Part II - Academic Policies

Student Conduct

Pinecrest is a structured school and as such expects proper behavior from its students. Among other things, a Pinecrest student is expected to:

1. Behave in an orderly, courteous and responsible way at all times.
2. Arrive at class on time each day, study diligently, and work without disturbing others.
3. Behave in a manner that does not harm another person - verbally or physically. Assaulting another person in any way is cause for suspension.
4. Care for personal and school property and respect the property of others.
5. Remain only in areas of the school designated for student use and supervised by an adult.
6. Understand that inappropriate language or disrespect towards adults will not be tolerated.
7. Address all adults on campus by their proper title, i.e., Miss, Mr., Mrs., followed by the last name, or “Coach” or “Nurse” followed by a first name. We ask that parents model this behavior by using correct business titles for school personnel, also.

Any serious infraction of the basic rules of acceptable behavior may result in suspension or expulsion by the Director.  In addition, Pinecrest is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination.  Actions, words, jokes or comments based on an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, etc., will not be tolerated.  Our character development program helps students practice positive behavior patterns.

Gum chewing is not permitted on the school grounds at any time. Students may not bring to school baseballs or hard balls of any kind, bats, paddles, Frisbees, or weapon-type toys, or such illegal items such as knives, matches or cigarettes. Contraband items will be confiscated and returned to parents, only.

Additionally, students are not to bring to school portable radios, tape-players, iPods, tape- or CD players, expensive jewelry or games, beepers, cell phones of any kind, or other similar personal items. Trading or game cards should be kept at home for weekend play. No toys should be brought to school.  Important:  Pinecrest cannot be responsible for lost, stolen or broken items.

Superheroes and the imitation of superheroes are common events in the lives of children. When this play becomes too aggressive or out of control, we need to look for different ways to help children express themselves.  Take note of the attitude toward school and learning expressed on some TV programs and use your own judgment when considering the purchase of related promotional items. A set of  “Red Rules” will be sent home for your signature.

- top -

Access to Student Records

It is the policy of Pinecrest School to provide custodial parents, non-custodial parents, and step-parents equal access to all the official records and reports regarding their children, as well as school announcements and related information. Each is also provided equal access to the children, the teachers and administrators, without notification of other parties, UNLESS such access is limited by a court of law.

- top -

Books and Supplies

Hardcover textbooks and considerable reference materials are supplied for students’ use during the school year. Students are required to return them in good condition at the end of the term. A charge will be made for lost or damaged books. Textbooks must be covered at all times and covers should be replaced when they become worn. “Book Sox” are available at the beginning of the school year. DO NOT USE CONTACT OR OTHER STICKY PAPER TO COVER. It is Pinecrest policy that school textbooks are not to be used at home during the school year, or over the summer, for review or extra practice.  Supplemental materials that reinforce concepts being taught in class are available at educational stores. Your child’s teacher or the principal can help you choose appropriate items.

Pinecrest students are also supplied with consumable workbooks, activity books, teacher-prepared lessons, and some arts and crafts supplies. A supply list will be on our website at the beginning of the school year listing supplies to be brought from home.

- top -

Book Bags

Books may be carried inside book bags or back packs only if the pack is small enough to fit easily into a cubby (K-3rd grade) or locker (4th and 5th grade). Duffel bags and sports bags are too large to bring to school and present a safety hazard.

- top -

Homework

Homework assignments are an outgrowth of classroom learning and experiences. Homework assignments have value in teaching students to assume responsibility for self-improvement, to exercise self-discipline and to develop time management skills. Students should complete homework assignments independently. Parents should monitor progress and provide encouragement.  The type and quantity of homework assigned will depend on the teacher’s judgment of students’ needs and their ability to complete.

The following guidelines will usually apply:

Teachers may modify this schedule, based upon the needs of their classes.

Students who are absent due to illness have one day for each absent day to make up work, beginning on the day they return to school. Homework for absent students may be obtained by calling the school office before 10:00 a.m. A homework packet will be available after 3:30 p.m. in the Elementary office.

- top -

Students in grades 1st and up are issued a Premier Discovery Agenda, containing a student Handbook, character development lessons, resources for academic success and monthly and weekly planners. Students are expected to record assignments and homework each day. Teachers also send home information for parents via the Agenda. Parent “homework” is to review the Agenda each evening and initial the page. There is also space at the bottom to communicate back and forth with the teacher.

Honor Roll

Grade-point averages are used for Grade 5.  In computing grade-point averages, the following scale is used:

A grade-point average between 3.0 and 3.6, without a “D”, “F” or “N” on the report card, earns “Honor Roll” status. Students with a grade-point average below 2.0 are placed on academic probation.

- top -

Progress Reports and Report Cards

Detailed report cards indicating scholastic progress are issued four times a year at approximately 10-week intervals. Each quarter is graded separately. Progress reports are sent home each Friday, so that there is opportunity for improvement before final grades are recorded. Parental conferences with teachers are scheduled as needed or requested by the parent or teacher. Parents are advised of incomplete class and homework assignments or unsatisfactory conduct. Tests and quizzes with grades lower than “C” will also be sent home for parent signature. Effort and citizenship grades only (E, S, N) are given in Art, Music, Library, and P.E., as well as K-2  Computers and Spanish. Stanford Achievement Tests (as well as the Early School Achievement Test in Kindergarten classes) are administered to all students in May.

We want all of our students to do well. If your student is having trouble in school, the teachers welcome your calls and conference requests.

- top -

Physical Education

Every student is expected to participate in physical education class each day. Grades are given based on participation, effort and attitude. An excuse from participation in P.E. activities for one to three days requires a written note signed and dated by a parent. After three days, a doctor’s note is required. All P.E. excuses should be delivered to the P.E. coach on the first excused day. If a permanent excuse from P.E. activities is given, or if more than 50% of P.E. days are missed, no P.E. grade will appear on the report card. A team sport or physical activity outside of Pinecrest may be substituted for P.E. credit for a maximum of two days per week with verification from an accredited school, program or instructor.

Swimming for all grades begins in June and continues through summer camp. A one-piece swimsuit and towel, marked clearly with student’s name, should be sent during swim season.

- top -

Study Hall

Study Hall rooms are available after school so students will have a quiet place in which to do their homework. Information about locations and times will be sent home. Students should be aware that study hall attendance is a privilege, provided for the convenience of Pinecrest students and their parents. Those who do not follow the rules and engage in disruptive conduct will be asked to leave.

Students may be assigned to Study Hall by parents or by a teacher if the need is indicated. Please contact the principal to arrange for mandatory Study Hall.

- top -

Teacher Conferences and Communication

Conferences are scheduled for all parents as requested by teacher or parent. Please feel free, however, to contact the school if you have questions or concerns. Your first contact should be with your classroom teacher. We ask that teachers try to return telephone calls within 24 hours after notification. Please remember, a teacher may not receive a phone message until the end of a school day or, possibly, the beginning of the next day. Teachers have a limited amount of time during the school day to make telephone calls. At times, teachers may telephone you during their planning period, and may be back in class when you return the call. We cannot interrupt teaching unless there is a true emergency. Please do not ask us to do so. Teachers will inform parents of the best times to reach them at Back-to-School Night.

- top -