Back to School Newsletter
A Newsletter from Flora School District #35
NEWSBEAT 35, Vol. 27, No. 1
Welcome || Phone Numbers || New Students || Birth Certificate Requirement
Attendance Ages || Transportation Reimbursement || School Supply List
Cost of Replacing Lost/Damaged Textbooks
Student Registration Schedules || School Picture Information || School Fees
Waiver of Student Fees || RIF Program || Enrichment Program || Athletic Passes || Flora Academic Foundation
School Health Info || Administering Medication || Absence Reporting || Special Needs with Meals
Student Accident Insurance || School Calendar || Teen Reach Program
FLORA CUSD #35 gives a warm welcome to the parents and students of our school district for the 2004-05 school year. This newsletter contains student registration schedules and other helpful information to ensure a smooth transition into the new school year.
Students will begin the 2004-05 school year on Tuesday, August 17th. This will be a shortened attendance day for the students. Students should report at the regularly scheduled time (8:10-8:20 a.m.). Buses will pick up students at the regular times listed on the school bus routes. Bus routes will be published in the local newspaper early in August. Classes on August 17th will be dismissed early, between the hours of 10:00 -10:30 a.m. Please check with individual schools for exact times. School cafeterias will not be in operation until Wednesday, August 18th, the first full day of classes. Dismissal will be between 3:10-3:20 p.m., depending on grade level and building assignment.
If you moved during the summer and your child is in grades K-4, please check with the district Administration Office (662-2412) to see which school your child will attend. If you know of new families to the district who have not registered their children, please encourage them to contact the Administration Office for registration information.
Students attending special education classes out of district will be notified by mail beginning student attendance dates and bus schedule. If you have not received this information by August 10th, please contact the Administration Office.
We are looking forward to a great school year for students, staff, parents, and community, and always encourage you to stop by the buildings of Flora CUSD #35.
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FLORA COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #35 TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Administration Office 662-2412
Bus Barn 662-4272
Nurse's Office 662-4820
Pre-Kindergarten Program 662-6502
Special Education Services 662-8894
Food Service 662-8514
Flora High School 662-8316
Floyd Henson Junior High School 662-8394
McEndree School 662-2014
Washington School 662-8118
Lincoln School 662-2226
Xenia School 678-2205
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NEW STUDENTS SHOULD ENROLL EARLY
Students new to the district this year, kindergarten students who did not enroll last spring, and students who have moved within the district and will possibly be changing attendance centers should contact the school for arrangements prior to the start of school. This is important so records can be obtained and adequate plans and preparations can be made in advance of the first day of school.
All attendance centers will be open after August 9th to allow for additional school preparation time and late enrollees. Families and students new to the district seeking information may contact the Administration Office any time during the summer.
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All new incoming students must provide a certified copy of their birth certificate from the county clerk. This regulation was brought about because of the increasing number of missing and abducted children throughout the nation. Schools are required to keep copies of the birth certificate of all students new to the district. Any child newly enrolled in Flora CUSD #35 who does not have a copy of a certified birth certificate from the county clerk on file will be reported to proper authorities for investigation.
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By law in the State of Illinois all children between the ages of seven and sixteen must attend school on a regular basis except for those special provisions provided in the law. Local school policy specifies that any child who will be five years of age on or before the first day of September is eligible to attend kindergarten. Kindergarten attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended for all students. Local school policy further states that a child must be six years of age by September 1st before admittance to the first grade. A certified copy of their birth certificate and your child's social security number will be required of all kindergarten and new students enrolled at the time of registration.
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Flora School District provides transportation for all students 1 1/2 miles away from school or for students residing in an area determined hazardous. Reimbursement may be sought by parents who are forced to transport children from these areas. Reimbursement details may be obtained from each building principal.
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Elementary school supply lists were sent with final report cards. Some local stores will also post lists. Students in grades 6-12 will receive information regarding supplies during registration or their first class session.
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COST OF REPLACING LOST/DAMAGED TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks or school materials issued to students are the responsibility of that student and parents. Most textbooks cost between $40-$50. The cost of a lost or damaged book must be in the amount of replacement cost. We ask for your help in making sure that loss/damage is minimal.
