Aldrin Elementary Parent / Student Handbook

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A note must be sent to school explaining absences or reasons for tardiness. Students should be in classrooms by 9:10 am. They are tardy if they arrive at school after opening time (9:15 am). Students must then check in directly with the office before going to the classroom.

IMPORTANT: Parents are requested to contact the school office each morning when their child is absent or tardy. Aldrin has an attendance line which you can call 24 hours a day. It is a dedicated line and used only for the purpose of leaving absentee or other messages for the school. That phone number is (703) 904-3818.

Per School Board Regulation 2234, each child who has been absent from school for any reason other than school business shall, upon return, or certainly by the day after return, present to the teacher a note from parent/guardian which states the reason(s) for the absence.

Principal, Mr. Marty Marinoff

Assistant Principal, Ms. Barbara Gist

Secretary to the Principal/Finance, Ms. Lesley Aschenbach

Educational Technical Assistant (Registrar), Ms. Eddie Mae Walker

Office Assistant, Ms. Julia Dowsett

Office Assistant/Attendance, Ms. Amy McElrath

Even though each child has been assigned to a specific teacher, other teachers will also provide instruction for the child. The assigned teacher is responsible to see that each child has a well-rounded program and to keep parents informed of the child's progress.

The privilege of bus transportation is provided for those children who live more than one mile from the school or when an unsafe situation exists. School bus riders in Fairfax County are required to observe rules of safety and good citizenship while riding on a bus and while waiting at a designated bus stop. Standards for safe and courteous conduct will be in effect beginning with the first day of school. It is essential that bus riders cooperate and adhere to the bus regulations. All children will receive a copy of REGULATIONS FOR PUPILS RIDING SCHOOL BUSES. All parents are requested to review the information with the children and return the signed portion to school. Students reported more than once for misconduct by the bus driver may be suspended from riding the bus for a set period of time.

If a child is going home with a classmate, the parents of both children must send a note to the homeroom teacher(s) to provide permission, in writing. The note must be presented to the teacher(s) at the beginning of the day.

A book can be purchased for our library in recognition of a special occasion or person. A letter will be sent to the person or family letting them know of your thoughtfulness. Suggestions or guidance in selecting books can be obtained from our librarian.

The instructional program is our first priority. In keeping with this, each class will be permitted to have two parties on school time. These will be held in the classrooms with the help of the PTA Room Representative.

Schools are available for community activities during the school year. Applications are available in the school office and must be completed at least two weeks in advance of the requested date of use.

The bell schedule is as follows for students in grades K through 6th:

Monday 9:15am - 1:25pm

Tuesday-Friday 9:15am - 3:50pm
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The daily schedule for Preschool is as follows:

Monday AM 9:15am - 11:20am

Monday PM 11:20am -- 1:25pm

Tuesday-Friday AM 9:15am - 12:30pm

Tuesday-Friday PM 12:30pm - 3:50pm

Standards for behavior in the classroom will be developed by the teacher and students to meet the general criteria of (1) maintaining an atmosphere which maximizes learning throughout the building and (2) developing student attitudes and habits which contribute to the development of the student's full potential. No student will be allowed to engage in any behavior that is not in his/her best interest or in the best interest of others. More specifically, no behavior which is disruptive to the instructional program or the Aldrin staff will be tolerated. Certain forms of misconduct such as fighting, stealing, abusive language, destruction of property, rude and discourteous behavior, and other forms of chronic misbehavior will require immediate administrative action.

The main purpose of this card is to help us locate the parent in the event of illness or emergency involving your child. Hospitals and private doctors need parent permission for emergency medication or treatment. It is very important that we be able to locate you at any time. Please list phone numbers of neighbors who will know where you are for emergency calls and who may pick up your child when he/she feels ill and you are not at home. Your child will not be released to anyone not listed on this form. In special cases you may wish to call and give the school secretary a number where you can be reached for the day. Please list on the card, in red, if possible, any allergies or serious medical problems of which the school should be aware of. Also, please list any special arrangement you may have for another person to routinely pick your child up from school. Please complete the Emergency Care Card and return it to school immediately.

Decisions for the late opening, early closing, or cancellation of school due to heavy snow or other emergency conditions are made by the Division Superintendent and will be announced over local radio and television stations as soon as the decision has been made. Please do not call the school for this information as our phone lines need to be kept open in order to receive instructions from school officials. Please inform your child of what he/she is to do in the event of an emergency early dismissal.

In the case of a delayed school opening, field trips are automatically cancelled.

Virginia law, Sections 22.1-254, requires that a child who will be five years old on or before September 30, 2009, must be enrolled in kindergarten for the 2009-2010 school year unless the parent or guardian notifies the school in writing that they do not wish the child to attend school until the following year. To enroll a student, the following documentation is required:

* A birth certificate or equivalent and a transfer slip or report from the previous school.

