• J.F. GAUTHIER ELEMENTARY

    STUDENT HANDBOOK

    2021-2022

     

     

    VISION 

    J.F. Gauthier is a committed educational team of staff, parents, and students who collaborate in creating a progressive, engaging learning environment where hard work results in success for every child every day. J.F. Gauthier students will take pride in their accomplishments and demonstrate respect for others, enabling them to successfully face the challenges of a future with limitless possibilities.

    MISSION

    J.F. Gauthier’s call is to build learning for all.

    OUR BELIEFS

    •  Given a safe, supportive, and comfortable learning environment, all children have the ability to learn. 
    • Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs requiring a variety of instructional approaches to support their learning. 
    • Learning is a collaborative effort among teachers, administrators, parents, students, and the community. 
    • High expectations for learning set the standards for children to think more critically. 
    • Learning should be relevant and provide opportunities for the application of learning in order to enable students to become contributing members of the community. 
    • Professional development for continuous improvement and innovation is essential.

    HOLIDAYS

    SEPTEMBER 6                                           LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

    November 1                                              FALL BREAK

    NOVEMBER 2                                             TEACHER INSERVICE (Students off)

    NOVEMBER 22-26                                      THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS

    DECEMBER 20- JANUARY 31                        CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS 

    JANUARY 17                                               DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

    JANUARY 18                                               TEACHER INSERVICE (Students off)

    February 28- March 4                                  MARDI GRAS HOLIDAYS 

    APRIL 14-19                                               EASTER HOLIDAYS  

    IMPORTANT DATES

    AUGUST 6                                                   FIRST DAY of School                                               

    SEPTEMBER                                                 PROGRESS REPORTS

    OCTOBER 7                                                  END OF 1st NINE WEEKS

    OCTOBER 21                                                REPORT CARD CONFERENCES   4:30 - 7:45                                            

    NOVEMBER                                                  PROGRESS REPORTS

    January 3                                                     END OF 2nd NINE WEEKS

    JANUARY                                                     REPORT CARDS DISTRIBUTED

    FEBRUARY                                                   PROGRESS REPORTS

    MARCH 11                                                   END OF 3RD NINE WEEKS

    MARCH                                                       REPORT CARDS

    APRIL                                                         PROGRESS REPORTS

                                                                      STATE TESTING (3RD-5TH Grades)

    MAY 23                                                        REPORT CARDS (Last day for students)

    MAY 24                                                        RECORDS DAY (Students off)

    ACADEMIC AWARDS

    A student who receives all A’s and B’s including conduct will be given an Honor Roll certificate. Students receiving all A’s will be awarded with a Principal’s Honor Roll certificate. Honor Roll certificates are awarded at the end of each nine weeks period.

    ACCELERATED READER PROGRAM  (ARP)

    Children in grades K-5 are encouraged to participate in the AR program which promotes reading for enjoyment. Children read books and take computerized tests on the books that they read. They earn points based on the test results and receive prizes as the points accumulate. 

    ARRIVAL

    •  School begins at 8:30 a.m. Students should arrive between 8:05 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.  Students may not arrive before supervision begins at 8:05 a.m.  Students arriving after 8:30 a.m. must report to the office with a parent to sign in and receive a tardy pass.                                                                         
    • Students riding school buses will be dropped off at the front entrance of the school. 
    • Car riders will be dropped off at the designated drop off area. Teachers will be on duty to direct parents and students.  Students cannot be dropped off in the faculty parking lots or in any other areas of the school. 
    • Only students arriving by bus may enter the building through the doors by the bus loading area. 
    • Parents are not to walk students to class.

    ATTENDANCE – Absence & Tardy Policies                         

    The school year consists of 180 days.  Regulations specified by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education require elementary school students to be in attendance a minimum of 166 days to be eligible for promotion.  The State allows 14 absences per year at the elementary level.  The State does not distinguish between excused and unexcused; all are counted as absences.   A doctor’s note for an appointment or a one-day illness will be counted as one of the 14 days, and once the maximum number of absences allowed is reached credit may not be granted.  Long-term illnesses will receive special consideration through our Office of Child Welfare and Attendance. 

    • Automated phone calls will be made to any students who are absent each day. Please call the school (272-0700) when your child is absent and give the reason that your child is not in school. A note from a parent is required for each absence. These notes are kept on file.  
    • A doctor’s certificate is required when students are returning to school after having a communicable disease.
    • Absences are closely monitored. We are required to notify the Supervisor of Child Welfare when a student has five unexcused absences or is tardy five times in a semester.
    • All doctors’ notes must be turned in within 3 days of returning to school.
    • Students who are not in school or who check out early may not participate in extra-curricular or school sponsored functions that day. 

