| Cuffe A to Z
ABSENCES
Parents/Guardians must report all student absences to the Main Office at 773.535.8250. Upon returning to school after an absence, a student must bring a note signed by his or her parent/guardian stating the reason for the absence. Regular attendance is necessary for success in the classroom. The acceptable reasons for an excused absence are illness, death in the immediate family, family emergency, religious observance, situations beyond the control of the student as determined by the principal, and circumstances which cause reasonable concern for the safety or health of the student. CPS policy states students who have more than nine (9) days of unexcused absences may be retained at the end of the school year.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Paul Cuffe Academy is a neighborhood school. The Main Office will register neighborhood students between the hours of 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on school days. Transfers from another school must comply with our residency requirements. Click the Geographic Locator to determine if Cuffe is your neighborhood school.
No enrollment(s) will take place unless all the required documents are submitted. Thank you for your cooperation.
These are the documents you will need to enroll your child into our school.
:: Original Birth Certificate or certified copy
:: Completed School Enrollment Form (if possible)
:: Parent/Guardian proof of residency (2 Forms Required)
:: Utility Bills are preferred
:: Proof of Medical Compliance AFTER SCHOOL There are many after school activities throughout the school year. Once dismissed from class, students musts go directly to the cafeteria where they will be picked up by their after school teacher. Students who leave the school building will not be allowed to return.
BEGINNING OF SCHOOL YEAR
2009-2010 - TRACK E
All Students are scheduled for a full day of school, August 10, 2009.
BELL SCHEDULE
8:45 Line Up Bell 8:50 Entry Bell
8:55 Morning Exercise
9:00 Start of Instruction
11:35-11:55 1st Lunch
11:55-12:15 2nd Lunch
12:15-12:35 3rd Lunch
2:45 P.M. Dismissal
BOOKS
Books must be covered and protected from damage or loss. Book socks are easy to use and can be purchased at local stores. Each student is responsible for the care and protection of books and will be required to reimburse the school for damage beyond normal wear and usage of the book. The Report Card and/or transfer will not be issued until all debts are paid in full.
BOOK/SUPPLY FEE
Classroom teachers may ask for various fees for workbooks, magazines, and field trips. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions about the fees. BREAKFAST/LUNCH PROGRAMS
Family income must be below established levels related to family size for children to eligible for a free lunch. Applications showing these income levels will be distributed to all children. The application must be returned, and properly filled out for the child to receive a free lunch. Each child in the family who attends school must turn in an application for approval.
All children eligible for free lunch are also eligible for a free breakfast. Admission to the breakfast program is only between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM. Children may remain in the lunchroom until 8:45 AM once they enter the lunchroom for the breakfast program.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Students assigned to bus routes are provided with the route number and time schedule for pick-up and return. Students are only allowed to board their assigned bus route.
A NOTE FROM THE PARENT/ GUARDIAN MUST BE GIVEN TO THE TEACHER IF YOU ARE NOT RIDING THE BUS ON ANY GIVEN DAY.
BUS RULES
Students must not provoke any situations with others, on or off the bus. Please follow these rules:
:: Keep hands and arms inside the bus at all times. Never throw objects out of the window.
:: Refrain from shouting out of the window or using inappropriate hand gestures towards students from other schools or individuals on the street. Such behavior can threaten the safety of children on the bus. :: Buckle the seat belt upon boarding the bus. Do not unbuckle the seat belt to walk up or down the aisle. Do not get off the bus once the bus has been boarded. :: Refrain from loud talking or unnecessary confusion, which may distract the bus driver or possibly cause an accident. :: The bus driver is in command of the bus. Stay alert and follow the driver’s instructions and directions. :: Remember that bus safety requires everyone to follow the driver’s instructions and directions. :: Students riding the bus must report directly to the school campus. They have no off-campus privileges before or after school. :: All students assigned to a bus must ride the bus after school unless the school receives a note from the parent/guardian indicating otherwise. :: A student assigned to one route may not ride another route unless a request is made by the parent/guardian and the principal approves the request. A request will only be approved if it is educationally beneficial to the student. :: Due to liability reasons, students not receiving transportation cannot be granted permission to ride a bus route. :: Parents/Guardians who wish to ride a route to/from school must receive permission from the principal. CALENDAR
See the Cuffe Calendar
CAPTAIN'S LOG
This is the weekly newsletter from the principal. The newsletter is included in the Monday Packages sent home with your child. CELLULAR PHONES
The unauthorized use of pagers, cellular phones, or other non-paging electronic devices (including use or possession of laser pointers) is strictly prohibited during school hours. Students who must carry a pager or cellular telephone MUST have a note written by the parent/guardian stating the reasons for the electronic device. This must be approved by Mr. Jones, and the student MUST turn the device OFF while on the school campus. Refer to Uniform Discipline Code for additional information. CONFERENCES
Parents/Guardians are welcome to participate in school activities and to take an active part in the instructional program. To best meet the needs of the children, teachers are required to begin the instructional program at 9:00 A.M.
