Student Handbook

Children should not arrive at school before 8:45 a.m. Supervision is not available before 8:45 a.m. and the entrance bell rings at 8:50 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:55 a.m. are considered tardy. Students are dismissed at 3:20 p.m. If you need extended school care for your child please contact Friendship Connection. Office staff and teachers are not available to watch students who are dropped off early or picked up late at the end of the day.

If you have a concern about school involving your child or any other issue, please call your child’s teacher first at 651-481-9951. Teachers can also be contacted via email. Your child’s teacher’s email address is first name.last name@isd623.org (no space). If after that call or contact, you still would like to talk to someone else, please call Principal Becky Sutten at 651-481-9951.

In the office, we have a record of parent phone numbers and phone numbers of a friend or neighbor who can be contacted in case of an emergency.

During early conferences, your child’s health and Emergency Card will be shown to you to make any additions or changes. We need to have accurate and up-to-date emergency information for your child. If phone numbers or contact information change for your child during the school year, please be sure to contact the school office so records can be updated.

In case of inclement weather or any other emergency, an official school closing will be announced via the following television stations: WCCO (Channel 4), KSTP (Channel 5), Fox (Channel 9), and KARE (Channel 11). Our school district will be referred to in the following way “Roseville Area Schools, District 623”. Emergency closing information due to inclement weather will also be posted on the school district website at www. isd623.org by 6:00 a.m. If school is in session and we should have to dismiss early because of threatening weather conditions, or any other emergency, students will be sent home on the bus, or walk as they normally would, unless families provide us with different arrangements. We would not be able to call all students’ parents/guardians to inform them of an early dismissal. If your child should not follow the usual end-of-school-day procedures are dismissed early due to inclement weather or another emergency situation, please contact the school and communicate your plan.

According to Roseville’s school board policy, no student is authorized to leave the school building or grounds during school hours without approval from parents/guardians and the principal or his/her delegated agent. On occasion, parents come to school to take their child to a scheduled appointment. If a child leaves school early a parent/ guardian must come to the office to sign their child “OUT.” With this in mind, our procedures are as follows:

If your child is to leave school during the day, we ask that you send a note with your child to your child’s teacher, stop in the office to sign your child out, and have your child called down to meet you.

If you want your child who routinely takes the bus to walk home at the end of the day, we ask that you send a note to your child’s teacher.

People who sign a child out and are unknown by staff will be asked to show picture identification.

A note or a phone call will be required to release a child with anyone other than a parent/guardian.

All individuals will sign in and wear an identification tag. Unknown people in the building will be directed and escorted to the office.

All outside doors will be locked when students are in attendance with the exception of the main entry.

Central Park events may be noted or recognized in the newspaper and occasionally we record or quote students for public relations reasons or to help individuals better understand the educational needs of others. If you do NOT want your child’s image used in such a manner, please contact the office before October 1 to complete a Student Directory Information Opt-Out Form. (The form is also available here to complete and submit.) Your child’s name will be added to a list of students we will not photograph.

By law, schools are required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week. At Central Park, the Pledge of Allegiance is recited every Monday or the first school day of the week. Students will be allowed to opt out. Parents/guardians should send a note to their child’s teacher if they do not want their child to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Students will have field trip opportunities throughout the school year.

The Central Park Weekly News is sent out to families every Thursday when students are in school. It brings information of interest and value to you and your child. 

Conferences, open house night, report cards, and the Thursday Folder are additional ways you learn about your child's school experience. Equally important are informal ways of communication. Please set aside time each day to hear about what your child has learned in school. Talk about the day's happenings, friendships, and feelings. Talk about school projects and become active in the Central Park PTA/ FIG/Family Involvement Group. Whenever you feel the need or have a question about your child's experience in school. phone your child's teacher. If you have a concern, pursue it. If you are happy with the progress your child makes, express your thanks. We like to hear from you! 

Central Park practices School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS). PBIS is a school-wide positive behavior intervention program that identifies and teaches expected student behavior, reinforces and rewards appropriate behavior and enforces consistent, meaningful consequences when violations occur. PBIS is a planned, effective way proven by research to meet the behavioral needs of students in a school setting that creates a positive learning environment for all students. Central Park students know this initiative as NEED TEXT HERE "Panther Pride" in which our behavioral expectations are explicitly taught using a matrix visual, multiple times during the school year. Expected behavior is reinforced with "paw print tickets" that are entered in a weekly drawing. 

Fire Drill: Students will be instructed on proper evacuation procedures. Fire drills will be conducted five times a year. When the signal is given, everyone must clear the building quietly and as quickly as possible along the designated routes made for each classroom. Students remain with their teacher until the "all clear" signal is given.

Lockdown Drill: Lockdown drills will be conducted five times a year to prepare students in case an emergency situation arises when a lockdown is needed.

Tornado Drill: To prepare students in case of a tornado event students will be instructed on safety measures and they will practice a drill each year.

Standardized testing in the Roseville Area Schools includes assessments required by state and federal guidelines as well as tests that the District chooses to administer. Testing is done to help schools monitor student, school, and district progress for these purposes there are a variety of assessments.

