offered to non-homeless children and youth;
· Get transportation to school; if feasible
· Access educationally related support services;
Should you or your child meet these qualifications; please contact your child’s school office or
guidance office to complete a form for consideration.RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION CONSENT FORM
The Release of Student Information Consent Forms are for students who newly register. All
previously signed forms will remain in the student’s cumulative file and follow the students year to
year; therefore, students enrolled in school last year will not be asked to sign the form again.
Students may only be photographed, video-taped, etc. for publication if this form is signed and on
file in the school office. If for any reason you do not want your child photographed, we would
appreciate you calling this to our attention verbally in addition to noting this on the Release
Clarification Form.
Parents/Guardians/Visitors may not take pictures of any other student except their own while
on school property or during school sponsored events (Lunch, Playgrounds, Classrooms,
School events, etc.). Please use caution during special ceremonies, such as plays.
RESTROOM POLICY
For the safety of students, adults must use the office restrooms only. Any incidence of this
policy being ignored should be reported to the school administration immediately.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The purpose of the St. Tammany Parish School Board is to provide public education for the
school aged children of St. Tammany Parish, LA. Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and
school board policy and will not be tolerated, condoned, or overlooked. The board requests and
encourages persons associated with the school system who believe there are acts of harassment to
report them to the school principal or designee. The board through the school principal shall promptly,
thoroughly, and fairly investigate reports of sexual harassment and take appropriate action that is
consistent with the results of the investigation and the legal requirements afforded by law.
Inappropriate behavior will be handled according to the school’s discipline procedures. The school
system and board will not tolerate retaliation by anyone associated with the school system against one
who files a complaint of sexual harassment. Some acts of sexual harassment are considered criminal
and are subject to prosecution. The board and school system will fully cooperate with law enforcement
agencies and the district attorney in investigating and prosecuting such criminal offenses. Reporting of
incidents need to be made to the principal at your child’s school. A copy of
the policy is available in every school’s library.
VISITORS
COVID STATEMENT: The school is closed to all visitors at this time.
Please do not be offended if we ask for identification when checking students out. It is merely a
protective measure. No student will be checked out unless a parent, legal guardian, or designated
person signs the child out in the office. All visitors to our school must go directly to the office to scan
in their driver’s license or state ID and receive a visitor’s pass. Everyone will need to enter through
the single front office door going directly into the waiting area. You will need to return your visitor
pass at the front desk when you leave.
Your cooperation is appreciated. We appreciate your continued support at Lancaster!WEAPONS POLICY
Students found using, possessing and/or concealing a knife, firearm, weapon capable of discharging a
projectile, or other dangerous instruments capable of causing bodily harm shall be immediately
suspended and recommended for expulsion. Police notification will be made immediately. Students
using, possessing and/or concealing any look-alike object that may have the principle appearance of a
weapon or dangerous instrument shall be immediately suspended from school and recommended for
expulsion. Upon the recommendation for the expulsion, a hearing shall be conducted by the
Superintendent or his/her designee. Students in grade five or lower who have been found in the
hearing process of using, possessing and/or concealing a weapon, or look-alike weapon shall be
disciplined in accordance with the decision made by the Superintendent or his/her designee. Any case
involving a student in grade five or lower found in possession of a firearm on school property shall
be referred to the School Board through a recommendation for action from the Superintendent.
TRANSPORTATION
COVID STATEMENT: Due to bus capacity regulations and dismissal safety protocols, we are
NO LONGER accepting transportation changes. This includes changes in writing, over the phone, by
email, or in person.
BUSES
COVID STATEMENT: Due to bus capacity regulations, buses will no longer accept guest riders.
Lancaster encourages you to send your child to school on the bus. A student may only ride a different
bus home if the parent first receives permission from the bus driver and sends a note to school with
the child stating that permission was obtained. This note will be approved by the office and given to
the child to hand to the bus driver in the afternoon upon dismissal. Several of our buses are at full
maximum capacity and cannot accept guest riders. If a request like this occurs, the office will
contact the parents. Please talk with your child about the importance of good behavior on the school
bus. All children must comply with the bus driver’s rules. Your child may lose bus privileges if
he/she does not behave on the bus. The following discipline plan will be followed concerning school
bus discipline.
