Student Handbook

2025-2056

Melissa Drury, Principal

Amanda Clark, Secretary

Sections

Introduction

Welcome Students and Families!

Berne Union Elementary faculty and staff extend a warm welcome to our learners and their families as they become part of the Berne Union Elementary community. We believe that learners in our educational community should be provided with ample opportunities to explore, learn, grow and be challenged in a safe, nurturing environment and are looking forward to providing these opportunities.

In order to maximize each learner’s maximum potential, we need your help and support! We know that strong parent partnerships and open communication are essential for student success and therefore encourage you to have direct and frequent communication with us. We also encourage your frequent and positive participation in activities at the school to make Berne Union an even better place for everyone! Remember that you can stay connected through our website, classroom web pages, email, Twitter, and Facebook.

Berne Union Local School District maintains a reputation for academic excellence and we look forward to continuing this tradition. We are excited for the year ahead and the opportunity to help all our learners experience academic and personal growth!

The information in this booklet has been compiled to help our learners and their families better understand our school and become an integral part of it. This guide will also assist learners and their families in understanding school policies, procedures, programs and expectations. While many of these handbook policies and procedures are outlined, the administration reserves the right to adjust, add, or delete policies or procedures during the school year if it serves the best interest of Berne Union Elementary. To stay up to date at all times, a digital copy of this handbook will be available on the BUES website.

Mission Statement

Learners today. Leaders tomorrow. Rockets Forever.

Vision

Berne Union Local Schools is dedicated to developing students of character, resilience, and adaptability who will become productive citizens in our changing world.

Core Values

Communication, confidence, critical thinking, character, community, collaboration, citizenship, content mastery, creativity, curiosity, and compassion.

School Attendance

At Berne Union Elementary, regular attendance at school is extremely important. When absent, students miss classroom learning experiences, interactions with students and teachers, and opportunities for academic growth. Tardiness and/or irregular attendance invariably leads to poor school work and educational gaps.

Ohio law requires students to attend school regularly. Good attendance is essential for academic success.

1. Compulsory Attendance

Ohio law requires students to attend school regularly when school is in session.
Parents/guardians must ensure students attend school each day unless an absence is excused according to district policy.

2. How Absences Are Counted

Under Ohio law, all time missed from school counts toward total hours missed, including excused and unexcused absences.
Missing 10% or more of the school year is considered chronic absenteeism.
Even a few days per month can lead to chronic absence.

3. Parent Notification

Schools must notify parents when a student has missed 5% of the school year hours (about 7–8 days).
The goal is to address attendance concerns early and provide support.

4. Habitual Truancy (Unexcused Absences)

A student may be considered habitually truant if they have:

30 consecutive hours of unexcused absences, OR
42 hours in one month, OR
72 hours in one school year.

5. Attendance Intervention Process

When attendance concerns occur, the school may implement supports such as:

Attendance Intervention Team (AIT) / Meeting

Includes school staff, parents/guardians, and sometimes the student.
The team reviews attendance concerns and identifies barriers.

Attendance Intervention Plan (AIP)

A written plan created to improve attendance. May include supports, check-ins, and strategies to help the student attend school regularly.

6. Court Involvement

Schools are required to file a truancy complaint only if the student is habitually truant and is not improving after interventions.

7. Our Goal

Our goal is to work with students and families to remove barriers to attendance and help every student succeed.

Reporting Absences

In accordance with state law (Missing Child Act-Ohio Revised Code 33.3.205), parents/guardians should contact the school by 9:30AM if their child is going to be absent or tardy. Please call the elementary office at 740-746-9668 (this is a 24-hour phone line and can accept voicemails at any time) or email Amanda Clark at clarka@buschools.com. You will be notified by the school each day a child does not attend if the school does not hear from you.

If your child must leave school early, we request that a note be given to the school on or before the day that the student is to be dismissed stating the time and reason. When picking up a child, the parent/guardian must report to the elementary office and the classroom will be called for the dismissal of the child.

To prevent the spread of illness, students must be 24-hours symptom free (no fever, vomiting, or diarrhea) without medication to attend school.

