Handbook
Whether you're new to our school or have been with us for several years, we hope you find our in-depth handbook helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions!
FAQ
What are your drop-off and pick-up procedures?
Students can be dropped off at the start of the day beginning at 8:10 am. Parents can use the front lot for drop off and pick up. The drop off line is meant to be a quick drop and go. If you need to escort your child or meet a staff member, we ask that you park your car and escort your child to the building. If not, we ask that your child exits the car on the curbside of the lot and parents then pull away in an efficient manner. Same is true for pick up. It is critical that no child is allowed to walk into traffic without an adult present. Please get out of your car to meet your child at pick up, if you are not waiting at the drop off curb. Students will enter and exit at their grade level designated doors. The east parking lot is for bus drop off and pick up only. If you bring your child late to school, or if they are leaving early, a parents should come into the office to sign them in or out.
How do I report an absence or tardy?
Procedures for reporting absences
If your child is going to be absent, please call our Attendance Line and leave a message with the name of the student, their teacher, and the reason for their absence. The attendance line is (616) 254-6078.
If your child is going to be absent, please call our Attendance Line and leave a message with the name of the student, their teacher, and the reason for their absence. The attendance line is (616) 254-6078.
Tardiness
A student who is not in his/her assigned location within 15 minutes of the start of the school day shall be considered tardy. Any student arriving late to school is to report to the school office with a parent to sign them in before proceeding to class.
Attendance Is Important
Regular attendance is a necessary part of a student’s education. It is also the school’s goal, in cooperation with parents, to teach promptness and responsibility. We strongly urge parents to support us in reaching this goal by scheduling appointments for students during non-school hours and planning family vacations to coincide with the school calendar. Lack of consistent attendance is one of the most common causes of poor student performance. The nature of most classes requires regular and consistent attendance in order to receive the full benefit of instruction. Make-up assignments cannot always be issued in every circumstance. Each class may include as a part of the grading criteria a component of classroom participation. If a student is absent (either excused or unexcused) a significant number of times, and not able to participate in daily classroom discussion or activities that contribute to the participation portion of the grade, this will have a negative impact on the overall course grade. Grading criteria to include class participation will be listed specifically in each course syllabus.
A student’s attendance record becomes part of his or her permanent record. Employers and post-secondary institutions consider attendance as important as a student’s grade point average.
The school chooses not to provide perfect attendance awards because there are students with health conditions that will not allow them to be in attendance every school day, although they are present every day they are capable of attending.
Vacations During the School Year
Parents are encouraged not to take their child out of school for vacations. When a family vacation must be scheduled during the school year, the parents should discuss the matter with the principal and the student’s teacher(s) to make necessary arrangements. It may be possible for the student to receive certain assignments that are to be completed during the trip.
Parents are encouraged not to take their child out of school for vacations. When a family vacation must be scheduled during the school year, the parents should discuss the matter with the principal and the student’s teacher(s) to make necessary arrangements. It may be possible for the student to receive certain assignments that are to be completed during the trip.
What is the limit for absences?
Truancy and Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic Absenteeism is when students miss 10% or more of scheduled school days (to date). This includes both excused and unexcused absences. It is the collective goal of the Superintendents and school staff in Kent ISD to support students to “Strive for less than 5 days absent” each school year. Below are the guidelines that will be used to ensure that each student adheres to this county-wide expectation.
Chronic Absenteeism is when students miss 10% or more of scheduled school days (to date). This includes both excused and unexcused absences. It is the collective goal of the Superintendents and school staff in Kent ISD to support students to “Strive for less than 5 days absent” each school year. Below are the guidelines that will be used to ensure that each student adheres to this county-wide expectation.
Parent(s) and guardian(s) are expected to make reasonable efforts to ensure that their child attends school on a regular basis. Any parent/guardian who fails to comply with the Michigan Compulsory School Law may be found guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine, or imprisonment.