    Perfect Attendance certificates are awarded at the end of the each 9 weeks to students who miss no more than one-half day (3 ½ hours) of accumulated time during that 9 weeks. Awards are given at the end of the year to students who miss no more than one-half day (3 ½ hours) of accumulated time for the entire school year. Tardies and checkouts are counted as missed school and when accumulated may keep a child from receiving perfect attendance. 

    BUSES                                                                                                         

    • Students must follow all bus rules contained in the St. Bernard Parish GUIDE TO STUDENT CONDUCT. 
    • Mutual respect by the student and the bus driver should alleviate almost all problems. 
    • Once a student is assigned to a bus, he/she must ride only that bus. 
    • A parent may request in writing a change of bus for a special reason. The notes must be signed by the parent and turned in to the office. The note must be signed by the office personnel and a copy must be given to the bus driver.                       
    • Problems concerning bus routes or pick-ups should be directed to the Supervisor of Transportation at 301-3941. 
    • Discipline problems should be reported to the assistant principal as soon as possible. Students not observing common courtesies and obeying bus rules will be suspended from the bus. Riding the bus is a privilege. 

    CHANGE OF ADDRESS / PHONE NUMBER

    If your address or phone number changes, please notify the school immediately. All address changes must be made in the school office. Proof of residency for the new address will need to be submitted to the office staff. 

    CHECK OUTS 

    • You must present identification to the office personnel, sign the child out, and state the reason for early checkout. Habitual checkouts will be reported to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance. 
    • Only persons listed on the emergency card will be allowed to check a child out. This person will need to provide proper identification.  
    • Students will not be allowed to check out after 3:15 p.m. 

    CHILD WELFARE

    Educators are required by state law to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the Child Welfare Protection Agency. 

    CURRICULUM

    Students in kindergarten through fourth grades are instructed in self-contained classrooms. Fifth grade classes are departmentalized. All students will be instructed based on the Louisiana State Standards.  Physical education, art, library, and music objectives are taught by teachers who are specialized in these areas. All students will visit the computer lab on a regular basis. 

    Students who qualify for Special Education services will be instructed in the classroom setting specified on their Individual Education Program (I.E.P.). Guidance counselors and social workers are available for students as needed. 

    DETENTION POLICY

    A student who has neglected his lessons or disobeyed the rules of the school may be detained by the teacher or the principal provided the parents have been notified at least a day in advance. The length of the detention shall be determined by the teacher or principal concerned and shall not extend later than 4:45 p.m. A teacher shall remain in the classroom during the period of detention. 

    Time out periods may be assigned during the lunch period in lieu of after school detention as long as the students have sufficient time to eat lunch. 

    DISCIPLINE

     Students are expected to follow the school rules and behave appropriately.  The teacher, the principal, or the assistant principal will contact a parent when a student consistently breaks the school rules.  Refer to the GUIDE TO STUDENT CONDUCT for information regarding the different classes of behavior and possible consequences. 

     Whenever a question arises concerning discipline, please follow these steps:

    • Discuss it with your child,
    • Discuss it with the teacher, and if necessary,
    • Discuss it with an administrator.

    Please help your child develop good behavior habits as well as proper attitudes toward the school.  Please become familiar with your child’s discipline plan and the GUIDE TO STUDENT CONDUCT.  Your child will be held accountable for obeying all school rules.

    SCHOOL RULES

    General school behavior expectations are: 

                Be Respectful          Be Responsible          Be Positive          Be Safe

     Students will be expected to: 

    • Walk in the halls.
    • Report any problem with another student to the nearest adult (teacher, aide, bus driver, etc.).
    • Avoid hitting, kicking, or hurting another student.
    • Avoid throwing objects.
    • Refrain from “calling names” or teasing another student.
    • Respect school property.
    • Use the bathroom facilities properly.
    • Obey all school, classroom, and bus rules. 

    Students should follow this line-up procedure after lunch recess: 

    • “Freeze” on the first bell.
    • Walk quietly to the line when instructed to do so.
    • Quietly move to the classroom. 

    CAFETERIA RULES

     Students in the cafeteria should: 

    • Stay in a straight line.
    • Keep hands and feet to themselves.
    • Practice good table manners.
    • Clean eating area before lining up.
    • Listen for instructions to be dismissed.
    • Remain quiet during dismissal from the tables to empty trays.