State-mandated tests are called Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs). These tests in reading and mathematics and are administered to elementary students in grades 3-6. In addition, grade 5 students take a science test. Roseville Area Schools use locally criterion-referenced assessments in reading and mathematics. These curriculum-based tests help teachers plan instruction.

Students in grades K-6 take aReading and aMath developed by the University of Minnesota. aReading and aMath are computerized adaptive assessments that provide educators and students' families information designed to help improve teaching and learning. Educators use the growth and achievement data from these tests to develop targeted instructional strategies and to plan school improvement efforts. A major difference between aReading and aMath and other achievement tests is the immediacy of feedback. Teachers have data in a timely manner. Further, reading and math is designed to measure growth over a year's time in a way that other tests do not. Similarly, grade 6 students complete the Measures of Academic Math assessment, which offers the same features and benefits as aReading and aMath.

Roseville Area Schools uses the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) as a screening tool, allowing families and staff to compare this measure of aptitude with student achievement. The CogAT is administered to students in grades 4, 5, and 6. In addition to the state and district tests, English Learners also take the ACCESS. ACCESS stands for Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State; the test is designed to measure English language proficiency. The ACCESS test is part of Minnesota's adoption of new English Learner Standards known as World-class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA). 

A cumulative school record, containing progress and developmental information, is maintained for each student. The folder contains such items as copies of progress reports, student work, standardized test scores such as the MCAs. These records are confidential. Access to a student's record is restricted to the parent/legal guardian and persons with a need to know who are directly associated with the student (i.e. teacher, counselor, nurse, etc.). Persons other than authorized school officials will not have access to student records without the written permission of a parent, except where a student's record is formally requested by an authorized investigative agency.

It is the classroom teacher & principal's responsibility to assign pupils to classrooms and ultimately develop the class list. When information is known about a student the following educational considerations are made when carefully developing classes: 

• Academic achievement
• Personality and behavior
• Learning styles
• Special learning, emotional or behavioral needs
• Relationships with other people
• Family/parental input
• Gender balance

Minnesota state statutes require that kindergartners be five years old on or before September I of their kindergarten year. Requests for early entrance are handled at the District Center. Please 
call 651- 635-1600 for more information. Typically the child is tested to determine if a child is developmentally and emotionally ready for school. write, and think critically throughout their K-6 experiences.

All meals (breakfast. lunch, and an after-school super snack) are available at no cost to families. Families are still encouraged to fill out the Application for Educational Benefits (click here) each year.

All menu items including photos, descriptions, ingredients, allergens, and nutritional information can be found at RosevilleNutrition.com. Meals include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. All meals and snacks meet the dietary guidelines the USDA school nutrition programs. Special meal accommodations can be made with a Special Diet Statement signed by a medical provider. 

Individual student pictures and class pictures are taken in the fall. Details of prices of different picture packets will be sent home prior to "Picture Day." Purchase of pictures is optional. Students will be included in the school yearbook unless a parent makes a special request. Yearbooks are available for purchase in the spring of the school year. 

Indoor Recess: Generally, when the temperature at noon recess time is below 0° Fahrenheit students will remain indoors. Rain or sloppy playground conditions may also necessitate an "inside" day.

Outdoor Recess: All students are expected to participate in outdoor recess. The purpose of recess is active play. Boots, snow pants, hats, mittens, and jackets are required of all students at noon recess during the winter months. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Exceptions to outdoor recess are made on a case by case decisions and may be granted with a doctor's note.

Please label your students their belongings with their name. If your child leaves something on the bus, please contact Centerline bus company at 651-482-1794.

When driving your students to school, please be extra careful. The time it takes to drive a little slower or park and walk to the school is well worth it. Student safety is everyone's responsibility.

When dropping children off for school or picking them up, please observe all posted parking and traffic signs, including the bus zone. Please do not enter the school bus drop off/pick up area located south of the building.

All students being picked up from school need to be signed out before leaving. Please notify the school or use Parent Pick-Up Patrol (PUP) by 2 p.m. if you are making changes to your child's dismissal. 

Please inform the school of any changes in your family status. This might include change of residence, telephone number (home, work, or emergency), parent's occupation or change of marital status. This information is essential for our records in case of an emergency.

Making the student's ride safe and pleasant is a responsibility we take very seriously. Our buses and children have a good safety record thanks to careful drivers and parents who emphasize safe conduct on buses and at bus stops. If there are problems with the bus schedule or bus stops, please call 651-635-1609 and report the problem to Jim Monroe.

At Central Park. we strongly believe the bus ride is an extension of the school day. We expect students will stay seated and remain relatively quiet during their ride.

Our bus drivers are vitally important. They see the students first and often help set the tone for the day. Please remind your children of acceptable bus behavior by encouraging them to listen to their bus driver and treat the driver respectfuIly.

