B.  LIFE-LONG GUIDELINES 

Pride Rules

Megaskills

  Parade of Honor

Presidential Education Award: The average of semester scores in science, math, language arts, and social studies from the last 3 semesters (2 fourth grade semesters and 1 fifth grade semester) is 95% or better and teacher recommendation.

Presidential Education Improvement Award - Students demonstrating: tremendous academic or social growth and improvement, unusual commitment to learning and improving in academics despite various   obstacles

Honor Student: Three semesters of straight A’s.  (Two semesters in 4th grade and one semester in 5th grade.)

Perfect Attendance in Grades 1-5 : No absences recorded in grades 1-5

Outstanding Attendance in Grade 5 : Students will qualify for Parade of Honors with an outstanding attendance if they are not ABSENT from school for any reason with these Exceptions: 1.  Required religious leave 2.  If bus service does not run due to inclement weather or break down. 3.  Approved funeral leave 4.  Court subpoena

Presidential Fitness Award : Standards are met in grade

Citizenship Award - 1) School – wide discipline records: no detentions and not more than 2 clipboard marks on the school clipboard per grading period during the first 3 grading periods of the 5th grade.  2) Classroom clipboard records:  4 or less marks on classroom clipboard per nine weeks (if student earns more than 4 in any of the three nine weeks, they are out of the pool). 3) Students must be involved in one of the following:  Destination Imagination, Chorale/Band, Century Club Participant, Yearbook, MegaSkill Wall of Fame Nominee , Solo/Ensemble Contest, Media Fair Participant, Tech Fair (during applicable year), Spelling Bee Participant, Exhibits leadership in the classroom, Fund Raiser Winners.

If a student meets all of the above criteria, they will earn the citizenship award for the Parade of Honors: B.I.S. Spelling Bee Champion

If a fifth grade student qualifies in at least one of the above areas, then achievements in the following areas will also be recognized: Century Club Member, Spelling Bee Alternate, Indiana Mathematics League Participant, League participant in science and/or social studies, Media Fair state finalist / winner           

Technology

Two iMac computer labs are available for class instruction and student use.  Weekly lessons are used to support classroom lessons by using technology as a tool to support instruction.  Students learn a variety of skills as they work with word processing, database, spreadsheets, multimedia and the Internet.

All students must adhere to the following rules when using the Internet at school: 1.  A student and parent signed Use Agreement Form is on file in school office. 2.  An adult gives permission for use. 3.  An adult is present.

Two wireless iBook mobile labs are available for use anywhere in the school.  Older Macintosh computers are also available for use in classrooms.  These older computers, including laptops, are part of the “adopt a computer” program in which students take home computers for several months at a time.

Programs for learning disabled, mildly mentally handicapped, emotionally handicapped, speech, hearing impaired, and moderately handicapped students are offered.  Teachers or parents may refer students for assessment for these programs.  

Programs for academically talented students are supported in the classroom to extend learning opportunities.  A gifted education teacher coordinates a variety of activities appropriate to the needs of gifted students.

Students participate in two music class periods per week.  Students learn basic music skills with an emphasis on note reading, singing, and instrument playing.  A Holiday and Spring concert are presented to provide students an opportunity to “be on stage” to share their musical talents with parents and family members.

 *One-fourth grade student, and one-fifth grade student will be recognized monthly for outstanding effort and achievement.

Students participate in a weekly art class conducted by a certified art teacher.  A variety of art media are incorporated into instruction including painting, drawing, pottery, and weaving.  
*One-fourth grade student, and one-fifth grade student will be recognized monthly for outstanding effort and achievement

P.E. classes are conducted biweekly by a physical education teacher.  Basic skill development, leadership, cooperation, and physical fitness are stressed in the program.  Students participate in the President’s Physical Fitness test in the fall and spring. 
*One-fourth grade student, and one-fifth grade student will be recognized monthly for outstanding effort and achievement.

Guidance lessons will be conducted in each classroom as needed.  Students are trained in Megaskills use, conflict resolution, study skills, health awareness issues, and appropriate manners.

One student per classroom shall be chosen for the Megaskill Wall of Fame as dictated by the Megaskill schedule.  Students shall be selected by the team of adults who work most closely with them.

Weekly classes include both instruction and time to check out a variety of reading materials.  Students and parents are encouraged to use the media center any time classes are not being conducted.  The media center is staffed by a licensed media specialist and a full-time aide.  During flex time students and staff have access to the media center and computer lab. 