STUDENT REGISTRATION SCHEDULES...
McEndree School and Washington School students are to register, pay fees and receive room assignments at McEndree and Washington Schools August 10th through the 13th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please bring your child's social security number. Kindergarten students need a certified copy of their birth certificates. Also please submit their completed health examination form, up-to-date immunization record, and lead screening verification. School supply lists will be available.
Lincoln School students are asked to register and pay fees in the school office on August 11, 12, & 13th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please bring your child's social security number. Fifth grade students need to submit their completed health examination form and up-to-date immunization record. School supply lists will be available.
Xenia School students are asked to register and pay fees in the school office on August 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on August 12th, & 13th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please bring your child's social security number. All kindergarten students need a certified copy of their birth certificates. Also please submit their completed health examination form, up-to-date immunization record, and lead screening verification. School supply lists will be available.
Floyd Henson Junior High School will conduct an open student registration for all 6-7-8 graders on August 11th, 12th, and 13th, according to the schedule below. Students will need to bring their social security number. During registration students will pay book fees, be given insurance forms, school lunch application forms, student handbook, and receive their class schedule. Parents are urged to attend registration and assist students in this process.
Wednesday, August 11th 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 12th 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday, August 13th 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Note! 6th Grade Parent/Student Orientation, Thursday, August 12th, 7:00 p.m.
Flora High School registration will be completed according to the following schedule. Students will need to bring their social security number.
Seniors Wednesday, August 4th 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Juniors Thursday, August 5th 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Sophomores Tuesday, August 10th 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
* Freshmen Tuesday, August 10th 6:00 p.m.
New Students Wednesday, August 13th 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
(New students must have a certified copy of their
birth certificate at time of registration.)
Please note the Freshmen registration and orientation will be an exception in time, with the orientation starting at 6:00 p.m. Parents are urged to attend this important registration with their incoming Freshmen student. Registration and the orientation will take about one hour. Freshmen students need to submit their completed health examination form and up-to-date immunization record.
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Flora High School Students (Please note new school picture procedures!)
Senior yearbook portraits will be taken at Johnson’s Photography.
Dates and times will be announced after the school year begins.
Please do not have other photographers send pictures to the
school for use in the school yearbook.
Photos for the senior class composite and all other Flora High School individual pictures will be taken during the school day on August 20th.
Junior High School/Elementary Student individual school pictures in the unit will be taken during the school year. Notice will be given prior to date of school picture.
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SCHOOL FEE INFORMATION FOR THE 2004-05 SCHOOL YEAR
adopted by the Board of Education will be as follows:
* Textbook Rental Fees
Grades K-5 $ 25.00
Grades 6-8 25.00
Grades 9-12 35.00
* Textbook fees include the discount made possible by the State of Illinois.
School Breakfast/Lunch Fees
Breakfast K-5 $ .80 Adult Lunches $2.05
Lunches K-5 1.45 Adult Extra at cost
Lunches 6-12 1.55 Milk
Extra Milk .30
Parents are urged to take advantage of the free and reduced meal program. However, this program is available only to those families who qualify under the Federal guidelines for low income families. Illinois income guidelines for free or reduced lunches/breakfasts for the 2004-05 school year will be available at the time of student registration.
Student Activity Fees
Grades 6-8 $ 7.50
Grades 9-12 10.00
Driver’s Education 30.00
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Some parents may be eligible for a waiver of student fees if you receive public aid, if your gross income is within the set amouts in the Federal guidelines for free or reduced lunch prices, or if you are otherwise able to establish that you cannot afford to pay these fees. Applications requesting waiver of student fees are available in the Principal's office. The use of false information to obtain such waiver is a felony under Illinois law. Any inquiries should be directed to the Principal of the school in which your child is enrolled.
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(Reading Is Fundamental) for grades K thru 8 is a program the school system is once again pleased to make available to children to stimulate an interest in reading. It makes possible for all students to own personal copies of high interest books chosen by the students themselves to read at their leisure. Approximately 3,000 books will be given to students in the district to add to their own personal library this school year. Three distributions will be scheduled for students in attendance centers enrolled in grades K-8.