Students are expected to follow these rules:

1. Obey the bus drivers' directions.
2. Sit in assigned seat.
3. Remain seated while the bus is moving.
4. Show respect for others. (Do not argue, swear. tease, throw objects, push, fight, wrestle, etc.)
5. Treat the school bus appropriately. (Do not write on the bus or pull material from seats.)
6. Speak quietly. (A single voice should not be heard above others.)
7. Keep head. arms, hands and feet inside the bus at all times.
8. Do not eat or drink or chew gum on the bus.
9. Do not bring any weapons or dangerous objects on the school bus.
10. Obtain permission before riding on any bus to which you are not normally assigned

If a student breaks any of the above rules, the bus driver may remind them of the rules and issue a verbal warning. If the student continues to be difficult, the driver will fill out a referral form and submit it to the principal or principal's designee, who will then decide the appropriate course of action. Problem-solving or bus suspension is given when rules are ignored. At times, a student is moved to the front seat so their behavior can be monitored. If the student persists in breaking the rules, they may not be permitted to ride the bus for a time. We will make every effort to keep parents informed of problems as they arise. 

Students will engage in many activities during the school day. During the winter months, students go outside almost every day. Be certain that you send your child to school in clothes that are comfortable, warm, properly fitted, and suitable for extreme weather conditions. We are concerned about your child's health and safety and ask that you keep the following guidelines in mind:

• During cold weather, students are required to wear hats, mittens or gloves, coats, and boots to go outside or recess and environmental science class. All outer clothing should be plainly labeled with the student's name.
• Boots and other outdoor footwear are not to be worn during the school day.
• Children should have a pair of indoor shoes available at school.
• Students are required to wear gym shoes (no slip-ons) for physical education.
• Clothing should not be a distraction to the learning environment. 
• Clothing or other items that promote the following messages will not be allowed in school: use of tobacco, alcohol. or drugs: violence of any nature: racially motivated or discriminatory pictures, drawings, or statements.
• Chains hanging from wallets or clothing are not allowed.

Roseville Area Schools' Bullying Prohibition Policy 508 Notification

Roseville Area Schools has revised Policy 508- Bullying Prohibition, to comply with the requirements of the Safe and Supportive Schools Act, MN Statutes 121 a.031. This policy assists the district in its goal of preventing and responding to acts of bullying, intimidation, violence, and other prohibited conduct.

Bullying means: repeated intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct that substantially interferes with a student's educational opportunities or performance, ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services or privileges. This includes cyberbullying which is the use of technology or other electronic communication transmitted through a computer, cell phone, or other electronic device to bully.

No teacher, administrator, or other employee of the school district will knowingly permit, condone or tolerate bullying. The school district will investigate complaints of bullying by students and take appropriate action against any student who is found to have violated this policy. 

1. I understand many important educational resources are accessed using school technology.
2. I will use technology in schools for educational purposes only. The school has a right to monitor my use of school technology.
3. I will use respectful language and behavior while using school technology.
4. I will be mindful of school resources by printing only what is absolutely necessary.
5. I will not give out personal information about myself or anyone else while using school technology.
6. I will not look at, download, or communicate any material that is obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, or offensive in terms of race, ethnicity, sex, or religion.
7. I will tell a teacher if I come across any information that is inappropriate or makes me feel uncomfortable.
8. I will never access, remove, change, or harm another person's files.
9. I will not use another person's system or password.
10. I will follow all laws and school rules when I use school technology. 
11. I will give credit when I use another's work, whether it is from a book, the Internet, or elsewhere.
12. I will use the Internet at school only with permission from a present, supervising adult.
13. I will be respectful of and responsible for all school technology I use, leaving it in good working order, organized, and ready for the next person. 

Students are strongly encouraged NOT to bring any expensive or personal technology to school. If a family decides this is an important safety protection for their child, the personal phone or technology must be turned off during the school day. Students with personal devices must keep their phone secured in a locked drawer of the classroom teacher. School is NOT responsible for the loss or damage of these personal devices. Misuse of the device during the school day will result in the device being removed to the office. The child or parent is responsible for picking 
it up at the end of the day. If this happens again the parent/guardian will be contacted and an alternative solution will be sought School will supply students with school-issued devices when technology is used in the classroom.

If you have any comments or questions, please contact your principal, media specialist, or District Media/Technology Services at 651-604-1476. Check for updates to these guidelines on the Roseville webpage AUP. 

Roseville Area Schools prohibits any form of sexual, racial, and religious harassment and violence. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and sexually motivated physical conduct. Sexual violence is a physical act of aggression or force or threat that involves the touching of another's intimate parts. Sexual harassment/violence includes but is not limited to: 

• Unwelcome verbal or written harassment or abuse
• Unwelcome subtle pressure or sexual activity
• Touching, patting, or pinching, or grabbing another's intimate parts
• Demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning an individual
• Demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt or promises for better treatment of an individual
• Any sexual motivated or unwelcome touching

Racial violence is the physical act of aggression or assault upon another because of, or in a manner reasonably related to, race. Racial harassment consists of physical or verbal conduct relating to an individual's race when the conduct: 

• Creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive academic environment
• Substantially or unreasonably interferes with a student's academic performance
• Adversely affects a student's academic opportunity

Religious violence is the physical act of aggression or assault upon another because of, or in a manner reasonably related to, religion. Religious harassment consists of physical or verbal conduct which is related to an individual's religion when the conduct: 

• Creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment
• Substantially or unreasonably interferes with a student's academic performance
• Adversely affects a student's academic opportunity

Any student who believes he/she has experienced harassment or violence by another student or employee should report the alleged acts immediately to a staff member or principal. Complaints will be investigated. 

