About

Students enrolled in school must follow attendance laws.  It is imperative students attend school each day (unless sick or approved absence) to attain the necessary skills and mastery of academic standards.  Many important experiences result from the active participation in classroom and other school activities which cannot be replaced by individual study.  Additionally, arriving at school before 7:50 a.m. is critical as our students will receive periodic additional instruction and or fun activities from 7:45-7:50 a.m.  Good attendance also helps students develop a high quality work ethic which is developed early.

Unexcused absences from school are not acceptable.

Excused Absences and Tardies are as follows:  Personal illness/injury or exposure to a contagious disease, death in the immediate family, required court attendance, professional appointment, celebration of a religious holiday, suspension from school, military connected families’ absences related to deployment, and other such good cause as may be acceptable of the Superintendent or permitted by law. 

• Excused absences are recorded 

• Make-up work is allowed if completed in a reasonable time

Unexcused Absences and Tardies are as follows:  Missing the bus, trips, car trouble, oversleeping, and truancy are examples of unexcused absences 

• Unexcused absences WITH make-up credit:  Arrangement ahead of time AND approval must be granted.  In this case make-up work is allowed

• All completed work is due upon return to school

• Unexcused absences WITHOUT make-up credit:  (No arrangement or approval of the absence) Make-up work may be expected for educational development; however, credit will not be applied to grades. 

Habitual Truancy:  A student who has been found to be truant for the fifth time in a school year is considered a habitual truant.

School Activities:  Students who miss school for more than one-half (1/2) of the school day because of illness or unexcused absence may not attend after school activities the same day unless permission is granted by the principal.

Illness:  If a child is ill, the parent must notify the school before 9:00 a.m.  If a call has not been received by this time, we will call home, work, or an emergency number.

Return to school:  Students returning to school from an absence when no call was made shall have a note from a parent.  The note should contain the student’s name, reason for absence, date/time of absence, a parent signature and the phone number where the parent can be reached.  The note (or call) is to be presented to the school office upon return.

Professional Appointments:  Families are encouraged to schedule medical, dental, legal, and other necessary appointments at other times than during the school day if at all possible.  If this is not possible the student must: 

• Have a statement from his parents 

• Bring a signed statement from the doctor, dentist, lawyer, counselor, etc.

• Report back to school immediately after his/her appointment if school is still in session

Vacations during the school year:  If this is requested, parents must discuss this with the principal.  The length of absence should be made clear, and those involved should have an opportunity to express their views on the potential effects of the absence.  

• The corporation will only approve a student’s absence for a vacation when he/she will be in the company of his/her own parent unless there are extenuating circumstances deemed appropriate by the principal

• Assignments and materials may be given to the student and all assigned work is due back on the date of return to school

5 days of accumulated absence:  Written notice to the parent from the building administrator.

8 days of accumulated absence per year:  Personal contact to the parent from the building administrator.

10 days of accumulated absence per year:  Mandatory conference with the Corporation attendance officer to consider non-promotion or loss of credit and a referral to the Dubois County Division of Family and Children Services.  Please note that after 10 absences, no absence is excused.  Exceptions may be granted with a verified illness or injury.

Upon the accumulation of 7 unexcused absences, a referral will be made to the Dubois County Truancy Court.

Tardiness

School starts at 7:50 a.m.  A tardy will be issued until 9:00 a.m.  If a student arrives at school after 9:00 a.m., they will receive a half day unexcused absence.  If a student has a doctor’s appointment, a tardy will be issued up until 9:30a.m. if unaccompanied with a doctor’s note.

The penalty for tardiness will be left to the discretion of administration. Repeated tardiness to school and accumulated tardiness will be handled by the teacher, building administrator, and superintendent when needed.

No student will be allowed to leave school prior to dismissal time without either a written request signed by the parent/legal guardian or the parent coming to the school office to personally request the release.  In the event of an emergency, a phone call will be accepted only with proper parent verification.  Proper parent verification will include the following:  (1) child’s birth date, (2) the last four digits of the child's social security number, (3) name of emergency contact person.  Since all three items will be needed to verify the authenticity of the call, the parent/guardian is reminded to have this information available on them at all times.  No student will be released to a person other than a custodial parent without the appropriate permission by the custodial parent or other legal authorization.

Upon returning to school, students must inform the office of their arrival before returning to their classroom.

Bullying

Bullying as defined in State law means overt, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal or written communications transmitted, physical acts committed, or any other behaviors committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the other student.  This type of behavior is a form of harassment, although it need not be based on any of the legally protected characteristics, such as sex, race, color, national origin, or disability.  It would include, but not be limited to such behaviors as stalking, intimidating, menacing, coercion, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hazing.  Bullying will not be tolerated at Ireland Elementary.

