Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to Cracker Trail Elementary School! This guide has been prepared in an effort to help you understand the policies and procedures of our school. Please refer to this booklet throughout the school year. Our motto, “Trail Blazers in Education,” involves both the home and the school. We share an interest in your child. Through mutual cooperation and communication, we will provide the finest possible education for your child. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us.

Dr. Richard J. Demeri, Ed.D,
Principal

VISION STATEMENT
Our VISION at Cracker Trail Elementary School is to continually strive to be a technology school that recognizes each student as an individual. Our instruction will meet the diverse needs of each student by providing a blend of the best methods and practices with the most effective techniques and materials, thus preparing our students to become healthy, productive citizens as members of an ever-changing global community.

ABSENCES
Upon return to school, pupils who have been absent must present a written excuse from the parent stating the reason for absence. A student is considered in attendance if he/she is in the classroom for roll call. All students must report to the office if they arrive in their classroom after the 7:30 a.m. bell rings. Students will be counted tardy at 7:30 a.m. if not present in their classroom. Excessive late arrival or early check-out will be considered an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE. Please refer to the School Board of Highlands County Student Progression Plan for more specific information. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD ARRIVES AT SCHOOL ON TIME, AS BEING TARDY IMPACTS VALUABLE LEARNING TIME. For more information, please visit our attendance page.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE (ASC)
Parents may take advantage of available after school child care. The After School Care Program (ASC) is open to students who are enrolled in school, and is housed in the cafeteria. The program is available for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, Monday through Friday, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. ASC is available on Early Release days from the end of school until 5:45 p.m. and is open during most non-student contact days, i.e. Teacher Inservice Days, Holidays, Spring Break and Winter Break. Call 471-5777 or visit their Web site for more information.

BRINGING TOYS TO SCHOOL
Students are not allowed to bring toys from home. Exceptions to this rule would be if a teacher requests students to bring certain items for “Special” activities. This would be done in writing from the teacher.

BULLYING
The district and Cracker Trail Elementary uphold that bullying or harassment of any student or school employee is prohibited. Bullying is described by the Student Code of Conduct as an incident that includes systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or unreasonably interferes with the individual’s school performance or participation. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, repeated instances of any of the following:

1. unwarranted and unwelcome physical, verbal, or psychological behavior that might reasonably be regarded threatening or intimidating by the victim;
2. unwelcome insults, ridicule, taunts, or behavior subjecting a student to same by others;
3. written, oral, electronic, or behavioral messages that either explicitly or implicitly communicate the intent to inflict physical harm to the victim, the victim’s family, or the victim’s property.

1st Offence: Principal’s discretion ranging from parent conference, counseling, corporal punishment, detention, to ISS.
2nd Offence: OSS minimum one (l) day.
3rd Offence: OSS minimum three (3) days.

To report bullying, you must contact your teacher, the Principal, Assistant Principal or Guidance Department. This includes reporting children or adults who may be bullying. Cracker Trail Elementary has a zero tolerance against bullying or harassment.

BUSES
The bus service in our boundary area will provide transportation for all students. Students who live outside the Cracker Trail Elementary boundary area and have an approved waiver may call the Transportation Department at 471-5764 to request the closest available bus stop for use to Cracker Trail Elementary. Any pupil who is transported to and from school by bus will not be permitted to board or leave the bus, other than at the normal stop for the student. The only exception will be written permission from the parents with approval from the principal or his designee. Buses are provided for transportation of children to and from home and school. Bus transportation will be provided to and from the Kindergarten Learning Center (KLC). Please make sure your kindergartener arrives at CTE in time to be transported. Check bus schedules from our Transportation Department (471-5764) for specific times.

CHANGES IN A CHILD’S AFTER SCHOOL DESTINATION
Please send a note with your child to advise the teacher of any changes in your child’s method of returning home (parent pick-up, bus) or of your child’s usual after school destination (after-school care, home). If this is an emergency or last minute change, please call the school (863) 471-5777 to advise us of the change BEFORE 1:15 p.m. You will be asked for the Student Social Security numbers or Florida ID# before any change will be made. This is done for the safety of your children.

