Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
In partnership,
Alicia Lewis, Principal Bright Elementary School
O. T. Bright School
A Mission and Vision for Our Future
Bright staff members are taking the essential steps to maintaining a vibrant learning
environment. Bright School will become a dynamic neighborhood school, with strong academic
and social programs. Community and university partnerships continue to strengthen and further
develop Brights instructional programs. Parents, teachers, staff, and community members will
continue to support Brights students through daily interactions in classrooms and school events.
Bright will continue its quest to be a school community devoted to working together to promote
the academic, social, emotional, and physical growth and well-being of all its students.
Bright, a school community that values and reflects:
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Regular attendance is most imperative to ensure successful and positive growth in school. All
children should be in attendance each day that they are not ill. Students returning to school
after an absence must bring a written statement signed by the parent(s), explaining the
reason for the absence. If an absence of two (2) or more days is anticipated, please call the
school. CPS policy will be followed regarding the contacting of parents of children who have
five or more unexcused absences. Again, upon returning to school after an absence students
MUST present a note to the teacher from his/her parent.
Note: For students in grades 3, 6, and 8 submitting notes for absences is CRITICAL.
Failure to submit notes regarding absences could lead to your child (grades 3, 6, and 8)
attending summer school
Arriving at the bus stop five minutes ahead of schedule should be sufficient.
Arriving too early may result in mischief.
While waiting for the bus, remain in the loading area, not in the street.
Wait until the bus stops before advancing to board the bus.
CAFETERIA
A hot lunch is available each day in the cafeteria. A menu will be sent home at the beginning of
each month. Applications for free or reduced lunch are available in the Main Office. Student
behavior in the cafeteria should mirror behavior exhibited while dining in a restaurant.
Inappropriate behavior in the cafeteria will not be tolerated.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones are not to be used by students in CPS schools. Only students with written
requests from their parent and principal approval on file are allowed to bring cell phones
into the school building. These phones must be turned into the Main Office at the
beginning of the school day and picked up at the close of the school day. If you need to
contact your child during the school day, please call the Main Office at (773) 535-6215.
Unauthorized possession or use of a cell phone (ringing, texting or talking) is punishable
under the CPS Student Code of Conduct. Note: Unauthorized cell phones will be
confiscated and must be picked up by a parent or guardian only!
CONFERENCES
Conferences are an excellent way of keeping you informed of the overall progress of your child
(ren) in school. A conference may be requested by a parent anytime during the school year
during a teachers' scheduled preparation times or at another agreed upon time. Conferences are
generally held during teachers preparation periods on days when there is no scheduled
meeting. Conferences cannot be conducted during instructional time. Please contact the
school or your childs teacher to schedule a conference.
DISCIPLINE
Please be sure that you and your child become familiar with the Chicago Public Schools
Student Code of Conduct (SCC) book. The SCC was adopted by the Chicago Board of
Education (Board) to help create a safe environment for all students and school personnel. The
SCC sets forth the expected behaviors for students and a transparent process for administrators to
redirect inappropriate behavior. A copy of the Student Code of Conduct will be made available
to parents the first week of school. Administrators will utilize the CPS Student Code of Conduct
as a guide when disciplining students.
Suspension
Out of school suspension is a last resort. We strive to keep our students in school. In the most
serious cases of misconduct and as provided for in the Student Code of Conduct, a student may
be suspended from 1 to 10 school days. In this case, an official misconduct form will be
submitted to the parent and teacher to be made part of the student's permanent record. If a
student returns to the school before the completion of the suspension, he/she will be
considered as trespassing and the Chicago Police will be notified.
Note: Students will be provided assignments that must be completed during their
suspension. Parents must make arrangements to pick up this work from the school.
Completed work must be turned in to the classroom teacher upon return to school.
Inappropriate Snow Activity
In the interest of student safety, Bright School will NOT tolerate inappropriate snow activity.
This includes, but is not limited to, snowball throwing, snow dumping, and playing on snow
mounds. Students engaging in these kinds of acts will receive consequences.
