Arrival/Dismissal Procedures Attendance and Tardiness:
In order to ensure academic success, students are expected to attend school on time daily, from 8:25-3:00 P.M. Any student arriving after 8:30 A.M. will be marked tardy. Parents are required to send a note when a student is absent. Please allow teachers ample time to prepare make-up work when students are absent. For safety reasons, students will only be released to parents, authorized guardians, and those listed on the student information card via the main office.
Per the Code of Student Conduct, students will not receive recognition for perfect attendance when they have three or more unexcused tardies in a nine- week grading period.
Early Checkout:
Students shall not be released after 2:00 p.m. on regular school days and 12:00
p.m. on Early Release Days. The close of the school day is an important time for students, and interruptions caused by calling into classrooms makes it difficult for teachers to finalize instruction and adequately prepare students for dismissal.
Please schedule doctor appointments to avoid conflicts with the school’s checkout policy. If students are checked out during lunch, recess, or resource, they will not have access to their belongings in the classroom. Per the Code of Student Conduct, students will not receive recognition for perfect attendance when they have three or more unexcused early checkouts in a nine-week grading period.
Morning Arrival Procedures:
To ensure student safety, ONLY drop off car riders in the car loop located in
front of the school. Students are not to arrive on campus before 8:00 A.M. unless they are enrolled in the Extended Day Program. Extended Day opens at 7:00 a.m. Please note, the building does not open prior to 8:00 a.m. Supervision is not provided prior before this time.
Upon entrance, kindergarten, first, and second grade students are to report immediately to the cafeteria. Students in grades 3,4, and 5 are to go immediately to their assigned area of the hallway in Building 1 OR to get breakfast “to go” in the cafeteria and then report immediately to their designated hallway area. Students will sit and read a book using Voice Level 0 until the 8:30 bell. Adults are on post in the hallway to supervise students until the bell rings.
Please ensure your child has a book to read each day. Younger children may need a
couple of books in their backpacks. Breakfast is served each morning in the cafeteria. Students in kindergarten through second grade will remain in the cafeteria at their class table until 8:30 a.m., regardless of whether or not they eat breakfast.
Afternoon Dismissal Procedures:
Transportation changes can only be made via the Pik My Kid app. This ensures the change is made by an authorized adult. We are unable to accept changes via phone or email. The deadline to make changes is 1:30 p.m. on regular school days and 11:30 a.m. on Early Release Days.
Car Riders
Car rider dismissal begins at 2:40 p.m. Parents are to announce their arrival through the Pik My Kid app as they enter the carline. Display the neon student sign in the passenger side of the windshield. We will provide the sign. This helps us move students quickly to their car once they are outside. Please remain in your vehicle. Parents are required to use the app if a student is picked up late. Students not picked up prior to the car line closing are brought back into the building.
Bus Riders
Parents must register for a bus stop in FOCUS for their children to ride the bus. Parents will also need to choose the bus number as the default dismissal option in the Pik My Kid app. Students will be released to the bus loading zone as their bus arrives. Staff will document student boarding using the app. Parents will receive notification that their child has boarded the bus and the bus has departed. The app will also provide parent notification of any delayed bus departures. A completed Kindergarten Bus form is required for all kindergarten students prior to the first day of school. Parents may complete the form during orientation on August 6th.
Neighborhood Walkers/Bike Riders
School personnel will verify the student is in the correct dismissal group daily and escort the group to the end of the campus. Parents will receive notification through the Pik My Kid app that the dismissal group is enroute to home. Students will walk home unescorted.
Sheffield Walkers
School personnel will verify the student is in the correct dismissal group daily and escort the group to the gate entrance adjacent to the school. Parents will receive notification through the Pik My Kid app that the dismissal group is enroute to Sheffield Park. A parent/guardian MUST PARK and MEET the student at the gate. Students are not allowed to walk to their car unescorted. Parents are required to use the app if a student is picked up late. Students not met at the park on time are brought back into the building.