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Flora CUSD #35 provides enrichment opportunities
for gifted students. A qualification criteria ensures that gifted students are identified of
eligibility for participation in the Enrichment Program.
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Flora CUSD #35 encourages parental and community support for all athletic activities. Reserved seating, individual and family passes are available through the Athletic Director. Please watch for notification through the local news media or contact the Junior High or High School. Passes offer a great savings and are honored at both schools for both boys and girls athletic events. Passes are not valid for any tournament contests. (*Family Pass/$100.00, *Adult Individual/$50.00, Student/$20.00, Football Only/$10.00 for 4 games, and Basketball Only/$25.00 for general admission. *$10.00 extra for each reserve high school boys varsity basketball season ticket holder.
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Parents and community members are encouraged to support the efforts of the Flora Academic Foundation which organizes a variety of community events to raise monies. These funds provide opportunities for special projects in all buildings throughout the school year. Please support Appleknocker and make a donation at the annual Radiothon held in November.
Dates to Remember:
Appleknocker Saturday, September 25th
Radiothon Thursday, November 4th
The Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health requires each student prior to entering school and all transfer students must be in compliance with health record requirements. Failure to present the required health documents will result in student’s exclusion from school.
HEALTH EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
Students must have had a health examination within one year of entering school as a new pre-school student. Students must also have had a health examination within one year of entering school as a kindergartner, 5th grader, or 9th grader (using the date of the first school attendance day for that school year). For students attending school programs where grade levels are not assigned,examinations shall be completed prior to the date of entering and within one year prior to the school year during which the child reaches the ages of 5, 10, and 15. If the student is transferring into the district from an Illinois school, health records can be requested by completing the appropriate form at the student's school office. If the student is transferring into the district from outside the state, a health examination must be obtained unless an out of state health examination can be provided that has the same components as the Illinois school health form and has been performed within one year. Students transferring into the district have 30 days from enrollment to comply with the law. The completed Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination form must be signed by a physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician’s assistant. The current Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination form, last revised Nov. 2002, is the only acceptable physical form. The Health History section of the form must be completed by the parent. Parents are encouraged to have their children undergo a dental and vision examination whenever health examinations are required.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Illinois law mandates that children in school be immunized against the following childhood diseases: diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination is required for children two years of age or older entering a school-operated program below the kindergarten level. Hepatitis B vaccination is required for children entering fifth through twelfth grade, and children two years of age or older entering a school-operated program below kindergarten level. Varicella (chickenpox) vaccination is required for kindergarten and for children two years of age or older entering a school-operated program below the kindergarten level. If the child has had chickenpox, verification with date of illness must be provided by a physician, by a health care provider, or by laboratory evidence of immunity. Lead Screening Requirment: Children entering pre-school or kindergarten for the first time must show proof they have been assessed or screened for lead poisoning. Please be reminded that all 9th graders should submit their completed health examination forms at the high school on the night of Freshmen Orientation/Registration if they have not already submitted them to the Nurse's Office. All kindergarten and fifth graders should bring their completed health examination forms with them at time of registration or the first day of school if they have not already turned them in to the Nurse's Office. Students in kindergarten, fifth grade, ninth grade, and special education students attending classrooms where grade levels are not assigned who will be age 5, 10, or 15 in school year 2004-05 must have their health exam form and up-to-date immunization record turned in by the first day of classes on August 17th or they will be excluded. Pre-School and kindergarten students must have their health exam form, up-to-date immunization record, and lead screening verification turned in by the first day of school. Failure to present these required health documents will result in the student’s exclusion from school.
For your convenience the Nurse's Office at McEndree School will be open after
August 9th to accept any completed health exam forms, immunization records,
and lead screening verifications.
Parents are encouraged to contact their child's physician early to schedule an appointment if a health exam is needed before the beginning of the 2004-05 school year. The Clay County Health Department at 662-4406 or the child's physician should be contacted if immunizations are needed before the beginning of this school year.
