2018-19 Fernwood Handbook - Student

Student Handbook

Fernwood Elementary School

10041 South Union Ave Chicago Illinois 60628 (773) 535 – 2700 FAX (773) 535 - 2711

Dear Parents and Students,

It is with great pride that I look forward to the start of a new school year. Our
academic goals and behavioral responsibilities are set very high for our students at
Fernwood Elementary School. Our requirements exceed the minimum expectations set
by the Chicago Public School District.

We are passionate about our students’ academic performance. It is our desire that
our students will succeed as they pursue their educational, professional and personal
goals. We will continue to emphasize student responsibility as we hold students
accountable for their actions and decisions. The hard work of our teachers and
students along with the support of our parents is necessary as we strive for high
levels of academic success.

Please read this handbook so that you may become familiar with the responsibilities
and policies expected of the students at Fernwood Elementary School. We have
several goals at Fernwood Elementary School. Wanting every student to develop his or
her maximum potential and to be well prepared to enter high school at the conclusion
of the 8th grade year is at the top of our list. With this in mind, we believe it is
extremely important that our students develop coping mechanisms to tackle life’s
challenges. This begins by exhibiting responsible behavior and having self-control.
Learning information is no longer sufficient; students today must also develop
decision making skills and become critical thinkers.

To reach these goals, it is very important that the school and the parents work
together. Parents, please be involved in your son’s or daughter’s education. If at any
time you have a question or concern, I urge you to contact us. Many times
misunderstandings are simply a result of a lack of communication. I also encourage
you to utilize our school’s website at www.fernwoodelementary.org and to e-mail the
teachers with your questions. This is usually the quickest way to receive an answer
for a concern you may have.

I sincerely believe that if the students, parents, faculty and staff all work together, we
will achieve our goals and this will be a very successful year for everyone!

Robert L Towner
Principal

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Fernwood Elementary School

LEVEL 1 Chicago Public School

Chicago Public School’s Vision

Every Chicago Public Schools student in every neighborhood will be engaged in a
rigorous, well-rounded instructional program and will graduate prepared for success
in college, career and life.

Fernwood Mission Statement

Promoting and supporting high achievement for all students is the primary mission of
Fernwood Elementary School. To accomplish this mission, we believe that it is the
responsibility of the school to provide a student-centered, comprehensive, safe and
caring learning environment for all children. Moreover, the mission of Fernwood
Elementary School includes the development of confident, competent children who
are well-prepared for college and/or careers in a culturally diverse democratic
society.

What we believe

 We believe strongly in achieving excellence and equity for every child.
 We believe that every child has talent and has something valuable to contribute

to our society and to other people.
 We expect our professional staff to be performance-oriented in helping

students meet today's problems as well as the challenges of tomorrow.
 We believe that if this is accomplished, children will then come to realize more

fully their own potential as individuals and be better prepared to appreciate and
act responsibly in the society in which they live.

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Fernwood Panthers – One Team – One Goal – One Mission!

Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year! At Fernwood Elementary School, our
emphasis is on student learning and achievement in a safe and positive learning
environment. It is important every day that our students learn all we can teach them
so that they can be prepared for our changing world.

We have attempted to include in the handbook information that every student and
parent should know. Students and parents are asked to carefully read the contents of
this handbook and keep it for a handy reference.

8:20 2018-19 Bell Schedule
8:30
8:35 Preparation/Line-Up Bell
8:45 Entrance/Homeroom
9:45 Tardy Bell/Morning Exercises
10:45 Period 1
11:45 Period 2
12:45 Period 3
1:30 Period 4
2:30 Period 5
Period 6
3:30 Period 7
Dismissal Bell

Supervision is not provided until 7:30 a.m. Students arriving on campus early, will not
be allowed into the building before this time. After dismissal at the end of the day,
students are expected to leave the campus and follow parent’s instructions
concerning after-school activities. Any students left late will be placed in the main
office until 4:00. Per CPS Policy, students not picked up by 5:00, are considered
abandoned and will be taken to the local police station.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
• Participate fully in the learning process. Students must be at school and class

on time with needed supplies. Students must pay attention to instruction,
complete assignments and homework to the best of their abilities, and ask for
help when needed.
• Avoid behaviors that impair the educational achievement of themselves or
others. Students must follow school rules, maintain school property, and
cooperate with others.

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• Show respect for the knowledge and authority of teachers, administrators, and
other school employees. Students must obey reasonable directions, use
acceptable and courteous language and behavior, and follow school rules and
procedures.