No student or non-student, including adults and visitors, shall possess, use, or distribute a weapon when in a school location.

Students who become aware of a weapon being brought to school or on school property must immediately notify an adult staff member. Students should not, however, pick up or transport the weapon.

A "weapon" means any firearm whether loaded or unloaded, any device designed as a weapon or through its use capable of threatening or causing bodily harm or death; or any device or instrument which is used to threaten or cause bodily harm.

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Guns (including air guns, pellet guns, BB guns, look-alike guns such as water pistols, or toys that could reasonably be mistaken for real)
• Knives or other blades
• Clubs
• Metal knuckles
• Numchucks
• Throwing stars
• Explosives
• Fireworks
• Mace and other propellants
• Stun guns
• Ammunition

No student shall possess, use or distribute any object, device, or instrument having the appearance of a weapon and such objects, devices or instruments shall be treated as weapons including, but not limited to, the weapons listed above. No student shall use articles designed for other purposes (e.g., belts, combs, pencils, files, scissors, etc.), to inflict bodily harm and/or intimidate. Such use will be treated as the possession and use of a weapon. 

Students and adults shall not possess, use, or distribute alcohol, tobacco, or other illegal drugs while on school grounds or in school-sponsored programs and activities.

Students are not permitted to ride bicycles to school. 

Candy and gum is not allowed at school. 

There is no reason to bring any articles to school that do not pertain to a school activity. Such articles may interfere with learning. These articles include, but are not limited to the following items: iPods, spinner fidgets, cellular phones, headsets, earbuds, game boys, laser pens. Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, baseball cards, roller blades, skateboards, and balls of any type. Such items may be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. Toys should not be brought to school unless they are for Show and Tell/ sharing. Cash should not be brought to school except for a school-sponsored activity (such as book fair). The school is not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen items. 

Animals/pets may be brought to school if the animal is a certified therapeutic animal or: 

• The principal is consulted.
• There is a specific learning objective.
• The animal is under the control of the owner (leash, cage, etc.).
• The teacher has contacted parents regarding plans to have the animal at school and students with allergies are protected.

For the safety of the students and the animals, all pets must be under the control of the owner (leash, cage, etc.). The owner of the animal accepts full responsibility for all clean-up associated with the animal in the classroom and the school grounds.

Friendship Connection provides year-round, school-age care and enrichment opportunities to Central Park School's K-6 students. We provide a multi-age, inclusive environment for all children. Families have the option to register their child/ren for before-school care (6:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.) and after-school care (3:20 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.). We are governed by the policies and guidelines of the School Board and have adopted the National Standards of Quality School-Age Care as developed by the National School-Age Care Alliance.

Unity Center is a unique after-school opportunity (3:20-5:20 p.m.) for students in grades 4-6. A 21st Century Grant makes this free, optional activity available. Students have additional opportunities to delve into collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving learning experiences. More information is available from the out-of-school site leader at 651-481-0745.

Many families and community members volunteer their time at Central Park. We appreciate our volunteers! There are many opportunities for parents/ guardians and community members to be actively involved at Central Park Elementary School. We want you to participate in ways that are of interest to you. If you are interested in volunteering for special field trips, special school programs, or to work at home on school or teacher projects, we would appreciate your help and your ideas. Teachers will also be inviting you to participate in classroom activities, events and projects.

We believe the most important family involvement is your involvement at home with your child/children, providing a safe and supportive environment for your child/children to grow and develop all of their potential. During Back to School Night, you will have the opportunity to sign up as a volunteer for specific activities. Volunteers are welcome anytime during the year. You can call the school office for volunteer information/ opportunities. Parents should use their discretion when bringing non-school age children with them while volunteering. Non-­school-age children are not allowed to accompany chaperones on field trips. Background checks are required for volunteers on overnight trips. 

We encourage parents to visit our school often. We ask that all visitors sign the visitor's log in the office and obtain a name badge so we know who is visiting. If you wish to visit your child's classroom. please attempt to notify the teacher in advance, so that the teacher can accommodate you.