DISCIPLINE
Cracker Trail Elementary teachers will follow the 2011-2012 Positive Behavior Intervention Support Program which is developed by a committee. This plan includes Social Skills training, positive reinforcement, and consequences as needed. All faculty and staff are fair and consistent in carrying out class and school rules. Each class will have a plan to help students learn appropriate behaviors and develop a positive attitude towards school.

DRESS CODE

• Students must not disrupt classes by drawing attention to themselves through jewelry or apparel.
• Shoes must always be worn.  There are to be no wheels on shoes and the heel height must not be over one inch high.  For safety, sneakers must be worn at PE.  No cleats, strapless sandals, or flip flops.  Any shoes with laces must be securely tied.
• Dresses, skirts, shorts, and skorts shall be below mid-thigh with no slits above mid-thigh. (even with tights/leggings underneath.)
• Pants must be zipped, worn at the natural waistline, being within 1 size of the waist, and be no longer in length than heels of shoes.
• Form-fitting, body hugging clothes may not be worn.
• No head coverings are allowed.  Health exceptions and special events exceptions will be made.
• Blouses, shirts, and dresses shall not:

  -Be sleeveless
  -Be transparent
  -Reveal bare midriff
  -Be low-cut

• Undergarments must be worn but not visible.
• Jewelry may not pierce the skin except the ears.
• All clothing must be worn right side out.
• Students may not wear clothing, jewelry, buttons, or any other items (including tattoos) with words, phrases, symbols, pictures, patches, or graphics which use indecent, swear, or suggestive words or are drug, alcohol or gang-related.
• Choke or wallet chains and chain belts, spiked wristbands or belts are not allowed.
• Students are not to wear spikes/athletic baseball shoes as they may damage floors or furniture.
• Students will wear no makeup.

For more information on the dress code, visit our dress code page.

EARLY DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS
Parents who come for children during school hours are to check in with the office. No teacher is to excuse a student without confirmed permission from the office. The standard practice is for the teacher to be advised over the intercom or by written note that the student should be sent to the office to be released. Removing a student from school early will affect their attendance data. Please refer to the School Board of Highlands County Student Progression Plan for more specific information.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
In an emergency situation, the school should always be able to reach a parent or another adult who could act for the parent. We are asking that you complete an emergency form for all of your children. These forms will be filed in the front office. Please list an EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER, especially if both you and your spouse work away from home.

EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
The right of a student to participate fully in classroom instruction and in extracurricular activities shall not be abridged or impaired because of age, sex, race, color, religion, nationality or ethnic origin, disability, handicapping condition, pregnancy, parenthood, marriage, political beliefs, social and family background, or for any other reason not related to his/her individual capabilities.

FIELD TRIPS
Field Trip experiences will be available to enhance the curriculum and will be organized by individual teachers or teams of teachers. No siblings from another grade or class will be permitted to join the field trip. Only students enrolled at Cracker Trail Elementary will participate in our field trips.

FREE AND REDUCED MEALS
Free and reduced meals are available to eligible students. Students receiving Reduced Meal benefits will be charged $.40 for lunch regardless of grade level. A la carte items are available and prices are set to encourage students to select a reimbursable meal as the best nutritional value. Meal benefits must be applied for annually. An application for meal benefits can be obtained from your child’s school or the school’s Cafeteria Manager or by going to the school district’s website and applying on line. PLEASE NOTE-Applying on line is the quickest way to have your application processed and usually occurs within 1-2 days. Completed paper applications can be returned to the Cafeteria Manager. However, it may take up to 10 days from the time the paper application is submitted until benefits are started. Incomplete applications or applications submitted on the previous school year form will cause delays in processing. If approved, your free or reduced price meal benefits are good for the entire current school year. Regardless of how you apply for meal benefits- you are responsible for payment of your child’s meals until eligibility for benefits is determined and meal charges accrued during this period CANNOT be forgiven. Benefits from the previous year are good for 30 operating days of the new school year. You may apply for benefits at any time during the school year. If you are not eligible now but your income goes down, your family size becomes larger, or you become eligible for Food Stamps, FDPIR or TANF benefits, you may complete an application at that time. For more information on our meals program, visit our cafeteria's page.