     PLAYGROUND RULES

     Students should:                

    • Play by cooperating with other students.
    • Avoid rough play.
    • Avoid running on all concrete areas.
    • Follow game and playground equipment rules established by the P.E. teachers.
    • Obey all safety rules.
    • Sit in designated areas to wait for the teachers to rotate turns on playground equipment.
    • Stay out of the area immediately surrounding the playground equipment when not using the playground equipment.

     BUS  RULES 

     Students waiting for the bus should:

    • Stay in the line to wait for the bus.
    • Stay out of the street.

     Students on the bus should:

    • Stay seated in the assigned seat.
    • Speak quietly.
    • Keep hands and other objects inside the bus windows.
    • Report problems to the bus driver before leaving the bus.
    • Keep feet and school bags out of the aisles.
    • Exit the bus at the school entrance in the morning.
    • Board the bus in front of the school at dismissal.
    • Keep the bus clean.

    DISMISSAL

    If an adult other than the parent is sent to check out a student, that person’s name must be listed on the Student Emergency Information Card, and the person must provide identification before the child will be released.

    All checkouts must be made from the office.  Children will not be released to parents from the bus loading area.

    Car riders will be released from the side car rider entrance.  If your child does not ride the bus, please cooperate with us by waiting in the car line for safety reasons and to help alleviate any problems.  

    Transportation changes cannot be made over the telephone.  Please write a letter and sign it if you need to make a transportation change.  This policy is in place to protect your child.

    DRESS CODE

     The St. Bernard Parish School System has adopted a parish wide mandated school uniform policy for all students.  All children are required to wear uniforms as outlined below.  For further information, refer to St. Bernard Parish Guide to Student Conduct. 

    UNIFORM POLICY

    The St. Bernard Parish School Board requires that all students adhere to its adopted school uniform.  This uniform was adopted on February 17, 1998, following the recommendations of a committee comprised of teachers, administrators, and parent representatives from each school.  

    Uniform Pants                   

    Boys:    Khaki colored or navy (or dress shorts)                                                                            

    Girls:    Khaki colored or navy (or dress shorts, skirts, or jumpers)

    Uniform Shirts

    Boys:  White Oxford

    Girls:  White Oxford or Uniform Broadcloth

    Alternate Shirts

    Boys:  White collared polo/golf or red polo/golf (with logo) purchased from an authorized retail store

    Girls:  White collared polo/golf or red polo/golf (with logo) purchased from an authorized retail store 

    *Only white or red solid undershirts may be worn beneath uniform shirts. 

    All grade level uniforms include the following: 

    Sweatshirts, uniform sweaters: School issued or school sanctioned uniform sweaters, sweatshirts, and jackets may be worn in school at any time (solid red, solid navy, or solid white color V-neck, vest, crew or cardigan styles).  Jackets must be authorized by the principal and be approved school colors.  No hoods are allowed on students' heads while on school ground and/or on school buses. Except in extremem weather conditions or in special cases, as determined by the principal, non-uniform jackets and coats are not to be worn in the building. 

    Closed toe tennis, casual, or dress shoes:  Tennis shoes are the preferred shoe for everyday wear. Tennis shoes are required on P.E. days. Sandals, backless shoes, platform shoes, slippers/house shoes, boots (above ankles), light up shoes, Heelys, and Croc-type shoes cannot be worn to school.

    Clothing: Pants and jumpers/skirts are to be dress, non-denim, uniform type, navy or khaki colored. Bell-bottom, cargo, corduroy, or jean type pants are not allowed. Pant pockets must be internal. Pants are to be hemmed (shoe-top length) with no split seams or frayed edges. Jumpers and skirts must not be shorter than to the top of the knee. 

    Shirts or blouses are to be collared white uniform type with or without school logo or collared red shirt that must have the school logo.  Shirt tails are to be tucked in and may not be worn outside the pants/skirt.  Uniform shirt collars must be visible when wearing a sweater or sweatshirt.

    Belts:  Belts are required for clothing with belt loops and in the appropriate size.  Belts must be solid black, white, blue, khaki, or brown. Large or oversized belt buckles are not allowed and may only be slightly larger than the width of the belt.  Metal studs, eyelets and/or designs are not allowed on any belt. 

    Socks: Socks must be worn. Socks, stockings, knee-highs, and tights must be a matching solid color-white, neutral, black, navy, or brown.  