Absences from school are classified as excused or unexcused as per Ohio Revised Code Section 3321.04

An excused absence, tardy, or early checkout is defined by the following: personal illness, doctor/dental appointment, death in the family, quarantine of the home, religious holiday, approved educational leave or hunting (1 day). In order for the absence, tardy, or early checkout to be considered an excused absence, a parent/guardian MUST call the day of the absence, provide a note written by the parent/guardian within 3 days of the student return, or provide an excuse from a medical professional.

The following are examples of unexcused absences: truancy, oversleeping, missing the bus or ride to school, going out of town without prior approval, visiting, shopping, appointments that are non-medical in nature.

Tardies

Students will be marked TARDY if they report to school between 9:05 AM and 10:00 AM or leave school early, between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM. Students tardy to school must first go to the office to sign in and receive a pass to class.

Planned Educational Leave

If there is an educational reason for an absence, the parent must talk with the principal prior to the intended leave and get approval for the absence. An EDUCATIONAL LEAVE FORM is to be completed and approved by the building principal.

Make-Up Work

Arrangements for make-up work are the responsibility of the student/family.
Students who are absent one day need to turn in their assignments the following day. Students who are absent up to five days will be given the same number of days as absence to make up their work. The maximum number of make-up days will be five days unless special arrangements are made with the classroom teacher.
Students and parents must understand that some class activities cannot be made up. Some lab activities (consumable materials, expensive materials, live organisms, etc.), class discussions, guest speakers, etc. cannot be made up.

Attendance and Participation in Extracurricular Activities

In order for students to attend/participate in the various extracurricular activities including athletic events, band, choir, etc., students must be in attendance ALL DAY on the day of the extracurricular activity. The principal may grant an exception to this rule for an authorized medical excuse such as a doctor’s appointment which causes the student to miss part of a day.

Withdrawal From School

When you know that you are moving or have already moved to another school district, the school office should be notified. On the last attendance day at school, Chromebooks, textbooks, and library books should be returned to classroom teachers and school fees should be paid if they have not been previously. School records for your child will be forwarded to the new school upon receiving the withdrawal form and records request from the new district.

Safety

In an effort to keep our school as safe and secure as possible, all exterior doors will remain locked at all times. Only the main front entrance doors are open. All visitors/parents will be required to stop at the elementary office upon entering the school where the building secretary will determine who needs to proceed through to the learning environment. If there is an unfamiliar face at the door, he/she may be asked to provide identification prior to being let in. There are times that the building secretary may step away from her desk momentarily to retrieve copies, relay a message, etc. Please continue to wait in the foyer and she will buzz you into the building upon coming back to the office area. As a safety precaution, students are asked to not open any exterior doors for anyone.

Dropping Off Items to Students

If you drop off anything, or need to get something to your child, we ask that you leave the item(s) in the office and we will deliver it to the classroom for you.

Volunteers/Special Visitors

If you are volunteering or visiting the class for a special activity, please sign in at the front desk and be sure to sign out when you leave. You will be given a badge to wear at that time so that the students will recognize that you are not a stranger in the building. You will be asked to show identification if you are not already in our RAPTOR system for visitors.

Student Visitors

Student visitors, as a general rule, are not permitted. (Special exceptions may be made with the Principal’s approval.)

Contacting the School

We understand that there may be times in which the parent must contact the student during the school day. The elementary office can be reached at 740-746-9668. Office personnel will relay the message to the student provided it is an emergency. Teachers cannot receive phone calls during instructional time unless it is an emergency. It is important that we limit as many disruptions to the classroom as possible. Please understand that we will not accept changes to transportation after 3:00 pm as it presents safety concerns.

Contact Information/Update Residency & Child Custody

If a family’s address and/or telephone number changes, this information must be reported to the school and updated in the student’s Final Forms account as soon as possible. Up-to-date information allows for effective communication, especially in times of emergency.

Parents have the obligation of informing the school whenever the custody of a child changes. Our office requires that a copy of any and all court orders, affecting custody be on file in the school office. The copy must be signed by an official of the court. The school cannot interfere with the rights of any parent without such document being on file.

FERPA

Arrival & Dismissal

The streets and parking lots around the school are extremely busy at certain times during the school day. It is important for the safety of the children that they listen to and respect the directions given to them by the school staff.

Due to the amount of traffic at the school we ask that all parents be aware of the proper traffic patterns when dropping off and picking up a child. Berne Union buses ONLY will enter the main parking lot during normal arrival/dismissal times.

