Download the JRRES Parent/Student Handbook
The vision of James Ryder Randall Elementary is to create a sense of community where students feel safe to learn and stakeholders are involved to support student academic success.
The mission at James Ryder Randall Elementary is to create a positive climate that recognizes successes that impact teaching and learning while remaining connected to parents to promote student academic growth.
Students may enter the building at 9:15 a.m.
We request that parents follow the guidelines and procedures below in an effort to keep a positive working relationship between home and school.
Please Note: Back-to-School Night is an opportunity for parents and guardians to become acquainted with their child's classroom, instructional program, and classroom procedures. Individual parent-teacher conferences will not be held during Back-to-School Night. If you would like to discuss your child's individual progress or specific concerns, please contact your child's teacher to schedule a conference at a mutually convenient time.
1. No student should report to school prior to 9:15 a.m. as there is no supervision for his/her safety prior to that time.
2. Students should line up in front of the school and enter through the main entrance doors. It is very important for all students to arrive on time each day.
3. All students are permitted to enter the building at 9:15 am to participate in the Free Breakfast in the Classroom Program and students are to report directly to the classroom.
4. Students should be seated and ready for instruction at 9:30 a.m.
5. Parents are encouraged to allow their children to enter the building independently.
6. All non-bus riding students arriving at school after 9:30 am should be escorted by a parent to the main door to complete the late arrival form.
7. Walkers should stay on the sidewalk and follow the directions of school personnel.
8. Walkers will enter the building through the main doors.
1. Parents should follow the following procedures when dropping their scholar(s) off in the mornings.
2. Parents will pull into James Ryder Randall parking lot and proceed to the staff parking lot in the rear of the school.
3. Parents should then loop around the staff parking lot and proceed to the walkway located before the temporary buildings.
4. Students will exit/enter the vehicles at this location. Parents remain in the car at all times.
5. Students will enter the building through the side door near the gym
6. Parents should follow the direction of the staff members.
7. Parents should not exit their vehicle.
8. Once the student has exited the vehicle, parents may proceed and the next car will pull up.
9. Parents will use the same location to enter/exit James Ryder Randall Elementary.
Afternoon announcements begin at 3:40 pm, before students are dismissed.
If a bus is delayed, students assigned to that bus will be directed to report to either the main lobby, where they will wait quietly in line, or to the cafeteria, where they will remain supervised by two to three staff members until their bus arrives.
Parents are asked to send a written note to the school for any changes to their child's afternoon dismissal routine.
Our goal is for all students to be safely dismissed from the school by 3:45 p.m. each day.
Parents and guardians may pick up their student(s) throughout the school day for scheduled appointments or other approved reasons.
School bus transportation is provided for many students at James Ryder Randall. A student is to ride the bus to which he/she is assigned. Students must ride their assigned bus unless they have a written note signed by the parent and approved by the school office. Riding a different bus for whatever reason will have to be approved. Approval will be granted only if there is space available. The Transportation Office schedules bus stops and bus routes. You will receive a bus routing schedule for your child.
School bus transportation is defined as the entitlement of a student to ride a school bus, without cost, to and from school in accordance with the Public Laws of the State of Maryland. It must be understood that transportation is provided only for those students who exercise the following responsibilities:
To ensure safe and timely transportation, students and families are expected to follow the guidelines below:
If a child fails to follow the bus procedures, his or her bus privileges may be suspended or denied. Parents will be responsible for providing bus transportation to and from school for the designated time period a child is suspended from the bus.
To ensure families have consistent access to student progress, teachers are expected to provide regular grade updates in all core subject areas, including reading, math, science, and social studies.
Consistent communication between families and teachers supports student success and ensures families are informed about academic progress.
Parents and guardians, please speak with your child(ren) about appropriate cell phone use during the school day.
Cell phones may only be used during the instructional day when directed by a teacher for educational purposes and must follow the PGCPS cell phone policy. Personal cell phone use that is not related to instruction may interfere with learning and classroom expectations.
We appreciate your support in helping students remain focused, engaged, and prepared for learning.
The James Ryder Randall Elementary School Uniform Committee (Committee) has formulated the student dress policy for James Ryder Randall Elementary School in accordance to the Prince George’s County Public Schools System Wide Dress Code for Students (Policy 5152). Uniforms can be purchased from any department stores, discount stores, and local uniform shops. Students are expected to dress appropriately in the school uniform each day (Monday through Friday). Students must adhere to this policy with no exception. The mandatory uniform policy is as follows: The benefits of adopting this Policy ranges from improved academic performance to enhanced security for our children:
1. Enables the student to focus on schoolwork and reduce peer pressure and distractions.
2. Reduces disciplinary actions that result in conflict that occurs as a result of competition about clothing.
3. Reduces cost for school clothes and eliminates the hassle each day for what to wear.
4. Enhances Security – Security officials can quickly recognize those who do not belong on campus.
Student Breakfast: FREE; Elementary Lunch: FREE; Adult Lunch: $3.50. Students must pay for à la carte items.