    Hair:  Moderate hairstyles only are permitted.  No student may have a shaved design cut into the eyebrows or any shaved design cut and/orbraided into the hair.  Extreme hairstyles and un-natural hair colorings are not allowed.  Boys natural hair length may not extend lower than the top of the shirt collar.  No student may wear a hair style that covers one or both eyes so as to impair vision and the learning process. 

    Accessories:  Hats, caps, bandanas, visors, hair curlers, gloves, and sunglasses (unless prescribed by a physician) may not be worn in the building during a regular school day. Excessive jewelry may not be worn.  Large earrings (hoops and/or those that hang very long) may not be worn per theprinicpal's discretion.  Body piercing (aside from the earlobe) is not allowed in school.  Earrings for boys are prohibited.

    Appearances:  Clothing must be neat, clean, and free of holes, tears, and stains.  Accessories, jackets, book bags, book covers, or any other item containing graffiti, or writing symbols which may be percieved as vulgar, profanes, satanic, gang-relatedm violent, tobacco, drug, or alcohol-related are not to be worn or possessed.  The only type of monogrammimg emblems, insignia that may be worn are those officially adopted by the school and by the St. Bernard Parish Public School Board.

    DRUG FREE SCHOOLS PROGRAM 

    J.F. Gauthier Elementary School students participate in state-mandated drug education classes throughout the school year. The classes are taught by the physical education teachers and the school counselor. 

    Students are instructed in the dangers of substance abuse at any early age since research shows that more students are influenced by the information when it is introduced early. 

    To act as role models in keeping with the Drug Free Schools Program and state laws, employees and parents are not allowed to smoke on the school grounds or on field trips. Please refer to the GUIDE TO STUDENT CONDUCT for the Drug Dog Search policy.

    EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL 

    In the event that school will be closed, the superintendent will announce the closure and information will be shared on our school and district websites, social media accounts, and with local news outlets. 

    If schools are closed during the school day, buses will transport all bus riders to their usual stops.  Please make arrangemenst for someone to be home to meet your child.  Students who are normally picked up by parents will not be released until a parent has been contacted and that parent informs the school whether a family member or friend will pick up the child.

    Parents/guardians will also be contacted using our Emergency Call System.  In order for families to be contacted, they must have a current and accurate telephone number in our system.  It is critical that parents notify our front office of any changes to phone numbers. 

    EMERGENCY DRILLS 

    At any one moment, any school can find itself in the midst of a natural disaster, man-made disaster, or other incident which threatens the safety of children and employees. The St. Bernard Parish School Board, with input from the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Department, St. Bernard Parish Fire Department, and Office of Homeland Security has developed an emergency plan for the district. Response to emergencies should always be proactive with a planned, best practice approach. At J.F. Gauthier Elementary we review this plan regularly with the students. We also conduct monthly drills for emergency situations including fire, lockdown, and shelter-in-place. Please contact the school for more information regarding the school emergency plan. 

    EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

    ACADEMIC GAMES

    Students in 3rd-5th grades who meet the requirements of the Academic Games Team will be invited to participate in the activities. After school meetings will be required. 

    BETA CLUB

    Fifth grade students meeting the requirements of the Beta Club are encouraged to join it and participate in its activities.

    GAUTHIER PLAYERS      

    Any third, fourth and fifth graders who are interested in the performing arts are encouraged to participate.  After school practice will be necessary for this organization. 

    Pep Squad

    Pep Squad is open to 3rd-5th grade students. Try outs are held prior to the closing of the previous school year.  Summer, weekend, and after school practices will be required.  Announcements will be made as to when meetings about joining will be held.  The Pep Squad performs at various school and parish scponsored events. 

    4-H CLUB

    Fourth and fifth grade students are encouraged to join the 4-H Club and participate in all 4-H activities. Members are encouraged to attend after school meetings and participate in club projects. 

    K-KIDS

    Students in 3rd-5th grades will be nominated by their teacher to be a member of K-Kids. Members work in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club of St. Bernard to complete service activities both at school and within the community. 

    LIBRARY CLUB

    Students in grades four and five who meet the requirements may join the Library Club.  The librarian will inform students of details about joining this club. 

    OTHER CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

    J.F. Gauthier Elementary School plans to participate in Family Math/Literacy Nights, Terrific Kids, Literacy Week, and a Mardi Gras Celebration. Please read correspondences sent home for details concerning these and other newly formed activities and clubs sponsored by our school.

     

    Family Engagement and Communications

    J.F. Gauthier Elementary School recognizes that parent/family involvement is essential as we partner to educate our students and prepare them for life-long learning.  Together, families working alongside our school educators, we can support student learning and growth.  

