Dyer Parent News Sept. 2012

Dyer Family Bulletin September 2012 September 2012 Principal’s Point

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September 4 School Resumes

Dear Dyer Students and Parents,

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September 6 Photo Day for those who did not have photo taken at registration th

September 6 Band Instrument Open House 3:15 – 6:30 p.m. th

September 7 Milwaukee Wave Assembly - 2 p.m. th

September 10th to 24 MAP Testing th

September 11 Orchestra Open House 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. th

September 20 Gemini House to School Forest st

September 21 Fun Night 3:10 – 5 p.m.

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September 26 Early Release Dismissal at 12:50 p.m.

It is my pleasure to introduce to you new staff members!

• Miss Amber Curtis, our technology teacher, will guide our students in the world of keyboarding and digital citizenship.

• Miss Kathy Karsten, our music teacher, will teach our students the value and enjoyment of music.

• Mr. Colin Galitz is joining our instrumental music team for band lessons and 5th grade band.

• Mr. Adam Cook is returning to Dyer to serve our students for physical education.

• Ms. Pamela Mather is joining the special education support team.

• Ms. Joy Kueny, one of our special education teachers, will provide that extra bit for accelerating our students to new levels.

• We are looking for a replacement support staff member for the TSID program. Stay tuned.

• Mrs. Pritzl has a student teacher for the majority of the first semester.

Her name is Ms. Holly Sienza.

It is exciting to provide cutting-edge opportunities for Dyer students and fun to provide the tools our students need to be successful. Beginning in September of this school year, Dyer students will have Google for Education accounts. This is a free account, which allocates storage space for students’ digital projects and is an excellent way to electronically collaborate with others on those projects. Students will be able to create content such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations in what is called Google Docs. Because the content is created and saved in Google Docs, the students can work on those very same documents at home, if you have the Internet at home. This is also a fantastic way to go paperless to share work with the teachers. Of course, because this is an online tool, it is accessible anywhere the Internet is available.

The Google accounts for each student will have what looks like an email account, but he/she will not be able to send or receive emails. BASD decided to disable to the email feature in the students’ accounts to reduce unnecessary anxiety with regard to the possibilities for cyber bullying. The students will, however, use the email address to share their documents with their teachers.

The accounts will be housed within the BASD domain and will offer a great deal of oversight and security as we manage these accounts. Students will receive a secure username and password for their accounts. They will be responsible for those accounts and should keep the username and password private.

In addition to what you have taught your children at home, our teachers will provide guidance about appropriate and safe Internet usage and “netiquette.” It is our mission to teach our students how to be digital citizens in this very digital world. It is critical that our students use the Internet effectively and

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Dyer Family Bulletin safely. It is important that you know that there is a student user agreement that speaks to the code of conduct expected of each student for online work.

Please return the form sent home with your child on the first day of school so he or she can begin the responsible use of his/her Google account. Thank you.

We know that you are your child’s first teacher and that we are here to enrich your child’s educational experience. We highly recommend that a regular homework time be established and maintained at home throughout the school year. A high level of student achievement is the name of our game, but learning does not happen in a vacuum. Good nutrition, rest, and being in school to learn are all expectations that are started at home. I am confident that this is going to be another great year of education for your student, because we are Team Dyer!

BAND 4th and 5th grade students and any 6th grade students who weren’t in band last year that are interested in joining band this year are invited to attend an instrument fitting on Thursday, September 6th anytime between 3:15 and 6:30 p.m. in the Dyer band room. Your child will be given the opportunity to try the band instruments and choose the one he/she would like to learn to play. During the short 15-minute conference you will be given information about the band program. For your convenience we have arranged for a full service music company to be at Dyer so you can rent or purchase an instrument if needed.

Continuing band students who need to rent an instrument, purchase supplies or a new lesson book are encourage to stop in the Dyer band room anytime between 3:15 and 6:30 p.m. as well on Thursday, September 6th.

ORCHESTRA Interested in joining Orchestra? The Parent/Student Rental and Informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 11th at 3:15 to 6:30 PM, in the Dyer Orchestra room # 114. Please come any time during that time frame, for the short mini meetings. Whitehouse of Music, a rental music store, will have salesmen here to assist you in ordering your child's instrument,book and necessary accessories. All 5th graders will be given a "hands on" demonstration of violin, viola, and cello the 1st week of school.