DISCIPLINE PLAN FOR BUS RIDERS
Please refer to the “Safe Procedures for School Bus Riders” pamphlet for specific safe riding
practices. This pamphlet is given to parents at the beginning of each school year. Bus discipline
infractions are submitted to administration by the bus driver. Discipline consequences are assigned
based on the student’s misconduct.
Examples of discipline consequences include: parent contact, detention, recess detention, In-School
Support, suspension from bus, suspension, removal from bus.
**Administration reserves the right to suspend a student from riding the bus on any offense depending
on the severity of the offense.CAR RIDER INFORMATION
COVID STATEMENT: Car riders will use both foyers to enter and exit the building. At this time
we are not accepting any transportation changes.
STUDENTS MAY BE DROPPED OFF ONCE THE 7:35 A.M BELL RINGS. Please do not drop off
prior to 7:35 am. For safety reasons, please do not let your child out of the car until a staff member is
present. Car riders must be dropped off in the car loop which will be located on the WEST SIDE OF
CAMPUS. Cars may only enter through the Pine Creek Subdivision. The car line will form within the
Pine Creek Subdivision off of Hwy 22 and must loop around once inside the school to also exit back
into the Pine Creek Subdivision.
Cars will also be turning into the subdivision from the east side of Hwy 22. Please allow for cars to
turn onto Pine Creek Drive. Please refer to the map below to enter and exit the school.
CARS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE LANCASTER CAR RIDER SIGN in clear sight in
order to pick up their child from school in car line. Those without the approved sign will be
asked to report to the office to receive their child/student. If you foresee someone else needing
to pick your child up, please secure the car rider sign in advance.
TRANSPORTATION CHANGES
COVID STATEMENT: We are NOT accepting transportation changes at this time.
Changes will only be accepted with a handwritten, signed note from the
parent/guardian on day of change. No phone calls, faxes, nor emails will be accepted. If
students know how they are getting home in the afternoon, a note is not needed unless
it is a guest rider.See map for morning and afternoon car line procedures below.
Morning & Afternoon Car Rider Drop Off
MORNING CAR LINE
The duty teacher will signal to cars when it is time to begin unloading children. Please pull up all
the way to the front of the car loop where the overhang ends in order to get the maximum number of
students safely unloaded at a time.
Please watch for a signal from the duty teacher before unloading. Students should be ready to
unload quickly when you have safely stopped the vehicle.
All children will enter into the front of the school through the appropriate entrance. A duty teacher
will be there to help direct them to either breakfast or the playground.AFTERNOON CAR LINE
COVID STATEMENT: Please be patient when we are dismissing car line, as our students will be
social distanced throughout the building.
Please be PROMPT when picking your child up after school. The afternoon car line will form the
same as the morning line.
Please do not park your car and walk to get your child as this creates an unsafe practice in crossing
the street into the parking lot. All attention should be placed on the student’s safety.
Be sure to pull your car all the way to the end of the overhang and sidewalk in order to load
as many students as possible and avoid further traffic leading to Hwy. 22.
During afternoon car line, the first 9 cars park by the respective numbers and no one should pull in
front of another parked car that is in line.
You MUST have the assigned car display with your child’s first and last name clearly written.
Anyone without the DESIGNATED CAR DISPLAY given from Lancaster Elementary will need to
park in the parking lot and come into the office to check out the student with proper identification.
Any student not picked up by 3:35 pm after school will be sent to aftercare and aftercare
registration and drop in fees will apply. Parents will not be allowed to wait and pick up children
from the front office at the end of the day except in an emergency situation and approved by
administration.
Students who WALK to School
Morning: Walkers may enter the FRONT OR BACK – Any students who walk to school MUST
make prior arrangements with the front office.