     

    It is our intention to cultivate and support active family involvement through a number of different ways:

    Communications:

    SchoolStatus: An Easier Way to Connect With Us

    Starting with the 2020-2021 school year, our educators will begin using a new platform called SchoolStatus to connect with parents. This means that all teachers, counselors, and administrators throughout our district will be reaching out using this new communications tool. This will replace individual teachers' need to create separate RemindApp or ClassDojo accounts. Here are a few answers to some common questions:

    • Do I need to download an app? No. Calls and texts may come from a number you don’t recognize, but that is your direct line to the educator contacting you.
    • If I respond to a text, who gets the message? The educator who contacted you! You’re not responding to an entire group. It’s a 1:1 message.
    • If I miss a call, can I call the number back? Yes! You may leave a message for the educator who called, or text that same number and know you’ll reach the educator who called you.
    • How does the system know my phone number or email? SchoolStatus will utilize the contact information in the school’s student system. It is critical that your phone number and email address are accurate and up-to-date. Please contact your school secretary if your contact information has changed. 

       

    School and District Websites

    Our school and district websites provide families the most up-to-date information regarding school operations, school and district policies, upcoming events, and announcements. You can find our school website by visiting www.sbpsb.org/gauthier.

     

    Teachers will also be posting important information regarding assignments, tests, class resources, and other helpful reminders and announcements to their Teacher Web Pages. You can find your child’s teacher web page by visiting the “Teachers” channel on our school website. 


    Social Media Accounts

    J.F. Gauthier Elementary School utilizes Facebook to communicate with our families and community. Please be sure to “like” our school and district Facebook page to get the latest information about what is happening within our schools.

     

    Parent/Teacher Conferences

    The most effective communication between parents and teachers is the parent-teacher conference.  Parents are encouraged to contact the school whenever the need arises.  However, parents should schedule all conferences in advance with the teacher or principal.  The principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor, or teacher may sometimes request a conference with a parent.  Please be sure to attend these meetings.

     

    If at any time there is a problem with a teacher, please call and ask for a conference with that teacher.  If dissatisfaction is still felt, ask to talk with the principal or assistant principal.  Many problems can be resolved if communication lines are left open. 

     

    Parents are urged to arrange a conference with their child’s teacher whenever a problem arises.  However, since class time belongs to ALL children, parent conferences should never be attempted during actual teaching time.  To ensure sufficient time for your conference, pre-arrange it by calling the school office (272-0700) and make an appointment.  The conference will be arranged either before or after school hours or during the teacher’s planning period that week. Teachers are available for conferences before and after school at the discretion of the teacher.

    Educational Links

     

    CLEVER

    Clever is an easy way for children to log in and learn with all of the online programs they use at school. With their own personal portals, students can learn with resources selected by their teacher and district. J.F. Gauthier uses Clever so our students can have all of their digital resources in one place. Clever also eliminates the need to remember multiple usernames and passwords.

     

    The link for our Clever site can be found by visiting the Quick Links on our school website. Your student’s username and password can be found out by contacting your child’s teacher.

     

    Progress Monitoring

     

    Home Access Center: Quick Access to Student Grades, Attendance and Schedules

    Parents may utilize the Home Access Center by visiting www.sbpsb.org/grades or visiting our school or district websites. The Home Access Center (HAC) will give parents access to current information regarding your child’s schedule, attendance, class work, interim progress report, report card grades, test scores and registration information.

    Parent Involvement

     

    Parent-Teacher Organization (P.T.O.)

    All parents are invited to become members of our Parent Teacher Organization. All scheduled meetings will be shown on the school calendar and/or website. The PTO sponsors several student centered activities.

     

    Parent Volunteers

    1. F. Gauthier Elementary welcomes parent volunteers! If you are able to volunteer in any capacity, please speak to your child’s teacher or a PTO officer. We appreciate any help you can give us.  All parents must check in at the office before going to any classroom or any part of the building. 

    Fees and Fines

    J.F. Gauthier Elementary School may impose certain student fees or charges to help offset special costs incurred in the operation of specific classrooms or subjects. Please send all funds to school in an envelope marked with the student’s name, homeroom, purpose for the funds, and the amount. All checks should be made payable to J. F. Gauthier Elementary School.  If we receive an NSF check, the policy will revert to “cash only” for the person(s) who sent the check. Generally, students should not be denied or delayed admission nor denied access to any curricular instructional activity due to failure or inability of their parent or guardian to pay a fee.  Report cards and other academic records cannot be withheld for failure to pay a fee pursuant to state law

    A full copy of our Student Fees, Fines and Charges policy can be found on the school and district website by visiting www.sbpsb.org/fees.