All students being dropped off or picked up by a vehicle should enter the main entrance and proceed to the drop off and pick up lanes (five lanes) parallel with Sugar Grove Road. Upon entering the lanes, pull as far forward in the line as possible. Students will be unloaded by a staff member and ushered into the school building. At dismissal, display the name of the child(ren) you are picking up in the passenger window on the sign provided by the school. If you need additional signs, please contact the school office. School staff will load your child into your vehicle. At no time should you exit your vehicle. In addition, all vehicles should be placed in park at all times in the lane. Your understanding is deeply appreciated.

All walkers should plan to enter the front of the building with the bus riding students. Walkers will leave the building with the bus riders and their teacher out the main door. Parents waiting for their walking student should meet them at the flag pole and bike racks.

All bus riders will enter the building in the front entrance after unloading buses. Students will walk with their teachers at dismissal all the way to the buses. No student who has boarded the bus to go home will be allowed to leave the bus without permission from the office.

Any changes to afternoon transportation must be communicated to the office by 3:00PM. We will not accept changes to transportation after 3:00 pm as it presents safety concerns.

All students entering class after the start of the regular day or leaving before dismissal MUST BE SIGNED IN AND OUT OF THE OFFICE BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN OR DESIGNEE in the elementary office. Any student needing to leave school early must have a written note from the parent with the reason.

Code of Conduct

Berne Union Elementary’s Code of Conduct is in force while school is in session, at scheduled bus stops, during home and away extra-curricular activities, during field trips, and on property owned and controlled by the Berne Union Local Schools.

The purpose of discipline is to help create an atmosphere that promotes the best possible learning environment for all of those involved in the educational process. As we work together to promote the values and follow the conduct and policies contained in this handbook, Berne Union Elementary School will be a safe space for students and staff to grow and learn together.

Learner Code of Conduct Expectations

At Berne Union Elementary, we expect students to “BLAST” at all times. BLAST stands for:

B – Be responsible

L – be a Leader

A – be Attentive

S – be Safe

T – be Tolerant

Teachers will monitor student behavior through our Positive Behavior Support Systems. The goal is to focus on the positive to reinforce desired behaviors. Students can earn accolades, and/or rewards for demonstrating our BLAST expectations, including Blast Passes, tokens for the book machine, and monthly recognition events. Students who have disciplinary infractions will be issued consequences at the discretion of the administrator. The disciplinary action will reflect the severity and/or frequency of the misconduct and will be determined and administered by school personnel.

Minor Rules Regarding Student Conduct

Violations of Minor rules listed below can result in some form of disciplinary action including, but not limited to, missing recess, lunch detention, recess detention, afterschool detention, etc.

Students should refrain from running in halls or throwing objects in the halls/rooms of the school.
Students should be properly dressed according to the dress code.
Students should not be in any unauthorized area without official permission.
Students should not lie to an administrator, teacher, staff member, etc.
Students should not forge the signature of parents, guardians, teachers, etc.
Students shall not loiter in the halls, restrooms, or unsupervised area of school buildings or property during regular school hours
Students shall wait their turn in the lunch line.
Students shall not throw food, or silverware or otherwise misbehave in the school cafeteria.

Major Rules Regarding Student Conduct

To enable the teaching staff and administration to enforce the Student Code of Conduct, the Board of Education has approved use of out of school suspension or possible expulsion for the following offenses:

Disruption of, or interference with curricular or extracurricular activities
Damage to school property or private property
Fighting or Assault (physical or menacing)
Dangerous weapons and instruments
Use/possession of tobacco and/or vaping devices
Disrespect or insubordination towards school personnel, including obscenity
Failure to comply with reasonable requests
Threats, intimidation, etc. of others
Unacceptable social behavior
Aiding and abetting in the commission of a violation
Frightening, degrading, or disgraceful acts
Repeated violations of minor misconduct rules
Other conduct
Sale or distribution of unapproved materials
Use or possession of drugs and alcoholic beverages
Possession of drug, alcohol, or vaping paraphernalia
Theft

It should be noted that the above listing of general and specific conduct is extensive, but not all inclusive. Any student conduct deemed unacceptable by school personnel will subject the student to disciplinary action.