For the purposes of truancy, the following absences are not counted for attendance intervention:
- Excused absences by a parent/guardian (up to 5 days per school year)
- School closure due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances
- School-related absences
- Medical absences (documentation required)
- Disciplinary action such as suspension
The following absences are counted for attendance intervention:
- Unexcused absences
- Excused absences beyond the 5 days allotted per school year
The following intervention steps will be utilized for students who are truant:
Varying levels of intervention are utilized for students who begin to exhibit signs of chronic absenteeism - i.e. 3 or more days absent by count day, an unacceptable pattern of absences occurs (absent every Monday, late/absent from 1st hour).
- Level 1: Students who accumulate more than five (5) counted absences or have missed 10% or more of scheduled school days will receive an initial notification to the Office of Truancy and Attendance. The student and parent(s)/guardian(s) will meet with the principal or designee to establish an attendance plan which includes ongoing support, as well as expectations.
- Level 2: This intensive level of support will be utilized if improvement is not made as specified on the attendance plan and/or the student is not in attendance for at least 90% or more of the scheduled days for any two (2) week period. A second parent/guardian meeting is required with the principal or designee in order to revise the attendance plan and discuss additional supports. A second referral to the Office of Truancy and Attendance will be made if, despite these supports and at least five (5) interventions, the student continues to be truant.
- Level 3: The school will file a third referral to the Office of Truancy and Attendance if attempts by school staff to help a student improve on their attendance is unsuccessful. In such cases, the student is expected to be in attendance for 90% or more of the scheduled school days over any two (2) week period and immediate acceptable progress is made on the goals established through the attendance plan or after any unexcused absence(s). Additionally, a third referral may be made if the parent(s)/guardian(s) fails to meet with the principal or designee regarding attendance concerns.
Excused and exempt absences
Excused Absences
Excused absences are those in which parent notification is given (either by phone or in writing) within 48 hours of the absence. This includes pre-arranged absences. The administration reserves the right to determine if an absence will be considered excused. The student will be allowed to make up missed work. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the teacher upon their return from an excused absence and to request work that needs to be made up.
Excused Absences
Excused absences are those in which parent notification is given (either by phone or in writing) within 48 hours of the absence. This includes pre-arranged absences. The administration reserves the right to determine if an absence will be considered excused. The student will be allowed to make up missed work. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the teacher upon their return from an excused absence and to request work that needs to be made up.
Exempt Absences
- Funeral Absences — These are absences that result from a student attending a funeral of a family member or close friend upon parent request and notification.
- Medical Exemption Absences — These absences include pre-existing medical conditions and longer term illnesses that will result in multiple absences. In these cases, medical documentation must be presented and on file to medically exempt the absences. This must be requested and on file within one day of the absence after the return to school. In cases of chronic absences throughout the year, updated medical information may be requested to verify the continued existence of the condition and that treatment is being sought.
- School-Related Absences — A school-related absence is an absence that is due to an approved school activity. The absence is excused and no notification from parents is required. The high school administration reserves the right to determine if an activity qualifies as a school-related absence. These absences do not count against the attendance limit. The number of school-related absences may be limited by the administration to avoid excessive absences for any student.
- Prearranged Absences — Parents/students who know in advance that they are going to be absent from school must communicate with their principal and teacher(s). Students are responsible to contact the teacher to make arrangements for making up missed work.
At any time that a parent or student would like a complete attendance report, please go to the parent portal to check attendance. If a parent or student does not have internet access, they can request one to be issued (or mailed or faxed); this request may be made by visiting our office or by calling Amanda Bidle at (616) 254-6041. All attendance information can also be accessed via the internet by logging into the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
What are the breakfast, lunch, treat and drink rules?
Breakfast and Lunch
For 2021-22, breakfast and lunch are free to all students. Breakfast begins at 8:20 am. Our lunches are served based on grade levels between 11:45 am and 12:30 pm. A balanced, "Grade A" hot lunch and breakfast are prepared daily for students. Students who choose to pack a lunch can purchase milk or juice in the cafeteria. Prices for lunch, milk and juice will be made available in the fall as they fluctuate from year to year.
The following procedure is used for ordering lunches and depositing money into lunch accounts:
1. Lunch menus will be sent home monthly for students and their parents to review. Hot lunches will be ordered by 9 a.m. in the classrooms each day.
