VISION STATEMENT:
Sunray Elementary School teachers, staff administration, parents and community members believe that together it is our responsibility to educate children academically, socially, and morally in order to develop self-confident, productive, and responsible members of and for our community.
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL:
The School Advisory Council (SAC) at Sunray meets monthly beginning in September. Members include parents, staff members, a District Office representative, local business persons, and community members which are elected for a two year term. SAC meetings are open to the public.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
1. ABSENCES: In order that we may do an accurate job of pupil accounting, it is the responsibility of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to report the cause of any absence by telephone the morning of the day of the absence. Upon returning to school, pupils who have been absent must present a written excuse from the parent, legal guardian or physician stating the reason for the absence. If a child needs to be absent for 3 or more days, a parent may pick up the child’s assignments after giving the teacher 24 hours notice.
A student is identified as a chronic non-attender or habitual truant when he/she has accumulated 5 unexcused absences in a calendar month or 10 unexcused absences within a 90 calendar day period. A social worker may be required to make a home visit.
2. BICYCLES: Bike racks are available near the office. Students are required by law to wear helmets when riding their bikes. Students are required to lock their bikes when they arrive at school, as we cannot be held responsible in case of theft or damage. Riding a bike to school is a privilege which may be revoked if procedures are not followed. Skateboards or scooters may not be used as a means of transportation to school.
3. FOOD: Please let your child’s teacher know ahead of time if you plan to send in party goods and please keep the items as simple as possible. STORE BOUGHT GOODS ARE THE ONLY ITEMS PERMITTED..
4. EARLY DISMISSAL: Dismissal begins at 3:45 p.m. Teachers need the time between 3:00 and 3:45 to wrap up the day and regroup for dismissal. Therefore, we will not interrupt the classroom to sign students out for early dismissal after 3:00 p.m. Numerous early dismissals may also be considered a form of truancy and may be treated as such.
For the safety of our students, ONLY the person(s) listed on the emergency/ information card will be allowed to sign a student out. A PHOTO I.D. WILL BE REQUIRED.
5. CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT: The District School Board of Pasco County has adopted the Code of Student Conduct as the official guidelines for student rights, responsibilities, rules for student conduct, interventions, rules for school attendance, school bus rides, rules for dress and appearance, etc. Every student will receive a copy of this document.
6. CONFERENCES: Parents are invited to conference with staff members concerning their child’s educational progress. Since staff members have scheduled meetings and planning periods, please call to make an appointment. This may be done by calling the school office at 774-9100.
7. DRESS & APPEARANCE: The Student Code of Conduct has set forth a standard of student dress that is conducive to a proper educational environment. Students shall keep their clothes, bodies, and hair clean. Inappropriate items not allowed to be worn or displayed on campus shall include but are not limited to: beach type clothing, very short shorts, miniskirts, see through clothing, tops that leave the stomach showing, halter tops, hats(inside buildings) and any item with gang or drug symbols. Pants shall be securely worn at the waist. Jewelry shall be worn in a way that does not present a safety hazard, health hazard, or cause classroom disruptions. The principal, or designee, will make the decision if a student’s appearance meets school standards. The principal’s decision on the appropriateness of dress is final. Parents are also encouraged to dress accordingly.
SPECIAL NOTE: A student violation of the dress code will require the student to change into appropriate clothing before returning to class. If necessary, the student will contact parents to provide the appropriate clothing. Failure to do so will result in a discipline referral. Repeated violations of the dress code will result in being assigned a Level II or III intervention.
8. IDENTIFICATION OF BELONGINGS: Please clearly write in permanent marker your child’s first & last name on book bags, lunch boxes, jackets, etc.
9. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM: The basic program is planned to meet each child’s educational needs and to encourage the child to work up to his/her academic potential. Our curriculum is designed to promote development of self-discipline, a sense of responsibility, and respect for self and others. Students needing specialized help can be served if found eligible for Exceptional Student Education. Students who qualify for other special education services will attend the school offering that service according to the ESE boundaries. Sunray Elementary attempts to broaden student’s educational experiences by offering music, physical education, media, computer enhanced learning, art and guidance programs.
10. LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS: No pupil will be permitted to leave the school grounds during school hours without permission of the principal or the assistant principal.
11. MEDICATIONS: All prescription medication should be submitted to the health assistant. The parent must complete the school’s standard medication form. No medication will be dispensed unless it is in a prescription bottle showing the current date, dosage, prescription number, physician’s name, and student’s name. (NO OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION WILL BE DISPENSED UNLESS PRESCRIBED BY A PHYSICIAN).
12. PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Physical education is required unless excused by a written statement from a physician. It is mandated by the State that ALL children participate in P.E. or recess each day. For your child’s safety, we encourage them to wear tennis shoes or closed toe shoes, no flip flops or sandals without a heel strap.
13. PLACE PROGRAM: Sunray Elementary is a PLACE Program site. If you are in need of convenient before and/or after school daycare, please call the Sunray PLACE office at (727) 774-9192.
14. RELEASE OF STUDENTS: The safety of your child is of utmost importance to us. Please provide us with the normal method of transportation your child will use coming to school and going home. If this changes, please notify the office in writing. TRANSPORTATION CHANGES WILL NOT BE TAKEN BY TELEPHONE. If we are to release your child to someone other than the persons on the information and/or emergency card, you must include that in the written permission. A separate dated note is needed for each occasion. The person picking up your child should be prepared to show photo I.D. and sign your child out.
15. STUDENT RECORDS: Student Records may be reviewed upon parent request. Please give advance notice in order that an administrator can plan to be present.
16. TEXTBOOKS/LIBRARY BOOKS: Books issued to the student are the responsibility of the student. The student must pay for the lost or damaged book. Normal wear and tear will not be assessed.
17. EMERGENCY INFORMATION: Please keep the school informed of any changes in address, home/work/cell telephone number(s), place of employment, pager numbers or emergency contacts.
18. VALUABLES: Students should not bring unnecessary money or possessions to school as they might be lost, stolen or damaged. Games, tapes, and various toys are a distraction at school.
19. VIDEOTAPING/PHOTOGRAPHING OF STUDENTS: We sponsor many special activities for our students. On these occasions, our students may be videotaped or photographed by our staff or media. If you do not want your child photographed or videotaped, please submit a written request to the attention of the principal.
20. VISITORS: Safety is our number one priority, therefore, all visitors must sign in at the office and receive a visitor’s badge that must be worn in full view while on campus Visitors may not go directly to the classroom without first checking in at the office and receiving a visitor’s badge.
21. VOLUNTEERS: Parents, grandparents and students are encouraged to participate in the volunteer program. Volunteers are needed to assist teachers with clerical duties and work with students on a one-to-one basis. All volunteers must complete the required paperwork every year to become a Pasco County Schools Registered Volunteer
22.WITHDRAWALS: When possible, please notify the office three days in advance if you are withdrawing your child from Sunray Elementary. Contact the school and we will provide you with the information necessary for a smooth transfer to your child’s new school.
23. OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST: TRANSPORTATION Just a reminder that all transportation changes must be in writing. The office staff cannot take changes by telephone.
Students who ride the bus to school should not be at their assigned bus stop any earlier than 5 minutes before the bus is due to arrive. Parents are encouraged to walk their child to their assigned bus stop and wait with their child until the bus arrives. We also encourage parents to meet their students at the bus stop in the afternoon.
Students who are brought to school by car or walk should not arrive any earlier than 9:20 am.
EMERGENCY & INFORMATION CARDS It is imperative that we have on file current Emergency & Information cards for each student. These two cards were included in the information packet your child brought home. Both cards need to be completed and returned as soon as possible.