Students are exposed to a variety of art fields through a cooperative working relationship with an artist in residence.  This artist works with students over several weeks throughout the school year modeling his or her profession and area of expertise.  Past artists have included sculptors, storytellers, choreographers, opera production staff, and painters.  This program is made possible by a community cultural arts program.

Teachers and parents may recommend students to participate in the two week August Jump Start summer school program.  This program prepares students to begin the new school year by involving them in a refresher course on basic math and language arts skills.  Priority will be given to students demonstrating a strong need for this type of program.

Students are encouraged to read throughout the summer months and school year and keep a record of the number of pages and book titles, which have been read.  Forms for recording are distributed to students at the end of the school year and are available in the office.  Students reading 7,000 pages and/or 100 books at an appropriate reading level will qualify for a special celebration.   The deadline for this program is the first week of April.

Students are encouraged to read all twenty books identified on the suggested reading list.  Computerized tests over each book are given to participating students.  Literary discussion groups meet to discuss their reading throughout the year.  Trophies are awarded to students successfully completing all twenty books.  Books read for this program may also be recorded on Century Club forms.

This after-school singing group meets weekly to rehearse and perfect choral performances.  This group performs at school concerts and travels to perform in musical competitions.  Try-outs for this group are held in the fall shortly after school begins.

This group meets to introduce basic beginning band instruction and is open to 5th grade students.  Parents of all 4th and 5th grade students are invited to attend the spring orientation meeting.  Students who have completed the 4th grade and up may enroll in the summer band program.

Students meet after school to plan the B.I.S. yearbook.  Students learn about photography, designing page layouts, creative clip art design, and caption writing. This PTSO sponsored club is directed by a parent volunteer.

This after school program is a seven member creative problem solving team activity.  Try-outs for these groups are held in the fall.  Each team commits to developing a solution/presentation for competition. This club is dependent on number of students who participate.

Batesville Intermediate School offers both a breakfast and lunch program.  Breakfast includes milk, juice, and a selection of bread, cereal, or meat item(s).  Breakfast is served from 7:30-7:55 a.m.  Students may choose to bring their lunches to school. Drinks may be purchased or brought from home (noglass containers or soda pop will be allowed.)  “Fast food” lunches or beverages” are not permitted in the cafeteria for students or adults.  We are trying to teach students good nutrition as part of our lunch program and these items do not provide a balanced lunch.  Students are not permitted to leave school for lunch except in special cases where the parent has made personal arrangements in advance with the approval of the administration.

If a child is allergic to milk and/or dairy products and wants an orange drink for lunch instead of milk, the parent must obtain a written statement from the child’s doctor stating the child’s allergy and the need for a substitute product.  This is required by the state/federal regulations.   An allergy form is available from the BIS cafeteria manager at 934-5175. 

All students will be issued a “lunch card” with a predetermined bar code.  This card will be used to computerize lunch transactions in place of cash payments. No cash will be accepted in the cafeteria.  Students are requested to make deposits at the beginning of the week.  Any amount of money is acceptable, e.g. $5.00/week, $20.00/month.  The students are responsible for filling out the deposit slips and they will be given a receipt.  Checks should be made payable to Batesville Intermediate School.  Deposits will be collected in the morning between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m.

Students are responsible for taking care of the card throughout the entire school year.  If the lunch card is damaged and is unable to be scanned, a new lunch card must be purchased.  Replacement cards will be made at a charge of $1.00.  You must have a lunch card before any extras can be purchased.

Account balance slips are issued each week and will be given to students.

Counseling services will include assisting students in the transition between schools, lessons on conflict resolution and drug awareness, coordinating school-wide projects which promote the use of MegaSkills, and social and personal counseling.  We urge parents to contact the school and/or their child’s teacher if a question, problem, or concern arises.

When students become ill during the school day, they should tell their teacher.  If the teacher agrees that they are too ill to be in class, they will be sent with a pass from that teacher to the office.  The general guidelines for sending students home ill are: temperature of 100 or more, vomiting, diarrhea, and or serious injury or extreme pain.  If they are too ill to remain at school, the parent or contact listed on the registration will be called to come after them. All schools in the corporation share a nurse.

Proper Procedure for Medications Taken at School - Prescription Drugs can be given at school if prescribed by a physician and ordered to be taken at school.   The permission form to administer medication is to be filled out by the physician and parent.  This form may be obtained through the school office.  The medication must be brought to the office in the original container and the permission form to administer medication with it.  According to Batesville Community School Corporation Policy 6.0-31, a written order of a practitioner must accompany the medicine.  The school may contact the physician if there are any questions regarding the medication ordered for the well being of the student.