Parents/Guardians should not walk their child to the classroom, as this disrupts the daily program. Parents who wish to speak with a teacher should make an appointment in advance.
In addition, if you who wish to meet with the principal you should make an appointment in advance. Mr. Jones prefers to meet after regular school hours, preferably in the late afternoon or early evening. You may call the Main Office to schedule an appointment.
CORRESPONDENCE
The teacher and school send out reminders, notes, and letters frequently to inform you of important dates and events. It is each child’s responsibility to bring the information to you. Please communicate with your child regarding receiving school correspondence. In addition, periodically throughout the year we will mail information to you. It is critical your current address and phone number are on file in the Main Office.
Parents/Guardians are asked to remind students to bring home all school-related information and should periodically check the student’s book bag. CAPTAIN'S LOG
This is the weekly newsletter from the principal. The newsletter is included in the Monday Packages sent home with your child.
CLOSED CAMPUS The primary purpose of the restructured day is to incorporate the lunch program as part of the child’s total educational program. Much guidance, supervision, direction and wholesome participation with the teacher can be gained by the pupils. The closed campus organization is in effect at Cuffe Academy. Children will be admitted to the building at 8:50 AM. Children will be dismissed at 2:45 PM except if they participate in the after-school programs. Students may not be excused to leave school for lunch. All students must have lunch at school. Children who do not wish to eat the lunchroom food may bring a bag lunch. Please provide your child with a nutritious and satisfying lunch (chips, candy and pop are not considered a bag lunch). DISCIPLINE CODE
AND CONDUCT Cuffe Academy follows the Uniform Discipline Code developed for the Chicago Public Schools. Each Cuffe student is expected to be considerate of others and display appropriate verbal and physical behavior at all times. Students should refrain from using aggressive actions and words towards all individuals they interact with each day (e.g., profanity, kicking, hitting, etc.). Any behavior that causes physical injury and/or emotional stress, including all forms of bullying, is not acceptable and will be subject to the disciplinary consequences outlined in the Uniform Discipline Code. Good conduct is an essential attribute of a well-rounded Cuffe student. | | DISCIPLINE CODE
AND CONDUCT (cont.) Any student found with a weapon, destructive device, laser pointer, or any device resembling a weapon, is subject to a ten-day suspension and/or expulsion.
All students received and reviewed the Uniform Discipline Code with his/her classroom teacher. Please discuss appropriate behavior with your child while on and off the school campus. Copies of the Uniform Discipline Code are available in the Main Office. EARLY DISMISSALS
Parents/Guardians requesting early dismissal for their child must send a written request indicating the early dismissal time and the bus route number, if applicable. If a child becomes ill while in school, the parent/guardian will be notified by telephone. All early dismissals must be processed through the Main Office. Parents/Guardians are requested to pick up their child in the Main Office and present proper identification. For bus and safety reasons, early dismissal will NOT be permitted after 2:30 P.M.
Since early dismissals disrupt the overall program. Early dismissals should be requested in emergencies only. Students can only be released to a parent/guardian or an individual listed on the most current Emergency Information Form.
If a student needs to be dismissed from school due to illness or emergency, the following procedures will be followed:
A parent/guardian or designated adult must report to the Main Office to accompany the student from the school.