If further information or a health exam form is needed, please contact the Administration Office at 444 South Locust Street (662-2412) or the Nurse's Office located in McEndree School at 200 North Olive Street (662-4820).
If your child has any new health information anytime during the school year, please contact the Nurse's Office. All health information on your child is important to the Nurse's Office, i.e., new glasses, surgery, fractures, etc. This type of health information may be crucial in the care of your child during the school year. The information is also helpful in the classroom seating arrangements and consideration.
VISION SCREENING
A new Public Act (PA 093-0504) requires that parents be given written notification before vision screening is conducted. Vision screening will be done, as mandated, for the following children: preschool, kindergarten, second, eighth, special education, teacher referrals, and transfer students throughout the school year. Vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor. Your child is not required to undergo this vision screening if an optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous 12 months and that evaluation is on file at the school. This notice is not a permission to test and is not required to be returned. Vision screening is not an option. If a vision examination report is not on file at the school for your child, your child in the mandated age/grade/group as previously mentioned will be screened.
ANNUAL SPORTS PHYSICAL
An annual sports physical is required for all students participating in interscholastic sports regardless of grade level or sport. An annual physical examination form must be on file before first practice session begins. The sports physicals are good for one year from the date of the examination. The required school health examination of all fifth and ninth graders will meet this requirement. The form for school health examinations may be used for sports physicals. Make sure the physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician’s assistant has made a check mark at the interscholastic sports portion of the form. (Note: The IHSA Sports Physical Form may not be used for a school health examination.) If a transfer student obtains a school health examination to meet health compliance requirements, it will meet this sports physical requirement also. Forms for the sports physical examinations are available at each attendance center, the Administration Office, and the local physicians' offices.
UNIT #35 POLICY FOR ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN SCHOOL: State guidelines
regarding medication dispensing in school are as follows:
School personnel are not allowed to give prescription or nonprescription medication without a written order from the child’s licensed prescriber, as well as a written request from the child’s parent/guardian requesting the medication be given during school hours. Only those medications that are necessary to maintain the child in the school and must be given during school hours shall be administered. Orders for medication shall be renewed for each school year. Changes in medication shall have written authorization from the licensed prescriber.The form for the written order/request must be obtained from the child’s school, the Nurse’s Office, or the Administration Office. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to assure that the completed Permit to Give Medication in School form and the medication(s) are brought to the school.
Prescription medications must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician. Non-prescription medications ordered by the physician shall be brought in with the manufacturer’s original label listing the ingredients and the child’s name on the container along with the form completed by the licensed prescriber and the parent requesting medication be given during school hours. All medication must be turned in to the school office by the parent/guardian or a designated adult and remain there for dispensing.
The parent/guardian will be responsible at the end of the treatment regime for removing from the school any unused medication which was prescribed for their child. If the parent/guardian does not pick up the medication by the end of the school year, the certified school nurse will dispose of the medication in the presence of a witness.
SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION BY STUDENTS WITH ASTHMA:
For purposes of this subject only, “self-administration” is defined as a pupil’s discretionary use of his/her prescribed asthma medication. Students with asthma are allowed to carry and self-administer lifesaving asthma medications while at school and at school functions.
Before the student will be allowed to self-administer the asthma medication, the parents or guardians of the student must provide the district with a written statement from the student’s physician and written authorization for the self-administration of medication.
The Physician Request for Self-Administration of Asthma Medication form and the Policy Statement/Self-Administration of Asthma Medication form (parent or guardian) must be obtained from the Nurse’s Office. A school nurse will review the forms with the parent at the time they are obtained from and returned to the Nurse’s Office.
Illinois state law requires that the parents or guardians of the student be informed in writing that the school district or non-public school and its employees and agents are to incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from the self-administration of medication by the student. Parents/guardians will be required to sign a statement acknowledging that the district will incur no liability and stating that the parents or guardians will indemnify and hold harmless the district and its employees and agents against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of the self-administration. The permission for self-administration of medication is effective only for the school year in which it is granted and will be renewed each school year upon fulfillment of the requirements set forth above. Failure to comply without the medication policy may result in the student not being allowed to carry his/her inhaler.