Over the counter medication can be given at school.  If given, the medication must be sent to school in the original manufacturer’s package or container.  The student’s name must be on the medication package and a note from the parent.  The note should contain: date, name of student, name of medication, and amount to be given, time to be given and the time this medication was last given.  There are two ways a student may receive medications: 1.  The student’s parent may come to school and give the medication. 2.  The school nurse or office personnel may give the medication only if the medication is accompanied by the above information.

All medications must be brought to the office immediately.  It should not be kept in pockets, lockers, desks or backpacks.  It is the student’s responsibility to come to the clinic to take the medication.  By State Law, I.C.20-8.1-5.1-7.5 and 7-22 students from preschool to grade 8 are prohibited from carrying medications home.  Students are not permitted to take home any prescription or over-the-counter medication which has been stored at school.  An example would be an inhaler or antibiotic.  The medication can be released to the parent or to an individual 18 years or older, who is previously designated in written form to remove such medication by the student’s parents.

If a child has head lice or lice eggs (nits), the parent(s) or guardian will be called and the child will be sent home.  All lice and/or nits must be removed before the child can return to the classroom.  So it is imperative that the child be treated and all nits removed immediately so that the child can return to school the next day.

Bus transportation is provided for all students.  Students are expected to ride the bus to which they have been assigned and to get off at their assigned bus stop.  Students will not be allowed to ride another bus or go home with a friend without permission from the parent.  A note must be given to the teacher giving permission to alter the normal mode of transportation home.  Bus drivers will not allow students to ride an unassigned bus or get off at a different stop without administrative and parent approval.

All students are expected to ride their assigned bus.  In the event it becomes necessary for a parent to pick students up or drop them off at school, drivers should closely follow the one-way signs.  The student drop-off and pick-up zone is located on the west side of the building near the playground parking lot.  All vehicles are expected to exit using the 5th street exit.   The lane in front of the building is for bus use only.

Bicycle riders and walkers should use extreme caution as they go home.  Bike racks will be provided but it is the student’s responsibility to provide a chain and lock.  The school is not responsible for bicycles.

Parents wishing to schedule a conference with a teacher, counselor, and/or administrator may telephone the school office (934-5701) and ask to make an appointment anytime throughout the school year.  School-wide parent teacher conferences are scheduled during the fall, one time per year.                   

Parents are given the opportunity to purchase student accident insurance for their child at a reasonable rate.  Forms are sent home with students at the beginning of the year.  We urge parents to read these forms carefully before making a decision to purchase.

Lockers are provided for students within the classroom.  The school cannot be responsible for items left in lockers.  Lockers are issued to you as a service and for your convenience, but the school cannot guarantee the security of the lockers.  The classroom teacher will make specific locker assignments.

Any personal property that will cause disruption in school or on the bus will not be permitted.  Radios, tape recorders, tapes, toys, electronic games, laser lights, baseballs, softballs, bats and racketsare not allowed at school.  Should these items be brought to school, they will be taken to the office and the student may pick up at the end of the day or parents may be contacted to claim your property.  The school will not be responsible for personal property.  This includes property brought to school for instructional projects, as well as all other personal property.  If an item is considered to be used unsafely or a disruptive to learning, then the item will be removed and arrangements will be made for its return to the student.

Go carts, mini bikes, snowmobiles, off-road, all other all-terrain vehicles, horses, skateboards and roller blades are not allowed on school property.

The BIS cafeteria provides a birthday treat to celebrate our BIS student birthdays on the last Friday of each month.  If you are sending special items to your child (i.e. balloons, flowers, etc.) be advised that they will be sent down to the classrooms at the end of the day as to not disrupt instruction.  The BIS PTSO provides activities and treats for student parties.

Book rental and fees are assessed to every student.  The amount covers the cost of the textbooks, instructional materials, handbooks, assignment book, and certain projects.  Students are responsible for the damage or loss of textbooks and must pay for their repair or replacement.  Forms are available in the office for families who may qualify for textbook assistance.

A list of supplies students are expected to purchase and bring from home is distributed during registration.  Pencils, paper, replacement eight pocket folders, binding for folders, and replacement assignment books may be purchased at school.  Costs are:                

Pencils                                    $0.25

Eight Pocket folders                  $2.75

Assignment Book                     $3.85

Students may use the office phone with permission from the office staff in emergency and exceptional situations only.  Rearranging after school plans is not a permissible use.  Use of telephone may be denied for forgotten lunch, homework, books, gym shoes, and other similar items.  All incoming messages should be made to the office prior to 2:30 p.m. so students may receive messages before dismissal.