This person must be listed on the Emergency Information Form.
The parent/guardian or designated adult must sign the register in the Main Office.
:: EMERGENCY INFORMATION ::
A Request for Emergency Information form that contains accurate and updated information on how to contact parents, relatives, or neighbors in case of emergency must be completed in July and January. This information must be kept up-to-date. It is important that students be aware of the information on the Request for Emergency Information form.
ENTRANCE PROCEDURES :: Grades Kindergarten through 3rd must enter the north doors. :: Grades 4th through 8th must enter the south doors. :: First floor and second floor students should immediately line up by their classroom door. :: Third floor students should procedure to their lockers quickly and then immediately line up by their classroom door. :: The morning exercise begins at 8:55 am. Students are expected to fully participate in the morning exercise.
:: Students are to proceed into their classrooms at 9:00 am and began their instructional day.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are an integral part of the instructional program. All field trips are aligned with the standards and curriculum. Parent volunteers are needed for most field trips. A signed permission slip for students and parent volunteers MUST be returned to the teacher in advance of any field trip. Fees for a field trip must be paid to the teacher at least two days before the scheduled trip.
FOOD POLICY
The Chicago Department of Public Health considers the dispensing of food products prepared in a private home to children in school an unacceptable practice.
Please be advised of our continuing policy that food, other than that prepared in an approved kitchen, may not be served to children in schools. In addition, treats that are provided for birthdays, holidays, and other special events may ONLY be consumed in the cafeteria during the designated lunch period.
GRADING POLICY
A letter grade is means of communicating to students, parents, the school and other institutions and agencies the student’s level of learning in a particular course.
Grades earned by students reflect the following criteria:
A (93 – 100) Indicates learning at the highest level. The student not only has demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the material but also has demonstrated an ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the material with breadth and depth of understanding.
B (85 – 92) The student not only has demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the material but also applies the material. The student will be able, on occasion, to demonstrate an ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the material.
C (77 – 84) The student has demonstrated a basic knowledge and understanding of the material and some ability to apply it.
D (70 – 76) The student has demonstrated a limited knowledge and limited understanding of the material and is not able to apply much of it.
F (69 and below) The student has not demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the material and, therefore, is not able to apply it.
HOMEWORK POLICY
The faculty and staff at Paul Cuffe Academy believe that homework is an important activity, which contributes to educational progress. Homework is a demonstration of teacher expectations to both the student and the parent. Homework is designed to reinforce, apply, practice, and enrich concepts and skills introduced within the classroom; to promote independent in-depth study of a chose topic; to prepare students for class participation; to allow students to experience the abundance of community resources available; and to provide for positive on-going parental involvement in the student’s education. Homework for all grades will be assigned daily. Additionally, students are required to read at least 30 minutes every day.
HALF-DAY SCHEDULE
On designated half-days (refer to the School Calendar Section) students will follow a special bell schedule. On half-days only, students will begin the day at 8:50 A.M. and will be dismissed at 12:27 P.M. Breakfast service will still be provided.
The following are the designated half-days: TBA
The half-day bell schedule will be:
8:45 A.M. Line-up bell
8:50 A.M. Entry bell
9:00 A.M. Instructional day begins
12:27 P.M. Dismissal
Reminders will be sent home prior to the actual date.
On half-days, the PM Pre-Kindergarten class will not meet (unless otherwise informed), after-school programs will not operate. Please plan accordingly.
Holidays 2009-2010
See the Cuffe Calendar
HEALTH
State rules require every child entering school to submit a medical record. Visual and auditory tests are conducted in school periodically and necessary recommendations are made to parents. If a student shows signs of being ill in the morning, the school recommends keeping the student at home, rather than sending him or her to school and possibly infecting other children. If a child (siblings of students also) becomes ill with a contagious illness or disease such as measles, mumps, conjunctivitis (pink eye), ringworm or chicken pox, please notify the Main Office. Contact the Main Office if your child needs to take medicine during the school day. There are established procedures for students who need to take medication.