Always remember to contact your school by 10:00 a.m. when your child is absent. For reporting purposes, it is necessary to know why your child is absent, i.e., strep, chickenpox, flu, etc.
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SPECIAL NEEDS WITH MEALS/MILK PROGRAM
If your child has an allergy or illness and should not receive certain foods or milk, your doctor must write a note specifying what is to be omitted and if applicable, the substitutions that are needed (i.c., juice instead of milk). At the end of the need to omit foods or milk, a note from you or your doctor is necessary before the regular meal or milk is permitted. The request is effective only for the school year in which it is presented and must be renewed each school year.
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Flora Community Unit School District #35 provides student accident insurance (supplemental to existing family coverage) for all students enrolled in grades K thru 12 at no cost to parents. The Student Accident Insurance brochure also provides information for the purchase of additional optional coverages (24 Hour Coverage and Grades 9 thru 12 Tackle Football). Parents may purchase the 24 Hour Coverage for students by completing the enrollment form and submission of $60.00 to “Illinois School District Agency.” The school district will require each football participant to complete an enrollment form, however the district will pay $110.00 for each individual. (See brochure for claim procedures, timelines, and benefits.) Summary:
School-Time Coverage No Cost
24 Hour Coverage $ 60.00
* Tackle Football Coverage 110.00
* No Cost to Participants
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THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 2004-05
This calendar is provided so you may plan and schedule family activities to avoid conflict with school attendance. The calendar gives the legally required holidays, vacation periods, Teacher Institute Days, Parent/Teacher Conference Days, and School Improvement Days. You will note the last day of the school year is set for May 31, 2005, which does include five emergency days. The five days, if not used for snow, ice, etc., will be dropped from the end of the calendar making the last day of the school year May 23, 2005. Also, the five "not in attendance days" (NIA) are built into the school calendar beginning March 21st for spring vacation with return to school on March 28th.
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The excitement at the Teen R.E.A.C.H. Center (TRC), located in the Clay County Health Department, is available all year long! TRC is open to all youth in Clay County who are entering the 2nd through 8th grades. During the school year TRC is open from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. Their summer hours are from 12:15 p.m. until 5:15 p.m.
TRC is well staffed with professionals and voluteers that assist in daily activities at the Center. At TRC, the youth, along with the staff, participate in a variety of activities. Some of the outdoor activities include foursquare, knockout, kickball, softball, bike riding, nature walks, fishing, golfing, tennis, and many other outdoor games. In addition, the indoor center activities are available throughout the day, such as the fitness center, homework help, life skills training, pool tables, air hockey, ping pong, foosball, karaoke, computer lab, art activities, cooking class, dance class, tumbling class, and the Playstation 2, just to name a few. Finally, there are a variety of clubs, such as the Theatre Club, Business Club, and Youth Council.
Youth who attend participate in all these activities plus many more! While at the Center, youth are encouraged to make positive choices and discouraged from making poor choices. Positive choices include being honest, polite, and showing good sportsmanship. On the other hand, poor choices include name-calling, being disrespectful to staff or misusing the Center’s equipment. All youth who make positive choices earn points, while those who make poor choices lose points. The points are then use to purchase merchandise from TRC’s incentive store. The incentive store house’s everything from school supplies to Yo-Gi-Oh Cards to DVD Players and TV’s! Youth are also given the opportunity to use their points to “buy” a spot on one the amazing trips the Center goes on throughout the year. In the past, participants have attended St. Louis Cardinal games, gone rock climbing, to Holiday World, dinner and a play, and each year the Center takes a three-day camping trip.
There is a fee to enroll at TRC. The cost is $66.00 for a year’s membership for grades 4-8. However, for students in grades 2nd and 3rd, the fee is $20.00 per month. If more than one youth in your family attend, it is an additional $5.00 per youth. For youth who qualify for the free/reduced lunch program, there is a flat fee of $20.00. For more information on the Teen R.E.A.C.H. Center, please call (618) 662-4406 or stop by the Clay County Health Department.
Teen Responsibility
Education
Achievement
Caring
Hope
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