* Some proof of residency is required which can be satisfied through a deed to a home or a rental agreement.

* A certificate of physical examination and evidence of immunization. Virginia law requires every new student to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, mumps, measles (rubeola), and German measles (rubella). Students lacking required documentation of immunizations will be barred from attendance. Objections based on religious grounds may be discussed with the principal.

For more information, see Starting School in Fairfax County Public Schools

We cooperate fully with parents who desire their children to join them on trips and vacations during the school year. We ask that all children keep a daily journal of their trip. Please notify the school in advance of travel plans. It is expected that all work missed while on a trip will be made up as soon as possible following the child's return to school. Any standardized testing missed during a family holiday will not be made up.

A signed permission form to participate in a school field trip must be returned to the teacher in advance of the trip. In the case of a delayed school opening, field trips are automatically cancelled. Fairfax County School Board regulations do not authorize preschool children to ride buses on field trips.

Gum chewing is not permitted on school buses or at school.

No "hard-and-fast rules" concerning homework can be made. Generally accepted principles in the assignment of homework include:

1. Homework should stem from real needs and the consideration of the total educational background of the individual child.

2. Homework should serve a definite purpose and should be used as a technique for learning.

3. Responsibility for homework in the elementary school should gradually increase for grades one through six.

4. There should be a cooperative effort between teachers and parents to encourage students to assume responsibility for completing assignments.

Suggested time allotments for primary grades (1-3) are once or twice a week for 30 minutes. For grades 4-6, homework two to three times per week with a maximum of one hour daily is appropriate.

Optional accident and dental insurance is available to all Fairfax County school children through independent companies. Although the school system derives no profit from these plans, they are recommended as a means to defray the costs of accidental injuries which sometimes occur to school-age children. The cost, as indicated in the brochure, requires the insurance company to put certain restrictions on these policies. Parents are encouraged to read the brochures carefully. Premiums for both dental and accident insurance are to be sent directly to the company.

Unidentified articles found in the school are to be placed in a receptacle in the cafeteria. Please check there if an article is lost. Eyeglasses and jewelry are not routinely placed with the other articles, so please inquire in the office for these items. It would be helpful if raincoats, jackets, rubber boots, mittens, etc (clothing items that will be removed during the day) are labeled. It has been our experience that items of this nature tend to be forgotten or misplaced. We would like to be able to identify the apparel for a particular child.

If your child is to take medication during school hours, a Fairfax County Public Schools medication authorization must be completed. Medications can be either prescription or nonprescription (ointments, creams, drops, aspirin, cough drops, etc.). All medications must be in a prescription labeled bottle or the manufacturer's packaging. All medication must be transported to school by parents -- not students. Children may not bring medication to and from school at any time. If you have any questions about the medication policy, see or call the school health aide at (703) 904-3810.

When money is being brought to school, please enclose it in an envelope labeled with your child's name, classroom number, and purpose. Children should be discouraged from bringing extra money to school. Students are not allowed to loan or give money to other children, nor are they permitted to trade or sell items to other students.

Please inform the school in advance if you anticipate a move to another school. This will ensure that the proper transfer forms will be ready on the day the student leaves, allowing for a seamless transition.

Many enriching and worthwhile experiences are afforded to our children through volunteer help from parents. With this support, teachers are able to provide more direct instruction. Parents interested in volunteering are requested to contact the school or parent volunteer coordinator. All volunteers must have a current TB test or X-Ray.

Children's feelings are easily hurt. Please do not pass out private party invitations at school unless the whole class will be included.

Students who are driven to school by private vehicle should be dropped off in the front of the main entrance of the building no earlier than 9:00 am. This area is identified as the "Kiss and Ride" area. This practice is necessary for the safety of students.

Progress Reports will be sent home approximately one week after the end of each grading period. (See the calendar for a list of these dates.) The purpose of the progress report is to help the parent or pupil identify the student's strengths and areas of concern, and to help teachers evaluate each pupil and plan instruction accordingly. Teachers will request conferences with parents at the end of the first grading period. Additional conferences are encouraged and may be requested by either the parent or teacher. Interim progress reports are usually sent at the midpoint of each quarter if a student is demonstrating a significant concern with behavior or academic performance. Interim reports, however, may be sent at any time during the quarter.

Fairfax County Public Schools provide special services for the individual needs and differences of children. Within the local school, children may receive additional support from our reading specialist, learning disabilities resource teacher, speech clinician, and/or itinerant hearing or vision teacher. An individual evaluation is required before a child may receive any of these services. When this is necessary, parents will be contacted regarding school concerns. Written parent permission is needed prior to evaluation for special education services.

