ESSA and Title I
ESSA and Title I Department will be recognized for providing supplemental resources to diverse schools that contribute to preparing students for college and career readiness.
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Dear Parents and Students,
The Prince George’s County School District strongly believes in the educational value of electronic services and recognizes the potential of such to support the curriculum and student learning in the district. The goal of the district in providing this service is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. The Prince George’s County School District will make every effort to protect students from any misuses or abuses as a result of their experiences with an information service.
Access to the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with Internet users throughout the world. Families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. While the intent of PGCPS and Stephen Decatur Middle School is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. It is believed that the benefits to students from access to the Internet in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration exceed the disadvantages. Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, Stephen Decatur Middle School supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.
Student use of the Internet is monitored. Students who abuse acceptable use, which includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, pornography, gambling, and inappropriate language will be subject to discipline.
Students are responsible for appropriate behavior on the school’s computer network just as they are in a classroom or on school property. General school rules for behavior, as stated in the Student Code of Conduct, apply. It is expected that users will comply with district standards and the specific rules and consequences as outlined below. While not all improper use can be listed, the information below should serve as a guideline for appropriate use of the computer facilities and network resources at Stephen Decatur Middle School and the Prince George's County Public Schools.
To qualify for electronic information resource services, students must be willing to abide by the rules of acceptable use. Please work with us in helping your middle school age child understand and abide by these important rules of appropriate use.
The following are not permitted:
Violations may result in the school restricting or terminating any user's access, without prior notice as well as other disciplinary or legal action. Disciplinary action, including suspension, may also be imposed.
I have read and understand the school district policies relating to acceptable use of the Prince George’s County Public Schools computer network and the Internet. I agree to abide by them (accept them). I further understand that any violation of the policies is unethical and may constitute a violation of law. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken, and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.
Student's Full Name (please print): ________________________________________
School Name: Samuel Chase Elementary Date: __________________
Student’s Signature: _________________________________________ Grade: ____
Parent or Guardian
As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the policies relating to acceptable use of the Prince George’s County Public Schools computer network and the Internet. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes only. The District has taken steps to monitor Internet use, however, I recognize it is impossible for the school district to restrict access to all inappropriate materials and I will not hold the school district or its employees or agents responsible for materials acquired on the Internet. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting. I hereby give permission to issue an account for network and Internet access to my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.
Parent or Guardian's Name (please print): __________________________________
Parent or Guardian's Signature ____________________________________________
Date _________________________
School begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m.
For safety reasons, students are not permitted on the premises until 8:50 a.m. There will be no supervision prior to this time.
Students are considered tardy after 9:00 a.m. Students should bring a letter to the office when they arrive to school late.
For the safe and orderly process of student release, early dismissal ends at 2:45 p.m. Only persons listed on the 'Permissions to Release Child/Family Card' form will be authorized to pick-up student(s). Without exception, valid government issued ID. is required for everyone picking up a student.
All requested changes to afternoon dismissal must come from a parent/guardian and must be submitted in writing to the office. Parents/guardians may not make changes to the bus assignments of students under any circumstances. Bus changes must go through the Front Office. Any permit changes to dismissal must be done at the front office by completing the Transportation Form.
Excessive student absences have a negative impact on student's instructional progress, therefore consistent attendance is critical to the success of all students and the school. If a student is absent they should provide a note to their teacher explaining the absence.
Per Prince George's County policy, prior to conducting any business in the schoolhouse, all guests and visitors must report to the Office and present a government issued identification that will be recorded in our Raptor system.
The process to arrange a classroom visit or conference by parents/guardians of current students will be available from each school. Such visits are at the discretion of the principal but will not be permitted during testing. Classroom visits and/or conferences by parents/guardians must be arranged at least 24 hours in advance. Classroom visits and conferences must be conducted in such a manner that the visits and/or conferences do not interfere with the classroom activities of any student in class.
Shirts-Black Polo or Black Oxford Button Up; Bottoms-Khaki slacks, shorts or skirt (no jeans or sweatpants); Shoes-must be solid colored black. Parents will be contacted if your child is not in uniform.