Any student who believes he/she has been or is currently the victim of bullying should immediately report the situation to the principal or other employee.  Complaints against the principal should be filed with the superintendent.  Complaints against the superintendent should be filed with the Board president.  Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required to report any situation that they believe to be bullying behavior directed toward a student.  Reports may be made to those identified above.

 

Harassment

The school believes that every individual deserves to be able to come to school without fear of demeaning remarks or actions.  The harassment of other students or members of the staff, or any other individuals is not permitted.  This includes any speech or action that creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive learning environment.

Any student who believes that he/she is the victim of harassment or has observed such actions taken by another student, staff member, or other person should make contact with the principal or another staff member with whom the student would most likely be comfortable in discussing a matter of this kind.  During this contact, the student should provide the name of the person(s) responsible for the harassment and the nature of the harassing incident(s).  Each report received shall be investigated in a timely and confidential manner. 

 

The Board of School Trustees has adopted the following Code of Conduct.  This Code of conduct is applicable to students:

• On school property at any time

• During and immediately before and after any school activity at any location

• Traveling to and from school or to and from a school activity

Violations of the Code of Conduct may be punishable by suspension or expulsion:

• Knowingly interfering with school purposes or inducing another student to do so

• Stealing or damaging school property or property of another person

• Knowingly causing bodily harm to another person

• Threatening another person with bodily injury

• Possessing a firearm or any other object that is readily usable as a weapon or is dangerous to others

• Possessing, providing or using a drug or any type of drug-related paraphernalia except as authorized by prescription

• Possessing, providing or using any substance or any type of paraphernalia represented to be a drug or drug-related paraphernalia

• Possessing or providing an alcoholic beverage

• Consuming or being under the influence of a drug or alcohol except as authorized by prescription

• Possessing, providing, or using tobacco or any tobacco product

• Knowingly failing to report to scheduled assignment without permission or acceptable excuse

• Failing or refusing to comply with the directions of an adult supervising a class or school activity

• Directing unwelcome statements, communications, or conduct of a sexual nature to another person

• Materially altering any school document

• Violating Indiana or Federal law

• Leaving a school activity or school property without prior approval of a teacher or supervising adult

• Cheating on an academic assignment such as a test or homework, or knowingly assisting another student in cheating

• Attempting to conspiring with another person to violate any student behavior standard

Any clothing, accessory, or hairstyle that disrupts the educational process or presents a safety risk will not be permitted.  If a student has selected a manner of appearance that disrupts the educational process or presents risk to themselves or others, they may be removed from the educational setting.

Principles of good grooming and proper dress are necessary to create an atmosphere conducive to learning.  It is primarily the parents’ responsibility to insure that their sons and daughters adhere to these principles.  Tops must have a sleeve that covers your child’s shoulder.  Shorts may be worn in school, however, appropriate length will be enforced.   It will be announced at school when your child can not wear shorts to school anymore due to weather.  Sandals are permitted, but they must have heel straps for your child’s safety.  Flip-flops are not permitted.  Crop-tops are not permitted.

Anyone who brings their child(ren) to school by personal automobile should adhere to the following procedure.  All children are to be dropped off at the east end of the school building.  Students will enter the building through the third grade hallway and walk to the gym for morning supervision before school.  No children are to arrive before 7:15 a.m.

At dismissal, parents wishing to pick up their child(ren) should adhere to the following procedure.  All children will be dismissed at the south end of the school building.  Parents should remain in their vehicles.  School personnel will be stationed on the sidewalk to assist children.  We will radio the school to send those students outside for immediate pick-up.  Dismissal starts at 2:35p.m.

All students will enter the vehicle on the curbside, thus you must travel around the school, as in the morning, pull up alongside the cafeteria, parked in a westerly direction.  Place student name card on the car visor for quick recognition.  Traffic must continue to flow.  Please pass this information onto anyone that will be picking up your child(ren) from school. Any person, other than a parent/guardian, picking up a student must have provided a parent permission note to the office before pick up.  We will record this information on our daily master sheet.  Children walking home will be released upon the departure of the buses. 

 

Fire, Disaster (Tornado), and Lockdown Drills

The school complies with all fire safety laws and will conduct fire drills in accordance with State law.  Specific instructions on how to proceed will be provided to students by their teachers who are responsible for the safe, prompt, and orderly evacuation of the building.

Tornado and lock down drills will be conducted using the procedures prescribed by the State.   Lockdown drills are conducted using the procedures prescribed by the administration of the Greater Jasper Consolidated School Corporation.