Berne Union Elementary reserves the right to search a student’s cubby/locker, bookbag, and person if there is a reasonable suspicion that the student possesses anything that violates the student code of conduct.

The Ohio Revised Code of the State of Ohio ensures every student the right to a public education. Such rights cannot be denied to a student without affording him some procedural rights to due process of law. Such due process is applicable whenever school officials are considering removing a student from a curricular or extracurricular activity, removing him from school, or suspending or expelling him.

Suspension

Students can be removed from the school premises and all related activities for a period of time greater than twenty-four hours, but not more than ten days.

The student shall be informed, in writing, of the intended suspension
The student shall be provided an opportunity for an informal hearing with the principal to challenge the reason for the intended suspension and to otherwise explain his/her actions.
If student is then suspended, within twenty-four hours a letter shall be sent to the parent/guardian stating the specific reasons for the suspension.
Any student who is serving suspension may not be on school grounds or attend any school activity.

Procedure for Fights

If there are any visible consequences of the fight, such as blood, swelling or other possible injury, a report is filed with the Sheriff’s office.
All parents are notified and a suggestion is made with regard to medical attention, if appropriate.
Parents are advised of their rights to file a request with the Juvenile Prosecutor that charges can be filed against the child.
Disciplinary action is then taken by the school.
The school district cooperates with the law enforcement investigation by sharing the findings of the school’s investigation of the incident, as well as sharing other information.

ABRE Notifications

Anti-Harassment, Anti-Intimidation, and Anti-Bullying Policy

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying behavior by any student in the Berne Union Local Schools is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying, in accordance with House Bill 276, means any intentional written, verbal, graphic or physical acts including electronically transmitted acts i.e., Internet, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or wireless hand-held device, either overt or covert, by a student or group of students toward other students/school personnel with the intent to harass, intimidate, injure, threaten, ridicule or humiliate. Such behaviors are prohibited on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided transportation or at any official school bus stop that a reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of:

Causing mental or physical harm to the other student/school personnel including placing an individual in reasonable fear of physical harm and/or damaging of students’/personal property; and
Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student/school personnel

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices

Berne Union Elementary recognizes that cell phones have become the primary means of communication between students and their parents. However, if there needs to be communication between students and parents during the academic day, that communication should come through the elementary office. That number is 740-746-9668, and someone is always ready to take your call.

Use of cell phones on school premises is prohibited from 8:55AM to 3:30PM. Prohibition of cell phones extends to air pods or other speakers and smart watches. Students not following this policy will have their device confiscated by a staff member and turned into the office. Upon the second violation of the cell phone policy a student’s parent may be required to pick up the device from the office.

Taking pictures or video during the school day is strictly prohibited. Students who violate this rule will have their device confiscated and be subject to discipline up to and including suspension.

*The school is not responsible for any stolen electronics

Dress Code/Appearance

Students at Berne Union Schools shall dress neatly and in good taste. Any mode of dress that creates a disturbance or causes an interruption in the educational process by causing an undue amount of attention to be directed to the wearer will not be allowed. Any mode or state of dress or undress that creates a physical or emotional, health or safety hazard for Berne Union student(s) is not allowed.

If it is determined that a student’s clothing is inappropriate, the student will be referred to the office. The final decision as to whether an article of clothing is school appropriate will be made by the administration of Berne Union Elementary.

Although the following statements cannot be considered inclusive, they can be regarded as guidelines:

Shorts/Skirts/Pants/Leggings
- Shorts and skirts are permitted during the school year but must be a reasonable length. A general rule would be within one inch of fingertip length
- Spandex shorts are not permitted
- Any holes in “ripped” jeans must also adhere to the shorts policy
- Leggings must be made of solid material and fit appropriately
No hats or outerwear are to be worn inside the building
- Hoodies may be worn with the hood down.
Students must wear shoes
- No shoes with rollers on bottom
- No slippers, slides or flip-flops allowed
- Sandals /Crocs must have a strap
Shirts/Tops
- Tank top straps must be 2” in width (normal 3 fingers width)
- Spaghetti straps, halter tops and cut off shirts are not permitted
- Skin from belly or lower back shall not be visible when standing and/or sitting
- Shirts/tops that expose too much chest are not permitted
- Shirts may not depict, advertise or advocate use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or have patches, insignias, emblems, language, symbols or logos which are profane, crude, or judged to be unacceptable.
All undergarments shall remain covered

Possible Consequences for Violations of Dress Code

As stated above, the administration of Berne Union Elementary School reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of dress. Any violation of the dress code listed above may result in some form of disciplinary action including, but not limited to, verbal warning, written warning, parent phone call, requirement to change clothing, lunch/recess or afterschool detention, etc. Repeated violations or more significant dress code violations can result in more severe consequences, up to and including suspension.