HEALTH CONDITIONS
If your child has any unusual health problems such as free bleeding, excessive nose bleeding, convulsions when temperature is elevated, highly allergic reactions to insect bites, hearing and/or vision problems, etc., please inform the Health Tech. This notification will make it possible for us to handle emergency situations adequately when they arise.

HOMEWORK
Our policy at Cracker Trail Elementary is to tailor homework as much as possible to fit the needs of the individual student. The purpose of homework is to reinforce skills that have been taught and to practice newly introduced skills. Homework packets are frowned upon by the administration because we believe that family time is a precious commodity. Homework at Cracker Trail Elementary is not used as a disciplinary measure and is specifically assigned to be done at home. It should not be confused with incomplete class assignments. Class assignments are expected to be completed in class each day.

HOURS OF OPERATION
School hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Upon arrival, students are to proceed to the cafeteria. They are NOT to go to their classrooms until released from the cafeteria or the 7:20 a.m. bell rings. The school cannot provide supervision prior to 6:50 a.m. in the morning, and after 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon. You must have a picture ID when picking up students. WE REQUEST THAT YOU DO NOT REMOVE YOUR CHILD FROM 1:30 P.M. TO 2:00 P.M. AS THIS IS A VERY BUSY TIME IN THE CLASSROOMS, AND THIS IS THE TIME YOUR CHILD RECEIVES HOMEWORK INFORMATION, NOTES GOING HOME, ETC. EARLY PICK UP WILL AFFECT YOUR CHILD’S ATTENDANCE. Please refer to the School Board of Highlands County Student Progression Plan.

INCENTIVES - Adopted for 2012-2013
An assembly program will be held at the beginning of each year explaining the criteria for each award.

Weekly:

• PBIS Gold Tickets
• Accelerated Reader (AR): When a student earns 75 points in a year a tee shirt is awarded. Students can earn only one shirt per school year. Points cannot be carried over.

Monthly:
Music Rewards will be left to the discretion of the music teacher.

Nine Week Awards
Small certificates that are the responsibility of the classroom teachers will be awarded to students in their homeroom in the following areas:
Academics:

• Principal Excellence: all O’s No S’s or N’s in work habit

  Principal’s Excellence Guidelines
  Grade 1 – 90% overall average in academic areas.
  Grades 2-5 – straight A’s and No “N’s” in academic areas
  Grades 2-5 – No “N’s” in work habits

• Mustang Achievement

  Mustang Achievement Guidelines
  Grade 1 – 80% overall average in academic areas
  Grades 2-5 – All A’S, B’S, and S’s in academic areas
  Grades 2-5 – No “N’s” in work habits

• Effort:

  Effort Guidelines:
  Grade 1 – 70% overall average in academic areas
  Grades 2-5 – A’s, B’s, C’s, and S’s in academic areas.
  Grades 2-5 – No “N’s” in work habits.

• Outstanding Citizenship: O’s only in conduct
• Citizenship:  Combination of S’s and O’s in conduct.

End of the year Awards – This is cumulative for the entire year. When deciding if a student gets an award for the following, it is cumulative, not an average. The student has to meet the criteria ALL year to get an award.

• Principal excellence: all O’s No S’s or N’s in work habit (medal and certificate)

  Grade 1 – 90% overall average in academic areas.
  Grades 2-5 – straight A’s and No “N’s” in academic areas
  Grades 2-5 – No “N’s” in work habits

• Mustang Achievement: (ribbon and certificate)

  Grade 1 – 80% overall average in academic areas
  Grades 2-5 – All A’S, B’S, and S’s in academic areas
  Grades 3-5 – No “N’s” in work habits

• Effort: (certificate)

  Grade 1 – 70% overall average in academic areas
  Grades 2-5 – A’s, B’s, C’s and S’s in academic areas
  Grades 2-5 – No “N’s” in work habits

• FCAT: Perfect score (blue ribbon and certificate)
• Overall Reading Award:  by Pinnacle percentage, tie breaker will be SME score.
• Outstanding Citizenship: (medal and certificate)

