Student Handbook

 

Mission:
It is the mission of William P. Gray Elementary School to:

Provide all children a safe and productive learning environment.

Prepare children to meet the challenges of the future through the use of best practices in delivering instruction in reading, math, science and all other areas by providing appropriate curriculum materials, actively engaging learners, differentiating instruction, providing access to the curriculum for all learners, including those with special needs and limited English proficiency, to meet academic challenges, and by assessing student learning.

Promote self-growth and discipline.

Form partnerships with parent and community organizations to improve learning.

Arrival/Departure Times/Attendance:
Students must attend school regularly and be on time.

School is in session daily from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm for grades K-8. Students should be dropped off and picked up at the appropriate doors. 

Students should not arrive before 7:45 am.

Students may not leave the playground once they arrive at school.

Breakfast is served in the classrooms.

Tardiness:

Any student arriving after 8:05 is considered tardy and must have a tardy slip in order to be admitted to class. Tardiness is disruptive to the educational process. After three tardies, the school will call home.

Absence:

Each day a student is absent, a parent or guardian is required to notify the school of the absence.

Students will only be released to an adult on a child’s emergency form. Early dismissals are disruptive to the school day and should be for emergencies only. Please make doctor and dental appointments on non-attendance school days.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR

Students are to conduct themselves in a manner that is safe for all students and appropriate for establishing and maintaining a positive image of Gray School. Every student receives the Student Rights and Responsibilities, which defines and outlines the behavior expectations and consequences for inappropriate behavior. Parents should review and be familiar with this code.

In addition to the Student Rights and Responsibilities, students are expected to follow Gray School Conduct Expectations, Anti-Bullying Pledge and individual classroom rules. At the beginning of each school year, teachers will inform parents of these rules.

Every child deserves to attend school without fear of harassment or threats. Gray school administration and staff use restorative practices and conversations to mediate peer conflicts and provide guidance for appropriate behaviors.

All eighth grade students and their parents will receive and agree to the 8th Grade Success Contract. Information will be distributed early in the school year.

Students should not bring toys, electronics, expensive jewelry or large amounts of money to school. These items are distractions in the classroom and can be lost or stolen over the course of the day. In addition, all permanent markers, such as Sharpies, are not allowed. Teachers will confiscate these items and parents will have to come to school to retrieve them. Gray School is not responsible for the replacement cost. Class time will not be used to locate any lost or stolen item.

Students should never bring knives, toy guns, bullets, razor blades, box cutters or “look-alikes” to school. These are considered WEAPONS. According to the Student Code of Conduct, weapons possession is a level 6 infraction. Any student who has a weapon in his or her possession is automatically considered for expulsion.

Playground Expectations:

Students are allowed on the playground beginning at 7:45 a.m. Students should not come to the school before that time unless they have an appointment with a teacher. Only students in grades K-1 are allowed to play in the small playground located at the rear of the primary building. Students in grades 2-8 are allowed to play in the area between the primary and intermediate/upper grade buildings. Students are to leave the playground immediately after dismissal and go home unless their parent/guardian is immediately present to supervise. No ball playing is allowed on the playground 30 minutes prior to the start of the school day and 30 minutes after student dismissal.

Playing, skateboarding or biking in the parking lots are not allowed.

Auditorium Expectations:

Students are expected to be attentive, quiet, remain in their seats and show their appreciation through applause.

Lunchroom Expectations:

All classrooms receive a 25-minute supervised lunch period.  Gray is a closed campus and students are not allowed to leave the building during their lunchtime.

Gray School is certified as a “Healthy School.”  Students are not permitted to order or receive fast food (i.e. McDonalds, Subway, Burger King, etc) during the school day. No deliveries of food are allowed.

Students must use indoor voices and remain at their assigned table unless given permission to move around the lunchroom. If students wish, they may bring their own lunch to school, but food should not be shared with others. All food must stay in the lunchroom and may not be eaten in the recess areas, hallways or classrooms. Students must clean up after themselves.  All students must turn in the application for a free or reduced lunch. Parents who do not wish to provide any information should write “No” on the application and sign it. The lunchroom is contracted with an outside provider and nutritious, hot lunches are served daily.

Recess Expectations:

All students at Gray School are provided with a daily 20-minute period of supervised games and activities. Recess is also a time for students to learn the give and take of play and peer conflict resolution. Occasionally, minor cuts and scrapes occur during the course of play. The recess staff will administer first aid and contact the office and teacher and parents will be notified as deemed appropriate. Please ensure emergency form information is current. 

Hallway and Washroom Expectations:

Students are expected to stay with their classroom or have a hall pass when in the hallway or in the washroom. Voice levels should be no more than a whisper and students are expected to make good choices and respect the privacy of others while in the washrooms. Students are expected to place trash in receptacles and to wash their hands prior to leaving the washroom. No drawing or writing utensils should be brought into the washroom and any student responsible for defacing the walls or any other acts of vandalism will face disciplinary action.