• Recognize and respect the rights of other students. All students should show
concern for and encourage the educational achievements of others.

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
• The custodial parent is considered the primary parent contact by the school.
• Read both the student handbook and the Code of Conduct with your child.
• Have children at school on time and prepared for a full day of learning.
• Provide a time and place for homework.
• Report to the main office with proper identification when coming on school

grounds.
• Follow traffic flow patterns when driving on campus. No U-turns or stopping in

the middle of the street when dropping off students.
• Pick-up and drop-off students on Union Avenue only.
• Join the Local School Council and/or Parent Advisory Committee.
• Be a volunteer.
• Accept major responsibility for the proper conduct of your child at school and

take appropriate action.
• Work together with the school to assist in your child’s success here at

Fernwood Elementary School.

ATTENDANCE: STUDENTS MUST COME TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY
Every child has a right to a free and appropriate education. In order to exercise that
right, the child and parent are responsible for the child’s attendance. Regular school
attendance not only helps build good work and study habits, but also greatly benefits
the student in relationship to the learning process. Students can never make-up a day
he/she has missed even though he/she may go over the assignments that were
presented. The discussions and experiences that take place in the classroom are often
more valuable than the written material. It is hoped that every effort will be made to
schedule dentist, doctor and other appointments outside of the school day, if at all
possible. If class must be missed for such purposes, please send advance written
notice to the classroom teacher. Please do not schedule family vacations during the
school year, as your child will be missing valuable instructional time that once lost –
cannot be regained.

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Article 26 of the Illinois School Code outlines responsibilities related to the
Compulsory Attendance Law. All children between the ages of 7 and 16 must be in
regular attendance in an accredited school unless exempted by a physician’s
certificate that indicates that the child is physically or mentally unable to attend. While
Article 26 indicates the age limits of compulsory attendance, the Chicago Public
Schools require the regular attendance of all students enrolled, regardless of age.

ABSENTEEISM
Upon return to school after an absence, the student must bring a note signed by a
parent or guardian to the attendance office giving the dates of absence and the
reason. The student will then receive a reinstatement. Absences for an illness that
extends five days or more must be explained by a doctor’s note. The note must be
presented to the attendance office on the student’s first day back in school. Notes will
only be accepted within a two week period following the absence.

 Parental contact will be attempted by phone for all absences that have not been
explained. Homeroom teachers will make the initial attempt to contact parents.
The Attendance Office will investigate all illegal absences and any excessive
absences that have detrimental effects on school progress.

 Teachers are encouraged to contact parents at any time to establish rapport or
for further understanding of student problems, but this does not supersede
responsibility to report absences on a daily basis.

 Valid Causes for Absences are: Illness, observance of a religious holiday, death
in the immediate family, family emergency, and reasonable concern to the
parent or legal guardian for the safety or health of the student, as determined
by the principal, or principal’s designee.

TARDINESS
All students should factor in ten minutes for travel time to school. This is to ensure
that students have time to pick up their breakfast from the lunchroom prior to
reporting to the classroom. Excessive tardiness is a violation of the Chicago Board of
Education’s Student Code of Conduct and may result in a loss of privileges and extra-
curricular activities.

ATTENDANCE CONSEQUENCES
Students who fail to comply with school policies regarding attendance may subject
themselves and families to the Truancy Adjudication procedures set forth by the
Chicago Board of Education. Disciplinary actions will include parent and student

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conferences, detentions, in-school suspensions, automated phone calls before and
after school and/or may impact student enrollment in school. Students who
demonstrate a disregard for these polices may forfeit participation in any or all
extracurricular or school sponsored events. These exclusions may include, but are not
limited to, field trips, sports, clubs, and participation at graduation.

 10 tardies to school or class
No field trips, sports, lunch in the cafeteria, or school sponsored events

 20 tardies to school or class
Activities listed above; No eighth grade activities (Luncheon, Class Trip, etc.),
detention

 30 tardies to school or class
Activities listed above; No opportunity to participate in graduation ceremony

TARDY/EARLY DISSMISSAL
• When students arrive tardy to school, they must sign in at the Main Office to

receive a tardy slip.
• Once students arrive on school grounds, they are under school supervision. No

student will leave school grounds without first checking out in the Front Office.
• When parents pick up students at any time during the school day, they must

sign the child out in the Front Office and proper identification will be required.
Students cannot be signed-out between 3:00-3:30 pm on regular school days.
• Signing out a student early will count as a “tardy”. When possible, medical and
dental appointments should be made outside of school hours.
• A child is considered “Excessively Tardy” when the child has been signed out
early or is late to school, more than (5) times in a ten week grading period.
• Tardies will be excused for the same reasons as absences are excused, with the
same required documentation. All other reasons (i.e. car problems, lost keys,
overslept, ran out of gas, etc.) will be unexcused.