At Central Park our parent/teacher conferencing program will impact the way report cards are distributed. following is our plan: 

• Early October: Parent/Teacher Planning Conference
• Early December: Report Card
• Late January: Mid-term for students with concerns only
• Mid February: Parent/Teacher Followup Conference
• Late April: Mid-Term for students with concerns only
• Early June: Report Card

We will have parent/teacher conferences in October and February. At the October conferences, teachers have the opportunity to meet you, learn of your hopes and expectations, learn 
of your son/daughter's strengths and areas for improvement and establish with you a few individualized goals for your child. Parents have a chance to hear firsthand of the teacher's hopes and expectations for the upcoming year, the curriculum offered, class rules, and discipline plan. By meeting early, we feel we can promote effective parent/ teacher/student communications and can begin to develop trust among all parties. Conferences in February allow for sufficient time to adjust expectations and practice. (Children are not to be left unattended during conferences.) Conferences, open houses, report cards, and newsletters are a few of the formal ways you learn of your child's experiences. Equally important are the informal ways:

• Set aside time each day to hear what your child has learned in school
• Talk about the day's events, friendships, and feelings
• Talk about school projects
• Become active in the PTA/FIG

Whenever you feel the need, please phone or email your child's teacher. If you have questions, ask them. If you have concerns, pursue them. If you are happy with the progress your child is making, express your thanks. We like to hear from you. Every Thursday, notes information will be given to your child for his/her Thursday folder. Please check your student's folder. We consider you an equal member of the educational team at Central Park.

All children are expected to be in school each day we are in session. Please call the school at 651-481-9951 before 9:30 a.m. to report your child's absence. Calls will be taken 24 hours 
a day with the help of our voicemail system. After that time our office and/or health staff will begin contacting parents and emergency contacts as a measure of safety for each child.

Part of your child's responsibility as a student is to attend school faithfully, whenever he/she is healthy. School 
is your child's full-time job. It is the student's right to be in school. It is also the student's responsibility to attend all assigned classes every day that school is in session and to be aware of and follow the correct procedures when absent from an assigned class. Finally, it is the student's responsibility to request any missed assignments due to an absence. The Minnesota Compulsory School Attendance Law mandates that students be in school every day on time for the entire school day unless they have an acceptable reason to be absent or tardy.

There are times when it is necessary for a child to leave school early for an appointment. We would appreciate it if you would attempt to schedule those appointments either before or after school. However, when it is necessary for your child to be excused during school hours, we ask that a note with your request be given to the teacher; the teacher will forward the note to the front office. Please come to the office to sign out your child.

It is important that we have a record of who picks up your child. Elementary children are not allowed to leave the school grounds for ANY REASON from the time of their arrival without an authorized adult. If you plan to pick your child up after school, please come into the building and wait in the hallway by the front office. Please do not go to the classroom. These procedures are necessary to ensure the safety of all students. 

Please call the school at 651-481-9951 before 9:30 a.m. to report your child's absence. Calls will be taken 24 hours 
a day with the help of our voicemail system. If we do not hear from you, it is our practice to call your home or work number to follow up on your child's absence. This is a safe arrival issue; the school is required to contact you. If your child has any communicable infectious disease (suspected or confirmed) and/ or conditions such as head lice or scabies, please report this to the school immediately. If a child frequently complains about illness (such as stomach ache or headache) and does not wish to go 
to school, yet displays no apparent symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, there may be other reasons (such as school avoidance). Please discuss this situation with your child's teacher or the principal. We urge you to carefully consider circumstances that keep your child out of school. Regular school attendance and school success are linked. Thank you for your cooperation in insisting that your child attends every school day. This will let your child know that you value education. When a child must leave during the school day because of illness or an appointment, parents must come into the school office to sign the child out of school before taking the child out of the classroom or nurse's office. Regular attendance is important, but if your child is displaying symptoms of illness, we encourage you to keep him/ her home rather than trying to achieve perfect attendance. A headache and/ 
or fever should be checked before a child is sent to school. Remember, most communicable illnesses are usually contagious in their earliest stages. We know it is often difficult to schedule medical appointments, but whenever possible, try to schedule appointments outside of school time. 

There are two types of absences: excused and unexcused. Excused absences include:

•    Illness •    Serious illness in student's immediate family •    A death in the student's immediate family or of a close friend or relative

Medical/dental treatment Court appearances occasioned by family or personal action Religious instruction not to exceed three (3) hours in any week Physical emergency conditions such as fire, flood, storm. etc. Removal of a student pursuant to a suspension 

All other absences are considered unexcused, and therefore truant. An unverified absence is also considered unexcused. Some unacceptable reasons (unexcused) for being absent include: 

•    Staying home to babysit •    Oversleeping •    Missed the school bus •    Lack of ride to school

Schools must consult with the Ramsey County Attorney on the FTIP program (Family Truancy Intervention Project) if a student is absent from school without a lawful excuse for three days. 

We require that a parent/guardian call the school if a student will be late to school for any reason. The parent should accompany their child into school and sign them in at the front office. This will ensure safe arrival to school.

Students are expected to be in their classroom at 8:55 a.m. Failure to arrive in the classroom by this time will constitute a tardy. Students who are tardy at the start of a school day must report to the front office for a tardy slip to be given to them by the office staff.

Valid excuses for tardiness are:

• Illness
• Serious illness in the student's immediate family
• A death in a student's immediate family or a relative
• Medical or dental treatment
• Physical emergency conditions such as fire, flood. storm, etc.
• Any tardiness for which the student has been excused in writing by an administrator or designee

An unexcused tardiness is failing to be in the classroom by 8:55 a.m. start time without a valid excuse. Excessive tardiness may also result a petition to the Ramsey County Attorney and a referral to the FTIP program (Family Truancy Intervention Project).