2. Money for lunch or milk will be collected daily and deposited into each child’s account. Every student is given a lunch card that is bar coded with their student number. Each time a child purchases a lunch or milk, the appropriate amount is automatically deducted from the balance in his/her account.
3. Lunch money should be sent in an envelope with the child’s name, grade and teacher listed.
4. Lunch menus can be viewed and lunch money and accounts can also be managed online by visiting the food service link on the Grandville Public Schools website.
5. Glass bottles are not allowed for students who choose to bring a cold lunch to school.
Because of the extreme sensitivity and serious side affects of peanut allergies, our hot lunch program will not be serving any food items containing nuts.
The following procedure is used for ordering lunches and depositing money into lunch accounts:
1. Lunch menus will be sent home monthly for students and their parents to review. Hot lunches will be ordered by 9 a.m. in the classrooms each day.
2. Money for lunch or milk will be collected daily and deposited into each child’s account. Every student is given a lunch card that is bar coded with their student number. Each time a child purchases a lunch or milk, the appropriate amount is automatically deducted from the balance in his/her account.
3. Lunch money should be sent in an envelope with the child’s name, grade and teacher listed.
4. Lunch menus can be viewed and lunch money and accounts can also be managed online by visiting the food service link on the Grandville Public Schools website.
5. Glass bottles are not allowed for students who choose to bring a cold lunch to school.
Because of the extreme sensitivity and serious side affects of peanut allergies, our hot lunch program will not be serving any food items containing nuts.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks may not be consumed during the school day.
Energy drinks may not be consumed during the school day.
Food items/Allergies
If your child has a severe allergy, we ask that you make school administration aware. If needed, an allergy action plan will be created and shared with the teacher, and in some cases building professionals. If your child is in a classroom with a student that has an allergy that is deemed “severe” it will be communicated to classmates / families what policies will be followed.
Treat Policy
It is our School Board Policy that no food prepared at home may be consumed by the students at school parties, picnics, etc., during school hours. Wrapped candies and baked goods purchased from a commercial establishment are permitted. Please check with your teacher before bringing treats to verify any food allergies.
What are your behavioral expectations?
Here is a table of our expectations.
Responding to Problem Behavior
While we work hard to focus on teaching positive behavior and reinforcing students when they meet expectations, there are times when staff must respond to more repeated and/or more serious behaviors in a different way. Even in these situations, the focus stays on helping our students reflect on what occurred and think of better ways to handle the situation.
While we work hard to focus on teaching positive behavior and reinforcing students when they meet expectations, there are times when staff must respond to more repeated and/or more serious behaviors in a different way. Even in these situations, the focus stays on helping our students reflect on what occurred and think of better ways to handle the situation.
What is your dress code?
All students are expected to be dressed neatly and appropriately. The following items serve as a minimum guide to acceptable dress for Grandville Schools’ students.
1. Skirts and shorts must be appropriate in length (mid-thigh on down).
2. Pants worn too low (sagging) or excessively large clothing is not permitted. Pants must be worn at the waist and belts must be fastened at the waist.
3. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
4. Any top which exposes a midriff on persons of either gender is unacceptable. Shirts or tops that expose an excessive amount of shoulder or torso are not allowed. These include, but are not limited to, tank tops, tube tops, sleeveless shirts, or shirts with “spaghetti straps.”
5. Any clothing which makes reference to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or sex is not permitted.
6. Clothing which contains any sign, symbol or logo which has become synonymous with any gang or cult is not permitted.
7. Headgear (hats, caps, scarves, sweatbands, etc.) may not be worn in the school building except on specifically designated days.
8. Forms of dress, hairstyle or adornment that interfere with the normal operation of the school or draw attention to oneself in a manner that may be disruptive to the educational process are not allowed.
1. Skirts and shorts must be appropriate in length (mid-thigh on down).
2. Pants worn too low (sagging) or excessively large clothing is not permitted. Pants must be worn at the waist and belts must be fastened at the waist.
3. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
4. Any top which exposes a midriff on persons of either gender is unacceptable. Shirts or tops that expose an excessive amount of shoulder or torso are not allowed. These include, but are not limited to, tank tops, tube tops, sleeveless shirts, or shirts with “spaghetti straps.”
5. Any clothing which makes reference to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or sex is not permitted.
6. Clothing which contains any sign, symbol or logo which has become synonymous with any gang or cult is not permitted.
7. Headgear (hats, caps, scarves, sweatbands, etc.) may not be worn in the school building except on specifically designated days.
8. Forms of dress, hairstyle or adornment that interfere with the normal operation of the school or draw attention to oneself in a manner that may be disruptive to the educational process are not allowed.
What is your cell phone and personal electronics policy?
All personal electronic devices are prohibited for use during the instructional portions of the school day, unless explicitly approved by the teacher for a specific academic activity. Instructional time is defined as the time class is in session. This includes all areas outside of the classroom as well (i.e. hallways, bathrooms, and library). If a student possesses such a device, these items are to be turned on silent and out of sight during class time. The school is in no way liable for the loss or theft of any electronic devices.
Cell phones and other electronic devices (i.e. smart watches, tablets, etc.) can be a disruption to the educational environment and must be turned off during instructional/class time. Phones must remain in the classroom for bathroom breaks or if working in the hall. If such items are seen during instructional time, they will be confiscated by the teacher or administration and the student will receive a detention. During assessment, phones and any electronic device that can record, send, or receive text messages, audio or video messages, and photos, are prohibited and must be put in bags and placed in front of the room or other designated area. Use of an electronic device during a testing environment is prohibited.
Repeated violations will result in progressive discipline. Pictures taken of individuals in locker rooms, bathrooms, or individuals without their permission may result in an immediate suspension, possible expulsion, and police referral, as this is an extremely serious issue.
Can I get a message to my child during the day?
Our office is open from 7:30am-4:00pm. Calls for teachers should be made to their direct line. During school hours the office will accept calls or messages for students and forward them at a convenient time. If you know that your child needs to receive a message, please try to call before 3:15 p.m. Students have no need for a cell phone at school. If a student does bring a cell phone to school, it is to be kept in their locker or backpack and turned off throughout the school day.
What if my child needs medication at school?
In those circumstances where a student must take prescribed medication during the school day, the following guidelines are to be observed:
A. Parents should, with their physician's counsel, determine whether the medication schedule can be adjusted to avoid administering medication during school hours.
B. The Medication Request and Authorization Form 5330 F1, F1a, F1b, and F1c must be filed with the respective building principal before the student will be allowed to begin taking any medication during school hours.
C. All medications must be registered with the principal's office.
D. Medication that is brought to the office will be properly secured.
B. The Medication Request and Authorization Form 5330 F1, F1a, F1b, and F1c must be filed with the respective building principal before the student will be allowed to begin taking any medication during school hours.
C. All medications must be registered with the principal's office.
D. Medication that is brought to the office will be properly secured.
- Medication may be conveyed to school directly by the parent or transported by transportation personnel (bus driver and/or bus aide) at parental request. This should be arranged in advance. A two to four (2-4) week supply of medication is recommended.
- Medication MAY NOT be sent to school in a student's lunch box, pocket, or other means on or about his/her person, except for emergency medications for allergies and/or reactions.
E. Any unused medication unclaimed by the parent will be destroyed by school personnel when a prescription is no longer to be administered or at the end of a school year.
F. The parents shall have sole responsibility to instruct their child to take the medication at the scheduled time, and the child has the responsibility for both presenting himself/herself on time and for taking the prescribed medication.
A log for each prescribed medication shall be maintained which will note the personnel giving the medication, the date, and the time of day. This log will be maintained along with the physician's written instructions and the parent's written permission release.
F. The parents shall have sole responsibility to instruct their child to take the medication at the scheduled time, and the child has the responsibility for both presenting himself/herself on time and for taking the prescribed medication.
A log for each prescribed medication shall be maintained which will note the personnel giving the medication, the date, and the time of day. This log will be maintained along with the physician's written instructions and the parent's written permission release.
View our nurse's web page for more information.