FRONT entry - parent walks student all the way to bus duty personnel outside cafeteria
BACK entry - parent walks student to gate and duty teacher monitors students entering. The
back gate is for Pine Creek students only. Students that use this gate will be provided a yellow
walkers pass.
Afternoon: A duty teacher will walk students to the BACK gate and parents should be waiting at
the gate. Walkers are dismissed at the BACK ONLY in the afternoon.
UNIFORM POLICY
TOP:
Royal blue polo style knit shirt, long or short sleeve (school logo/emblem optional)
Royal blue crew neck T-Shirt, long or short sleeve (school logo/emblem preferred)
Optional: Solid white, grey, or black shirt, long or short sleeve, may be worn underneath uniform
shirt
BOTTOM:
Plain cotton twill Khaki pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, jumpers, or capris (Cargo-style shorts
acceptable)
Optional: White, grey, or black leggings may be worn under khaki bottoms
Every FRIDAY students may wear a Lancaster spirit shirt. This includes Lancaster yearly spirit shirts,
club shirts or past official Lancaster spirit shirts.
PTA sells school shirts; order forms are available in the front office.BOOKBAGS~
Due to safety concerns, we ask that students not bring rolling book bags to school. Since we are a
2-story school, this could present a dangerous situation to students using the steps.
WEATHER EMERGENCIES
School closing due to weather emergencies will be posted on the local news or the school board
website, www.stpsb.org. All STPSB severe weather guidelines will be adhered to in case of
emergency conditions during school hours. STPPS will provide high quality learning through on-
going communication and digital resources. Distance learning attendance and completion of
coursework is mandatory using chrome books in the event of emergency shutdowns. Teachers will
use Google Meet as their platform for posting assignments and participating in live lessons.
To stay current on the official weather alerts effecting schools, sign up for Emergency & News Alerts
on the School Board website, www.stpsb.org. Instant messages may be sent to you directly from the
school system in the form of text messages and/or e-mail.
Lancaster Positive Behavior and Intervention Support (PBIS)
J. B. Lancaster Elementary, in an effort to promote school-wide positive behavior, has developed a
school- wide plan that will benefit all students and staff. This plan was developed by the Positive
Behavior Support Committee and includes measures to recognize appropriate behavior, as well as,
preventative measures to make our school safe and enjoyable.
Our committee, made up of teachers, parents, administrators, and students, will work throughout the
year to implement and review the PBIS plan. Our number one goal is safety while also promoting a
positive learning environment where all students feel safe and secure.
Lancaster practices the FISH Philosophy. The rules and expectations for all areas of the school are
based on this philosophy. The 4 basic principles of the FISH Philosophy are
Make Their Day
Be There
Choose Your Attitude
Have Fun
Included below is information about the PBIS plan including rules for each area, rewards for
students, and examples of FISH principles. Please take time to review this booklet with your
student.Formal Behavior Plan
(Discipline and Discipline Referrals)
J. B. Lancaster Elementary maintains a school-wide discipline plan that follows the St. Tammany
Parish Handbook on Discipline and Attendance to help students reach their maximum potential.
Each teacher maintains a classroom management plan. The classroom plan is communicated via the
teacher website, first day letters from teachers, grade level procedures letter, websites, open house
presentations, etc. Teacher plans will include verbal warnings, restorative practices, buddy time outs,
detentions, parental contact and referrals to the administration.
All classroom teachers will communicate student misconduct via a weekly behavior log that should
go home with weekly graded papers. This discipline log can be marked by any adults (duty teachers,
enrichment teachers, etc.) who observe misconduct by the students.
Each time the student’s behavior escalates, the discipline will be documented on the discipline log
and a minor/major infraction form will be written as necessary. When behavior is continual or severe
in nature, the student’s behavior will be documented on a state referral discipline form which is
submitted to the school administration.
Student discipline logs go home weekly with students. Parents will receive a phone call and a copy of
any discipline form, minor or major, for office referred behaviors. If the student demonstrates a need
for additional support, the administration along with the school counselor, parents, teachers and
student will work together to develop an individual behavior plan to assist the student in reaching
behavior and academic expectations.