     A student or his/her parent or legal guardian may request and receive a waiver of payment of a fee due to economic hardship.  Completed waivers and the corresponding documentation must be submitted to your student’s school principal.  For families with students in multiple schools, separate waivers and documentation must be provided at each school. Families with multiple students at the same school can complete one waiver. The form must be completed yearly during enrollment, registration, or orientation.

     Please note that the waiver will be applied to fees associated with curricular activities only. Fees associated with extracurricular activities are not covered by the waiver. 

    FIELD TRIPS 

    Since field trips are important to our educational program, students are encouraged to attend all class-sponsored field trips.  Please send the money and permission slip in a well-labeled envelope.  No permission slips or money will be accepted after the deadline that is set for the field trip.  The rules for incentive field trips are established by the teacher.  For incentive field trips, the teacher may withhold the field trip privilege for disciplinary reasons.  School dress code and all school rules are in effect for field trips. 

    All chaperones will be required to check in the office by using their driver’s license in order to receive a visitors badge. Parent chaperones must dress appropriately for field trips.  (NO shorts, halter tops, midriffs, etc.).  Parents must follow regular check out procedures after field trips. Students who do not come to school on field trip days will receive an unexcused absence for that day. All school rules are in effect during a field trip and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken with students who choose to violate these rules. 

    Field Trip Chaperone Guidelines 

    1. Chaperones must be at school at the time listed on the Field Trip Form. Please do not come to the classroom early. 
    2. As a chaperone you may be responsible for several students.
    3. Only Gauthier students will be allowed on our field trips. No other children are allowed! 
    4. Students must wear their field trip tags at all times!
    5. Adults must ride the bus with the children and must be of legal age (18 years or older).
    6. Students and adults must bring their own lunch and drink for the field trip.
    7. Everyone who attends the field trip with us must remain with the group. No one is to leave the area or the trip.
    8. Smoking and consumption/possession of alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the fieldtrip. This includes picnic lunches.
    9. Adults should dress appropriately for the field trip (NO shorts, halter tops, midriffs, etc.).
    10. Students must wear their school uniforms for all field trips.
    11. Please, use appropriate language.
    12. Spend time with your group looking at the exhibits and discussing what you see.
    13. Your time and attention is important to the children.
    14. Observe all rules. Remember, our behavior during a field trip is a reflection on F. Gauthier Elementary and St. Bernard Parish.
    15. Most importantly - HAVE FUN!!!

    FIRST AID 

    It is the student’s responsibility to report personal illness or injury to a teacher or staff member.  If serious injury occurs, first aid is administered and parents/guardians are called immediately.  For this reason, it is very important that the school has your correct home telephone number and at least three emergency contact numbers.

    FOOD SERVICES PROGRAM 

    Our school participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. This program provides one breakfast and one lunch each school day to all students enrolled in the schools listed. Adults and employees will be charged for meals at the rate below. Please note that there is a cost for “extra milk and/or juice” (see prices below). These items CAN NOT be charged to an account.

    Adult Visitor Breakfast: $3.00

    Adult Visitor Lunch: $4.50

    Extra Milk or Juice: $.50

     

    Important Notes:

    Canned and/or bottled beverages are not allowed in the cafeteria.

    Commercially prepared food is not allowed (McDonald’s, Burger King, etc.)

     

    Breakfast:

    Breakfast is served between 8:05 and 8:30 a.m. Car riders must arrive in the cafeteria by 8:20 if they wish to eat breakfast. 

    Lunch:

    11:45-12:25               1st and 2nd grades

    12:10-12:50               3rd and 4th grades

    12:30-1:00                 Pre-K

    12:45-1:25                 K and 5th grades 

      

    FUND RAISING              

    Our fund raisers are intended to be family oriented.  Sales are encouraged through family members, business contacts, and friends.  Fund raisers are not intended to be door-to-door selling time for students.  Please do not let your child sell school items for fund raisers unsupervised. 

     

    GRADING POLICY 

    The following grading scale is used for reporting purposes: 

    A = 100 – 93

    B = 92 – 85 

     C = 84 – 75               

    D = 74 – 67

    F = 66 – 0  

    Progress reports will be distributed in the middle of each grading period.  Report cards are issued at the end of each nine weeks period.  