SCHOOL “MAKE-UP WORK” POLICY
• When students return from an excused absence, they must make up the

missing work. They must go to their teacher, ask about the missing work,
complete it and turn it in to the teacher. When students return from an
unexcused absence, they may request make-up work; however it will not be
counted for a grade.

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When students are sick and parents request schoolwork from the main office, they
must give the teachers a 24 hour notice to assemble the work. Parents may then pick
up assignments in the main office. Students must complete their own class work and
homework.

WITHDRAWING A STUDENT
If your family is moving to another school, district, or state, we request that you notify
the Fernwood Main Office at least three days in advance of withdrawal so that we can
process the paperwork involved. In addition, we will need time to check in materials
and clear the child’s record of any outstanding books or fees. If a parent decides that
their child will withdraw from Fernwood Elementary School, the following things
should be done:
• Student must return all books
• Students must clear any debts
• Notify the main office of the withdrawal and the new school’s name and

location
• Parents may pick up transfer documentation 24 hours after request is

processed.

BREAKAGE AND DAMAGE
Fernwood Elementary School - is your school. You should be proud of it and care for
it. Any student found damaging or defacing property at Fernwood Elementary School
will be subject to disciplinary action. Cost of repair will be paid for by the student
and parents.

CAFETERIA POLICIES
• It is expected that students will display at school the same manners you have

taught them at home. If students choose not to act accordingly, they will be
provided consequences.
• All students at Fernwood will receive free lunch for the 2018-19 school year.
• Unless a teacher has made prior arrangements, lunch must be eaten in the
cafeteria, whether it is purchased at school or brought from home. All food and
drinks bought in the cafeteria must be consumed before leaving the cafeteria.

CLASSROOM, BUILDING, AND CAMPUS CONDUCT
It is the parent’s responsibility to send their child to school prepared to learn and act
respectably. Parents must accept the major responsibility for the proper conduct of
their child at school and take appropriate action for any misbehavior. It is the

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student’s responsibility to know and follow school rules. Successful students will
come to class prepared, will actively participate and will exhibit good behavior. Those
who cannot abide by the simple rules of good behavior should expect to receive
appropriate disciplinary action. It is the school’s responsibility to provide a safe
environment with a sound curriculum. The teachers and/or school administrators
determine consequences of inappropriate behaviors. STUDENTS MUST BEHAVE!

1. All students are expected to be aware of and comply with all rules, regulations,
and policies outlined in the Student Handbook and the Chicago Board of
Education Student Code of Conduct.

2. Students coming to school before 8:00 a.m. must go to the small lunchroom,
designated area, or be under the direct supervision of a teacher. Likewise, no
student may be in the building after 3:30 p.m. unless they are under the direct
supervision of a Fernwood staff member.

3. Students participating in after school activities must go directly to their activity
after school.

4. No students are permitted to remain in any area of the building unless under
the direct supervision of a teacher. Students in willful violation of this
regulation are subject to disciplinary action.

5. Profane language or obscene literature is strictly forbidden.
6. Nothing may be sold at Fernwood Elementary without the written permission of

the principal.
7. Food and/or drink is to be consumed in the lunchroom area only or in a space

designated as an eating area. Students are expected to help keep the school
and community clean by placing litter in the appropriate waste receptacles.
8. Use of electronic devices during school hours is strictly prohibited. Electronics
will be confiscated and returned to parents on the designated pick up days. (See
the Cellular Telephone/Electronics Device Policy.) At the end of the school year,
all unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
9. Throwing snowballs, water balloons, etc. on school property is strictly
forbidden. Ball throwing, field hockey, skating, hurling or kicking of any
objects, skateboarding, bicycling and all similar activities are prohibited on
school grounds.

Appropriate conduct will be enforced at school and at all school sponsored activities.
Disrupting the educational process, extreme noise, running, pushing, shoving,
fighting, threatening to harm or infringing on the rights of others by inappropriate
language or actions are not acceptable behaviors at Fernwood Elementary School.

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Remember to tell an adult if there is a problem before you do something that may
makes the situation worse. Teachers, guidance counselors, the Assistant Principal or
the Principal can all help you if you have a problem with someone. The Code of
Student Conduct is sent each year with specific information on disciplinary action.
Look for it and be sure to read the information. It is updated every year!