Any questions please contact Mrs. Soeth via email~dsoeth@basd.k12.wi.us

APPOINTMENTS, VACATIONS, ABSENCES In order to cut down on interruptions into the classrooms throughout the day, if there is a change in your child’s daily routine, such as medical appointments, riding a bus home with another student, vacations, etc. please send a note regarding this issue with your child in the morning.

Students should bring these notes to the OFFICE. If your child will not be in school or will be late for school please call the office before school (763-0220) with the reason for the absence. If you cannot call school send a note with your student the day they return. Absences that we are not notified about are considered unexcused.

If your child will be gone on vacation, send a note at least one week in advance to the office.

The homeroom teacher will be notified so that homework can be given to your student.

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Dyer Family Bulletin ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS ON ABSENCES AND TARDINESS In order to maintain strong student progress, there will be an increased communication between the school and parents/guardians in relation to absences and tardiness. As a parent, you can expect a phone call or email by one of your child’s teachers after five absences and contact from the assistant principal as a student approaches and goes beyond 10 absences in the school year.

This increased communication is intended to make sure that students are maintaining their progress and to highlight school support that may help students with increased absences continue to progress in their classes.

We have also made changes to our recording of absences. You should continue to communicate absences and tardiness with the school office as described above. However, any absences after a student’s tenth absence will be considered unexcused without a doctor’s note. Absences in which the parent called in to notify of an absence beyond the initial 10 absences will be noted with “A-10.” This is considered an unexcused absence but noted in this way to communicate that the parent is aware of the student absence. An administrator can approve additional absences due to special circumstances and/or proper documentation, such as a doctor’s note.

For further information, please refer to the district’s Attendance and Truancy Parent Information brochure posted on the Dyer Intermediate School website at www.basd.k12.wi.us.

FROM THE DISTRICT NURSE We encourage students to carry his/her EPI-PEN or Inhaler with them if necessary as long as they are trained in its proper use. REMINDER: If your child is carrying an EPI-PEN or an inhaler in school we need to have the Prescription Medication paperwork signed by you and the physician. This paperwork must be on file in the school health office.

• Important Immunization Information There are new mandatory immunizations for students at Dyer. Please contact Mrs. Bedessem in the health office at Dyer Intermediate 763-0220, if you are unsure if your student is in compliance with required immunizations. Information can be found on the district web page or you may contact Rose Dolatowski, RN at the district office at 763-0210.

• Medication Orders When your child’s prescription says medication is to be given three times a day it is usually not necessary for it to be given at school. These medications can typically be given before school, after school and again at bedtime.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT EVENTS Dyer School has Family Fun Nights throughout the school. Each Fun Night is a different theme and filled with fun activities for all ages. Parents and family members are encouraged to come join the fun but are no longer required to attend. All students/children will be stamped upon entrance and they are not allowed to leave unless an adult is picking them up. Each FFN will be listed in the newsletters so watch for upcoming fun!

“Goodbye Beach, Hello Teach” is the theme for Dyer’s first family fun event. It will be Friday, September 21st at 3:05 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is 50 cents per person. Dress up in summer

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Dyer Family Bulletin clothes; shorts, flip flops, Hawaiian shirts, leis, sunglasses, beach hats, umbrellas etc. (no swimsuits…be appropriate) We will have DJ Jeni there cranking the best tunes, playing the Electric Slide, Macarena and other fun dances. Rock Band will be set up in the cafeteria for kids/adults who prefer to make their own music. We will have beach volleyball in part of the gym and PTSO will have a concession stand stocked with delicious snacks to buy. It will be a lot of fun so mark your calendars!

SCHOOL HOURS 8:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. – Dismissal is a slight change from previous printed times.

OFFICE HOURS 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

LUNCH TICKETS AND GRAB AND GO Lunch is $2.35 daily/$11.75 weekly Grab and Go is $1.30 daily/$6.50 weekly Milk is $.25 Milk is NOT to be carried out of the cafeteria. The Grab and Go foods should be eaten in the cafeteria; however, if students arrive late due to bus arriving late, they may carry the Grab and Go foods to be eaten at a later time. The teachers set that time for snack time. No foods should be taken to music, band, orchestra, and physical education classes.

VISITORS During the school day the only access to Dyer is from the front of the building by the circle drive.