A professional photographer takes school pictures during the month of September and again in the Spring.  A note will be sent home explaining choice options, photo dates, and payment procedures.           

The Batesville Intermediate School PTSO is an organized parent volunteer program.  They conduct scheduled meetings.  Parents should look for more information coming home at the beginning of the year concerning fund raising, programs, and meetings.   A sign up sheet is passed out at the beginning of the year.

Regular attendance in school is essential for a quality education.  A good attendance record is necessary in establishing a sound educational foundation in each of our young people.  Students with poor attendance often lose interest in school, tend to feel left out, and are commonly dropouts later in their educational career.    Make 100% attendance your goal for this year.  We expect you in school every day.                 

Students will not be eligible for an outstanding attendance certificate if they are ABSENT from school for any reason. Exceptions: 1.  Required religious leave 2.  If bus service does not run due to inclement  weather or break down. 3.  Approved funeral leave 4.  Court subpoena                 

Each student is allowed a maximum of ten (10) days absence from school per semester.  When a student reaches five (5) and again eight (8) absences for the semester, a phone call will be made, a letter sent or a parent conference may be scheduled to notify the parents of the consequences of any further absences.  On the tenth (10th) absence in one semester, both the student and the parents will be required to sign an Attendance Contract which notifies all parties of the consequences of any further absences from school.  At the beginning of each semester the student starts over with a new ten-day limit.

1.  When a student is absent, a note stating the reason for the absence must be sent to school when the child returns.  The student’s parent(s) or guardian must sign this note.

2.  If a child has a doctor or dentist’s appointment during the school day, the parent must pick up the child at the office.  Parents or any other authorized adult must sign the student out at the office.   No child will be allowed to wait for a parent outside the school building.

3.  Students who return to school during the school day from an appointment or an absence must stop at the office and check in with the receptionist.

4.  Students are required to make up all work missed.  Parents may request homework assignments if their child will be absent for a lengthy period of time.  Please call the school office by 9:00 AM if you are requesting homework and the teacher will send it to the office for a 3:00 PM pick up.

1.  Death and funeral of member of the household and/or immediate family.  This is a legally excused absence from school.  Five (5) non-counting days are allotted for a student due to the death of his father, mother, guardian, brother, sister, grandparent, or step-sibling.  One (1) day absence will be allowed due to the death of any other blood relative.  Additional days of absences for out of state funerals will be considered on an individual basis by the administration.

2.  Lengthy hospital stays; documented by a doctor’s slip.

3.  For this age child, childhood diseases are unlimited; i.e. mumps, measles, chicken pox, whooping cough.  Must be documented by either a parent note or a doctor’s slip.

4.  Religious Observation (required):  Must be verified by a note from the parent.

5.  Court Appearance:  Court appearance verified by a subpoena, summons, or written notice from an officer of the Court, will be excused.

6.  No regular school bus pick-up at residence due to inclement weather or bus breakdown.

7.  School-related injury, for the day missed only.

8.  Any student who becomes incapacitated or suffers from a chronic illness must have a parent or legal guardian file with the school corporation the “Indiana Department of Education Certificate of Child’s capacity.”  After approval of this request, days absent from school will not count against the 10-day limit.

9.  Administration consideration may be given when an extenuating circumstance would indicate that it would be in the best interest of the student or school.

1.  Illness for which the child is seen by a doctor and the child brings in a physician’s statement.

2.  Personal illness not under a physician’s care.  Requires a signed parent’s note.  If the illness is lengthy or reoccurring, the school may request a doctor’s verification of the chronic ailment. 

4.  A student absent due to head lice or the presence of nits will be counted as excused.  This is a highly communicable pest and the child cannot remain at school.  If this becomes reoccurring, absences will be unexcused.  (See Head Lice/”No Nit Policy”)

5.  Family trips (maximum of 5 days per year, even though one day at a time may be used up to a total of five (5).  Family trip is defined as at least one parent or legal guardian accompanying the student.  These trips must be prearranged with the school administration.  Forms are available from the BIS office.

6.  Administrative consideration may be given when an extenuating circumstance would indicate that it would be in the best interest of the student or school.