LOCKERS
Each student in grades 4-8 are assigned a locker is responsible to keep his or her locker clean and in order. Often, more than one student shares the lockers. Therefore, students are not encouraged to bring valuable items or large amounts of money to school. Lockers are subject to periodical searches.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and Found is located on the first floor of the school. Lost items should be claimed in a timely manner. Items that are not claimed within two weeks are donated to charity.
MEALS
Students may eat breakfast between 8:15 A.M. and 8:45 A.M. every morning. The prices for breakfast and lunch depend on your lunch forms. Please be sure to fill out the lunch form immediately and return it to your child’s teacher. The prices for Breakfast are as followed: Free, .30 and $1.25. Lunch may be free or purchased for .40 or $1.60 depending on your lunch form. If your child pays for lunch daily please be sure to have the money for the whole week on Monday of that week. Other than a bag lunch (including sandwich and a drink), students are not allowed to bring food or snacks to school, nor are they allowed to eat in the classroom, halls, or on the playground. STUDENTS MAY ONLY EAT IN THE LUNCHROOM.
MONDAY PACKAGES
Packages will be sent home on Monday after school. The packages will include the homework for the week, the Captains Log, and other information.
MORNING EXERCISES
See the Cuffe Student Page
Each morning, students will stand for the Paul Cuffe Academy Code of Affirmation, the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and Lift Every Voice and Sing. Students who are unable to participate in these activities for religious or cultural reasons should inform their teacher and stand, as a sign of respect, during this time. In addition, other schoolwide initiatives and announcements will take place during Morning Exercises.
| | PARKING Cars parked in front of the school during school days and school hours are subject to be ticketed and/or towed at the owner's expense. Please do not double park when dropping off or picking up your child. When parking on the east side of the street, please have your child cross at the crosswalk and not in the middle of the street or walk across the street with your child. Students crossing in the middle of Racine Avenue will be given detention. PHYSICAL EDUCATION/GYM WEAR
During the School year, the students at Cuffe are taught Physical Education along with Health, Saftey, and Family Life Education.
Gym wear may be ordered from Cuffe. The prices are $6.00 for the shirt and $6.00 for the shorts. Order forms are available at the main office. Students are encouraged to wear Cuffe shorts or sweat pants and Cuffe T-shirts for gym shorts. A student must provide a written request to the gym teacher in order to be excused from gym. Students will not participate in gym if they are not in appropriate attire. PROGRESS REPORT DISTRIBUTION
Elementary Schools will distribute Student Progress Reports during the 5th week of each marking period Track E - Refer to the Cuffe Calendar for specific dates PROMOTION POLICY FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLPaul Cuffe Academy will make decisions in accordance with the Chicago Public Schools Promotion Policy. REPORT CARD PICKUP/PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE DAYS
Year-Round schools (Track E) dates are on TBA.These dates are non-attendance days for students. Refer to the Cuffe Calendar for specific dates
REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS
Report cards are issued four times a year. Parents are required to pick-up their child’s report card at the end of the first, second, and third marking periods. Refer to the Cuffe Calendar for specific dates. Each quarter, students in grades 1 through 8, are recognized for achievement in four categories: PRINCIPAL’S LIST – students must earn all A’s (Reading, Mathematics, Social Science, Science, Language Arts), and no check marks. HONOR ROLL – students must earn all A’s and B’s, in the major subject areas, and no check marks. PERFECT ATTENDANCE/UNIFORM – students were in school and in uniform every day.
Students in kindergarten will be recognized for good effort and perfect attendance.
In addition, all students will receive a Mid-Quarter Progress Report during the 5th, 15th, 25th, and 35th weeks of the school year indicating his/her progress in each subject area. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to monitor student progress and achievement throughout the school year and keep lines of communication open with the classroom teacher(s).