We ask that all visitors stop in the office upon entering the building. Visitors will be asked to sign in and pick up a visitor’s badge from the office. Thank you for helping to keep our students safe.

EARLY RELEASE Our students will be dismissed at 12:50 p.m. on early release days. Our first early release day is WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH. Students eat lunch at school before dismissal.

STUDENT PHOTOS Students who were unable to have his/her picture taken at registration will have his/her photo taken on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH during the school day.

PHONE & EMAIL CONTACT Our school phone number is 763-0220. Please visit the Burlington Area School District website for a complete list of teachers and his/her email addresses.

HOME EMAIL ADDRESSES We send most of our communications with families at Dyer via email. If you do not have a home email address on file with us at Dyer Intermediate and need to receive a paper copy of things sent home with students, please be sure to let us know.

STUDENT SAFETY To keep our students safe at arrival and dismissal time NO car traffic will be allowed in the circle drive before or after school. The parking lot will also be blocked off at dismissal time. Please

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Dyer Family Bulletin make arrangements to meet your student on one of the side streets close to our building and encourage him/her to cross in the crosswalks with the aid of the safety patrol.

STUDENT INSURANCE The Burlington Area School District provides accident insurance only for interscholastic athletic injuries, which are those injuries occurring in interscholastic competition, in practice and while traveling to and from those events or practice. As a service to parents the school district is making available accident insurance through First Agency, Inc. of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Flyers will be sent home with students via the Dyer folder and are available in the office. The letter from the business office explaining the insurance is included in this bulletin.

STUDENT MESSAGES To reduce classroom interruptions as much as possible, student messages are delivered at 8:55 a.m.. and 2:35 p.m. Please call before these times if there is a special need to get a message to your child. Thank you for helping us to keep the messages to a minimum.

EMERGENCY FORMS ALL emergency forms not turned in at registration are due immediately. It is important to have the name, address and telephone number of two other parties in case of an emergency and the parent/guardian cannot be reached. Please notify the health office of any changes during the school year.

FREE/REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATIONS Families must fill out an application for free/reduced lunch each year. Please complete the paperwork as soon as possible and return it to the school office. Forms are available in the school office and on the district web site at www.basd.k12.wi.us.

EARLY RELEASE PLAN An unexpected early release due to weather or emergency is always a possibility. A Plan for Early Release is located on page 29 of the student planner. Please discuss this as a family and fill out the form and return to your child’s teacher by Friday, September 7th.

MANDATORY DISCLOSURES Each year our school district is responsible to provide you with certain required notices regarding non-discrimination, student records, request to withhold directory data, district policies and important information regarding meningococcal vaccines. That information was emailed to families that have supplied the school with an email address and is available to you upon request in the school office. The information is also posted on the district website and school website.

BUS RULES & PROCEDURES We need your help in making school bus rides safe and pleasant experiences. Both drivers and riders have a right to expect that. The rules below are short, positive, and respect each human being. We ask that you become familiar with these rules. Remember that bus riding is a privilege. Surveillance cameras are used on the buses in order to monitor student behavior.

1. I will use caution at the bus stop and stay well clear of the bus until it comes to a complete stop.

2. I will get on the bus in an orderly manner and will go directly to a seat. I will remain in my seat while the bus is moving.

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Dyer Family Bulletin 3. I will respect the bus and the property of others while riding. I will not eat, drink, or smoke on the bus.

4. I will be courteous and respectful to the driver and all passengers.

5. I will keep all objects and myself completely inside the bus at all times. I will only open windows to the third notch.

6. I will follow any and all requests made by the bus driver.

7. I will assist others, including the driver, whenever there is a need for help.

8. I will do my part to keep noise at reasonable levels, so as not to distract the driver. I will be completely silent at railroad crossings.

9. I will only bring those items on the buses that are required for school activity. I understand that written permission from the principal is required for unusual items to be carried on the bus. I understand that any item I carry on I must hold on my lap.

10. I will do my best to follow all the bus riding rules and will report any unsafe conditions that occur.

I understand that bus riding is a privilege that can be lost through serious or repeated failure to follow the rules. Penalties can include: conference with the principal, conference with the principal and notification of parents, assigned seating, loss of riding privileges for three days or more, or permanent loss of riding privileges.

In bad weather, the superintendent will cancel bus runs. Announcements will be made on the Burlington Area School District web page and on local TV and radio stations.