Parking Lot Pickup
School personnel will verify the student is in the correct dismissal group daily and escort the group to the parking lot for parent pickup. Parents will receive notification through the Pik My Kid app that the dismissal group is enroute to the parking lot. A parent/guardian MUST PARK AND MEET the student on the sidewalk where the teacher is located. Students are not allowed to walk to their car unescorted. Parents are required to use the app if a student is picked up late. Students who are not met at the parking lot sidewalk on time are brought back into the building.
Extended Day
School personnel will verify the student is in the correct dismissal group daily and escort the group to the cafeteria for check in. Parents will receive notification through the Pik My Kid app that the dismissal group is enroute to the cafeteria. Parent pickup from Extended Day begins at 3:30 p.m.
Students must remain in Extended Day until at least 3:30 p.m.
Standard Dismissal Times:
2:40 - Car Riders 2:40 – Buses
3:00 – Walkers, Bike Riders and Extended Day
Early Release Day Dismissal Times:
12:30- Car Riders
12:30- Buses
12:45 - Walkers, Bike Riders and Extended Day
Kindergarten Dismissal Procedures:
A signed KINDERGARTEN DISMISSAL INFORMATION form must be completed for each kindergarten student indicating his or her daily transportation arrangement. This form will be required the first day the child rides the bus.
Kindergarten students who ride a bus will wear a sticker indicating their bus stop during the first two weeks of school. Parents can help ensure safe and convenient transportation by allowing students to begin riding the bus the first day of school. Frequent changes in dismissal transportation make it confusing for the child and the staff. Please be as consistent as possible.
Before/After School Programs
Extended Day Program (Before and After School Program):
Extended Day is available through Community Education before school from 7:00- 8:00 A.M. and after school from 3:00-6:00 P.M. for a reasonable fee. Please contact Coach Przymylski or Ms. Wilburn, Extended Day Directors, for information at 714-4601.
House Keeping Procedures Illness and Use of Medications:
The office staff will always attempt to contact parents/guardians in the event their child becomes injured or ill while at school. Please make sure we always have current phone numbers and the required emergency information available throughout the school year. The school nurse is attached to each teacher’s ThrillShare account as an added communication option.
Parents are required to log in medications with detailed information for administration. Medications must be in a prescription bottle labeled with the name of the child for whom the medication is intended. A signed authorization form is required for each student who needs to receive medication at school. Over the counter medications may not be dispensed by office staff. Medications will only be dispensed as indicated on the medication label.
Any medication not picked up by the last day of school will be discarded.
Change of Address, Telephone, or Transfer:
Please notify your child’s teacher AND the main office of any changes in important information. Remember, parents must be available to authorize treatment in the event of an emergency. If you do not have a phone, please leave a number for someone who can reach you.
Permission Slips/ Field Trips:
Signed parent permission slips are required for all students planning to participate in school field trips. Parents will be notified in advance of all
school-sponsored field trips. Teachers may request parent attendance if student behavior warrants additional support. Permission slips and payment will not be accepted after the stated deadline. Parents must have Level II volunteer clearance to attend field trips. A fee of $80 - $100 will apply to Level II background checks. The volunteer covers this fee. Please make sure this is done prior to paying for field trips. Use the following link to complete the volunteer application. Once cleared, your status is good for two years. https://dcps.samaritan.com/custom/506/volunteer_registration
All field trip payments are paid online. Chaperone seats may be limited due to group capacity or extenuating circumstances as determined by the vendor.
Student ID Badges:
Each student is issued an ID Badge, which is used to purchase lunch and check out library books.
Replacement Costs: Badge/Lanyard $5.00, ID Card/Badge $3.00, Lanyard $2.00.
Tuesday Rooms Posting & Tuesday Folders:
Teachers will conduct Tuesday Talk with students and distribute Tuesday Folders each week. This folder will contain important documents requiring your signature. Your child should be able to share their Tuesday Talk discussions with you each week. Please read all contents with your child, check the grade portal, complete the parent signature page (back pocket) and return required signed documents Wednesday morning.
Parents will also receive a Thrillshare/Rooms posting each Tuesday from the principal or staff designee. The attachment will include important information regarding school events and student learning. Please check Thrillshare weekly for digital Tuesday Folder inserts.