O’s only in conduct

• Citizenship: (ribbon and certificate)

  Combination of S’s and O’s in conduct

End-of-the-Year Special Area Awards:

• Music Awards: Grades 3-5 will be determined by the music teacher (Recorders,
  Chorus and Handbells)
  WCTE Awards will be determined by the adult sponsor

Special Awards:

• Thakkar – top citizenship! Each homeroom class in grades 1-5 will turn in a nominee. The overall grade level winner will be chosen by the Assistant Principal and “Specials” teachers. The ominees will receive a certificate and the overall grade level winner will receive a gift to be determined at a later date.

• Swaine & Leidel Wealth Services – top math and science students as determined by the grade level.
• Penmanship – one per class based on teacher’s discretion. Winners will get a recognition pin.

LUNCH
School lunch is provided at a cost of $2.15 for students and $3.25 for adults (prices subject to change). Students may also bring their own lunch – however, students may not bring soft drinks to school. A la carte items are also available for an additional cost. Teachers will review lunchroom procedures with their students throughout the school year. Breakfast is also offered to all students at no cost. A menu is on the district’s website.

LUNCH MONEY
Parents may make advanced payments (cash or check) for meals by enclosing payment in an envelope with the child’s name, student ID number, and homeroom teacher’s name on the outside. If you are writing a check, please make it payable to your child’s school and include the student’s full name and ID number in the Memo portion of the check. Students paying cash for meals can hand the cashier payment at the end of the serving line. Payments for meals are also accepted by credit/debit cards using one of the following methods:

1. Go to mynutrikids.com. After you register at this website you can make prepayments, view transactions on your child’s account, and arrange to receive email reminders when the meal account balance is low.
2. Several schools also accept Visa and Master Cards with a minimum transaction of $25 required. Contact your child’s Cafeteria Manager to set up an account. You can authorize the manager to replenish the child’s account when the balance drops to a level you determine appropriate or have a pre-determined amount automatically charged to the credit card monthly. Credit card prepayment agreements must be established in person annually with the Cafeteria Manager so that an imprint of the credit card and authorized signature are on file.

MEDIA CENTER
The Media Center at Cracker Trail Elementary is open from 7:30 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. for the circulation of library books, browsing, and research. Students may check out one book at a time. Each student is encouraged to exchange his/her library book as soon as it is finished.

MEDICINE
The administration/dispensing of medicines to students by the School Nurse or Health Tech without specific authorization by a licensed physician and the parent of the student is forbidden. Parents must complete the required paperwork in order for the student to take medication at school. Parents should ask the Health Tech for the proper forms. THE CLASSROOM TEACHER IS NOT ALLOWED TO ADMINISTER MEDICATION EXCEPT UNDER SPECIAL, PRE-APPROVED CONDITIONS.

1. Medication may be administered when there is a long-term or chronic illness or disability that requires maintenance-type medicine for a month or longer, or where failure to take medicine could jeopardize the student's health, and when the medication schedule cannot be adjusted to provide for administration at home before school. A School Health Record for each type of medication prescribed must be on file at the school. A written treatment plan signed by a licensed physician must also be on file for all long-term illnesses or disabilities requiring medication for a month or longer.
2. All medicine shall be properly labeled (name of student, name of prescribing physician, name of drug and directions concerning dosage, time of day to be taken and date of prescription).
3. The medicine shall be administered by the Health Tech.
4. The school will provide limited access and locked storage facilities.
5. The Health Tech will maintain and keep current a list of students needing medication during school hours, including name of medication, dosage, purpose, and usual time of administration. At the time the student receives medication, the following will be recorded: time, date, and by whom it was administered.
6. Non-prescription medication, such as aspirin, cold tablets, cough drops, etc. WILL NOT be allowed at school unless accompanied by a physician’s statement.

MONEY TO SCHOOL
School store supplies and lunch are the only things that are sold during the school day. In the event of special situations where your child would need money, a written notice from the teacher or the principal will be sent home. Do not send extra money to school with your child.