If a student wishes to ride a different bus than the regularly assigned one, he/she must bring a signed note from his/her parent/guardian. The student must bring that note to the office and it will then be attached to a school-authorized note signed by the office. The school-authorized note will then be given to the driver. If a non-bused student wishes to ride the bus, the cost is $.50.

STUDENT COUNCIL If you want to be involved in some pretty great school projects and fun dress up days at Dyer then watch for the Student Council Representatives sign up sheet. We will select two student reps from each homeroom. You need to keep your grades up in order to participate and maintain a positive leadership attitude.

Some of the activities we are involved in are spirit days such as Sports Day, Hat Day, Packer Day, and Crazy Socks Day. We have hosted a blood drive, adopted families for Christmas and organized many fun events throughout the year.

We have a couple of meetings a month to organize upcoming events and talk about things we can do for our school or plan spirit days. We make posters to advertise our special days, make cards, and design bags for collecting donations and many other fun activities during our meetings. Last year we had a Penny War to raise money to help a family with medical expenses, we had a “Pay a $1.00 to Wear a Hat Day� to raise money to buy new games for our cafeteria.

Student council members also have some big responsibilities. We have a school store that kids have to work at throughout the year, during study hall. After our meetings it is the representatives’ responsibility to inform their homerooms of all the upcoming events.

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Dyer Family Bulletin So watch for the Student Council sign up if you are a leader, like to be creative and enjoying being involved in events to benefit your school. Miss Cooper and Mrs. Bekken are the Student Council advisors.

PAS GROUPS As part of our district community partnership efforts to promote wellness lifestyles and alcohol/drug-free environments for our youth, Dyer offers the Program Assisting Students (PAS). The support groups that are listed below have been established for students who hare experiencing difficulties or need more information and decision making skills. Intermediate students are at a critical decision making time in their lives and safe, confidential support groups can be of help to them. Groups are voluntary and students may or may not elect to participate in a group during their lunch or homeroom periods. Groups offered include: Friendship, Social Skills, Loss, Anger, Stress, Family Issues, and Concerned Others. Feel free to contact the school counselors if you would like more information or would like to make a referral.

STUDENT PERSONNEL Series 400 Policy Title . . . Bullying Policy

Code No. 443.71

The Burlington Area School District strives to provide a safe, secure and respectful learning environment for all students in school buildings, on school grounds, and school buses and at school-sponsored activities. Bullying has a harmful social, physical, psychological and academic impact on bullies, targets and bystanders. The school district consistently and vigorously addresses bullying so that there is no disruption to the learning environment and learning process.

Definition Bullying is deliberate or intentional behavior using words or actions, intended to cause fear, intimidation or harm. Bullying may be repeated behavior and involves an imbalance of power. The behavior may be motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic, such as, but not limited to: age; national origin; race; ethnicity; religion; gender; gender identity; sexual orientation; physical attributes; physical or mental ability or disability; and social, economic or family status.

Bullying behavior can be: 1. Physical (e.g. assault, hitting or punching, kicking, theft, threatening behavior) 2. Verbal (e.g. threatening or intimidating language, teasing or name-calling, racist remarks) 3. Indirect/Relational Aggression (e.g. spreading cruel rumors, intimidation through gestures, social exclusion and sending insulting messages or pictures by mobile phone or using the internet – also known as cyber bullying) 7

Dyer Family Bulletin Prohibition

Bullying behavior is prohibited in all schools, buildings, property and educational environments, including any property or vehicle owned, leased or used by the school district. Educational environments include, but are not limited to, every activity under school supervision. The Superintendent will develop guidelines to implement this policy.

Date of Review: July 26, 2010 August 9, 2010 Date of Adoption: September 2010 ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES Policy Title‌ Bullying Policy

Legal Reference: 2009 WI Act 309 Section 118.46(2)

Code No. R-443.71

Procedure for Reporting/Retaliation All school staff members and school officials who observe or become aware of acts of bullying are required to report these acts to the building principal or school counselor.

Any other person, including a student who is either a target of the bullying or is aware of the bullying or any other concerned individual is encouraged to report the conduct to a trusted school employee (teacher, aide, the school principal or counselor).

Reports of bullying may be made verbally or in writing and to the extent possible the identity of the person making the report will be shielded. All such reports, whether verbal or in writing, will be taken seriously and a clear account of the incident is to be documented. A written record of the report, including all pertinent details, will be made by the recipient of the report.

