There is no one response to bullying, harassment, or intimidation. Bullying in elementary grades most often requires therapeutic, as well as disciplinary, consequences. Generally, if an ESA Lower School student is found to be bullying or harassing another student, or group of students, he/she will be sent home pending a meeting with parents and an agreed-upon plan of behavioral interventions, psycho-educational evaluation and referral to appropriate outside service providers. However, even though the offender may be very young, ESA views bullying/harassment as a major offense and it is not tolerated in the community. If the physical and emotional safety of the rest of the class is impacted by the bullying behavior, consequences can include suspensions and/or dismissal from the school. Students and families should be aware that any disciplinary action may be disclosed to third parties. EARLY CHILDHOOD EXPECTATIONS All EC students are expected to be toilet trained before the first day of school. Being fully toilet trained includes both urination and bowel movements. We promote independence in using the bathroom. Students should be able to undress, dress, wipe, and wash hands unassisted. PK3 and PK4 students should not wear belts with their pants. We encourage bathroom independence and belts may sometimes become a hindrance. If a child has more than one accident over the course of a single day, parents will be asked to pick the child up from school. The child may return to school the following day. Issues of recurring toilet accidents may result in a child having to adhere to an altered schedule until such time as the child is able to demonstrate consistency in using the bathroom without accidents.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY ESA is committed to a drug and alcohol free environment for students at ESA, to providing appropriate drug and alcohol education for our students, and to treating involvement with drugs and alcohol as a health issue as well as a disciplinary issue. Alcohol and drug involvement are violations of the laws of the State of Louisiana and incompatible with the school's mission and its daily operation. PRESCRIBED MEDICATION Students who have medication specifically prescribed by a physician to treat medical conditions and who need to receive doses during the school day must have an Administration of Medication Form completed by the prescribing physician and on file in the main office. Parents are responsible for delivering/receiving all medication to/from the school nurse, who will log the receipt/disbursement of medications into the system. All medications are stored and administered in the nurse’s office. Students are not permitted to carry medication in their backpacks or on their person. See Medical Information in the Helpful Information section of this handbook for more details. 14