STUDENT CELL PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

• Use or possession of a cell phone/electronic device for any reason during school
hours is unauthorized.

• Students ARE NOT allowed to carry cell phones or any other electronic devices
on their person at ANY time during school hours. Cell phones must be kept
inside the students’ book bag AT ALL TIMES.

• Cell phones found in a student’s possession will be confiscated and can only be
retrieved by the parent or legal guardian on the designated distribution day.

• The designated distribution day is the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month. Cell
phones/electronic devices WILL NOT be distributed on any other days. The hours
of retrieval are 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. If school is closed on Monday due to holiday,
the following Tuesday will be the date of distribution. Phones confiscated on a
Monday will not be retrievable until the following Monday to allow time for
processing.

• Students who choose to bring cell phones to school do so at their own risk. We
will NOT be responsible for lost or stolen cell phones. Neither will we investigate
inquiries or honor complaints pertaining to lost or stolen cell phones.

• In order to bring a cell phone to school students’ MUST have sign and return a
of the cell phone and electronics’ device policy.

Procedure for Confiscated Cell Phone/Electronic Device

• When any school official (Administrator, teacher/counselor/ substitute teacher,
security, teacher assistant, office personnel) asks a student to surrender the cell
phone/ electronic device, the student is to immediately surrender the phone to
the school official.

• The school official confiscating the cell phone/ electronic device is to complete a
misconduct form and identification form. The student is to receive a copy of the
identification form and information when and where to retrieve the phone.

• The teacher is to submit the properly identified cell phone/ electronic device to
the Dean of Students.

• The Dean of Students is to store confiscated cell phones/ electronic devices in a
secured location until the distribution date.

• In order to retrieve the cell phone/ electronic device, the parent of the student
whose phone was confiscated must appear on the designated distribution date
and show proper identification to retrieve the phone

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• First cell phone/ electronic device offense- Phone confiscated and
student/teacher conference.

• Second offense - Phone/ electronic device confiscated and parent, student and
teacher phone conference.

• Third offense - Phone/ Electronic device confiscated and student suspension.
• Failure to surrender cell phone/ electronic device or meet conference

requirement may result in student suspension and student exclusion from
bringing a cell phone to school.

PROPER SCHOOL ATTIRE
All students are expected to dress in the school uniform on a daily basis and the
uniform policy will be strictly enforced. Out of uniform days will be designated at
specific times during the school year. In keeping with this requirement the following
dress code will be enforced: All clothing must meet the following criteria:

• All uniform skirts, shorts, and dresses should be fingertip length all the way
around.

• Uniform shirts and tops must be long enough to clearly overlap the belt line or
stay tucked in during the course of normal movement throughout the day. Shirts
falling below mid-thigh length will be tucked in. Bare-midriff shirts/blouses,
sleepwear, muscle shirts, rolled up pants or tank tops are not permitted.

• Leggings do not stand alone as pants; students must have a uniform dress or
skirt (fingertip length) over the leggings.

• Students must wear belts with their pants at waist level.
• Pajama-like clothing and house slippers are not allowed. Boys' and girls' hair will

be clean, neat, and well groomed.
• Extreme hairstyles and unnatural occurring hair colors are a distraction and will

not be allowed.
• Navy blue tees are not allowed as acceptable uniform shirts.
• Students shall wear shoes for foot protection and for hygienic reasons while on

school grounds. Slippers, sandals, flip flops, crocs, and heelies are not
permitted. Footwear must be closed in and fastened with laces, Velcro, or
buckles as designed.
• Jewelry shall be worn in a way that does not present a distraction, safety or
health hazard or cause a disruption to the education process. Wallet chains or
dog collars shall not be permitted. Earrings on boys are not permitted. Choker
style necklaces’ on girls are hazardous and therefore not permitted.
• Make-up of any kind on girls or boys is not permitted. Lip balm is acceptable
but must be of low sheen and clear in color.
• Students are not allowed to carry bags of any kind throughout the school. This
includes; purses, fannie packs, messenger bags, sling bags, etc.

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1. Any clothing interpreted as a symbol of gang affiliation or gang activity is not
permitted.

2. No headgear, including headbands, bandanas, headscarves, head or hair jewelry
and "beanies”, may be worn by males or females in the school building.
(Religious exceptions to this rule must be on file in the Assistant Principal’s
office.) Failure to comply will result in confiscation of headgear.