Discipline Policy and Bullying
As in all of St. Tammany Parish Schools, J.B. Lancaster Elementary School does not tolerate bullying
of any kind. Bullying is a form of aggression that is repeated and usually an imbalance of power.
Physical bullying includes, but is not limited to shoving, poking, strangling, hair pulling,
beating, teasing, kicking, or punching.
Verbal bullying includes, but is not limited to, such acts as malicious name calling,
teasing, or gossip. Emotional bullying includes, but is not limited to, rejecting,
wronging, humiliating, diminishing personal characteristics.
Stealing or damaging someone’s property
Ganging up on someone
Leaving someone out intentionally
Incidents should be reported immediately to an adult. Allegations of bullying will be promptly
investigated, giving due regard to the need for confidentiality and the safety of the alleged victim and/or
any individual(s) who report an incident(s) of bullying. An individual has the right to report an
incident(s) of bullying without fear of reprisal or retaliation at any time.
Proven allegations of bullying can have serious consequences for the person deemed guilty,
concluding verbal or written reprimand, in-school or out-of-school suspension, disciplinary
reassignment, and/or expulsion.
Refer to the St. Tammany Parish Handbook on Discipline and Attendance for additional information
regarding incidents of bullying.PBIS Rewards and Recognition
Classroom Rewards:
Each teacher maintains a classroom management plan with specific rules, routines,
rewards and consequences.
School-Wide Student Rewards and Reinforcements:
A variety of rewards and recognition will be used school-wide to acknowledge students following
the FISH Philosophy. These include:
Turtle Tokens: Turtle Tokens are tickets used school-wide – classroom, playground, cafeteria,
bus – to acknowledge students making good choices and following the FISH Philosophy.
Turtle Tokens are placed in a box in the classroom. On Turtle Token Days, tokens are pulled in
the classroom and students are recognized, receiving a prize from the office. Students can also
purchase items from our Reef Store using their tokens.
Terrific Turtles: Students recognized by their teachers for practicing the FISH Philosophy
and going over and above will be recognized as Terrific Turtles. The administration will
receive a written statement from the teacher and the students will be invited to a Terrific
Turtle Celebration. The written statements will be shared with parents, along with an
invitation to the Terrific Turtle Celebration.
Turtle Treats: This is given to 2 students each month that are excelling or improving in a
specific area. Students get a visit from the mascot, a classroom announcement, and a treat.
The FISH Philosophy
Lancaster practices the FISH Philosophy. The rules and expectations for all areas of the school are
based on this philosophy. The 4 basic principles of the FISH Philosophy are Make Their Day, Be There,
Choose Your Attitude, and Have Fun.
Make Their Day
Examples Non-Examples
Doing nice things for others Bullying
Helpful Excuses
Using kind words Disrespectful
Respectful Lying/fibbing
Choose Your Attitude
Examples Non-Examples
Positive Whining
Caring Negative Attitude
Respectful Tattling
Work and Play Safely
Open to Other’s IdeasBe There
Examples Non-Examples
Pay attention Bullying
Engaged Making fun of others
Encouraging Not willing to participate
Helpful Not completing assigned classwork
Safe Leaving others out
Include others Not completing homework
Responsible
Ready to learn
Come to school every day
Have Fun
Examples Non-Examples
Play Safely Bullying
Participation Not participating
Engagement Bossy
Teamwork
Celebrating
Include everyone
Playground Rules
When playing outside, all students should:
Act friendly and respectful to all
Report accidents and bullying immediately to an adult at recess
Play safely; share and take turns
Follow all equipment expectations
Follow grade level expectations
Stay within designated areas
Keep hands to self – no tag
Equipment / Ball Rules
When playing with school equipment, students should:
Share and take turns
Follow game rules safely
Return equipment promptly on signal
Remain in designated areas with equipmentWALK and TALK recess (morning and slab only recess)
When having walk and talk recess, students follow playground rules and also:
Equipment and balls remain in bin
Students talk to grade level peers
Students remain in assigned areas
Students walk, no running
Third and Fourth Grade Recess
Students can
Walk and play in JB’s Cove area
Run in the field, walk on the cement
Play games (ball toss, hopscotch, four square, etc.) with correct equipment for
each
Play “horse” and “around the world” on basketball court and keep
basketballs in this area
Play kickball, taking turns
Kick balls into the soccer goals, taking turns
Play tetherball and funnel ball taking turns
Walk the track/walking path
Jump rope and hoola hoop
Play in the Sensory Yard
o Sit on Merry-Go-Round
o Sit on the Teeter-Totter and hold onto the bars
Stop, drop and hold when the first whistle blows
o Stop moving
o Drop off JB’s Cove
o Hold balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, etc.