All families are expected to complete a 'Lunch Application every year. This application is completed online at the website listed below. https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/Pick District
Prince George's County Public School's System utilizes the SchoolMax Parent Portal as a way for families to monitor student's weekly academic progress. Please utilize this site to receive real-time information regarding grades, attendance and discipline. Please contact the school should you have any issues logging onto the site.
All students will receive grades in the following three areas: Assessments, Classwork, and Homework. The percentage for each category will differ depending upon the subject. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher for the specific grading policy.
The After School Detention Program is designed to address the potential implications for future harm while keeping the student in school to avoid the risk of falling behind academically. While in detention, students will have an opportunity to reflect on their behavior and discover ways to make more responsible decisions. Per the Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, a student may be referred to After School Detention for, but not limited to, the violations listed below. Detailed descriptions of the violations can be found on pages 21-23 of the Students Rights & Responsibilities Handbook. Please note that the number of warnings will vary depending on the severity of the violation. After School Detention will be held on Wednesday’s from 3:20 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parents are responsible for picking up a student who is assigned after school detention.
ClassDojo is the primary means by which Samuel Chase Elementary School communicates with families. It is used to progress-monitor student behavior as well as contact parents & relay important information, dates & upcoming events. It is a free application available for all smartphones & computers. You will receive information on how to connect to your child's classroom the first week of school. For more information, visit: www.classdojo.com
With a focus on providing students with a quality educational program, all classroom time is designated for instruction. It is for this reason that there all birthday celebrations will take place during lunch. All arrangements need to be arrange with the classroom teacher at least 24 hours in advance. All items must be store bought items such as cupcakes and juice.
All volunteers must undergo a fingerprint background
check and child protective services (CPS) clearance at least 14 days in advance of the volunteering event. All parents are eligible for free fingerprinting. You must go to the Food and Nutrition Office located at 13300 Old Marlboro Pike, Room 8, Upper Marlboro MD to pick up your letter stating that your child/children receive free food services. Once your receive that letter you will then going to the Fingerprinting Office located inside of the Sasscer Building Room 128. (14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro MD)
Fingerprint background checks must be handled by the PGCPS Fingerprinting Office—CPS clearance must be handled by the Human Resources Employee Services Center.
Volunteers must provide a copy of the stamped
background check receipt to the school office.
All questions related to transportation, please contact the Transportation Office at 301-952-6570. Remember to have your bus routing number. The school will always refer parent/guardians to this number.
Per Prince George's County Public Schools, buses are considered mobile classrooms. Therefore, all school policies, procedures, and expectations apply. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you are a bus rider: Arrive at the bus-stop approximately 15 minutes before the schedule pick-up time. Bus stops are not monitored by PGCPS.
Remain off private property while waiting at the bus stop. Students may only ride their assigned bus, no exceptions, Always remain seated on the bus; talk in quiet voice. Keep all parts of your body and all possessions inside the bus and to yourself. No eating or drinking on the bus. No non-school items on the bus. Always follow the bus driver's directions. Follow all policies & procedures from the PGCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
Students must abide by the following policies with regards to walking to and from school: Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk close to the curb and not in the middle of the street. Look both ways before crossing any street. Stay off private property. Walk directly home or to daycare.
Arrival: School doors will open for all students at 8:50 a.m. Please be aware that there is no adult supervision for students who arrive at Samuel Chase before 8:50 A.M.
Dismissal: Afternoon Announcements begin at 3:05 PM. All students will walk out of the building at 3:10PM. Students Pre-K-Kindergarten that are Walkers, Daycare Providers, and Bus Riders will be dismissed from the Front Door of the school. 1st Grade students that are Bus Riders will be dismissed from the side door of the school building. 2nd-5th Grade students will be escorted to the Cafeteria and BUS RIDERS ONLY will be dismissed through the side door. Walkers and Daycare Providers for students in the 1st -5th Grade will be dismissed from the Media Center to go out the Front Door.
Please visit www.pgcps.org to access important information, updates and resources such as school websites, inclement weather updates, and SchoolMax.
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