    HOMEWORK 

    Homework is assigned to reinforce, extend, and enrich the skills and concepts that have been introduced by the teacher. Homework provides an opportunity for a student to develop self-responsibility, time management skills, and independent study skills and should be turned in completed each day. A homework policy will be sent home during the first week of school by your child’s teacher. Weekly homework schedules will be sent home by most teachers. Homework can also be found online through our website at www.gauthier.sbpsb.org.  Check with your child’s teacher if you have any questions concerning homework. 

    ILLNESSES/EMERGENCIES 

    When a student becomes ill or has a suspected communicable condition, the parent will be required to come to check the student out of school.  If a student’s temperature is 100.0 ° orally or 99.0° axillary, (s)he must be excluded from class, and the school will notify the parent to pick up his/her child from school. It is generally recommended that a student remain home for a minimum of 24 hours after his/her temperature returns to normal. When a parent consistently fails to make arrangements to check out a child who is sick or has a contagious condition, such as head lice, scabies, or other communicable disease, the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance will be notified. 

    Student Emergency Information Cards are kept on file in the school office.  Three working phone numbers on these information cards must be kept up-to-date in case of an emergency.  Please be sure that when you send someone to check out your child, he/she is listed on the information card.  Picture identification must be provided to the office staff prior to checking out a child. 

    LIBRARY 

     

    The library is open every day.  Students may visit the library for recreational reading assignments and research with the permission of their teacher and librarian.

                                                                                       

    Each student has a regular library period as part of the Cultural Arts rotation.  During this period, the librarian reads to the students, teaches them library skills, and instructs them on how to use a library properly.  The students are also allowed to check out books during this time.  If students fail to return their book on the due date, they may not check out another book until their due book is returned.

    Students are responsible for books they check out.  If a book is lost, the student will be required to pay for it.  If lost books are paid for and the books are found at a later date, the money will be returned to the student.

    MEDICATION

    Please, inform your child’s teacher and the office if your child has any allergies or if he/she is on any type of medication. 

    According to School Board policy, school personnel are not allowed to dispense medication of any kind unless we have the proper authorization from the school nurse. 

    Parents are welcome to bring the medicine to the school office.  The student will be called to meet the parent in the office to take the medicine. 

    Students cannot bring medicine of any kind (including cough drops, nasal inhalants, Chap Stick, etc.) to school.

    Arrangements for school office personnel to administer medication to a student requiring daily medication over an extended period of time must be made with the Nursing Supervisor at 301-2000. 

    PERSONAL BELONGINGS

    Mark all articles of clothing and personal items with the student’s name. 

    Please be sure to take the time to do this properly.  Items could be returned if labeled properly.  Lost articles which are not marked and are not claimed in a reasonable time will be given to a charitable organization. 

    Toys, electronic games/devices, or jewelry should not be brought to school.  The school is not responsible for the loss of or damage to such items. 

    Students should bring only supplies and books necessary for class. Toys, dolls, stuffed animals, trading cards, radios, iPods, balls, electronic games, gum, etc. are not allowed at school.  CAPS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN SCHOOL AND/OR ON THE SCHOOL BUS UNLESS DESIGNATED BY TEACHERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

    POLICY ON NON-DISCRIMINATION

    The St. Bernard Parish School Board adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal civil rights laws and regulations that are applicable to this agency.  Therefore, no one will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964); sex (Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972); disability (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973); or age (Age Discrimination Act of 1975) in attaining educational goals and objectives and in the administration of personnel policies and procedures.  Anyone with questions regarding this policy may contact Tommie Powell, Supervisor, at (504)301-2000, 200 East St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette, LA  70043.

    PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS – Primary School (Grades K-5)

    • A student must achieve the objectives specified in the Louisiana State Standards as mandated by the Louisiana Department of Education. 
    • A passing grade (D) in Reading/ELA and Math is required for grades 1-5. 
    • Students in grades K-5 must be in attendance for at least 166 days during the school year. Doctor’s excuses will be used for extenuating circumstances only. All absences (excused and unexcused) are counted in the 14 day absence policy. 
    • Students will be considered for promotion/retention based on the promotion/retention policy set forth in the PUPIL PROGRESSION PLAN adopted annually by the St. Bernard Parish School Board and approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. 
    • 4th grade students who have not met the acceptable level of performance on the LEAP 2025 may be retained in the 4th

    SCHEDULES – CULTURAL ARTS

    8:40 – 9:40                5th Grade

    9:40 – 10:40              3rd Grade

    10:40 – 11:40            Kindergarten

    12:25 – 1:25              1st Grade

    1:25 – 2:25                2nd Grade

    2:25 – 3:25                4th Grade

    SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS 

    Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month.  These meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. at the School Board Office, 200 E. St. Bernard Highway.