Telephone Use:

Students are allowed to call home for emergency purposes only. In such cases, they may use the school phone. Phone calls should be kept to a minimum. Please make arrangements with students before school so phone calls are not necessary during the school day.

Cell/Watch Phones:

Cell/watch phones are allowed in school only after parents have submitted a signed cell/watch phone policy form.  It is a violation of the Cell/watch phones policy to use them in school or on school grounds during school hours. If there are chronic violations, students may be subject to a disciplinary referral. Cell/watch phones must be secured in student lockers and backpacks. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen cell/watch phones.

Detention:

Student misbehavior may result in before or after-school detention and/or community service. Parents will be notified when this occurs and must sign and date the notification of detention before it is served. Non-compliance with this policy may lead to more severe consequences, such as in-school or out-of-school suspensions. 

Suspensions:

Students who fail to follow the Student Code of Conduct may be subject to in-school or out-of-school suspensions. During an in-school suspension, students will be supervised by an adult who will engage in restorative  conversations. During an out-of-school suspension, students are to remain home during school hours and may not participate in after-school activities. Students may not be on school grounds. A reintegration plan and restorative conversation will take place prior to the student’s first day back in school. In both instances, students are given the opportunity to complete assigned class work.

Behavior Rewards:

Positive behavior is highly encouraged at Gray. All teachers and staff have the ability to issue “Hoof Tickets” to those classrooms who exhibit exemplary behavior or display in some way a behavior that shows thoughtfulness or caring for others in the hallway, classroom, lunchroom, playground etc. When a class has earned 30 of these tickets, they may determine as a group a reasonable reward. Some examples from the past include supervised free play and extra technology time.

GRAY DRESS CODE

Gray School has adopted a general dress code for all students. Its purpose is to establish and maintain a focused and safe learning environment where students can develop a strong sense of community and belonging, and at the same time, feel comfortable and confident.

As per Chicago Public School Student Code of Conduct: Local School Councils may adopt a dress code policy that forbids students from wearing certain items or a uniform policy that requires students to wear a specific uniform. Dress codes and uniform policies should be gender-neutral and cannot prohibit hairstyles or head coverings historically associated with race, ethnicity, religion or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. Students who fail to follow a school’s dress code or uniform policy may be given detentions or excluded from extracurricular activities, but may not be barred from attending class. A student may receive additional consequences for violating a school’s dress code or uniform policy if the student’s dress disrupts or may disrupt the educational process. For example, a student may receive a consequence for wearing clothing or accessories that display gang affiliation. Students enrolled in Military Academies or JROTC Programs are subject to the uniform requirements, interventions, and consequences of their specific program.

ADMISSION/REGISTRATION/ENROLLMENT 

Admission:

Parents/guardians must show two proofs of residence, a current physical and immunization record and proof of child’s birth date.

Medical and Dental Records:

Students must have proof of immunization on file at the school. Students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grades must have a current physical exam on file (within one year of enrollment). Students in Kindergarten, 2nd grade and 6th grade must also have a current dental examination on file. Vision exams are required upon enrollment if a student is entering a State of Illinois school for the first time or entering kindergarten.

Emergency Forms:

Parents/Guardians are required to fill out emergency forms at the beginning of each semester. This information is very important as it allows us to contact you in case of an emergency involving your child. Please fill out the form completely and list alternative numbers. Notify the office immediately if there is a change in your emergency contact information.
CPS Policy requires parents to notify the school immediately when there is a change of address or phone number.

School Fees:

The Gray School Local School Council establishes school fees every year. Please pay fees using Parent Portal. Using Parent Portal will clear your student’s account immediately. If you have problems using Parent Portal, please check the Gray School’s website at Gray.CPS.Edu for a convenient ePay link. Keep in mind that your student’s account will take longer to clear using ePay. School fees are charged to cover the cost of consumable materials, (workbooks, newspapers, science materials etc.) and online learning websites for students. Textbooks and library books must be returned in good condition or a replacement fee will be charged. School fees must be paid or an approved waiver of fees must be on file. A payment plan can be arranged in the main office of the primary building. Please make school fees a priority in your family.

Transfers:

Students transferring out will be issued medical records. Student records will be forwarded to the new school upon request of the new school. Transfers will be issued at the end of the school year for students who do not reside in the Gray School attendance area. Gray School may require legal proof of address at least once a year.

Homeroom Assignments:

A student’s room assignment is made by school administration. Teachers help by providing input into homeroom assignments; however, the final decision on placement in a regular or accelerated homeroom is made by the administration. In extremely rare cases, students, with principal approval, may be transferred to another homeroom to ensure a student’s academic and social-emotional success.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Grade book:

Parents and students are given activation codes at the beginning of the school year in order to monitor student grades.  More information can be found at CPS.edu.

Progress Reports:

Progress reports will be sent home during the fifth week of each marking period. For students who are failing, the teacher, student and parent will meet and create goals. Grades may be reviewed by parents via the Parent Portal.