If a student needs to leave school during the instructional day for a doctor's appointment, etc., please send a note to the teacher in the morning. Upon picking your child up at school, report to the office so that your child can be called out of class. All children must be signed out in the office. We will not release a student to anyone except the parent unless there is a note of permission signed by the parent. Students may be released to either parent/guardian, provided there is no custody order from a court forbidding custody by a named parent/guardian. Warn your child never to ride home after school with any stranger who may claim he/she was sent by the parent. If you wish to arrange for another person to take care of your child in the event of illness or when you are not at home, please make a note on the emergency care card.

When it appears that a child will benefit from another year at the present grade placement, parents will be informed of the child's specific academic needs at the end of the second grading period or as soon as retention becomes a possibility. Retention will occur after prior notification of and explanation to the parents; however, the final decision rests with the Principal's Committee.

For pupil safety, students may arrive at school no earlier than 9:00 am. Before that time, teachers are busy preparing for the day and involved in related meetings. If a child is detained after dismissal time for any reason, the parents will be notified by the teacher as soon as possible. Please instruct children to go directly home after school before going elsewhere unless the teacher has written notification of the alternate destination from the parent.

Our cafeteria operates under the National School Lunch Program. The Type A lunch is balanced to meet one third of the daily food requirements of the child. Please encourage your child to eat the school lunch and try all the different foods served. These early patterns developed will influence the child throughout his/her entire life. A monthly menu will be give to each child in order to help parents plan different foods for dinner. The price of lunch including milk is $1.90 for students and $2.75 for adults. A Second Entrée with Lunch is $1.00. Breakfast is served for $1.00 for students and $1.30 for adults.

Students who bring lunch from home are encouraged to bring nutritious foods. Parents are asked to send food in easily opened packaging. Please send all the necessary items, including straw, napkin, spoon, etc. In the interest of safety, carbonated sodas and glass containers are not permitted. Containers with sharp metal edges are not allowed. Due to health concerns, students are not permitted to share lunch items in the cafeteria, whether brought from home or purchased at school.

Students sometimes forget or lose lunch money. Parents are encouraged to put additional money on their child's account at the beginning of the year. This account will then remain on reserve in case of an emergency. For information on how to do this: adding money to a child's lunch account. Children use their student ID number to then deduct from their account.

In order to be sure that the school system is meeting the nutritional needs of all school-age children, it is the policy to provide free/reduced price meals to children in need of assistance. Application for this service must be completed by the parent and sent to the FCPS Office of Food Services.

See the Fairfax County Public School's Energy Zone "Food at School" for additional information including menus, food allergies, and frequently asked questions.

Student dress is controlled only as it relates to the atmosphere which affects learning and the development of wholesome attitudes and student safety. It has been observed that students demonstrate better behavior and show more attention to school work when they are neatly dressed. All students should wear shoes which allow for a safe, active physical education program. Hair styles must not interfere with vision or the learning atmosphere. Parents and teachers working together can help children learn to dress appropriately.

As required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Fairfax County Public Schools has adopted Policy 2701 which:

* provides that parents have the right to inspect any and all records relating directly to their dependents

* authorizes students with written parent permission to inspect their records

* provides for release of information to others only under carefully described conditions

* establishes fees for the duplication of records

* provides a procedure for challenging the contents of a student's records by parents or adult students. Educational records are forwarded on request to a school to which a student has applied for admission. As provided by the Act, certain information may be classified as "directory information" and may be released to others without parental consent. Parents not wishing any or all of the directory information released without prior consent must notify the principal in writing within 15 days of receipt of this handbook.

Fairfax County Public Schools considers these categories of student information to be directory information:

* name and picture

* participation in officially recognized activities and sports

* height and weight if a member of an athletic team

* dates of attendance

* awards and honors

In addition, a student's address and phone number will be in this category, but may be released to others only for school-related activities such as PTA, booster clubs, and volunteer activities, and to county special services. Directory information my be made available on an individual basis or may be printed in school directories, team rosters, class lists, school yearbooks, etc., without parental consent.

Children will not be permitted to make telephone calls during the school day except in an emergency. In case of illness, the school health aide/secretary will call the child's home. To prevent classroom interruptions, messages or materials for students should be left in the office. These will be delivered to the class or collected by the student at an appropriated time. Please help your child to develop a routine of placing things which must be brought to school in a designated place so that money, books, homework, etc., will not be left at home.

Elementary school children are provided the use of textbooks without charge. It is necessary to require payment for books that are lost or damaged through negligence or abuse. See the school supply list for your child's grade level.

Visitors

All visitors must sign in at the front office and obtain a badge (which must be worn at all times in the building). Before departing, please sign out in the office. Younger children, friends of pupils, or students from other schools will not be permitted in the classroom. Animals visiting the classroom must be accompanied by a parent and approved by the teacher in advance. It is our hope that these procedures will eliminate unauthorized persons from being in the school where the safety of children is of prime importance.

Parents are welcome to visit the classroom, but should make prior arrangements with the principal and teacher for a time that will not be disruptive to instruction.