Personal Property

Students are NOT permitted to bring items such as firecrackers, matches, squirt guns, gambling devices, etc., to school. When these items are found in a student’s possession they are turned into the office and made available ONLY to parents. Students are not to bring valuable personal items such as electronic games, cameras, cell phones, trendy toys and cards, etc., to school. The school cannot be responsible for lost, stolen, or broken property.

Playground Expectations

We closely monitor all activities on the school playground. There will be supervision on the playgrounds at all times. Students will be made aware of the importance of safety and behavior both while in the classroom and out of the classroom. Teachers will review the playground expectations with their classes. In order to provide for the safety of all students, the following expectations are enforced:

Students are not permitted to bring toys from home.
Students will play in assigned areas.
All playground equipment will be used in the appropriate manner.
Only one child will use a swing at a time.
Students will not leave the playground at any time without the consent of a teacher.
Throwing objects, other than in games approved by the teacher in charge, is forbidden.
Ball playing will be done in designated areas only. No hard balls are allowed on the playground.
Knives, sharp objects, toy guns, and all other toys which can cause injury are not permitted at school.
Fighting, tackling, rough play and profanity are not permitted.
If weather permits, students will be expected to go outside for recess. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather. Hats, gloves, and boots will be needed in cold weather. Students will be going outside when the temperature is 20 degrees or higher.

Bus Conduct/Transportation

Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children prior to boarding the school bus. The following BUS RULES are in effect at all times:

Pupils being transported are under the authority of the bus driver.
A time schedule shall be posted in the bus.
Pupils shall be on time for the bus both morning/evening.
Pupils shall walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic when coming to meet the bus.
Pupils shall remain seated while bus is in motion.
Pupils may be assigned seats by the bus driver.
The bus driver shall instruct pupils how to cross the road.
Pupils shall cross in front of the bus when going to the opposite side of the road.
Pupils shall not extend their hands, arms or head through the bus windows.
Pupils shall have written permission to leave the bus other than at home or school.
Pupils shall converse in a normal tone; loud or vulgar language is prohibited.
Pupils shall not eat food or candy while on the bus.
Pupils shall keep the bus clean, and must refrain from damaging it.
Pupils shall be courteous to the driver, to fellow pupils, and passers-by.
Pupils who refuse to obey promptly the directions of the driver or refuse to obey regulations, forfeit their right to ride on the bus.
Bus driver’s word is final.

All bus drivers will use ABRE to document student violations on the bus. These incidents will be reviewed by transportation director, school counsleor, or building principal. Parents will receive notification through ABRE and/or phone call. When problems occur with a student on the bus the following procedures should be applied within two days of the incident. These rules apply to the severity of the situation.

First Offense - A verbal warning will be given to the student. All incidents should be handled by the driver and student first, and then if needed by the driver and/or the Transportation Supervisor. At this time, the parents will be notified through an ABRE email or a phone call to discuss their child’s behavior on the bus.
Second offense – The driver will submit a school bus ABRE incident report. The Transportation Supervisor will have the driver bring the student in to discuss his/her behavior on the school bus. At this time and depending on the severity of the problem, the student can be removed from riding the school bus for 3 or more days. Parents will receive a copy of the ABRE incident report by email or be called.
Third Offense – The driver will submit a school bus ABRE incident report if there are still behavior issues after previous write ups. The Transportation Supervisor will have the driver bring the student in and discuss previous behavior issues. Depending upon the severity of the problem the student can be removed from riding the school bus for 5 or more days.
Fourth Offense – The driver will submit a school bus ABRE incident report if they are still having behavior problems with the student. Depending on the severity of the behavior issues and past problems with the student, he/she can be removed from riding the school bus for 10 or more days, with approval from the Superintendent.
Fifth Offense – The Transportation Supervisor can request to the Superintendent that the student be removed from the school bus for the remainder of the school year.