Appropriateness and moderation in all things, concern for the health and safety of the
students, and the avoidance of distractions to the educational process are the guiding
principles of the student uniform/dress code. Styles and fads are constantly changing
and cannot possibly be covered by specific rules and regulations. The task of
evaluating what is proper in the way of dress and grooming is highly controversial,
and opinion among people varies. Fernwood administration and staff will assume
responsibility for ruling on specific items of clothing and general appearance for
reasons of safety and health; or for the order, well-being, and general welfare of
students. Students in violation of these dress code requirements will be asked to
change clothes. Students who continue to come to school dressed inappropriately,
will be disciplined accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

Styles and fads are forever changing, therefore the principal or his designee shall
reserve the right to alter this code at any time throughout the year.

DETENTIONS AND IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS)
• Detentions will be served in room 103 (or other designated area) from 3:30

pm until 5:00 pm. Siblings who walk home with students serving detention
will have the option of waiting in detention with their sibling until detention
concludes at 5:00.

• Students who have been issued a detention and “miss” will be issued an
additional day of detention. Students who are removed early from detention
by a guardian will have to serve an additional day of detention.

• A student who is issued 2 days of detention within a semester, will be issued
an In School Suspension (ISS) for all subsequent infractions.

• In-School Suspension (ISS) will be scheduled as deemed necessary and will be
served from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm with the Dean of students, and/or a
designated staff member.

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• Saturday Detentions will be issued at the discretion of Fernwood
Administrators. They will be held as needed from 9am-12pm. Failure to
report to Saturday Detention will result in an In-School Suspension. Students
arriving late to Saturday Detention (9:01 am or later) will not be admitted into
the building.

SUSPENSION
• A student may be suspended from school by the Dean, the Assistant Principal

or Principal for a period of one to ten days, depending on the infraction. When
this occurs, the student’s parents will be notified of the suspension and a
conference may be requested. Suspension out of school is an excused absence.
While suspended out of school a student may receive schoolwork, however, the
work cannot be counted for a grade.

EXPULSION
• Upon the recommendation of the school and the Chicago Board of Education,

a student may be expelled by resolution of the Board for any serious breach of
conduct which substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of the school.
(Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct)

PROHIBITION OF GANGS AND GANG ACTIVITY
No student shall commit any act which furthers gangs or gang – related activities. A
criminal street gang is a formal or informal organization or group that has as one of
its primary activities the commission of criminal or delinquent acts and that consists
of three or more persons who have a common name or common identifying signs or
symbols and have one or more members that engage in a pattern of criminal street
gang activity. Conduct prohibited by this policy includes but is not limited to the
following:

• Wearing, possessing, using, distributing, displaying, or selling any clothing,
jewelry, emblems, badges, symbols, signs, or other items which may be
evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang;

• Communicating either verbally or non-verbally (gestures, handshakes, slogans,
drawings, etc.) to convey membership or affiliation in a gang;

• Soliciting others for gang membership
• Tagging, or otherwise defacing school or personal property with gang or gang-

related symbols or slogans
• Requiring payment of protection, insurance, or otherwise intimidating or

threatening any person related to gang activity;

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• Inciting other students to intimidate or to act with physical violence upon any
other person related to gang activity

CONFERENCES
Every child benefits from good parent-teacher relationships. Conferences are helpful
in keeping the lines of communication open. The parent, teacher or administration
may request conferences. Teachers are not permitted to take class time away from
their students to hold a parent conference. Please do not show up at your child’s
classroom in the morning and expect a conference. Teachers have many duties in the
mornings as they are preparing for their day. Our wish is to meet with you in a quiet,
relaxed, private atmosphere to discuss your needs and concerns.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent teacher conferences can be scheduled any time during the school year and at
flexible meeting times. Call or email the teacher whenever you believe a conference is
needed.

Some questions for parents before and during conferences are:

• Is my child’s progress developmentally appropriate?
• How is my child doing compared to the rest of the class?
• What do you see as his or her strengths?
• How could he or she improve?
• In what areas could he improve?
• Can I see examples of my child’s work?
• Can I see rubrics used to assess the work?
• How will my child be challenged and supported?
• Be prepared with questions.
• Have concrete examples of specific concerns and compliments.

FIELD TRIPS
Field trips help the school make use of community and regional resources that are
directly related to the curriculum. They are planned to coincide with units of study
and to provide concrete learning experiences. Field trips are taken on district buses
and are carefully planned and supervised. Parent permission for student participation
on field trips is required, and fees are charged to help cover transportation and
entrance costs.