If a student has had a fever of I00 degrees or greater, the student should stay home for 24 hours after the temperature has returned to normal. If a student has vomited or had diarrhea, the student should stay home for 24 hours after the last episode. If the student has had a rash that may be disease-related or the cause of the rash is unknown, consult the student's physician before sending the student to school. If the student is ill and stays home. please phone the school daily to report the illness.

Art makes a core contribution to the total growth of your child by motivating and promoting greater learning in all curricular areas. Art activities are designed to encourage students to explore, express and communicate ideas in a creative way, while learning to understand and appreciate creativity in others. Activities in which your child will participate throughout the elementary grades include: ceramics, collage, drawing, fibers, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Students in grades K-6 have art instruction under the guidance of an art specialist. In this class, your child will explore a wider variety of materials and techniques than is available in the regular classroom. Classroom art activities are also a part of each child's program.

Elementary orchestra and band involves students in grades 4, 5, and 6. Beginning violin instruction begins in grade 4, beginning instruction on all the other instruments (viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and percussion) starts in grade 5. The goal of the elementary orchestra and band experience is to provide a solid base of musical skills and techniques, while providing an opportunity for students to have fun making music with others. This is accomplished through weekly lessons, large group rehearsals, school concerts, and district festivals.

Success in music is largely determined by the desire to succeed, the motivation to practice consistently, parental support, and quality instruction.

Students receive instruction in a small group once a week for 20-30 minutes in like-instrument and/or like-ability groupings. Lessons are scheduled so students will have as little interruption in their daily schedules as possible. Students are expected to practice between lessons and record practice time on a practice card/calendar. Large group rehearsals are held once a week to prepare for the school concert and district festivals.

More detailed information about elementary band and orchestra, click here. (??)

The "Great Body Shop" has been adopted as the resource for teaching our health outcomes. General outcomes are:

• Understand how we grow and mature: physically, mentally, emotionally, and sexually
• Develop healthy behaviors and practice: nutrition, exercise, healthy attitudes, wellness, and basic hygiene
• Increase personal safety: disease prevention, chemical abuse prevention, and safety in physical environments and in relationships
• Build healthy, productive relationships 
• Learn and practice reflective thinking, planning, and communication skills regarding health and wellness issues
• Learn about health and wellness issues in a manner that shows respect for self and others, values families, and builds personal responsibility

Literacy includes reading, writing, and oral communication as detailed in the Minnesota standards in reading and language arts, as well as district outcomes.

The literacy program maintains strong alignment to expected content in each grade while also advancing our district's strong focus on equity. The program emphasizes a gradual release of responsibility from teacher to student. Skills first are taught explicitly by the teacher, then often are practiced together in cooperative settings, with students practicing independently only after strong initial support has been provided. This approach helps to ensure a high likelihood of success for all students.

Students read a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry across a range of genres. Nonfiction selections are aligned to national science and social studies standards. Selections become more varied as students advance through the grades. Writing instruction aligns to reading, with students often learning to write the same genre as they are studying in their reading groups.

Students are taught to write in a variety of forms through a process approach that includes pre-writing, writing, revising, editing, and publishing.

Spelling, grammar, and usage are taught both through specific lessons that help students expand their skills, as well as through applied activities like process writing. Greater emphasis is given to applied/embedded activities as students advance through the program, although specific skills lessons are part of instruction at all grades.

Student motivation is fostered through varied texts and activities students complete throughout the program. Students have ongoing opportunities to talk about their learning, and to read, write, and think critically throughout their K-6 experiences.

The mathematics program teaches children not only to find correct answers, but also to understand a variety of ways to think about mathematics and to determine answers. Students learn that mathematics includes exploring, investigating, reasoning logically, communicating effectively, and using a variety of materials in a way that promotes long­term success in mathematics. Problem-solving, estimating, patterns, number sense, geometry, statistics, probability, measurement, and computation are studied at each grade level. Knowledge of basic facts and computational procedures is expected.

In music, your child will experience a variety of learning activities, singing, playing melodic and rhythmic instruments, learning elements of music and studying music literature and the lives of composers. Lessons are planned to give your child a well-balanced musical experience so they will develop enjoyment and appreciation of music and find an outlet for personal expression. Each class has music instruction with a specialist two or three times a week.

Your child will learn the importance of a physically active lifestyle. The physical education department curriculum provides carefully planned instruction to fulfill the growth, development, and behavior needs of your child.

Emphasis in grades K-3 is on movement and body skills. Teachers present many of these skills in a simplified game format. Games increase your child's enjoyment while they are learning to direct and control their body.

In grades 4-6, students learn team games such as soccer, basketball, field hockey, etc. While fundamental movement skills are taught, the game itself is an important part of the program and it provides motivation for practice and helps develop good sportsmanship.

The entire physical education program also believes in teaching students the value of participating in lifetime activities, as well as maintaining high levels of fitness throughout their lifetime. Students are required to wear non-marking tennis shoes (no-slip-ons) for gym.