Monthly breakfast and lunch menus are online at
https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/JamesRRandallElementary
A trained Registered Nurse provides health services in our school. This means that certain medical procedures are beyond the capabilities of our nurse. Please do not send sick children to school. Children who get sick at school will need to be picked up by the parents and taken home.
The importance of regular school attendance cannot be overstated; however, students should not be sent to school when they are ill. If a student becomes sick during the school day and it is determined that they would be better cared for at home, a parent/guardian will be contacted to pick up the student.
Students who are sent home with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea should not return to school until they have been free from each symptom for 24 hours.
Parents/guardians are required to notify the school administration and school nurse of any student’s chronic health condition (such as asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, or seizures) or any new medical diagnosis. This information helps ensure that staff are prepared to respond appropriately in the event of an emergency.
Please keep the school updated with any changes to phone numbers, addresses, and emergency contact information.
The following procedures will be followed when a student is injured:
1. Teachers will send the student to the nurse’s office if the injury is minor.
2. Teachers will notify the nurse’s office if the student is unable to be moved.
3. Trained personnel will administer basic first aid.
4. The parent (s) will be called and the injury described. For a minor injury, the parent will make the decision about removing the student from the school. Emergency contact persons will be called if the parent cannot be reached.
5. The paramedics will be called for critical injuries that require the type of care that school personnel cannot offer and the parent or emergency contact will be notified.
6. An accident report will be completed and filed for every accident.
All medications, including over-the-counter medications, are prohibited from being carried or stored by students at school.
If it is necessary for a student to receive medication during the school day, a parent/guardian must provide the school nurse with a completed Physician’s Authorization Form along with the properly labeled medication. The medication label must match the information provided on the physician-signed authorization form.
The medication authorization form is available through the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) website at PGCPS Health Services under Health Services or may be obtained directly from the school nurse.
All medications will be stored securely and may only be administered by the school nurse or a Certified Medication Technician (CMT) in accordance with established health and safety procedures.
Daily attendance is essential to your child’s academic success and overall growth. At James Ryder Randall Elementary School, our goal is for students to miss 15 days or less each school year. Regular attendance ensures that students have consistent access to instruction, classroom experiences, and opportunities to reach their highest potential.
We are committed to partnering with families to support strong attendance habits and reduce barriers that may prevent students from attending school each day.
The State of Maryland recognizes the following reasons as lawful absences from school:
Students with excused absences will be provided the opportunity to make up missed assignments and receive credit for completed make-up work.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure that every student is present, engaged, and learning every day.
Being punctual to school is important. It is critical that students be on time each morning. When the tardy bell rings, students and teachers are to be in class ready to learn. Students arriving late to school are required to obtain a late pass before being admitted to any classroom.
PLEASE NOTE: Family trips are not considered as excused absences. Teachers are not required to provide make-up work for unexcused absences. Per the county attendance policy, students shall receive a zero for any day(s) of unexcused absences, which will be averaged with other daily grades. Upon returning to school from an absence, a child is required to bring a note from the parent stating the reason for the absence. This note is given to the classroom teacher. Students who have unexcused absences or who are frequently tardy will be referred to our School Instructional Team and to the Pupil Personnel Worker for PGCPS.
Absence Notification click HERE.
In an effort to have a safe and orderly learning environment, a school-wide discipline plan is established. The title of the plan is “Mustang P.R.I.D.E.” It includes incentives and consequences for behavior. The acronym P.R.I.D.E. has specific meaning for each letter. Parents we thank you in advance for your support in addressing school concerns with your child.
At James Ryder Randall Elementary School, we believe in using a progressive approach to discipline that supports students in understanding expectations, reflecting on their choices, and developing positive behaviors. The standard disciplinary procedure begins with the following step:
Level 1: Verbal Warning and Student Reflection Form
At this level, the teacher will meet with the student to discuss the behavior concern and provide an opportunity for reflection. This conversation may occur before or after a transition, during independent work time, or between group rotations.
The purpose of this conference is to help students understand the impact of their choices, develop appropriate attitudes and behaviors, and identify strategies for making better decisions moving forward. During this conversation, the teacher will explain that this is the first step in a multi-level process for addressing inappropriate behavior.
