The Thetford Elementary School Parent & Student Handbook for the 2023-2024 academic year provides essential information to guide students, parents, and staff in ensuring a positive and structured school experience. This handbook includes key school policies, educational programs, safety protocols, attendance guidelines, and ways parents can get involved in their child’s education.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission: Thetford Elementary School fosters a collaborative community focused on developing the whole child.
Vision: TES aims to promote lifelong learning, nurture individual pathways, and cultivate healthy, global citizens.
Values: The school emphasizes community, continuous improvement, positive environments, engagement, individuality, creativity, and sustainability.
School Hours and Attendance
- School Day: Begins at 8:10 AM and ends at 2:45 PM. Students should be in class by 8:10 AM to avoid being marked tardy.
- Attendance: Students must attend regularly as per Vermont’s truancy law. Parents should notify the school if a child is absent or delayed.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
- Arrival: Student drop-off starts at 8:00 AM. Students arriving after 8:10 AM are considered tardy and must check in at the office.
- Dismissal: Students are dismissed at 2:45 PM. Parent pick-up involves parking in the designated areas and ensuring your child’s name is visible to staff on duty.
Academic Program
The school follows research-based methods and instructional practices to meet state and national standards. Key educational standards include the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). TES also uses techniques like Responsive Classroom, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and project-based learning.
Behavior Expectations and Discipline
TES follows a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. The school emphasizes being Safe, Kind, and Responsible. Students earn “pawesome” tickets for demonstrating these behaviors. There are specific consequences for behavior violations, with a progressive discipline process in place.
Dress Code and Personal Property
Students and staff are expected to wear appropriate clothing. Unsafe or disruptive clothing, like wheeled shoes or clothing with inappropriate language, is not allowed. Personal items such as electronics should remain in backpacks unless permitted by a teacher.
Parent Involvement
Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s education through conferences, volunteering, attending school events, and engaging with the school community. TES values open communication with families and invites participation in school decision-making.
Special Programs and Extracurricular Activities
TES offers various extracurricular activities such as a concert band for grades 4-6 and community programs like the Winter Ski Program. The school also organizes educational field trips, which are integral to the learning process.
Health and Safety
- Health Office: A full-time nurse provides medical care and screenings. Parents must provide emergency contact information and will be notified if a child’s health prevents them from attending school.
- Medication: All medications must be stored in the health office with written consent from a parent or guardian.
Testing and Special Education Services
Students in grades 3-6 participate in state assessments, and TES abides by all laws regarding special education services. The school provides support through its Student Services team, including counselors and psychologists.
School Safety and Emergencies
The school practices regular emergency drills, including fire drills and lockdown scenarios. Visitors must sign in at the office for security purposes, and the school maintains strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of students and staff.
Communication and Protocol for Concerns
Parents with concerns should first communicate with the appropriate teacher. If the issue is unresolved, it should be brought to the principal and, if necessary, the superintendent.
The school aims to address concerns in a timely manner, typically within 14 school days.
The Thetford Elementary School Parent & Student Handbook is designed to ensure that students, parents, and staff work together to create a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment.
By following the guidelines and fostering open communication, the school community can achieve its goals of academic success and personal growth for every student.