Bullying and Intimidation
Bright School has a no-tolerance policy regarding bullying and intimidation. The CPS Student
Code of Conduct defines bullying behaviors as follows: Verbal or nonverbal behavior that
occurs repeatedly over time, and causes physical and/or emotional harm to another. Such
behavior may include, but is not limited to, teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting, stealing, or
destroying personal property. Bullying is a serious offense as such; students should report any
incidents of bullying and/or intimidation to school officials immediately.
Fighting
Bright School has a zero tolerance policy regarding fighting in school, on school premises or
on safe passage to and from school. Students engaging in fights will be disciplined per the
Student Code of Conduct. With this in mind, please talk to your child (ren) about thinking
smart, making good decisions, and NOT exhibiting violent behavior.
Gang Activities
Students should not be members of, associated with, or affiliated with any gang in any way.
Students involved in gang activity at any time or in any way may be subject to prosecution as per
the CPS Student Code of Conduct. Repeated offenses may lead to expulsion from the CPS.
DISMISSALS
Our school day begins at 9 AM am and ends at 4 PM. All children are expected to leave the
grounds promptly at 4 p.m. unless they are enrolled in an after-school program. Parents of
students left stranded after 4 PM will be contacted. Students picked up after 4:15 PM
MUST be signed out in the Main Office. Per CPS policy, If by 4:30 PM, the
parent/guardian or emergency contact has not been reached and/or no one has come to
pick up the student, school staff shall call:
DCFS Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (252-2873) to report child neglect; and
CPS Student Safety Center at (773) 553-3335 to explain that a student is stranded
and to provide the students emergency information.
Emergency Dismissal:
Please be sure to complete and return the Emergency Contact Information form. A new form
is required each year, and the school should be notified promptly if this information changes
during the school year. It is critical that current information regarding parents/guardians
contact information is available to the school in case of an emergency. Students will only be
released to individuals listed on the Emergency Form.
Early Dismissal-Parent Request:
No student will be released to any person other than the parent/legal guardian or individual(s)
listed on the "Student Emergency Information Form. (SEIF) Written notification is required
preferably by fax to release a child to anyone other than the legal guardians or designees listed
on the SEIF. (In such cases, the parent will be contacted by phone.)
DISTRIBUTING/POSTING INFORMATION
Parents and community members wishing to distribute or post information in the school must
receive approval from the principal. An information bulletin board will be maintained in the
building for this purpose.
DRESS CODE
Bright School has a school uniform policy. Students in grades Kdg.-5 must wear navy blue
bottoms with a white polo shirt. Students in grades 6 8 must wear khaki pants with a navy
polo shirt. Pants, slacks or skirts must cover the knee. No shorts or "skorts" are permitted.
Shirts should have sleeves and cover the midriff. Jewelry (boys) and headwear (girls & boys)
should be removed upon entering the building. The Bright Local School Council (LSC) has
approved the wearing of uniforms at Bright School. Students who consistently violate the
dress code policy will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities. THIS
INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS, TALENT SHOWS,
SPORTING EVENTS, SPECIAL FIELD TRIPS, LUNCHEONS, ETC.
EVACUATION SITE
In the event of an emergency evacuation, students and staff will be relocated to St. Kevins
Church located at 10501 S. Torrence Ave. The phone number is (773) 721-2563. A second
evacuation site may be used. That site is Trumbull Park located at 2400 E. 105th Street. The
phone number is (312) 747-6759.
FIELD TRIPS
All field trips are invaluable teaching aids and are educational in nature. They provide direct
experiences for learning and are an extension of what is being taught in the classrooms.
A signed permission slip is required for ALL field trips. Permission slips must be on file at
least one day prior to the trip no exceptions. TELEPHONE APPROVALS ARE NOT
PERMITTED. Good behavior and uniform compliance are also required to be eligible to
participate in school trips. The school reserves the right to deny students participation in field
trips if their behavior creates a danger to themselves or others; or disrupts the learning activity
experience.