PARENT CONFERENCES
Parents are cordially invited to confer regularly with staff members concerning their child’s progress. Appointments must be made in advance and can be arranged by calling the office at 471-5777.

PARENT DROP OFF
When you drop off children, please exercise extreme caution and courtesy. Students must arrive in time to be in their classrooms no later than 7:30 a.m. Please schedule your arrival accordingly. If you consistently run behind, please consider using the bus. No one is to drop off students prior to 6:50 a.m.; early students must wait in the Cafeteria. Parents may only use the front drive for dropping off students. The rear entrance is for staff and buses only; it is not a drop off site. This is for the safety of all concerned. All students zoned for CTE are eligible for bus service. Dropping children off by car is a privilege. This privilege can be revoked for non-compliance to school rules. Our campus is fenced; only students may access classrooms without coming through the front office first. All parents and visitors must proceed through the main office.

PARENT PICK-UP
Afternoon car riders will be dismissed at 2:00 p.m. We have a pick-up procedure at CTE that we feel creates a safer environment for the students and monitors. Please observe the speed limit and be aware of the “No Passing” signs, along with the barrier at our entry drive. Those ignoring this rule may be banned from campus. Pull as far forward as possible in a single line to the designated monitor. Remain in your car, give the monitor your student(s) name(s), and the monitor will instruct you to proceed to one of the pick-up areas numbered 1 through 6. Your student(s) will be waiting for you at that numbered FLAG. A monitor will assist the student(s) into your vehicle. ALL STUDENTS MUST BE PICKED UP NO LATER THAN 2:30 P.M. Remaining students will be sent to our After School Care Program. Those families will be charged at the regular daycare rate, for care provided.

PARTIES
Arrangements for seasonal parties must be made in advance with the teacher.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education is part of the curriculum for every child. If your child has a reason for being excused from participation in physical education, please send a written explanation to school and the child will be excused for that day. If your child is not to participate for three days or more, a doctor’s excuse is needed. Appropriate shoes and clothing that allow your child to move and play safely are mandatory for P.E.

PTO (PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION)
The PTO promotes the welfare of children and youth. It sponsors educational opportunities for our students, family activities, and enhances school programs through assistance with field trips and classroom projects. Parents are encouraged to join and participate in the activities of Cracker Trail Elementary School’s PTO.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION
A student’s progress is based on his/her achievement during the school year. If a child is to be retained, it will be accordance with Florida Law and the Student Progression Plan.

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC)
The School Advisory Council consists of members who reside in the surrounding school community. The purpose of this council is to learn about the school’s programs and carry this information into the community. They also make recommendations for school improvement. The council meets according to a schedule set by elected members each year.

TELEPHONES
Students will not be permitted to use the school phones except in case of an emergency.

TEXTBOOKS
The 2009 Florida Legislation requires: "Money collected for lost or damaged books; enforcement. -the school principal shall collect from each student or the student's parent the purchase price of any instructional material the student has lost, destroyed, or unnecessarily damaged and to report and transmit the money collected to the district school superintendent. ” This change allows principals to collect the entire purchase price of the instructional materials.

VISITING SCHOOL PROPERTY
If you wish to have a conference with your child’s teacher, please contact the school and a message will be given to the teacher so that a conference may be arranged at a convenient time for you and the teacher.

Escorting your child to class or picking up your child from the classroom must be approved through the office. If you have a conference or wish to visit the classroom, a visitor’s pass must be issued prior to your going to the classroom. You must provide a driver’s license or photo ID to obtain a visitor’s pass. If you do not have a pass visible to the school staff, you will be requested to return to the office. For the safety of our students and staff, we ask your cooperation and assistance in following this procedure. For more information on visiting our school, visit the visitors page.

VOLUNTEERS
Last year there were approximately 285 volunteers at Cracker Trail Elementary. These volunteers donated over 4,900 hours of their time to the students, parents, teachers, and staff. We love volunteers at Cracker Trail! If you are interested in donating your time as a volunteer this school year, please call or see the office personnel. You will receive information on how to register as a school volunteer. For more information on volunteering at our school, visit the volunteer page.