Possible consequences at this level may include:
Out of class consequences (Note: All actions in level 3 or higher require a reflection form and a call home to the parents and/or parent meeting.) The key element at this stage is enlisting the support of the parents in bringing about behavior change through a telephone call home. Teachers will contact parents using numbers from School Max. A consequence could be to have the student participate in a time-out in your partner’s classroom, partial recess loss or entire loss of recess.
In House referral to Administration (Note: All actions in this level or higher require a reflection form and a
call home to the parents, parent meeting and/or a parent shadow.)
If a problem persists in the classroom, the teacher may reach out to Administration for support. At this time a parent meeting will be scheduled and a behavior modification plan may need to be implemented for daily use for the child. The team to include the teacher, counselor, school instructional team chair, and administration will work with the parent in construction of this plan. At this time it may be appropriate to have a student referred to the School Counselor for behavioral intervention or one-on-one meetings. A consequence could be to have the student participate in a morning or after school detention.
Official PS74
When it becomes apparent that the strategies developed are not resulting in a change of behavior, it is necessary to submit it to an administrator. The administrator has several options varying from a student conference with parent
to suspension.
At James Ryder Randall Elementary School, we believe the most effective approach to discipline is one that is proactive, preventive, and focused on student growth. The purpose of school discipline is to promote student success, encourage self-discipline, and foster a caring, respectful, and compassionate school environment.
It is our responsibility to clearly communicate behavioral expectations and provide students with the tools they need to make positive choices. Teachers will review school-wide expectations, rules, and procedures during the first week of school and will continue to reinforce them throughout the school year.
All behavior concerns will be addressed in alignment with the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
No Tolerance Policy for Bullying, Teasing, and “Jone-ing”
At James Ryder Randall Elementary School, every student has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued. While teasing or “put-down” humor may be portrayed as funny in television shows, movies, or social settings, this type of humor often comes at someone else’s expense and can cause harm.
Simply stated, teasing hurts. We expect all students to treat one another with kindness, respect, and compassion at all times.
James Ryder Randall maintains a no tolerance policy for bullying, teasing, harassment, or “jone-ing.” Students are expected to use words and actions that build others up and contribute to a positive school community where everyone belongs.
Parental Support:
On a daily basis, please:
Families play an important role in supporting student success. At James Ryder Randall Elementary School, we ask families to partner with us by helping students develop strong academic habits, positive behaviors, and responsible routines.
Families are encouraged to:
Together, families and the James Ryder Randall staff can create the conditions necessary for every student to learn, grow, and succeed.
Homework
Homework is a reinforcement of the school instructional program and should be completed by the assigned date. If, for any reason, a student is “legally” absent from school, it is his/her responsibility to make up all work missed.
Volunteers
NOTE: ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST GO TO THE SASSCER BUILDING IN UPPER MARLBORO,
MARYLAND FOR A BACKGROUND CHECK (INCLUDING THOSE PARENTS WHO GO ON FIELD
TRIPS).
Fingerprinting and Background Office
We hope that many of our parents will take time from their busy schedules to help at school at least once or twice each school year. We welcome you as a volunteer in many aspects of the school, such as the classroom, media center, lunchroom, recess and/or field trips. If you are unable to help during the day, perhaps you can help by doing things at home or in the office to support the activities of the classroom. Volunteers are reminded to sign the volunteer roster in the main office before reporting to the designated location. Our PTO will contact you at various times during the school year to ask you to volunteer or to donate items for school events/celebrations.
Birthday Parties at James Ryder Randall
Our first priority at James Ryder Randall Elementary School is to maintain a strong focus on teaching and learning. We work diligently to minimize disruptions and distractions during the school day while still allowing students to celebrate special occasions in a simple and appropriate manner.
Birthday snacks are permitted during the last 15 minutes of the school day. To ensure the safety and well-being of all students, birthday celebrations must follow these guidelines:
Birthday celebrations will not include singing “Happy Birthday” during instructional time. Teachers may distribute approved individual snacks during the designated time at the end of the school day.
To ensure the safety of all students and staff, all visitors must follow the school’s visitor procedures:
Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a safe, secure, and focused learning environment for all students.
Parent Community Advisory Council
We encourage every parent to participate in the PCAC at James Ryder Randall. Your participation is one of the reasons James Ryder Randall is such a great school. Please sign up for membership in our PCAC.
Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers and Visitors
We are pleased to release the PGCPS Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers, and Visitors that applies to all who interact with schools and offices in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). It also applies to those who are present at school, in person or virtually, and school-sponsored activities, meetings, and/or functions during and outside of school hours. In order to maintain an orderly, respectful and secure educational environment for students and staff, it is essential that families and visitors are aware of their responsibilities. Penalties for lack of adherence to this Code of Conduct are outlined in the link below.
https://www.pgcps.org/parents/code-of-conduct-for-families-and-visitors
Thank you for your partnership!