 

Safety

With the highest level of support from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, representatives from the Indiana State Police Department, the Jasper City Police, and the Dubois County Sheriff’s Department have contacted our school corporation and requested permission to have state troopers and officers walk the halls during school hours.  They have also offered to perform programs about general safety and various state laws as time permits during regular school hours.  

Our school was not chosen as a result of any study, safety concern or worry related to any pre-existing safety problem.  This is part of a statewide initiative by the Indiana State Police to increase the visibility of law enforcement in Indiana schools.  The benefit of this is two-fold; an added level of security for our children and the opportunity for the student body to interact with police officers in a positive learning environment.  Please keep this in mind as you may see police cars in the school parking lots and your children may tell you about officers walking the hallways of their school. 

Our school has welcomed the presence of our local state troopers and officers, who are part of our community, and view this as an opportunity to enhance the safety of our existing school safety plan. 

 

Emergency Closings and Delays

If the school must be closed or the opening delayed because of inclement weather or other conditions, the following radio stations will be notified:         WITZ (104.7) WBDC (100.9)

Parents will also be called using the School Reach notification system as soon as the closing has been announced by the Superintendent of GJCS.

Parents and students are responsible for knowing about emergency closings and delays.  Visit www.gjcs.k12.in.us for school closing information.

 

Injury and Illness

All injuries must be reported to a teacher or the office.  If minor, the student will be treated and may return to class. If medical attention is required, the office will follow emergency procedures and attempt to make contact with the student’s parents.

A student who becomes ill during the school day should request permission from the teacher to go to the office.  The nurse/office will determine whether or not the student should remain in school or go home.  No student will be released from school without proper parental permission.

 

Immunizations

Per Indiana Code 20-34-4-1, all students must be up to date on all required immunizations by the first day of school, or have a religious or medical exemption on file, with the appropriate documentation provided. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements have a grace period of 20 calendar days and are required to submit a statement or appointment card from their physician or the local health department indicating they are in the process of completing their immunizations. In accordance with the Indiana State Law, if we have not received the appropriate documentation within this time frame, we are required to exclude the student from school until compliance is met. Any questions may be directed to the school nurse, the Dubois County Health Department, or your family physician. A detailed description of the most recent required and recommended immunizations for school aged children in Indiana is listed below.

 

 

Use of Medication

In those circumstances where a student must take prescribed medication during the school day, the following guidelines are to be observed:

• All medications must be brought to the nurse’s office by the parent in the original container in which it was given by the pharmacist. 

• Parents, with their physician’s counsel, should determine whether the medication schedule can be adjusted to avoid administering medication during school hours.

• The Medication Request and Authorization form must be filed with the nurse/office before the student will be allowed to begin taking any medication during school hours.

• Medication that is brought to the office will be properly secured.

• Students who may require administration of an emergency medication may have such medication stored in the nurse’s office.

• Unused medicine by students in kindergarten through grade 8 must be sent home only through the student’s parent or by an individual who is at least 18 years old and is designated in writing by the student’s parent to receive the medications.

• Any unused or unclaimed medication will be destroyed by the school nurse when the prescription is no longer to be administered or at the end of the school year.

• A log of each prescribed medication will be maintained which notes the personnel giving the medication, the date, and the time of day.

Non-prescribed Medications - Parents may authorize the school to administer non-prescribed medication.  Written authorization from the parent or guardian must be on file in the office of the school nurse prior to the administration of the treatment.  All medications must be in their original containers.

 

Head Lice

Following the evidence based recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), who define pediculosis (head lice) as a nuisance rather than a disease, students found to have nits and/or lice will remain at school until the end of the day. Parents of affected students will be notified of the need for treatment and educated on proper treatment procedures. All siblings of affected students in the school corporation will be examined as well. Students will be reexamined the next day and if live lice are found following treatment, the student may not return to school and will be sent home to be treated again. 

The presence of nits will not prohibit a student from attending school; however, education to parents will be reinforced of the importance of removing all nits to prevent the chance of a recurrence. Information about the control of head lice, modes of transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and examination, can be found on the CDC website, or you may contact the Dubois County Health Department, your family physician, or the school nurse.

 

Control of Casual-Contact Communicable Diseases and Pests

Because schools have a high concentration of people, it is necessary to take specific measures when the health and safety of the group is at risk.  The school’s professional staff has the authority to remove or isolate a student who has been ill or has been exposed to a communicable disease or highly-transient pest.

Specific diseases include; diphtheria, scarlet fever, strep infections, whooping cough, mumps, measles, rubella, and other conditions indicated by local and state health departments.