1.  Unexcused absences are all absences that do not include written or oral communication from the parent.

2.  Unexcused days are all those that are not cited above in the unlimited days or excused absence categories.

3.  Oversleeping is an unexcused absence.

4.  After five (5) total absences, parents will be sent a letter explaining the attendance policy.

5.  After the sixth (6) unexcused absence, the parents will be sent a second letter notifying the parents that the child is truant.  The Division of Family and Children shall be contacted.  Information related to the unexcused absence shall be shared with this agency to seek assistance to correct attendance concerns.

Students are expected to be in their classrooms ready to begin work at 8:00 a.m.  Students who arrive after

8:00 a.m. will be considered tardy.  Contact will be made with the parents if a child is tardy more than seven times.

Parents are urged to make dental, medical, and other appointments after school hours.  If it becomes necessary for you to check out during the day, parents must report to the office to sign you out.  Office personnel will call you from class.  Students must have parent or guardian permission before early check out will be permitted.  No student will be allowed to check himself/herself out.

The PTSO funds educational field trips for each grade level.  These field trips are planned to coordinate with the grade level curriculum and prepare students for classroom activities.  All children are expected to participate in these trips.  Information notes and permission slips will be sent home with students prior to the trip.  Students are expected to follow all rules and directions of the adults present and to behave properly on the trip.  Parents who attend are expected to chaperone and supervise.  (Parent, legal guardian or custodial parent of the enrolled student is allowed to chaperone.  Parents do not find a substitute chaperone if they cannot attend, the school will make those arrangements if an additional chaperone is needed.)  On most field trips parents will be required to ride the bus, with higher numbers of chaperones, parents may be asked to drive separately if there is no space on the bus.  All students must ride the school bus provided.

We believe homework should provide practice, reinforcement, review and enrichment.  Homework should encourage the growth of responsibility, involve parents in their child’s education, set a pattern for study for the rest of their lives, and teach a child to focus and to use school time wisely.  The B.I.S. staff believes in the following regarding homework:

1.Homework should be meaningful. Homework should not consistently extend to more than an hour per evening.

2.Homework over weekends will be infrequent and tests on Mondays or on the first day back after a vacation will be avoided whenever possible.

3.The amount of homework a child has often reflects how the child uses his/her time in class.

4.Parents should “guide” daily homework and not do it themselves

The B.I.S. staff has established the above homework guidelines.  Complete homework assignments are expected to be recorded in the assignment book.  Parents are to “sign off” only when they have checked to make sure the assignment has been completed.  Fourth and fifth grade students have projects that need to be worked on over a period of time.  Specific purposes, suggested times, conditions that affect the amount of time spent on homework, and suggestions for parent involvement with homework will be communicated through special notes home or in the newsletter.

ALL STUDENTS MUST USE THE ASSIGNMENT BOOK AND 8 FILE FOLDERS.  Together these act as an effective communication device.  CHECK THE ASSIGNMENT BOOK FOR SPECIAL MESSAGES.

Parents may request homework assignments if a student is absent.  Please call the school office by 9:00 a.m. if you are requesting homework and the teacher will send it to the office for a 3 p.m. pick up.  Please do not expect the teacher to gather these materials on a short notice because that would mean he/she would have to quit teaching or working with students in order to fulfill your request.

Communication

                  Progress reports and report cards are sent home regularly during the mid point and end of each nine week grading period.  Phone calls will be made when a concern or praise is in need of mentioning. We encourage parents to do the same.  We pledge to keep you informed about your child’s social, emotional, and academic progress in a reasonable manner. 

Students are expected to keep themselves clean, well groomed, and neatly dressed at all times.  Dress should be appropriate for the current and projected weather.  The rooms at B.I.S. are air conditioned and usually very comfortable even in hot weather.  Shirts advertising alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs, profanity or with questionable printing on them are not permitted.  Short shorts, halter-tops, spaghetti or thin strap tank tops, bare midriff tops, and overly revealing clothing are deemed unacceptable.  Excessively ripped or torn clothing is not appropriate.  Please use common sense and dress appropriately for the weather.  Flip flop shoes are discouraged in order to prevent injury while on the playground.  Overly informal dress may reflect on the student’s attitude toward learning.  Hats, handkerchiefs, and scarves  are not to be worn in the building except on a designated hat day.  We presume parents are aware of their child’s dress.  The administration/office may call home for a change of clothing if the article of clothing I judged to be inappropriate per our policy.

We believe that the purpose of discipline is to foster responsibility, independence, positive attitudes, and self-discipline.  We further believe students learn appropriate behavior by having a clear understanding of expectations, understand the limits of one’s freedom and actions as they relate to others.  It is our hope and belief that all students will learn from their mistakes and find the BIS family willing to encourage and support all students as they make better choices.