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FIRE DRILLS/ OTHER SAFETY DRILLS
As a part of our continued efforts to keep students safe, all schools in the Chicago
Public Schools District conduct periodic drills of our district crisis plans. The drills fall
into two categories – getting everyone out safely (fire drills) and keeping everyone
inside safely (lockdown drills.) Lockdowns are utilized to secure a school if there is a
potential threat, such as police activity in the neighborhood.

• Fire drill instructions will be posted in each room for direction to fire exit
routes. When the fire alarm is heard, everyone must leave the building. Follow
the teachers’ instructions immediately. Walk in a single file line and do not
run. There must not be any talking. Everyone will remain outside, a safe
distance from the building, until the bell sounds for returning to the building.

• There are particular instructions for other drills that occur during the school
year. Those drills are Tornado, Shelter in Place, and Code Lock down drills.
Students must follow instructions carefully during those drills.

GUIDANCE SERVICES
The counselor’s office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during normal school
days. You can reach the office by calling 773- 535 – 2700 and can fax information by
dialing 773 – 535- 2711. The counselor’s office is available to assist families with a
variety of school related topics including:
• New Student Enrollment/Registration
• IEP Related Questions and Concerns
• Academic Records
• CPS Psychological and Social Work Services
• Parent Resources
• Parent/Teacher Conference Scheduling
• Dean or Counselor Appointments
• Discipline Related Issues
• School Counseling Services

GUIDANCE/COUNSELING SERVICES
The most formative school years are during the elementary grades. Children build a
foundation for lifelong learning, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills. As children
progress through elementary school, they move from childhood to preteen stages,
changing from being self-focused to developing an awareness of others. They begin
learning how to cooperate, solve problems, develop responsibility, and form
friendships. The elementary school counselor is trained in understanding child
development. Throughout the elementary years, some children need additional

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assistance for specific concerns. The counselor offers both individual and small group
counseling. Counseling sessions give students the opportunity to discuss problems,
learn new skills, consider alternatives and consequences, and take responsibility for
their choices. Counselors may also refer families to outside resources.

Elementary programs include student observations, assessments, intervention
plans, parent education, teacher and parent consultations, and crisis management
and follow-up. Counseling services are delivered through collaboration among
students, parents, teachers, and administrators. School counselors are advocates for
your children. The goal is for every student to reach his or her educational,
personal, and social potential.

A partial list of services available through the school counseling program include:

1. Classroom guidance lessons on a variety of academic, social, and career topics.
2. Individual, Solution-Focused Brief Counseling Services
3. Small group counseling services
4. Coordination and explanation of national and state testing
5. Assistance with family guidance, resources, and support for behavior and

academic concerns
6. School wide programs and activities to enhance school climate
7. Conference with families and teachers to assist in meeting student needs
8. Crisis intervention services
9. Coordination of the academic and behavior intervention process
10. Individual Education Plan (IEP) Referrals

HEALTH CONCERNS MEDICATION
Medicine should always be given at home when possible. Students may not keep
medicine with them, in a desk, backpack or purse. This includes Tylenol, cough
drops, allergy medication, etc. (Asthmatics call the Clinic for possible exceptions). If
school personnel give medicine, the following procedure will be followed:
• Parent/guardian must bring all medications to the school. Students may not

transport any medication to or from school.
• All medicine must be ordered by a Doctor; this includes Tylenol, cough drops,

etc.
• All medicine must be in the original bottle with a pharmacy label, which must

include the student’s name, doctor’s name, date ordered, name of medicine,

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the dose and time to be given at school.
• No medicine will be given without a consent form signed by a parent/guardian.

Forms are available in the Counselor’s Office.
• The administration of medications will be handled in compliance with

applicable state and local policies, laws, and regulations. Medications will be
kept in a lockable storage area under the supervision of school nurse or other
designated administrator.
• Only those oral medications which are prescribed may be administered in the
school, and only in cases where failure to take prescribed medications during
school hours could jeopardize a student’s health. A parent or guardian, prior to
the administering of any medication to a student while in school must sign a
designated “Authorization for Medications” form. The administering of
injectable medication (e.g. diabetes or severe allergy to insect bites) must be
planned on an individual basis with parent or guardian and physician of the
student involved. Possession and/or administration of any drugs or other
controlled substance(s) on school grounds by students or others may constitute
violation of the law. (Please refer to the CPS Student Code of Conduct)

ILLNESS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
• In case of illness during the school day, a student should explain to the teacher

that he/she is ill. If necessary, the teacher will refer the child to the nurse for
further action. Upon students being referred to the nurse, parents will be
contacted, children will be returned to class unless they have a fever or show
visible signs of illness.
FIRST AID
• Care of any injury can be obtained in the counselor’s office or by the school
nurse. In case of an emergency the school should have alternate phone
numbers and preference of hospital. Please keep emergency forms up to date.