Any removal will be only for the contagious period.

The lost and found area is outside the office.  Students who have lost items should check there and may retrieve their items if they give a proper description.  Unclaimed items will be given to charity at the close of the school year.

Ireland Elementary School participates in the National School Lunch Program and makes meals available to students for the following fees:

  Student     Adult

Breakfast - Free $2.00/day

Lunch- Free $3.50/day

Lunch money will be collected for deposit in each student’s individual meal account.  If possible please send your child’s money on a Monday.  Families having more than one child in school may pay for all children with one check.  It is essential that a note be included in the envelope to inform us of desired distribution of funds.  This can be paid weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly.  Each student should bring money in a sealed envelope with his/her name, grade, teacher’s name and amount of money written on envelope.

Students may also bring their own lunch to school to be eaten in the cafeteria.  While you have the right to send lunch with your child, you do not have the right to supply other children with food.  We strongly encourage your child’s participation in our schools’ lunch programs.  In doing so, you will ensure that your child has all the balanced nutrients as prescribed and mandated by the State of Indiana.  However, if you choose to send lunch to school with your child, we encourage a well-balanced meal.  Milk can be purchased for $.50.  We strongly discourage fast food and “junk food”.

Applications for the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program are located online.  Please contact the school principal to inquire about this program.

Each student is expected to eat at school unless the parent writes a note regarding special arrangements.  An adult may eat lunch with their child at school by notifying the office no later than 9:00 a.m. of that day.  Stop by the office to purchase your meal ticket.  Lunch menus are published in The Herald each Friday or on www.ireland.gjcs.k12.in.us.

 

 

 

Lunch Payment Breakdown

 

FREE MEALS FOR 2021-2022; no need to send in lunch money this year!

Make checks payable to Ireland Elementary School.  

FIRST DAY = $2.00

 

MONTHLY

        Running total

14 days August $28.00 $  28.00

21 days September $42.00 $  70.00

17 days October $34.00 $104.00

18 days November $36.00 $140.00

14days December $28.00 $168.00

19 days January $38.00 $206.00

19 days February $38.00 $244.00

18 days March $36.00 $280.00

20 days April $40.00 $320.00

20 days May $40.00 $360.00

 

QUARTERLY

 

1st Quarter $84.00

2nd Quarter $84.00

3rd Quarter     $96.00

4th Quarter $96.00

 

SEMESTER

 

1ST Semester    $178.00

2nd Semester    $182.00

 

YEAR     $360.00

 

Note:  This breakdown doesn’t include any field trips.

The normal school day for all students is from 7:50 a.m. until 2:50 p.m.  An adult supervisor is present each morning starting at 7:15 a.m. to supervise students; doors aren’t open until then.  Breakfast will be served from 7:15 am until 7:45 am.

 

Outdoor Recess

Students will be going outside for recess unless it is snowing, raining, or the wind chill is in the teens.  Please have your child(ren) dress appropriately such as a coat, hat, and gloves.

Use of Telephones

Office telephones are not to be used for personal calls.  Except in an emergency, students will not be called to the office to receive a telephone call.  

Students are prohibited from possessing/using cellular phones on school property.

 

Possession of Electronic Equipment

Electronic devices are not allowed anywhere on the school premises.  Such items included, but not limited to, are handheld games, I-pods, airpods, Nintendo D.S., cell phones, and any other high-tech devices that are not needed for education.  Any forbidden equipment will be confiscated and disciplinary action will be taken.

 

Homework

Homework is properly defined as any work planned or approved by the teacher to be completed by the student outside of the regular classroom without the immediate and direct supervision of the teacher.

We believe:

1. Assigning homework is an acceptable practice.  It becomes an essential part of the total education of the student when it provides the opportunity for the student to: 

   1. Practice, apply, integrate, extend or prepare for school learning.

   2. Reinforce independent work-study skills.

   3. Use school and community resources.

   4. Develop self-discipline.

   5. Be original and creative.

2. Homework must be based on student needs, capabilities, and/or interests.

3. Each teacher, student, and parent has a responsibility for ensuring the success of homework assignments.

   1. The teacher for following district and school guidelines when assigning homework.

   2. The student for completing the assignments according to the criteria established by or with the teacher.

   3. The parent for providing the work area, time, encouragement, and conditions necessary for the student to complete the assignments.

Homework Objectives

1. To reinforce learning through the practice, application, integration, extension, and/or preparation of knowledge and skills.

2. To develop study skills, work habits and a sense of personal responsibility so that the student may become an independent learner.