Walk to lines when the 2nd whistle blows
Students can not
Play chase, tag, red hots, infected, gymnastics, football
Hang upside down or flip on monkey bars
Run on cement or JB’s Cove
Have more than 2 people at a time on the See Saw
Play cherry bombs during four square
Use cell phones or electronicsFifth and Sixth Grade Recess
Students can
Play Basketball – shooting drills (horse and
around the world), only ONE game per goal,
other games such as 5 on 5
Play four square using only four square balls
Play funnel ball with no more than 4 students per game
Run in the field, walk on the cement
Play hopscotch
Jump rope and hoola-hoop under corridor
Play kickball, taking turns, with only ONE game of kickball at a time
Kick balls into the soccer goals, taking turns
Play tetherball, taking turns
Walk the track/walking path
Play in the Sensory Yard (5th grade only)
o Sit on Merry-Go-Round
JB’s Cove (5th grade only)
Walk to lines when the bell/whistle blows, report directly to line (no
restroom/water after whistle)
Students can not
Play chase, tag, red hots, infected, gymnastics, football
Hang upside down or flip on monkey bars, jump off monkey bars,
use slide incorrectly
Run on cement or JB’s Cove
Use rocking horse / spring equipment
Engage in physical contact
Use cell phones or electronics
Car Rules
When waiting to get in or out of your car, all students should:
Sit quietly in line in the afternoon so you can hear your name being called
Have belongings ready (keep all items in school bags and lunch boxes)
Keep hands and feet to yourself
Wait until vehicle is completely stopped before stepping forward to enterBus Rules
When riding the bus, all students
should:
Keep their hands and feet to themselves
Be on time to their bus both before and after school
Listen to adult directions while getting on and off of the bus
Speak in soft voices
Stay seated on the bus
Follow bus safety rules from district handbook
Look and listen for your bus number to be called
Arrive at home bus stop 10 minutes before the scheduled bus time
Cell phone and electronic use prohibited
Report to correct bus stop
COVID: All students should wear a mask while riding the school bus to and from school daily.
Hallway Rules
When in the hallway, students should:
Walk safely
Stay to the right of the hall
Keep hands and feet to yourself
Keep backpacks on back
Follow the brown tiles
Stay quiet
Cross on green tiles
Stairway Rules
When in the stairways, students should:
Hold on to handrails at all times
Stay to the right of the staircase
Keep hands and feet to yourself
Keep backpacks on back
Take one step at a time
Stay quiet
Keep moving in safe mannerRestroom Rules
When in the restrooms, students should:
Be respectful of others and school property
Wash hands before leaving
Take care of their needs and return to class quickly
Use quiet voices
Keep the restroom clean and flush the toilet before leaving
Refrain from using cell phones or electronics.
Cafeteria Rules
When in the cafeteria, students should:
Use appropriate, respectful, and friendly talk
Keep hands and feet to yourself
Keep food on the plate
Use proper manners while eating
Pick up after yourself
Use quiet voices
Wash hands before eating
Eat only your food
Line up quietly and wait for signal to exit
Sit quietly during arrival and dismissal
Refrain from using cell phones or electronics.You can also read