Emergency Closing

In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary to close school for the day. If the school is closed due to inclement weather, school will reopen the following day unless further closing announcements are made. Upon opting in, you will receive an emergency closing call to your phone and email. The information is also posted on our district website and social media. Also listen for the ONE CALL NOW call to your telephone.

Parents and guardians are responsible for indicating in Final Forms where his/her child is to go should there be an emergency early dismissal. If no arrangements are made, students will be sent home to their usual drop off.

When school buses do not transport students due to poor road conditions, children are not counted absent.

Cafeteria Information

Berne Union students are eligible to receive a free breakfast and lunch each day (currently funded through a grant) from the school cafeteria. Students may also bring a packed lunch. Extra food or milk can be purchased if the child has funds on their PaySchools account.

Our cafeteria payment system is fully automated, requiring students to type their student identification numbers to access their accounts. Please help your children by reviewing their numbers with them and keeping an adequate balance on the accounts. Please send all lunch money to school in a baggie or sealed envelope with the student’s name written on the outside.

FREE and REDUCED LUNCH FORMS are available on the Final Forms website. If your child received free or reduced lunch last year and circumstances have not changed, he/she may receive the same this year. HOWEVER, YOU WILL NEED TO FILL OUT NEW FORMS. Forms are sent home with every child at the beginning of the school year.

All students are expected to eat a lunch unless they are ill or have a written note from their parents.

If a child wishes to bring something to school to celebrate his/her birthday, the teacher must be contacted ahead of time for permission. It is our preference that birthdays be celebrated with stickers, pencils, trinkets, etc. rather than food due to allergies that are possible in the classroom. These items would need to be dropped off in the office so the teacher can pick it up when it is not deterring from instructional time.

Grading System

The Board of Education believes that determining student progress and reporting such progress to parents is the responsibility of each child’s classroom teacher. Student progress shall be based upon the goals of the educational program, grade expectations and the child’s individual ability.

Student achievement will be reported by the use of a letter grade and a number showing effort displayed by the student in this area. Kindergarten will use a non-graded report card. Report cards are issued at the end of each nine weeks grading period.Students receive their grade card from their homeroom teacher at the end of each grading period.

The letter grades will be interpreted as follows:

A – Excellent (92-100)

B – Good (83-91)

C – Average (70-82)

D – Low (60-69)

F – Failing (Below 60)

*Parents are encouraged to regularly check ProgressBook to monitor their student’s academic performance and progress. Interim reports are not sent home to parents, but grades can be accessed at any time on ProgressBook.

Homework

The majority of school work will be completed in the classroom. However, there will be times when students will be assigned work which is to be completed at home and returned to the teacher. It is our belief that time spent in activities other than studies is very important and necessary for the total development of our students. Therefore, our homework assignments will be held to a minimum.

Conferences

Children benefit most from their school experience when the school and the parents work together in the educational process. The staff at Berne Union Elementary want your child to succeed educationally. Therefore, we will be consulting with you concerning your child’s progress and urge you to consult with us concerning any problems which affect your child. Our staff is available for conferences every school day from 8:15-8:45 A.M. Please contact the teacher or call the elementary office for an appointment.

There will be PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES in the fall (November) and again in the winter (February) with specific dates including both morning and evening conference time slots. The school will be sending out a notice to parents to arrange a conference date and time.

Recognition of Academics and Effort

The elementary school will publish an honor roll each nine weeks in the areas of academics and effort:

“A” Honor Roll: Any student who makes no grade below an “A” for the nine weeks in the following subjects: Reading, Language, Spelling, Math, Social Studies, Health, Science, Music and Gym
“B” Honor Roll: Any student who makes no grade below a “B” for the nine weeks in the following subjects: Reading, Language, Spelling, Math, Social Studies, Health, Science, Music, and Gym
Outstanding Effort: Any student who reflects a conscious attempt to do his/her best at all times.
Blast Award: Any student who displays our BLAST expectations. Any student who is responsible, is a leader, is attentive, is safe, and is tolerant.