School Apps
ALL PARENTS will need the following (3) apps to effectively communicate throughout the year. ALL apps can be accessed by downloading OneView.
1. FOCUS – access is available once student registration is completed
· Parents with active accounts do not require new registration
· Determine your child’s teacher
· Register for bus transportation
· Check student grades and assignments
· Check student attendance
· View progress reports and report cards
2. ThrillShare / Rooms –Download needed for all parents.
· Daily communication with teachers
· Receive weekly digital Tuesday Folder inserts
· Student conduct reports
3. Pik My Kid – Download needed for all parents.
· Parents with active accounts will only need verify/update information and dismissal options.
· Setup/make changes to student dismissal account.
· Notify the school of presence in car line.
· Extended Day pickup
· Early Checkout
· Receive notification of delayed bus departure.
Celebrations:
The Duval County School Board recognizes the important role wellness plays in achieving high levels of student achievement and employee success in the workplace. The increased focus on student health and wellness has resulted in the following changes.
Birthday celebrations will include a special moment in class designed by the teacher to highlight the individuality of students. Parents may bring in store-bought treats for the class. However, balloons, candles, and other decorations are not permitted. Please communicate with your child’s teacher via ThrillShare/Rooms at least 24 hours prior to bringing in any items.
Community/ Parental Involvement
Please sign the Volunteer Sign-In Log each time you visit our school. The cumulative volunteer hours for New Berlin are used for special recognition awards. Please apply early for volunteer clearance. https://dcps.samaritan.com/custom/506/volunteer_registration
We invite parents to participate with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA strives to involve all members of the community in the improvement of the educational process for the students we serve. Membership is $10 per family.
Memberships are paid online at https://newberlinpta.memberhub.com/store. The PTA Board meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Reminder meeting notices are provided in the digital Tuesday Folder inserts.
Parents are encouraged to join the School Advisory Council (SAC). The SAC committee meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month to discuss school operations, budget, and current events happening at the school. This is your opportunity to have a voice in guiding school-level decisions. Reminder meeting notices are provided in the digital Tuesday Folder inserts.
Parents and guardians are encouraged and welcome to visit the school for events and activities. You must provide photo identification when coming to visit the school for any reason. Classroom observations require advance scheduling. Please contact your child’s teacher at least 48 hours in advance to schedule conferences. All visitors must report to the front office for student pick-up. Volunteer clearance is required to have any student contact. This includes classroom visitation, chaperoning field trips, etc. Parents and guardians are asked to refrain from taking pictures or recording videos of students due to possible conflicts with DCPS media release policy.
Daily Procedures
Dress Code:
Proper grooming is always expected. Students should not distract others by his or her clothing or grooming. The following items are prohibited.
· HOODIES worn to cover the head
· Shoes without closed heels or straps.
· Tank tops, tops without backs or tops that do not cover the stomach.
· See-through tops
· Shorts and skirts above fingertip length
· Clothes with improper language or pictures
· Hats, caps, or other items, such as curlers or sunglasses unless a doctor or principal gives permission.
For more information, please see the Student Code of Conduct. School polo and spirit T- shirt packages are available for purchase for $53.00 at www.totalimpactjax.com. Additional shirts in student and adult sizes are also available.
Cafeteria Services:
Breakfast is free for all students. Breakfast is provided each morning in the cafeteria for Primary grades and Intermediate grades are in the classroom. Lunch is no longer free for all students. Parents must submit a lunch form to qualify for free or reduced lunch. Students also have a 30-minute lunch. Lunch box/Bag lunches are permitted. Students will not have access to a microwave. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase from the cafeteria as needed. Please ensure students can open items independently and do not send glass bottles/containers or items that require heating. For healthy options please consult the Alliance for A Healthier Generation website: healthiergeneration.org.
Textbooks:
Textbooks and library books are provided for your child’s use on a loan basis. Please assist your child by keeping track of all school assigned books. Parents are required to pay for any damaged or lost books. Students with outstanding balances are not allowed to check out books.