Classroom Expectations- All students will be expected to observe, practice, and apply the PRIDE rules, MegaSkills, and BIS Creed.  These statements (listed in the front of the handbook) provide the consistent language used by all students and staff and faculty members.  Each classroom teacher sends additional classroom expectations home.

Classroom :

Follow directions.              

Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.    

Raise hand to speak or leave your seat.

Be kind, thoughtful, and respectful to yourself and others.

Restroom

*Be quick.

*Be quiet.

Cafeteria

*Use appropriate manners.

*Use a soft conversational voice.

Hallway

*Walk in a single file line.                                                                                         

*Be silent when in line.                                                                                         

*Keep hands and feet to yourself.

Playground

*Use all equipment properly.

CLASSROOM:  Teachers will use the same expectations in the classroom as well be used for the rest of the school - #1 = warning ; #2 = student owes 15 minutes (usually served over the noon recess) ; #3 = student owes 30 minutes (usually served over the noon recess)

This procedure can be repeated up to the FOURTH OR FIFTH infraction when the student will see the principal and the consequences then become severe.  There will be a loss of participation in school activities if this occurs. 

Time-outs from the regular classroom, cafeteria, and playground will be used when necessary to give a child the opportunity to regroup and refocus so that appropriate behavior can be achieved.           

SEVERE: Any incidence of put-downs or attempting to cause physical harm will result in one of the following: a noon detention, an in-school suspension, an out-of-school suspension, or a consequence “tailored” to help the child better understand the effects of inappropriate choices.  Parents will be notified and a parent conference may be held.  Often, the children are given the responsibility of telling their parents, and the parents send a note back to the principal indicating such.

There will be no tackle football, “play” fighting, wrestling, water guns or any other roughhouse type of activity as these will be treated as “severe.”  There may be a loss of the school activities for any severe infraction.

Weapons or potential weapons may not be brought to school.  This will result in a consequence of the severe kind.  Further action may be taken in accordance with Batesville Community School Corporation’s policy “Grounds for Expulsion or Suspension.”

Bullying - A student shall not inflict injury, cause another student to inflict injury, or behave in any way that could cause physical injury or mental anguish to another student, teacher, or other school personnel.                 

Field trips at B.I.S. have to be earned in order for a student to be allowed to participate.  This means that if a student persistently disrupts and requires additional disciplinary action, that he/she has demonstrated that he/she will be unable to handle the additional expectations that accompany a field trip and that he/she will more than likely not be able to make good choices in a totally unfamiliar setting.

The Board encourages properly oriented field trips for instructional purposes. In all instances, field trips shall be justified on the basis of educational gain in relationship to educational needs. Field trips must show instructional intent and exhibit adequate pre-planning that includes specific goals and objectives and effective evaluation to insure optimum use of the students' academic time. All field trips will be properly supervised to insure positive student behavior that will reflect favorably on the goals and objectives of the school. When there is a student admission charge, the value of the activity must be carefully examined in relation to the cost.

Plans for a field trip must be approved by the building principal in accordance with the established procedure for that building. The request must be sent to the administrator in adequate time to permit processing prior to the field trip date. Written permission from a child's parent is required before a child is permitted to go on a field trip.

Any field trip request may be affected by extenuating circumstances (availability of buses, fuel, fuel prices, available funds, loss of school time due to weather, etc.).

An appropriate number of chaperones will be dependent upon the location of the field trip and the number of students attending (a ratio of 1 adult per 10 students should be used as a minimum guideline). When students are divided into smaller groups during the field trip a minimum of 2 adults should accompany each group. Except in an emergency students should not be under the sole responsibility of 1 adult and if such an emergency situation should occur a school employee should be assigned to any such group.

The building principal has the authority to perform any appropriate background checks for prospective chaperones. Principals may deny attendance to anyone who based upon the background check or other factors they feel an individual would not be an appropriate chaperone.

Chaperones must understand that their main responsibility is the welfare and supervision of the students. Therefore chaperones should not bring other siblings that can divert their attention from the students. Chaperones are also expected to follow the school corporation policies concerning drugs and alcohol for anyone serving in a supervisory role.  If a chaperone is taking a prescription drug that may affect their ability to perform at an acceptable level they are to inform the principal prior to the field trip. After this matter is reviewed the principal may exclude this person as a chaperone for not only theirs but the students safety.