GRADUATION POLICY
As you know, 8th grade activities are provided as a courtesy to the students because we want to
celebrate their accomplishments and time spent at the school. Students may be restricted from
participation in any/all graduation activities based on the following criteria:
Three (3) unexcused uniform violations
Constant use of profanity
Horseplay (excessive)
Fighting
Constant disruption of classroom activities
Persistent defiance of school authority
Consistent failure to submit assignments including homework
Please know that this is NOT an all-inclusive list. Higher order infractions per the Student
Code of Conduct may cause an immediate loss of participation in addition to suspension. Know
also that students conduct throughout the entire school year will be a determining factor.
HOMEWORK POLICY
The Chicago Public Schools has a homework policy. Students will have homework nightly. The
following are suggested time allocations for teacher corrected homework assignments:
Research shows that children who spend more time on homework, on average, do better in school.
Kindergarten
Grades l, 2, and 3
Grades 4, 5, and 6
Grades 7 and 8
Bright Schools homework policy states that homework comprises 10% of a students
grade. The number of days absent indicates the number of days a student will be allowed to
submit late homework assignments upon returning to school. If a student is NOT absent
but fails to submit a homework assignment, he/she will be allowed to turn the assignment
in one day late NO EXCEPTIONS.
MEDICATION
School Board Policy expressly PROHIBITS school personnel from dispensing medication to
students unless it is a long-term requirement and unless all forms from the Health Department
and/or doctor are completed and on file at the school. Under no circumstances will a child be
permitted to carry any type of medication in school. This includes all types of medications such
as Aspirin, Tylenol, cough drops, and the like. Student health information will be collected and
documented by the school nurse.
REPORT CARDS
Report Cards are issued at the end of every ten weeks of school and cover a period of
approximately 45 school days. The Chicago Board of Education has designated two days during
the school year for parents to pick-up grades and conference with their child's teacher. These
dates are: Wednesday, November 9, 2016 and Wednesday, April 19, 2017. A child must be
in attendance twenty-five days of the marking period to be eligible to receive grades.
Bright School uses the following Grading Scale to report students' progress in grades
1 through 8:
100% - 90% = A
89% - 80% = B
79% - 70% = C
69% - 60% = D
Below 60% = F
In addition, Student Progress Reports (including Failure Notices and Remediation Plans when
warranted) will be issued to students at the midpoint (fifth week) of each quarter. These reports
must be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the classroom teacher. Please check the
CPS Calendar for Progress Report distribution dates.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Students are expected to come to school prepared to work each day. Supplies will vary at each
grade level however; students should have paper, pencils, crayons and pens daily. Teachers will
inform students additional supply requirements. Please check to see that your child comes to
school every day prepared to do his or her best using the appropriate supplies.
SCHOOL PROPERTY
It is understood that normal wear and tear will take place with the use of textbooks, and other
school property. However, if any school property is significantly damaged or lost, the student
will be assessed the cost of repair or replacement. Additionally, vandalization of school property
will result in repair and or replacement costs for parents
DOOR
#6
ROOM
211
ROOM
212
Kindergarten
ROOM
209
Grade
2
ROOM
207
Grade
3
ROOM
311
Grade
6
ROOM
312
Grade
7
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Special Education
Bright School offers various special education programs to qualified students based on State of
Illinois and CPS guidelines. All special education student services are provided based on the
student's Individual Education Plan (IEP). All students with disabilities are served in the Least
Restrictive Environment (LRE).
LRE Mandate: That to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are
educated with children who do not have a disability. Special classes, separate schooling or
other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environments
occurs only when the nature or severity of the disabilities is such that education in regular
classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.
P.E. and Health
As part of the State of Illinois requirements, Gym class at Bright Elementary will continue to be
an activity-based program with assessment emphasis on skills and student participation/effort.
On gym days, students MUST wear gym shoes with athletic rubber bottoms. Non-gym
shoes will damage the gym floor and pose a safety risk for children during gym activity. Boots
are NOT allowed on the gym floor at any time. Navy shorts with white tee shirt should be
worn on gym days or the Bright School shorts/jogging attire. (On gym days, girls are expected
to wear shorts or pants; no skirts please.) As part of promoting health and well-being, students
may participate in extra-curricular physical education activities. Students must exhibit and
maintain acceptable behavior and grades in order to participate. Students are also encouraged to
exercise and eat a healthy diet at home.