Lost and Found:
Lost and found student items should be returned to the office. Please check with the front office staff to look through the lost and found box. Parents can avoid problems by labeling everything, especially outerwear and backpacks. Unclaimed items are donated to charitable organizations.
School Laptops:
Students will be assigned a specific laptop to use while in class. Parents will be responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing laptops that are intentionally damaged by students.
Cell Phone/Electronic Readers:
Students are permitted to bring cell phones to school. By district policy, the phones/compatible watches must be turned off and put away during the school day. Students who do not comply may have their device confiscated. A parent/guardian must pick up any device that is confiscated. Electronic readers are permitted; however, teachers will not store them, and they must be taken home daily. School staff is not responsible for electronic devices that are lost or stolen.
ELECTRONIC TOYS AND EARPODS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN SCHOOL.
School-Wide Discipline Plan
Students are expected to follow school rules and common area expectations for classrooms, resources, the cafeteria, and the playground. New Berlin Elementary’ s school-wide discipline plan includes:
· Positive Behavior Intervention and Support and a clipboard in each classroom.
· Consequences for not following the rules. Please read the Student Code of Conduct for detailed behavior expectations.
· Student rewards such as positive notes, Stupendous Student recognition, quarterly conduct awards, etc.
This plan may vary slightly across grade levels. Teachers will discuss their grade level plan in detail during Open House.
NBE Guidelines for Success
Be responsible.
Encourage others.
Always try.
Respect yourself and others.
Strive for success
NBE Statement of Respect
I am responsible for my learning and behavior.
Common Area Behavior Expectations
I will encourage others and always try my best.
I will respect myself and others.
I will strive for success.
I am a respectful student at New Berlin.
Hallways (Morning Arrival) Guidelines/Expectations for Students:
Enter the building by walking on the right side of the hall (next to the BLUE).
Student reading is at level 0 – NO talking.
During Morning Arrival:
Students sit either crisscross, or legs pulled in so others can walk through the hallway.
Every child must have a book in their hands.
Students are respectful and follow guidance given by patrols.
Students may use the restroom once they enter class.
If needing breakfast, students are to report directly to the cafeteria and then go directly to their designated hallway area. Students may NOT go to breakfast once they report to class.
Students not needing breakfast are to report directly to their hallway location. Visiting teachers and wandering is not permitted.
Cafeteria Guidelines/Expectations for students:
Bring ID card daily.
Politely request food items and say, “thank you.”
Always use appropriate table manners and use a level 1 voice (whisper).
Walk and maintain a level 0 voice while entering and exiting.
Raise your hand for assistance.
Clean up after yourself.
No sharing of food.
Remain seated until dismissed by an adult.
Opened containers and purchased food are not to be taken out of the cafeteria.
Playground Guidelines/Expectations for students:
No physical contact.
Use age-appropriate equipment safely.
Look and listen for your teacher’s signal to leave.
Stay within assigned boundaries and where your teacher can see you.
Be patient, take turns, and apologize if you accidentally touch another student.
Dismissal (Bus, Car, Ext. Day) Guidelines/Expectations for students:
Walk to your destination at level 0.
Walk on the right side of hallway (next to the BLUE) and down stairwell in a single-file line.
Car riders are to report to the car loading zone once they are released by their teacher.
Assemblies/Flag Raising Guidelines/Expectations for students:
Level 0 during flag raising and presentations.
Be courteous listeners by facing forward and showing respect.
Students are to stand in the designated location or sit so others may see.
Stand still, hands by your side, at voice level 0 in assigned spots for flag raising.
Use the restroom before coming to assemblies and flag raising ceremonies.
Walk behind the person in front of you when entering and exiting designated area.
Friendly Reminders:
TOYS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL OR IN EXTENDED DAY. THIS INCLUDES ITEMS SUCH AS TRADING CARDS, PLAY JEWELRY, HANDHELD ELECTRONICS, PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT (EX: BASEBALLS, TENNIS BALLS, FOOTBALLS, ETC.). THESE OR ANY OTHER SIMILAR ITEMS MAY CAUSE DISTRACTIONS AND CONFLICTS AMONG STUDENTS.
Conduct grades will be based on the Pillars of Citizenship.