Cheating/Plagiarism

Academic honesty is very important and is emphasized throughout our school. Students are expected to do their own work and cite sources where appropriate. At no time is copying, cheating, or plagiarizing assignments acceptable. Consequences related to cheating, plagiarism, and copying can include “0” on the assignment or quiz/test, parent-teacher conference, phone call home, or possible suspension.

Fees

Child Abuse

Health Services

Our school has a health clinic available to students who have medical needs during the school day. Fortunately, we have a full-time school nurse on duty from 8:15 am-3:30 pm each day. In addition to taking care of sick and injured children, she is very involved in the educational process in the areas of health and child development. She is also responsible for maintaining all health records and dispensing all medications.

It is important that the school be aware of any health problems, allergies, physical conditions, etc., that your child may have. If he/she is on regular medication, the school must be informed. To prevent the spread of illness, students must be 24-hours symptom free (no fever, vomiting, or diarrhea) without medication to attend school. If your child contracts any communicable illness (whooping cough, lice, flu, etc.), please notify the school. Students with live lice will be sent home from school and may not return until all live lice are removed. Students will need to be checked by the nurse before returning to school. If your child develops an undiagnosed skin rash or lesions, or appears to have pink eye. etc., your child will be sent home, and the parents will be required to take the child to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment before returning to school.

For medication to be administered to a student, a Medication/Procedure Request Form within Final Forms must be completed and filed with the school nurse.
The Prescription Medication/Procedure Request Form needs to be completed and signed by the child’s physician. It also needs to be signed by the child’s parent.
The Non-Prescription Medication/Procedure Request Form is for the over-the-counter medication ONLY and needs to be completed and signed by the child’s parent.
Medication may be administered by the school nurse or her designee. It is preferred that this medication/procedure be administered through the clinic or school office when possible.
No medication/procedure of any kind, including aspirin, will be administered to students without the required medication procedure request form.
All medication and/or equipment will be delivered to the school by the parent and the parent will be responsible for notifying the school as to any change in medication, procedure and/or physician.
Medication kept at the school should be labeled with the child’s name, the doctor’s name, the dosage to be given and the time to be given. Medication will be kept in an “Out of Reach” or locked location.
Information and authorization forms shall become part of the student’s health records.

Members of the staff take every precaution to ensure the safety of students throughout the school year. However, accidents do occur. When a student has been injured in the building, the student is sent to the nurse. In the event of minor scrapes or bruises, the area is washed and bandaged. In the event of more serious accidents, the parents are notified immediately through Final Forms.

Other Services

Items found at school are placed in the lost and found area, which is located outside of the elementary office. A great many expensive items are in the lost and found. If your child has lost an item, or has had it “stolen”, please make sure the lost and found area has been checked. To prevent lost belongings, it would be very helpful if articles of clothing, and particularly, lunch boxes, were labeled with the child’s name. Unclaimed items are donated to charity throughout the school year.

The elementary school has a media center which is used by students and staff during the school day. The students must have permission from the classroom teacher before going to the library. Books are checked out for one week. Students are encouraged to return these books on or before the due date. Should a book get damaged, the librarian will determine if it can be repaired, in which case the student will pay the cost of repair. In the case of a lost book, the student will be responsible for the replacement cost of the book. A student with fines leveled against him/her loses the library privileges until all fines are paid.

Assembly programs, PTO and other extracurricular activities are held in the auditorium, gymnasium, or elementary dining facility. Other responsible, organized groups will be permitted to use the building and facilities by requesting and completing a “SCHOOL BUILDING USE” form. This can be obtained from the Superintendent’s office. All groups must be strictly supervised. Supervision includes: protection, maintenance, cleanup, and closing. Future use of school facilities by these groups is determined by their ability to fulfill this responsibility.

Fire, Tornado, and Safety Drills

Berne Union PTO

Our school has a Parent Teacher Organization. Every Berne Union family is a member of this wonderful group! Our PTO supports our school financially through fundraisers and donations including the Berne Union Craft Fair. Some of the events sponsored by the PTO include a Children’s Theater performance, classroom funds, field trip support, an end of the year fun week with bounce houses, snow cones, dance party and so much more! We encourage you to get involved in the PTO group as a way to support your child!