The school official receiving a report of bullying shall immediately notify the school district employee assigned to investigate the report. The following school district employees have been identified as the investigators: Burlington High School Eric Burling, Principal Eric Plitzuweit, Assistant Principal Jill Oelslager, Assistant Principal Mike Raether, Assistant Principal Tamara Albrecht, Counselor Jennifer Reuchlen, Counselor Ken France, Counselor Steve Deering, Counselor

Nettie E. Karcher Middle School Marty McGinley, Principal Scott Schimmel, Assistant Principal Steve Berezowitz, Counselor Mary Wagner, Counselor Cooper Elementary School Christine Anderson, Principal Jenny Holle, Counselor 8

Dyer Family Bulletin Dyer Intermediate School Joyce Uglow, Principal Scott Schimmel, Assistant Principal Andrea Donegan, Counselor Mary Wagner, Counselor Waller Elementary School Victoria Libbey, Principal Melinda Hoffman, Counselor

Lyons Center School Susan Mosher, Principal Becky Hoesly, Counselor Winkler Elementary School Jennifer Barnabee, Principal Becky Hoesly, Counselor

There shall be no retaliation against individuals making such reports. Individuals engaging in retaliatory behavior will be subject to disciplinary action.

Procedure for investigating reports of bullying The person assigned by the district to conduct an investigation of the bullying report shall, as soon as reasonable, but within no more than one school week, interview the person(s) who are the target(s) of the bullying and collect whatever other information is necessary to determine the facts and the seriousness of the report. Parents and/or guardians of each pupil involved in the bullying will be notified prior to the conclusion of the investigation. To the extent possible, the identity of the person reporting the bullying shall be shielded. The district shall maintain the confidentiality of the report and any related pupil records to the extent required by law.

Sanctions and supports If it is determined that students participated in bullying behavior or retaliated against anyone due to the reporting of bullying behavior, the school district administration and school board may take disciplinary action, including but not limited to: detentions, counseling, suspension, expulsion and/or referral to law enforcement officials/human services staff for possible legal action as appropriate. Individual school discipline codes should be consulted for consequences. Pupil services staff will provide support for the identified target(s) including active follow up which shall be documented.

Disclosure and Public Reporting The policy will be distributed annually to all students enrolled in the school district, their parents and/or guardians and employees. It will also be distributed to organizations in the community having cooperative agreements with the schools. The school district will also provide a copy of the policy to any person who requests it.

Records will be maintained on the number and types of reports made, and sanctions imposed for incidents found to be in violation of the bullying policy.

An annual summary report shall be prepared and presented to the school board, which includes trends in bullying behavior and recommendations on how to further reduce bullying behavior. The annual report will be available to the public.

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Grievance Procedure The Burlington Area School District is committed to the principle of nondiscrimination. In the event that an individual wishes to file a complaint regarding discrimination the following procedure must be followed. The district will follow due process standards and provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by civil rights regulations.

1. The individual must complete the Burlington Area School District Discrimination Complaint Form. This form may be found on the district web site.

2. The form must then be submitted to the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction at the Burlington Area School District Office, 100 North Kane Street, Burlington, WI 532105.

3. The Assistant Superintendent will contact the individual for additional information.

4. The Assistant Superintendent will investigate the claim.

5. The Assistant Superintendent will respond within 10 days to the complainant.

6. If the complainant is unhappy with the findings and actions, they may appeal to the Superintendent of Schools.

7. The Superintendent will further investigate and respond within 10 days to the individual.

8. If the individual is unhappy with the findings and actions of the Superintendent, they may appeal to the School Board.

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Dyer Family Bulletin BURLINGTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Discrimination Complaint Form Name____________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________ City ______________________________State ____ Zip __________ Telephone ______________________ (home) _______________________ (work) Status of person filing complaint _____Student _____Employee ______Parent ______Other Filing complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ______________________ Statement of complaint (include type of discrimination charged and the specific incident(s) in which it occurred) ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Signature of complainant_________________________________ Date complaint filed______________________________________ Signature of person receiving complaint___________________ Date complaint received _________________________________ Submit all copies to: Complaint Officer, Connie Zinnen, Assistant Superintendent, Burlington Area School District, 100 North Kane Street, Burlington, WI 53105

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