    SCHOOL PUBLICITY

     From time to time photographs will be taken of school activities and these pictures will be sent to the local newspaper, placed on the school/district website, and/or Facebook page.  If you have a problem with your child’s picture being in any of these forms of media, please notify the school in writing.

    STUDENT INSURANCE                

    Student insurance is offered to children for a nominal fee.  It covers a student on the way to and from school and on school-sponsored activities.  Each child will receive a packet of information regarding school insurance. If you do not have adequate insurance coverage for your child, the student insurance is recommended.

    Student of the Year Guidelines

    The Student of the Year Awards Program is designed to recognize outstanding 5th grade students. This program is a great way for our school to celebrate those students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievements, leadership ability, and citizenship. 

     

    In order to be considered, a student must at minimum meet the following criteria:

    • Student G.P.A. 2nd through 5th grade must be in the top 15% of the class and be no less than a 3.1.
    • LEAP test scores must demonstrate proficiency at grade level.
    • Student conduct embodies the school culture and values.
    • Student should be involved in extracurricular activities inside or outside of school.

     

    J.F. Gauthier’s Student of the Year process begins in the early fall with the identification of students who meet the criteria set by the district. Students are then notified with a letter informing them of their nomination and are given the Student of the Year application along with dates for each step in the selection process. After the application deadline, Student of the Year nominees are interviewed individually by a panel of interviewers not associated with J.F. Gauthier school. The panel scores each student using a Student of the Year interview rubric. The nominees then complete a writing sample that is submitted anonymously and scored by a team using a writing rubric. Student of the Year nominees are scored on a point system, receiving points based on grades, test scores, school/community involvement, their interview, and their writing sample. The nominee receiving the greatest number of points is then named the Student of the Year. If there is a dispute regarding the selection of a candidate, please contact your school principal directly.

    STUDENT SEXUAL HARASSMENT

    The St. Bernard Parish School Board shall require any student complaint about sexual harassment reported to a teacher or counselor to be immediately reported to the principal. The principal is responsible for investigating the complaint. The right to confidentiality for all parties shall be respected. See the Guide to Student Conduct for additional information.  

    SUPPLIES

    All students received a supply list at the end of the school year or with the registration packet.  Please bring all supplies to school on supply day or send all supplies with your child on the first day of class.

    Rolling schoolbags are not allowed in any grade.

    TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS

    As a parent of a public school student you have the right to know the qualifications of your child’s teacher.  To obtain information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teacher please contact the principal.

    TERRIFIC KIDS

    Each month a “Terrific Kid” is chosen by each homeroom teacher.  The Terrific Kids will be recognized at a lunch ceremony and be awarded a T-shirt, certificate, yard sign, and a special treat.  The basis for this selection is good attitude, helpfulness, being a good role model, and thoughtfulness among other chosen characteristics.

    TEST RETURN POLICY

    Test packets will be sent home weekly.  It is important that you review the tests with your child.  Signed tests must be returned to your child’s teacher.

    TESTING                 

    Third, fourth, and fifth grade students will be given an assessment set by the Louisiana Department of Education in the spring.

    TEXTBOOKS

    Students will be issued textbooks and/or workbooks that correlate with the curriculum. Children are responsible for the proper care of textbooks and library books.  Payment will be required for all lost and/or damaged books.  Book prices range from $5.00 - $54.95. 

    TITLE IX WOMEN’S EQUITY IN EDUCATION ACT

    “It is the policy of the St. Bernard Parish School board to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all activities, programs and employment practices of the school district.     A copy of the complaint process, any questions or complaints concerning sex discrimination should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator, Tommie Powell, St. Bernard Parish School Board, 200 E. St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette, LA  70043, or call 504-301-2000.”

    TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER SCHOOL

    To withdraw your child from our school, come at least one day ahead of time to give us time to get all of the necessary information for you.  Remember that teachers cannot be disturbed during class time to complete the withdrawal forms.

    VISITORS                            

    To protect the confidentiality and privacy of all our students, classroom observations and visits are not allowed. As part of security measures for your child, we will ask all visitors to our school, including parents and field trip chaperones, to provide their drivers’ licenses for identification and a simple background screening. (La Wallet is NOT an acceptable form of identification).  Such a check will not be necessary for business conducted in the office. Please be sure to bring your driver’s license with you when making a school visit. Parents may not enter student areas of the building unless they have signed in and received a pass from the office. We appreciate your cooperation.