3. To stimulate originality and creativity.

4. To enrich school experiences and encourage a carryover into leisure and career-centered interests.

 

Late Homework Policies by Grade Level

Grades 1st & 2nd -  Report Card 

S - 0-6 late assignments

N - 6-9 late assignments  - parents receive notification for each one

U - 10+ late assignments - parents receive notification for each one

 

Grades 3rd, 4th, & 5th -  Report Card

S - 0-3 late assignments

N - 4-7 late assignments - parents receive notification for each one

U - 8 or more late assignments - parents receive notification for each one

 

Classroom reward/consequences

S - 0-3 late notes - student will be eligible for classroom reward/activity (if teacher  designates a reward or activity for the quarter)

N - 4-7 late notes - student loses eligibility for quarter reward/activity

U - 8 or more late notes - student loses eligibility for quarter reward/activity 

and

Student loses first scheduled privilege of the quarter (field trip, program, etc.) if late assignments continue to occur during the quarter and also further reprimands will be made by the classroom teacher.

All doors including the main entrance will be locked at all times.

Student safety is a responsibility of students and the staff.  All staff members are familiar with emergency procedures such as fire, tornado, and lock down drills, as well as accident reporting procedures.  Should a student be aware of any dangerous situation or accident, he/she must notify a staff member immediately.

All students must have an emergency medical card completed, signed by a parent or guardian, and filed in the school office.  This is typically accomplished during or before registration.  However, if a phone number or address changes, families must notify the school so that proper emergency contact information is entered.

Students with specific health care needs should submit those needs in writing and with proper documentation by a physician to the school office.

Bus Transportation

The school corporation provides bus transportation for all students, as the bus schedule and routes are electronically developed and manipulated.  The bus schedule and route is available by contacting Ireland Elementary School at 812-482-7751.

Students will be assigned a school bus based upon the location of pick-up and drop-off.  A change in a student’s regular bus assignment may be granted for special needs, if a note from a parent is submitted to the principal stating the reason for the request and the duration of the change.  However, all changes must be approved as the capacity of each bus is different and our central office administration will closely monitor the routes.

 

Bus Conduct

Students riding to and from school on transportation provided by the school are required to follow basic safety rules.  The driver is responsible for student safety and may assign seating or direct the student in any reasonable manner to maintain safety.  The following behaviors are expected of all students:

Prior to Loading

• Be on time at the designated loading zone

• Stay off the road at all times while walking to and waiting for the bus

• Line up single file off the roadway to enter

• Wait until the bus is completely stopped before moving forward to enter

• Refrain from crossing the highway until the bus driver signals it is safe

• Go immediately to a seat and be seated

It is the parents’ responsibility to inform the bus driver when their child will not be boarding.  The bus will not wait.

During the Trip

• Remain seated while the bus is in motion

• Keep head, hands, arms, and legs inside the bus at all times

• Do not litter in the bus or throw anything from the bus

• Keep books, packages, coats, and all other objects out of the aisles

• Be courteous to the driver and to other bus riders

• Do not tamper with the bus or any of its equipment

Leaving the Bus

• Remain seated until the bus has stopped

• Cross the road, when necessary, at least 10 feet in front of the bus, but only after the driver signals that it is safe

• Be alert to a possible danger signal from the driver

A driver will not discharge a student at a place other than their regular stop unless he/she has proper authorization from school officials.

A student who becomes a behavior problem on the bus shall be disciplined and may be deprived of the privilege of riding the bus.

Parking

In the event you wish to visit school or need to pick up your child(ren) early, you may park in one of two areas.  You may either park in the blacktopped parking lot across County Road 500 W, if you plan to visit for a lengthy period of time, or along the drive by the bell tower, for shorter visits. 

NOTE:  During morning arrival and evening dismissal, buses will utilize the drive by the bell tower for the loading of students.  Absolutely no cars will be permitted before 8:30 A.M. or after 2:30 P.M. for safety reasons.

If a student plans to transfer from Ireland Elementary School to another school corporation, the parent must notify the teacher, principal, and office.  School records will be sent to the new school corporation when a signed release of records is received from the new school.

Our school did a wonderful job with our canned food drive!  We collected a few thousand items for the local food bank!

Every year, Ireland Elementary School participates in "Kids Caring and Sharing" Week!  This past year, our students had fun dress up days, a coloring contest, and a popsicle party all in an effort to raise money.

Every year before Christmas, our students donate new toys for "Toys for Tots"! 

Before Christmas, our Ireland students donated items to build basket for individuals homebound.  We were able to build 20 baskets for our local community members.  During a Family Fun Night, students built the baskets and wrote cards for each one.  Thanks to all for your support!