ANSON JONES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1. ANSON JONESELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK 2005-2006

2. Anson Jones Elementary School “Home of the Mighty Jaguars” 2311 Canal St. Houston, Texas 77003 Charles Ross, Principal Telephone (713) 226-4530 Students, staff, partners and parents joining hands to create world-class learning.

3. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Anson Jones Elementary School is to provide a learning environment and an instructional program that meets the unique and diverse needs of our student population and the changing demands of a dynamic society. To this end, our efforts shall be keenly focused on the social, academic and personal development of our children and an appreciation and respect for the cultural diversity of our community. “Together, We Can; Together, We Will”

4. SCHOOL HOURS REGULAR 7:55 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. MAGNET 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. NO MAGNET CLASSES ON FRIDAYS

5. WELCOME STUDENTS! It is our pleasure to WELCOME you and your family to the Anson Jones family. We are looking forward to providing many exciting and rewarding learning experiences for you throughout the school year. SCHOOL GOALS, EXPECTATIONS AND PROCEDURES Our primary goal at Anson Jones Elementary is to ensure that each student receives a first class education in a safe and secure environment. It is imperative that all of our efforts, energies, and resources be directed toward this noble endeavor. ANSON JONES ELEMENTARY CODE OF CONDUCT • Respect yourself, other students and adults by being courteous and polite • Raise your hand (and be recognized) to speak • Take care of school property • Prepare for each class with appropriate materials, complete class assignments and home­work • Think before you act; settle disputes appropriately • Follow the HISD Code of Student Conduct and procedures in the Anson Jones Parent and Student Information Handbook • Follow expectations in your classroom • Always ask for permission to leave your seat

6. PROMOTION STANDARDS The promotion standards for HISD are rigorous. Therefore, it is very important that parents and teachers confer often to ensure student success. The standardsfor 1-6 Grades are as listed. Grades 1 and 2 • Must earn a passing score on HISD’s High Frequency Word Evaluation (HFWE). • Must score at an overall average of 70 or better on all course grades on the report card. Grade 3 • Must earn passing score on the reading section of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) • Must score an overall average of 70 or better on all course grades on the report card. • Must score no lower than one grade level below on the Stanford /Aprenda tests. Grades 4-6 • Must score a 70 or better in reading, language arts, mathematics, and in either science or social studies in Grades 4 and 5 OR and average of 70 or above in 3 of the 4 core courses: language art (average of reading and English), mathematics, science and social studies in grade 6. • Must earn a passing score on the reading and mathematics section of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). • Must score no lower than the grade—level standard set for that school year on the Stanford /Aprenda tests. As the new promotion standards produce improved performance results for students entering grades 4-6, the standard will be raised regularly until all students are required score no lower than one grade level below their placement.

7. CODE OF CONDUCT • Respect yourself, other students and adults by being courteous and polite • Raise your hand (and be recognized) to speak • Take care of school property • Prepare for each class with appropriate materials, complete class assignments and home­work • Think before you act; settle disputes appropriately • Follow the HISD Code of Student Conduct and procedures in the Anson Jones Parent and Student Information Handbook • Follow expectations in your classroom • Always ask for permission to leave your seat

8. DISCIPLINARY ACTION The Anson Jones administration and staff will adhere to the discipline policies contained in the code of Student Conduct as approved by the Houston School Board. In this pursuit, the following plan will be implemented by all faculty members: Maintain a Discipline Case Card on All Offenses Follow these Steps of Action • Verbal warning. • Name placed on board. • Time out (Isolation in classroom or Buddy Room). • Contact Parent (Telephone or note and insist on a response from parent). • Refer student to office with completed discipline case card. • Conference with parent, child, teacher, and principal. At this point, some clear distinction must be made to child and parent as to what must be done in reference to the problem. Parent is made aware that at the next step formal action will be taken. • Last resort, formal action.

9. CAFETERIA RULES In order for lunch time to be relaxing and pleasant for everyone, it is important that we all follow the cafeteria guidelines and procedures. Please remember the following cafeteria rules: • Speak softly (use an inside voice) • Go through the line once • Purchase only one dessert • Stay seated (raise your hand if you need something) • Use good table manners • Leave your area clean (pick up all trash) • Everyone must honor the school-wide silence signal (a raised open hand).

10. OTHER EXPECTATIONS & PROCEDURES • Students must get permission from their teacher and have a pass (restroom, library, clinic, office, etc.) whenever they are out of the room. • Students are expected to walk quietly in the hall. • Students are expected to be prepared for class each day with all supplies, books and assignments. • Students are not to chew gum or eat in the classroom. • Students are to refrain from fighting, name-calling, bullying and lewd comments. • Students should not run or horseplay in the classroom. • Students should not disturb others who are doing their work. • Students should not bring radios, boom boxes, CD players, recorders or any other type of audio equipment to school without proper authorization from the principal or their teacher. • Students should not bring expensive jewelry, trinkets or toys to school.

11. UNIFORM/DRESSCODE POLICY The students of Anson Jones Elementary School are expected to proudly represent their school by dressing in good taste, and portraying a neat and well-organized appearance. The Principal and Teachers will determine whether a student’s attire, hair and grooming fall within the acceptable standards.

12. DRESS CODE HAIR • Must be clean and worn out of the eyes • No gang-related, profane/vulgar language or symbols may be cut into the hair. • Unusual hair color (green, orange, etc.) is not allowed. SHIRTS • Yellow or white with collars and sleeves will be worn. • All shirts must be tucked in. • “Anson Jones Spirit Shirts” may be worn on Fridays only. SHOES • Must be worn at all times for safety and health reasons. • Thongs, clogs, or slides should not be worn. • Tennis shoes must be laced and tied. PANTS/SHORTS • Navy blue long pants and shorts that come to the knee may be worn. • Denim pants or shorts may be worn on Fridays only. • Bicycle shorts and tights are prohibited. • All pants/shorts must be pulled up to the waist and worn with a belt. SKIRTS/JUMPERS • Navy blue skirts or jumpers may be worn. • Denim skirts or jumpers may be worn on Fridays only. • All skirts and jumpers must be knee-length. MAKE-UP • Should not be worn by our students.