HOMEWORK
Homework is one strategy for extending the school day and increasing the amount
of time students spend learning. Homework is a positive strategy for increasing
student achievement when supervised by an adult. The amount of homework that
should be assigned is a matter of professional judgment for the staff and based on
the developmental needs of the students.

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Homework is most effective when it is meaningful to the student and meets the
individual needs of the students. STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE ALL CLASSWORK AND
HOMEWORK TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITIES AND TURN IT IN ON TIME.

DAMAGED OR LOST TEXT BOOKS, WORKBOOKS OR CLASSROOM LIBRARY BOOKS
The Chicago Public Schools provides textbooks that are issued by the teachers.
Students must take care of all textbooks issued to them. They are the responsibility of
the student. Textbooks are very expensive to replace or repair. A fee for excessive
wear or damage to textbooks will be charged to students who fail to take proper care
of the books. A fee will also be charged for lost workbooks and lost library books.
Students who damage ANY materials will be assessed a fine, in proportion to the
damage and not exceeding the replacement cost of the item. The homeroom teacher
will send a letter to the parent(s) of any student with damaged or lost, or materials,
informing them of the title of the item, cost and/or date due. Report cards/transcripts
can be held if all fines are not paid. All books must be returned when students are
withdrawing from school. Students who find lost textbooks should return them to the
security office.

LOST AND FOUND
Lost and Found articles will be logged into the lost and found journal in the security
office and subsequently stored in the lost and found bins located by the main
entrance. Students are expected to turn in any found items to the security office.

PARTIES AND GIFTS
Birthday parties, and/or surprise parties on campus are prohibited in order to prevent
disruption of other classes and daily activities. Special events and activities that
correlate with subject material may be held at the discretion of the staff. Classroom
parties are provided on a scheduled basis.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education is a required program in CPS. Students may be temporarily
excused from participating in P.E. with a signed note from the parent/guardian.
Extended periods shall require a note from a doctor. Students MUST wear P.E.
uniforms and footwear appropriate to the physical education activities. Shoes must be
closed with rubber soles and should allow children to perform to the best of their
physical ability. This policy will be strictly enforced.

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LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCIL
Becoming involved in the LSC provides an opportunity to contribute to your child’s
school. Our LSC is an active one. Throughout the year many educational, fun-filled
events and fundraiser’s take place. We look forward to your participation in our LSC
and we encourage parents to attend at least one LSC meeting per year.

RECORDS AND TRANSFERS
Your child’s records are available for you to review at any time. Parents may wish to
set up an appointment to review the files so adequate time can be given to explain
test data or other pertinent information. When transferring to another school, the
child’s records will be sent as soon as the release form is signed. Early notification of
plans to transfer is always appreciated.

REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS
Mid-term progress reports will be sent home halfway through each grading period.
Report cards will be sent home approximately one week after the end of the ten week
period. These reports will be prepared on each student in order to access academic
progress. Parents should carefully review these reports so that they may assist their
child’s progress. After reviewing the reports, we encourage you to schedule an
appointment with your child’s teacher to discuss his/her progress.

SCHOOL VISITATION
Parents are always welcome to visit at school. For the protection of all children, ALL
VISITORS MUST HAVE VALID PHOTO ID, SIGN-IN AT THE MAIN OFFICE AND OBTAIN a
VISITOR’S PASS BEFORE GOING TO THE CLASSROOMS. Parents should contact the
classroom teacher before visiting the classroom to ensure that special activities
haven’t been planned for that day. Any unplanned interruption of the instructional
day will not be permitted. Parents wishing to discuss a problem with a teacher should
write the teacher a note or phone the office to set up an appointment. This prevents
disturbing the classroom learning process.

PROTOCOL FOR VISITORS
ALL VISITORS MUST:
• ENTER AND EXIT THROUGH THE MAIN ENTRANCE
• SIGN IN (PHOTO I.D. REQUIRED)
• Obtain A “VISITOR’S PASS”
• HAVE APPROVAL TO BE ON CAMPUS

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For safety purposes, if you need to go into the classroom buildings, office area,
cafeteria or clinic, we will ask you for your driver’s license. In exchange, we will give
you a visitor’s pass to keep as long as you are on the campus. Please do not go
anywhere else on the campus other than your specified visit location. Classrooms
cannot be interrupted during the school day. If a parent wishes to visit their child’s
classroom, arrangements must be made with the administration prior to the visit as is
required by the Chicago Public School policy and procedure.