The elementary science program FOSS (Full Option Science System) emphasizes scientific thinking skills. Life, earth, and physical science concepts are studied at each grade level using engaging, hands-on materials. 

The social studies curriculum is based on the state standards and is taught from a multicultural perspective. Includes a different areas of focus at each grade level. Social studies instruction includes the use of a variety of print and non-print materials and is often integrated into multidisciplinary learning with reading, art, music, math, and other curricular areas. 

Students have access to a variety of technologies, which are incorporated into everyday classroom instruction. Students at all grades are taught Acceptable Use Practices (AUP).

All students learn writing at Central Park. Using Units of Study -Writing, teachers help students develop a love for the art and craft of writing by practicing narrative, informational, opinion, poetry, and other forms of writing. There is a strong link between reading and writing and our goal is everyone writing every day.

The Central Park Special Education team is made up of the following professionals: speech/language clinician, school psychologist, special education teachers, school nurse, and school social worker. District itinerant staff members join the team as needed. These staff include: occupational therapist, physical therapist, and developmental adaptive physical education teacher. This staff provides a continuum of services to students who meet the State of Minnesota criteria for a variety of specific disabilities which may include: Specific Learning Disability, Speech/ Language Impairment, Other Health Disability. Emotional/Social/Behavior Disorder, Developmental Cognitive Disability. and Autism Spectrum Disorder. More information about district services or consideration for a referral to the Special Education Team for an evaluation is available online on the Roseville Area Schools home page (click here). 

Roseville Area Schools supports the aims of Section 504 of the Human Rights Act and is committed to providing accommodations for students in our schools.

Who Qualifies for Section 504: A person is "disabled" within the meaning of Section 504 if they have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Substantially Limits: An impairment is only a "disability" under Section 504 if it substantially limits one or more major life activities. such as learning. An individual must be unable to perform, or be significantly limited in the ability to perform, an activity, compared to an average person in the general population.

Education is Considered a Major Life Activity: Major life activities include functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. When a condition significantly limits a major life activity, an accommodation plan must be developed for that individual. Accommodations or services must be determined by a team knowledgeable about the individual and his/her disability. Parents or students may request accommodations under the protections of this law by contacting the building principal or program supervisor. The district compliance officer for Section 504 is Dr. Niceta Thomas, director of student services, at 651-635- 1608. 

At Central Park Elementary School, many students speak languages other than English. To assist students in acquiring English, the school employs specialized teachers who provide direct instruction in English. The teachers provide a range of direct and indirect instructional support based on the needs of the student. Each student will be provided an instructional program that is based on the World Class Instructional Design and Assessment standards (WIDA), as required by the State of Minnesota. 

Technology/Media Center is a facility that provides opportunities for staff and students as they progress on their educational journey. The Media Center staff assists students and faculty in becoming creative problem solvers as well as self-reliant, lifelong learners. Students and staff are able to access over 16,000 books with a variety of special collections, including bilingual English-Spanish titles, Early readers (early chapter books), and special collections featuring high-interest topics. A separate magazine collection featuring periodicals that are of general interest are also housed in the center. Daily checkout is available to all students in PreK through grade 6.

Click here for information about Advanced Academics & Talent Development (AATD) Services

Central Park is a Title I School. Central Park implements a school-wide Title I program. Being a Title I school allows our school to receive additional federal funding that allows us to focus in instructional reform throughout the school with the goal of raising academic achievement for all students.

Healthy kids learn better. In order to align with federal mandates that aim to provide the best learning environment possible and support student achievement, the school district has announced changes to its wellness policy that will go into effect in all Roseville Area Schools starting with the 2017-2018 school year.

In addition to updates to physical activity, school nutrition, and other district wellness, families will see a change to classroom birthday celebrations. As of the 2017-2018 school year, birthday celebrations will not include food or drink. Parents/families are asked to not send birthday treats (cupcakes, juice, candy, etc.) with their student to school. These guidelines help students avoid unhealthy snacks while still providing plenty of room for tradition and fun. Pencils, stickers or other nonfood items may be an appropriate option to food or drink.

An important goal at the Central Park is to help each student to be sensitive and responsive to the needs and values of others. To be consistent with this goal, it is asked that parents/ guardians not send birthday invitations to school. Please use other methods of communication that do not involve the school setting. This request is made in order to protect the feelings of all the children. Buses are not to be used to transport children for parties. meetings, or other get-togethers. Putting groups of children on buses for social events can be very challenging. 

Central Park seeks to create a positive learning environment for all learners. On a daily basis, staff members continue to find new ways to celebrate students' social. emotional, and academic growth. To encourage and sustain a sense of belonging and community, we have fall, winter, and spring school-wide celebrations. In the fall, we celebrate community with a Panther Pride kickoff assembly where we emphasize the Central Park core values of being empathetic, responsible NEED TEXT HERE. We use our mid-point winter celebration to acknowledge students' hard work and recommit to showing Panther Pride. At the fun-filled spring celebration, we reflect and highlight our successes. Classroom celebrations typically take place on the day of the assemblies as an extension of the school-wide event. In alignment with Roseville Area Schools' Equity Vision, Central Park staff members strive to provide an inclusive learning community for all families regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, home or first language, religion, national origin. age. or physical appearance. To this effect, school-wide and classroom celebrations/parties are not directly linked to religious and/or calendar holidays. 