Technology
Computer instruction encompasses the basic operation of the computer as well as software usage
that supports the content areas including reading, mathematics, writing, science etc.
Additionally, students will learn various computer applications such as Microsoft Office,
primary Internet instruction, and power point development. Teachers are required to incorporate
computer technology into their lesson planning weekly. Note: A $4.00 yearly fee will be
assessed for IPAD update and maintenance.
Science Lab
The science program is designed to enrich the science curriculum throughout the school.
Students will participate in "hands-on" learning experiences via specialized equipment and
programs available in the lab. All teachers are required to incorporate science lab experiences
into their lesson planning.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are loaned to the students at no cost to parents. However, students and parents are
responsible for returning all textbooks in good condition at the end of the school year or when
receiving a transfer to another school. If books are damaged, defaced or lost, the parent will
be asked to pay the cost of replacement.
TRANSFER POLICY
Transfers will ONLY be issued to the parents or legal guardians.
VISITORS
For safety reasons, unauthorized persons are not permitted in the building without permission.
All visitors are required to sign in at the office and or security officers desk to receive a visitors
pass before visiting classrooms or other locations in the school. Visitors Passes MUST be worn
at all times when visiting the school. This includes ALL visitors. Visitors MUST use the
designated entrances and exits. Posted signage indicates those designated doors.
While visiting Bright School, please be advised that the use of profanity by anyone in a Chicago
Public School is both a state and city violation according to City Ordinance Municipal Code 84-010 and Illinois Code 720 ILCS5/26-1-A-1. Use of profanity, yelling, screaming, making
threats, etc. is considered disorderly conduct and in direct violation of the above mentioned
codes. These kinds of behavior breech the peace of the school and will not be tolerated. These
behaviors are also grounds for immediate removal from school premises.
We know that you want a safe, secure school environment for your child just as we do. We
appreciate your efforts in assisting us to make Bright School a safe, secure, learning
environment. With your help, we will make our school one of the best in the city, because your
child deserves the best. We are striving for excellence and soaring to new heights. It takes a
village to educate a child. With your help, we will succeed. Thank you for your cooperation.
VOLUNTEERS
We encourage parents, senior citizens, college students and others to assist teachers or other staff
members by becoming volunteers. Your talents and skills are needed, not only to tutor students,
but to enrich their learning experiences as well. Parents will not be allowed to volunteer in their
childs classroom on a daily basis. Due to the shortage of volunteers, it is preferred that parents
volunteering on a daily basis assist in other classrooms in addition to the classroom where their
child is assigned. Interested parties are asked to visit the Main Office for CPS guidelines
regarding school volunteers.
School Uniform: As per CPS policy, Bright School has a school uniform policy detailed
elsewhere in this handbook. Students are expected to wear their school uniform daily. Students
who are non-compliant with the school uniform policy will NOT be allowed to participate
in extra-curricular activities.
Extra-curricular activities include but are not limited to the areas listed below.
Assemblies
Classroom Celebrations
After School Programs
Field Trips
Sporting Events/Team Participation
Talent Show
8th Grade Trip, Luncheon, Graduation Ceremony and other activities
Clubs
Teams (basketball, volley ball, flag football, double dutch, pom pon etc.)
After-School Sports Program
The After-School Sports Program is a participatory program developed to encourage student
participation in team sports. Activities will be determined based on student participation and
interest but, in the past, have included Instructional and Competitive Basketball, volley ball,
double dutch, softball, flag football, and Pom Pon. Students must be in good standing with
teachers and administration in order to participate. All students enrolled in After-School
programs must have a permission slip on file. Parents may be responsible for
transportation to and from school for some events. Applicable fees may be required.
After School Clubs and Organizations
Bright School will be sponsoring several academically oriented and social after school clubs and
organizations. These may include but are not limited to chess club, math club, book club, charm
school, boys-to-men club, spoken word etc.
Thank you for trusting us with your child (ren). We look forward to working with you and
your child (ren). It takes a community to educate a child.