Preschool Addendum

Berne Union Elementary has had a long history of housing their own community preschool licensed through Ohio’s Department of Education. Our preschool program services both special needs students as well as typically developing students. Students ages three to five years old are eligible to attend our half day preschool program. Morning preschool is 9AM-11:45AM and afternoon preschool is 12:45PM-3:30PM. Each classroom is led by a licensed teacher. We do not honor requests for children to be placed in a particular classroom. While preschool transportation is not required by state law, Berne Union will be transporting resident students this school year.

Tuition Policy

The preschool is a tuition only program, meaning that students are required to pay tuition to attend. This is standard for all preschool programs, as participation in preschool is not required by law. We do not have options for free or reduced tuition; all spots require full tuition. Berne Union’s tuition is extremely competitive for Fairfield County and is raised minimally each school year. Tuition is broken up into payments to make the expense more affordable to families. Families who get behind in tuition payments will be removed from the program per school district policy to provide a spot for another child on the waiting list. Tuition payments are due the 1st school day of each month from August through April. Payments can be made online through PaySchools or by check or cash in the office.

Enrollment Policy

Registering your child for preschool does not necessarily guarantee enrollment. The board approved enrollment policy is strictly enforced when enrollment decisions are made. Students with disabilities receive first priority, returning students receive second priority, children of staff members receive third priority, and students who reside in the Berne Union school district receive fourth priority. Out of district students will be admitted only if spots remain after all Berne Union families are on the roster. Within each category, priority is given based on birthdate, with the oldest children being admitted first.

Required Forms

In order for home and school to work together effectively to educate your child, there are certain responsibilities that parents have. Some are required by the state, some are strongly suggested by us, but all are necessary! All personal record forms and permission forms MUST be completed and submitted before the child can start preschool. The following forms are required:

Final Forms – all pages
Copy of social security card and birth certificate
Custody papers (if applicable)
Child Medical Statement with current immunization record attached.
Transportation Form
Proof of residency
Parent photo ID

****The child medical statement is in compliance for thirteen months from the date of the exam. This means that you will likely need to update your child’s medical statement throughout the year.

Safety Policy

Parents are responsible for making the preschool staff aware of their child’s arrival and departure through the Transportation form completed at enrollment. A change of transportation arrangements will not be allowed unless written permission is given by the parent or a call to the elementary office is made. All afternoon transportation changes MUST be received by 3PM.

When an accident or injury occurs which requires emergency transportation of a child for medical treatment, parents will be notified as soon as possible. An incident report will be completed with a copy given to the parent and a copy kept on file at the preschool. If a minor injury occurs to a child, the preschool staff will inform the parent and may send the child to the nurse’s office. No child will be left alone or unsupervised. The staff is required by Ohio law to report to Fairfield County Children’s Services real or suspected child abuse and/or neglect. Please inform the teachers of accidents and/or minor injuries that occur while the child was not in school. If suspicious marks or comments are observed, the staff member is required to report these observations. Please keep the teachers informed.

Fire and tornado procedures are posted in each room by the door. Fire drills are conducted monthly through the year. Tornado drills are practiced monthly during required months.

Field Trip Policy

Whenever students are transported away from the school environment via a school bus, a permission form will be sent home with each student. No child will be permitted to go on a field trip without a signed permission form from the parent/guardian. Details regarding each field trip will be sent home along with the permission form. Berne Union Local Schools has additional policies regarding field trips:

All students who are enrolled in the Berne Union Local Schools Preschool Program must ride the school bus to the field trip.
Students are permitted to ride home from a field trip with a parent/guardian, grandparent or chaperone of the student with a signed permission from the parent/legal guardian. Students are not permitted to ride home with another student’s family unless they fall within the guidelines listed above.
Before a student departs from the field trip, they must be signed out through the classroom teacher.
There is a NO SMOKING policy on field trips. While each school environment is a smoke free area, this also applies for any field trips. This is for the safety and security of the students. This applies for the bus ride to/from the field trip locations as well as the field trip destinations.
There is a NO SIBLING policy on field trips.
Often times it is mandatory that each child have a parent/guardian chaperone attend the field trip.

Toileting Policy

Typical students attending preschool MUST be toilet trained prior to entering preschool. Each preschool classroom has their own restroom and students are encouraged to use restroom as they need to use it. Every family is asked to have an extra set of clothing here in case of an emergency.