13. ATTENDANCE It is imperative for your child to be at school every day. Learning cannot take place if the student is not present. Being at school daily increases your child’s educational opportunities for a successful academic year. In case of illnesses, the parent should call to the school so that the teacher may prepare assignments to be made-up. Make-up work may be picked up after school. When the student returns to school, he/she must have a written excuse signed by a parent. Students may have no more than 8 unexcused absences per year to be considered for promotion. A notice will be sent to parent of students with 3 unexcused absences in a 4 week period. Parents may receive a notice to appear in court if student has 4 or more unexcused absences.

14. PUNCTUALITY Please make every effort to arrive on time daily. Each time a student arrives late, the educational process of other students is interrupted and valuable instructional time is lost. Instruction begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. If you arrive at school after 8:00 a.m., but before 8:05 a.m., report immediately to your class. If you arrive after 8:05 a.m., you are to report to the Main Office for a permit. EDUCATION….Every minute counts!

15. MORNING PROCEDURES • Supervision is NOT available before 7:30 a.m. except in the cafeteria. • Breakfast is served from 7:10 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. • Students will be dismissed to their classroom at 7:55 a.m. • Instruction begins promptly at 8:00 a.m.

16. MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS • Students should report to the cafeteria when the bell rings at 7:45 a.m. • The school day at Anson Jones begins with the opening ceremony and announcements at 7:55 a.m. • Selected students will lead the school in the “Pledge of Allegiance” and “Texas Pledge”. One minute of silence will be observed during this time. • Students, staff and public must stand at attention during the patriotic pledges. There should be no movement at this time. • A choral rendition of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” will be performed by the entire student body. • The principal and other teachers may also give important information during the morning announcements, so listen carefully. • No one should leave the cafeteria on an errand until after the announcements are finished. • You should be in your seat and ready to listen when the tardy bell rings at 8:00 a.m.

17. AFTER-SCHOOL PROCEDURES It is important that you leave the school grounds in a safe and orderly manner. Students who ride the school bus should board their designated bus. Teachers will be on duty to supervise your dismissal. Please follow these procedures: • Exit quietly from the classrooms, if you walk home with a sister, brother or friend, make arrangements to meet on the main floor near the office. • If you are walking, go directly home; no playing on the playground. • Students are not allowed to use the telephone after school unless it is an emergency. • If you wait for a ride, be sure to wait at the location you and your parents have agreed upon; • no running around the building. • Please follow the directions given by the crossing guard. • All Non-Magnet Students MUST be picked up by 3:15 p.m. • All Magnet Students MUST be picked up by 4:30 p.m. The office staff will notify the Children Protective Service (CPS) Department after this time.

18. CLASSROOM VISITATIONS • District policy requires that all visitors report directly to the Main Office upon entering the premises. • All classroom visits must be approved by the administration.

19. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES • It is imperative that positive communication be maintained between parent and teacher throughout the school year. To ensure this vital link to the success of our children, the following guidelines must be observed: • Conferences must be scheduled at the teacher’s planning period. • Emergency conferences must be cleared through the principal’s office. • Conferences may also be scheduled at 7:30 a.m.

20. STUDENT WITHDRAWALS The following procedure must be followed if you are planning to withdraw your child from Anson Jones Elementary School. • Please notify the office of the date your child will be leaving. • Insure that all books are returned and any fees or fines are paid. • Read and sign all withdrawal forms at the time of withdrawal. • When you enroll your child at the new school, you will sign a release of information form. We will transfer copies of the student’s records after we receive this form from the new school.

21. TEXTBOOKS • Students are issued state-adopted textbooks for which they are responsible for returning in the same condition as when issued: • Textbook issuance and their condition must be verified by student signature. • Parent must sign acknowledgement of fiscal responsibility form for lostor damaged books. • Student and parent/guardian shall be held totally responsible for the care and condition of textbooks upon issuance. • Student will not be issued another textbook unless loss book is accounted for. • All books must be covered.

22. ENRICHMENT & ADVANCEMENTS Working together, you and other students at Anson Jones can make your school a wonderful place to learn. Opportunity for everyone to contribute, improve and excel are: SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Spelling Bee Science Fair History Fair Math Competition Cheerleading Basketball Soccer Connect Four Super Bowl LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Honor Society Girl Scouts Boy Scouts

23. HOMEWORK TIPS • PUT HOMEWORK FIRST! Do it before watching TV or playing. • Always turn your homework in complete and neat. • Keep assignments in your student planner and take all necessary materials home. • Ask your teacher to explain anything you do not understand about your homework assignment. • Use class study time wisely • Budget your time for study; do the difficult assignment first. • Set up goals for long-range assignments such as book reports. • Divide long or difficult assignments into small parts. • Proofread your work. • Develop good reading habits. Learn to survey, skim, digest, outline and vary reading habits to meet appropriate needs. • Ask teachers and parents for help. Do not wait until bedtime or the last minute to get help. Plan ahead. Spend a designated amount of time each school night on school-related work. Thiswill help develop good study habits when homework is assigned.

24. CHANGES IN DEMOGRAPHIC DATA All changes in residential addresses and telephone information must be filed in the administrative office within 3 days of changes. It is vital that this policy be adhered to in order to maintain instant contact with parents/guardians in cases of emergency.