SAFETY Racine Avenue is a very busy street. School crossing guards are available at 83rd Street and 84th Street on Racine Avenue at the beginning and end of the school day. Students crossing in the middle of Racine Avenue will be given detention. Weapons and certain other dangerous objects are forbidden on school premises. All persons are subject to personal search and examination of their hand-carried possessions. Your cooperation with this safety precaution is a condition of entry to Cuffe School.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
In hazardous weather or other emergency situations, the school may be closed. DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL FOR CLOSING INFORMATION. Please listen to the radio or television for a closing announcement.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Paul Cuffe Academy has established a School Improvement Plan for the 2008-2010 academic years. The following educational goals have been established:
1. READING:
Provide a quality instructional program, comprehensive among and within grade levels, emphasizing reading and the language arts, incorporating advanced technology designed to maximize student achievement and increase student readiness to advance to the next level, while engaging students in significant intellectual work.
2. MATHEMATICS/SCIENCE:
Provide a quality instructional program focusing on mathematics and science to improve student achievement.
3. STUDENT-CENTERED LEARNING
Provide the necessary structures and resources within the school and throughout the community to nurture a passion for learning and to support a student-centered learning environment for all student populations in all subject areas.
4. PARENT & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Increase active participation of the parents and community to support our instructional program and enhance the programmatic needs of the school.
Activities and objectives have been identified to meet these goals.
SCHOOLYARD
The schoolyard opens for Paul Cuffe Academy students on school days at
8:15 A.M. and closes at 3:00 P.M., unless children are supervised by an adult. In order to maintain the schoolyard, it will be closed at all other times. Please respect all property and follow the rules of the schoolyard. Anyone on the schoolyard when it is closed or not following the schoolyard rules is subject to disciplinary action and/or police notification.
STANDARDIZED TESTING DATES
Refer to the Cuffe Calendar for specific dates
STUDENT APPEARANCE See the Cuffe Dress Code & Discipline Page
Cuffe recognizes the individualism of all students; however, it is necessary to provide an environment conducive for learning. Students are required to be dressed in the appropriate uniform for school. The Cuffe uniform is a white collared shirt and navy blue slacks or skirts. Navy blue knee length shorts are ok during the summer months. ALL shirts must be tucked into pants, shorts or skirts. WHITE T-SHIRTS ARE NOT AN APPROPRIATE UNIFORM SHIRT. Parents, please buy a white or navy blue uniform sweater, as sweatshirts, hoodies, jean jackets and anything with writing is not part of the uniform at Cuffe. Colored t-shirts under the white collared shirt is not allowed, unless it is the Cuffe yellow t-shirt for P.E. on the student's scheduled P.E. period. Clothing that is torn, too baggy, too tight, too short, too revealing, or clothing that contains profanity or symbols related to gangs, drugs, alcoholic drinks or pornography is not acceptable.
ALL STUDENTS MUST ADHERE TO THE SCHOOL DRESS CODE!
STUDENT RECORDS & TRANSFERS
Under the provisions of the Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1976, parent/guardians are granted the opportunity to review their child’s permanent school records upon written or personal notification to the principal. Parents wishing to transfer their child must give at least two (2) days notice. All school books and materials, including library books checked out to the student must be returned to the student’s teacher before a transfer can be issued. TARDINESS
Students are requested to be in school everyday and on time for class. If a student is tardy, he or she must bring a note explaining the reason for tardiness and report to the Main Office before reporting to his or her classroom. Students are marked tardy if they arrive to the classroom after 9:10 A.M. Keep in mind, instruction begins promptly every morning and tardiness to class can impact student progress and achievement.
TEACHER INSTITUTE DAYS See the Cuffe Calendar
Institute days are non-attendance days for students and advance notice will be sent home and posted on the school doors.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Students are not allowed to receive phone messages via the Main Office. The unauthorized use of cellular phones and pagers is forbidden on the school campus.
VISITORS
For the safety of our students, no one will be permitted to visit a classroom without a pass from security. We encourage parents and guardians to visit the school, but we request that you avoid interfering with the instruction in the classroom. Therefore, it is highly recommended that visitors make prior arrangements before visiting. All visitors are subject to personal search and examination.
VOLUNTEERS
Individuals who wish to volunteer in the school must meet the requirements of the Chicago Public Schools Volunteer Policy. Information may be obtained from the Main Office
WINTER VACATION
See the Cuffe Calendar X, Y, Z
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