Report Cards:

Report cards are issued four times a year. Parents are asked to pick up their child’s report from school in the first and third quarters.

Promotion:

The Chicago Board of Education sets the promotion policy. Parents will receive a copy of it every year.

Field Trips:

Field trips are a planned part of your child’s education. Field trips are not optional. Students are expected to attend field trips. Students must be in dress code in order to leave the building for a field trip. If a parent wishes for the student not to attend a field trip, then the parent should contact the teacher and explain the situation; however, students are expected to be in school even if they do not attend the field trip. Permission slips must be returned with a parent/guardian signature at least two days before the trip. Students must arrive at school on time in order to participate as the buses will not wait for latecomers.

Library Cards:

All students should have a Chicago Public Library card in order to take out books for projects and independent reading.

Sports/Academic Policy:

This sports/academic policy has been developed in order to maintain balance between sports and academics. It is our responsibility as a school to instill proper values in the students when it comes to determining priorities regarding academics and sports.  Students who are invited to after-school programs must attend academic programs before they will be included in sports activities. Academics are our first priority.

Students may participate fully on sports teams provided they are passing all of their classes, have good attendance, good behavior and have attended after-school programs if they are eligible. Grades of D or lower are not passing grades.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Fire, Lockdown and Disaster Drills:

Students will participate in emergency drills regularly. Fire drill evacuation routes are posted in every classroom. Students must not talk, run or engage in any behavior that may endanger themselves or others. During other emergency drills, students are to follow the teachers’ directions.

Bus Drills:

All students will participate in yearly bus evacuation drills.

Emergency School Closings:

Procedures for emergency school closings are on file in the school office. Closings due to weather conditions will be announced on local television and radio stations. If Gray School is ever closed during the school day, grades K-4 will go to Portage Park School and grades 5-8 will go to Reinberg School.

Head Lice:

Most schools have outbreaks of head lice. Our policy is that no noticeable live eggs of lice may be in the hair before the student is able to return to school.

PARENT INFORMATION

Parent Visits and Conferences:

Parents are welcome to visit the school and visit their child’s classroom; however, these visits must be arranged ahead of time with the teacher. Parent conferences should be scheduled with individual teachers. Please make an appointment ahead of time. Conferences may not take place during instructional time.  Teachers may not be interrupted during class to answer phone calls or to talk to a parent. Please call before or after school and leave a message. The teacher will return your phone call promptly.

Parental Rights:

Parents who are separated or divorced and have legal custody or who have restraining orders must have a copy of the legal decision on file in the office. Without legal papers, both parents will be deemed to have equal rights and access to the student and student records.

Volunteering:

Illinois State Law provides that parents must be given time off (eight hours a year) to participate in their children’s school. Volunteer applications are available in the main office. See CPS Volunteer guidance at: https://www.cps.edu/services-and-supports/parent-engagement/volunteer-programs/

LSC:

The LSC meets regularly. All are welcome and encouraged to attend the meetings. Meeting times and members are posted on the LSC bulletin boards in both buildings, published in the monthly calendars, posted on the marquee on Laramie and on the school website.

The School Reform Laws allow the Local School Councils to make policy, but not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the school.

BAC/PAC:

Gray School enjoys the benefits of the Bilingual Advisory Committee and the Title 1 Parent Advisory Committee. The meeting dates and times are posted on the school marquee on Laramie, the school website and the main entrances to the school.

MISCELLANEOUS

Visitors:

All visitors that enter Gray Elementary School must sign in upon arrival with security or in the office.

Lockers:

Lockers are the property of the Chicago Board of Education and Gray School. Lockers may be examined at any time by the administration. School-owned locks are distributed to students at the beginning of the year after students and parents sign a locker contract. Students will be allowed to go to their lockers at designated times during the day. Students are responsible for their lockers and locks, and are not to share lock combinations with other students. A fee of $10.00 will be charged to a student’s account if their lock is lost or stolen as per the locker contract. Locks should remain on the locker and in a closed position when the locker is not in use.

Lockers are a privilege. Abuse of locker privileges or roughhousing near the lockers during passing periods may result in the loss of locker privileges.

Water Bottles:

Gray encourages students to stay hydrated during the school day. Water bottles carried throughout the day by students are for water only and must be caffeine and sugar free. Also, students must handle their water bottles safely at all times.

Elevator Policy:

The elevator is available for students with disabilities, whether permanent or temporary. If a student needs to use the elevator, a plan must be developed addressing the severity of the need and must be approved by the school administrators. 

Eighth Grade Community Service:

Our counselor works closely with the eighth grade students and their parents in order to assist them in high school placement. Parental input and support are expected and appreciated. Many exciting activities take place during the year. 

In order to foster a sense of responsibility, community and citizenship, the Local School Council has approved a policy that calls for 8th grade students to perform 20 hours of community service to the school and/or the community. Guidelines will be given to each student.

For more information on Gray School, please visit our website at Gray.CPS.edu