Each school in Roseville Area Schools has a health office staffed by a health assistant under the supervision of the licensed school nurse. The school health office functions to support students who become ill or injured during the school day, administer medications to students who require it, and provide assistance to students who need support with the management of chronic health conditions at school.

You are encouraged to contact the licensed school nurse if your student has a chronic health condition requiring management during the school day, or if you have a question regarding your student’s health.

If your student becomes ill or seriously injured at school and it is necessary for them to go home, you or your designated emergency contact person will be contacted by the Health Office to pick up your student. Students who are 18 or older may sign themselves out at the discretion of school staff.

Please notify the school office immediately each time your phone numbers or emergency contact names/numbers change, or update them in ParentVue (CLICK HERE). We depend on you for this information and we need to be able to reach you quickly in case your student is ill or injured. If we cannot reach you or your emergency contacts, we may call 911 or contact the police. Students are not allowed to call parents from a classroom to request permission to go home. 

Not every health office visit will be reported home. You are encouraged to call your school health office with any questions.

The following will help you decide whether your child is too sick and should stay home from school.

• If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or more, they should stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal and remains normal without fever-reducing medication.
• If your child has vomited or has diarrhea, they should stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.
• If your child had any rash that may be disease-related or the cause is unknown, check with your healthcare provider before sending them back to school.

If your child is ill, please call the school to report the absence each day of the illness. If you have questions regarding your child's illness, please call your school nurse or healthcare provider.

For students with health conditions that require medication during the school day, parents/guardian-provided medication is administered by the licensed school nurse, or by the health assistant or other staff under the direction and supervision of the licensed school nurse. There is no school supply of medication.

For the protection of students, families, and school personnel:

• A new medication permission form is required each and every school year.
• All medications needed during the school day are stored in the health office. Medications required in other programs or outside the normal school day hours are stored in a secure location in that program’s area.
• If there are concerns about any student medication, the licensed school nurse may contact the health care provider and/or request a healthcare provider’s order for an over-the-counter medication.
• Medications prescribed for more than two (2) weeks and which must be taken at school must have the “Dispensation of Medication” form signed by the prescribing provider and the parent/guardian. For over the counter medications, a parent’s signature only is required.
• Medication prescribed for less than two (2) weeks requires written permission from the parent/guardian only.
• All medications must be in original containers labeled with all of the following: student’s full name, medication name, dose, and times of day to take medication.
• Students are not allowed to self-administer medication without approval from the licensed school nurse, parent/guardian approval, and health care provider signature (for prescription medication).
• At the end of the school year medications will be sent home with students unless otherwise indicated. Return of controlled medications (e.g. ADHD medications) will be coordinated with families. 

Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the licensed school nurse at the child’s school to discuss any concerns or special needs, or to request assistance in obtaining required authorization from their healthcare provider.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications will be stored in a locked cabinet in the Health Office. Emergency medications (e.g., asthma inhalers, seizure medications, epinephrine pens) will be stored in an unlocked cabinet for easy access in the event of an emergency.

Roseville Area Schools are allergy aware and strive to provide a safe school environment for students with life threatening allergies. Please provide an anaphylaxis action plan each school year, or every 12 months. To plan accommodations specific to your student, please contact the Licensed School Nurse.

Minnesota law requires students to be immunized against certain diseases or have a signed, legal medical or conscientious exemption kept in the student health record. These requirements apply to all students whether they attend public schools, private schools, or home schools. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the school health office in order for the student to enroll or remain enrolled. If a parent or guardian objects to immunizations for either medical or personal reasons, a notarized statement is needed on the Student Immunization form. The notarized statement specifies the immunization(s) the child will not be receiving. Download the form here, or contact the health office for information about obtaining a medical or conscientious exemption.

Licensed school nurses conduct vision and hearing screening at school in alignment with the recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Teachers may identify a student who appears to struggle to see and then can request that the student is screened. Parent/guardians may also contact their licensed school nurse and request screening for their child.

Schoolwide screening provided in select grades, as recommended by MDH, are a way to identify students who may need glasses. Students may also be screened as part of a school special education evaluation. Often individuals are not aware that they are struggling to see details at a distance, so screening is helpful to identify those who should follow up with their healthcare provider.

Health screenings that licensed school nurses can provide at school include: 

• Distance vision acuity
• Close vision acuity
• Spot Vision Screener that can identify several different vision conditions
• Eye muscle balance for lazy eye (amblyopia) (for preschool to grade 1)
• Color vision deficiency 
• Hearing

When a student’s ability to attend school is interrupted by major illness or injury, they may become eligible for homebound instruction when the length of absence is anticipated to be fifteen or more school days. The application for homebound instruction is made through the school nurse. Allotted time is one hour per day for each day missed. When students have an extended illness that does not qualify for homebound instruction, they may request homework from teachers through the nurse or student support services.