VOLUNTEERS
Plan to be a school volunteer. There are many ways that you can help our school
and students. There will be a volunteer orientation in September where you can
sign up to be a volunteer. Parents and other interested persons may not volunteer
until they have completed the volunteer application. You must complete a new
application every year. It can take up to 3 weeks to be approved. Applications can
be completed on line at: https://cps.edu/FACE/Pages/VolunteerPrograms.aspx.

SPECIAL EVENTS/EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES (FIELD TRIPS)
During the school year, special events/educational opportunities may be offered for
student participation. These events may be during the school day or during non-
school hours, on or off campus. Examples may include, but not be limited to all
extracurricular activities (i.e. clubs) educational tours/visitations, speakers, assembly
programs, field trips, etc. To be offered the opportunity to participate students will be
required to meet all of the following criteria:
• No out of school or in-school suspensions within 30 school days of the date of

the special event (Three or more out of school or in-school suspensions
revokes all privileges)
• Acceptable attendance (no more than 3 unexcused absences per 10 weeks)
• For evening events on a school day, the student must be in school all day.

SILENT SUSTAINED READING AT HOME
In addition to regular homework, ALL students at Fernwood Elementary School are
assigned between 20 to 30 minutes of reading each evening. Reading is the key
fundamental skill that builds success in all academic areas. Like any athlete practicing
a sport to improve, students must practice reading to improve their skills as well.
Each student will have an individual reading goal, worked out with his/her teacher, for
each quarter. We ask parents of students who are not independent readers yet to read
to their children for 20 minutes each evening.

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ACCELERATED READER
One of the ways we monitor student reading is with our Accelerated Reader Program.
Accelerated Reader provides teachers and parents with an easy and effective way to
monitor all forms of guided reading practice. With Accelerated Reader teachers are
able to target instruction and ensure success for every student, regardless of level,
from emergent reader to college prep! Accelerated Reader helps us focus attention
on careful reading of books, which improves students’ critical-thinking skills and
builds an intrinsic love of reading.

STUDENT DROP-OFF/PICK UP
• In order to reduce distractions to our students, we ask parents or other persons

dropping off or picking up students please do so outside the buildings and not
proceed into the hallways or classrooms. Please remain in your car if you are
waiting in the traffic line.
• Parents requesting an early dismissal must do so before 3:00. Early dismissals
between 3:00 and 3:30 will only be granted in cases of emergency and will
require Principal or Assistant Principal approval. It is very important that you
AVOID picking up your children after 3:00 pm. Often their homework
assignment are given at this time and by having to leave early students miss
this crucial information.
• Because of street closure, there will be NO PARKING, PICKING UP OR DROPPING
OFF ON THE WEST SIDE OF UNION AVENUE BETWEEN ARRIVAL TIMES, 8:00 -
8:30 AM, AND DISMISSAL TIMES 3:15 - 3:30 PM. We have obtained permits for
this closure and it is necessary for the safety of your children.
• Please DO NOT stop to pick up or drop off students in the middle of the street.
Dropping off or picking up students in the middle of the street or in designated
no parking/standing zones will NOT be permitted.

STUDENT INFORMATION
It is essential that the school always have current information regarding students. If
you change your address, home telephone number or work number or any other
information, please inform the school office personnel at once or send in written
notification. This is especially important in case of student emergencies. If you move
to an address outside the Fernwood Elementary School attendance area your child
may remain at Fernwood if you complete the appropriate forms. Contact the main
office if you have question about the residency requirement.

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TELEPHONE
The office when deemed an emergency or essential may take messages for students.
Parents wishing to confer with teachers are invited to call the office and every effort
will be made to have the teacher call back when feasible. Classrooms should not be
interrupted for routine phone calls to students and/or teachers. Let your child know
before they come to school what they are to do at the end of each day. Children
participating in after hour’s programs such as safety patrols, PE events, or chorus
should make arrangements with parents before arriving to school.

Chicago Public Schools Public: An Equal Opportunity School District
It is the policy of the Board of Education of the City of Chicago not to discriminate
on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age,
disability, sex, or any other category prohibited under applicable federal, state, or
local laws. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972 and the regulations promulgated thereunder concerning sex
discrimination should be referred to the Equal Opportunity Compliance Office,
Chicago Public Schools, 125 South Clark Street, 15th Floor, Chicago, IL
60603 (773) 553-5499 {TTY (773) 553-2699}.

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