Handbooks

In the event of an evacuation of the building, the instructional staff has the responsibility of leading students to an area of safety.  Evacuation plans are posted in noticeable places in each instructional area.  Every effort will be made to keep parents informed during an emergency.  Parents are requested to stay away from the school grounds to help to maintain clear access to the school grounds for emergency equipment, unless asked to go to the school by emergency personnel.
    In the event that there is a major emergency at Ibapah Elementary and we need to vacate the school, our site of reunification will be the LDS Church (yellow building across the street from the school).  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school (435-234-1113).  Please do not come over to Ibapah Elementary while we are vacating.  Meet your child at the reunification site.  An accurate accounting of all students will be necessary.  Students will be released only to their parents or to those listed as the emergency contact on ASPIRE.  Please be sure the contact information is always up to date. Please bring a photo ID with you.
    Please call the district office at 833-1900 for further information and/or instructions in the event of an emergency.   
 

 The Community Council is an integral part of Ibapah Elementary, and the school owes much of its success to these organizations, which are kept going by very dedicated and talented parent volunteers.
The Utah State Legislature passed a law in 2000 requiring every public school in the state to establish a Community Council at the school-site level, consisting of parents and school personnel, for purposes of school improvement.  This is an advisory council that helps make plans, review programs, and address concerns.  Parents and community members are encouraged to use the community council process to address concerns.  The Community Council reviews programs, testing results, and develops the Trust Lands Plan. 
      The Community Council meets throughout the year at Ibapah Elementary School, and parents are encouraged to participate.  Please watch for meeting times and dates on the school website or posted at the mailboxes. Agendas are posted on the school doors prior to meetings, and if there’s something you’d like included on the agenda, please contact Mrs. Bateman 
 

 Fundraisers will be determined and conducted by the Community Council. The money raised from the various fundraisers will be put toward events, incentives for students, school supplies, field trips, etc.
 

Please let us know of any concerns you may have. We cannot fix something if we don’t know about it. If there is a concern, parents are encouraged to talk to their child’s teacher first to gain a full perspective.  If you are aware of a serious situation, please contact Ms. Ruiz directly.  Email is an easy way to contact staff.  Most of our emails can be addressed using the first initial and last name @tooeleschools.org.  

We suggest an arrival time of 7:30.  Students will be admitted to the building at 7:30.  
Arrangements must be made for child care/supervision in the morning before school.  Please carpool or arrange child care so children will not be dropped off or arrive too early. Teachers will be planning before school begins.  Please respect this planning and preparation time.  A well-prepared teacher is essential to your child’s education.
    Students should be in their seats and ready to start school at 8:00 am.
 

Being late can be disruptive to a child’s education.  Excessive or habitual tardies cause students to miss important instruction.  It takes additional teacher time to explain or help catch up the tardy student, which is not fair to the students who were on time.  Children arriving late may disturb the class.  It is often embarrassing for students to be late.   Children also miss out on important socializing opportunities when they come late.  Please help us by making sure your child gets off to a good start.  The best arrival time is 7:30 am. 

There is a powerful link between attendance and academic success in school.  To give students the best opportunity to reach their potential both academically and socially, they must attend regularly.  When students are tardy or absent, they miss out on valuable learning and social experiences that cannot be replaced.
The importance of regular attendance cannot be overemphasized.  A child should be in school every day that he/she is able.  Students who miss a lot of school are at risk.  Research has shown that each day of absence results in 2 ½ days of loss of learning due to disruption in the student’s instruction.  Your assistance with this could make a big difference for your child.
The fewer the absences, the better, but generally, ten school days missed for the entire year is considered manageable.  Acceptable reasons for being absent are personal illness, professional appointments that are impossible to schedule at any other time, and family emergencies like funerals.  Babysitting, shoppin,g and other such things are not recognized as legitimate reasons for missing school.  Please do everything possible to arrange vacations with the school calendar in mind.  Try to schedule doctor and dentist appointments so that children do not miss instruction.  Unless the appointment takes the entire school day, students are expected to attend class before and after their appointments.
It is extremely difficult to successfully keep up with classwork if attendance is irregular.  Even “getting the work” does not make up for missing instruction.  Regular attendance is not only critical for a good education, but it is also the parents’ legal responsibility.
    If a child is going to be absent or late, please email your child’s teacher by 9:30.  Email is preferable, but a quick phone call works too. A voice mail message can be left if the call is made before school hours.  
If a child does not arrive at school, we want to be sure he/she is safe with you. TCSD has purchased a call-out system, which will make phone calls home if your child has not been called in absent and excused that day.  At this time, those phone calls will be received in the afternoon.
    Classroom incentives and school-wide incentives promote the importance of attendance.  Perfect attendance for the year with very few tardies is also recognized at our end-of-year Award Programs.
    Each family will have access to the Tooele School District’s Compulsory Attendance Policy, which will be posted online at our school’s website.  There have been changes in the policy made by the School Board, which include specific consequences for missing school.  Please review the policy. 
 

When students are sick, teachers will gather assignments to be picked up after school or sent home with another student, if requested.  E-mail the teacher or call to request the service.  Please do not drop in during the school day to pick up assignments for students who are sick.  When classes are interrupted, it disrupts valuable instructional time for other students. Remember, there is a wealth of learning at school that does not involve paper and pencil.  Class activities and discussions cannot be reproduced or re-staged for children who are absent.  Be aware of the late work and make-up work policies in your child’s class.

Students are not to be on the playground using equipment or playing during dismissal.  They may return later to play outside once they have checked in with their parents and have their parents’ permission, but students will not be able to have access to the building, nor will they be supervised by school personnel.  

In the event a student needs to be dismissed from school prior to the last bell of the day, parents/guardians are to call the school or email the student’s teacher, and come to the school and officially withdraw the student.  Upon completion of the sign-out process, which only takes a few minutes, students will be excused from class.  Parents/guardians are not allowed to go directly to class and withdraw the student. 
 

 Ibapah Elementary School will strive to build “homework” into our daily schedules.  The homework students will be expected to have will be reading four nights a week.  The table below shows the expected time to spend reading each night with your child.  
GRADE
READING MINUTES
Kindergarten
10 min. 4 days a week
1st grade
15 min. 4 days a week
2nd grade
20 min. 4 days a week
3rd grade
25 min. 4 days a week
4th grade
30 min. 4 days a week
5th grade
30 min. 4 days a week
6th grade
30 min. 4 days a week

Reasonable homework may also include: Independent practice, preparing for a test, and special projects from time to time.  
 

Any textbooks, library books, or books in special reading programs that have been lost or damaged beyond repair need to be paid for or replaced before graduation/promotion. 
 

Parents are encouraged to use Skyward to track their child’s work and attendance. The school provides passwords and ID numbers.  Please understand that grades will be posted in a timely manner.  TCSD Board policy requires that grades be updated every two weeks.  If you have any questions about missing assignments or grades, please email your child’s teacher.
 

Students are tested to monitor their progress throughout the school year.  Some testing is informal, and some is formal and mandated by the state.  All children at Ibapah Elementary are given reading screenings at the beginning of the school year to help teachers plan effective instruction.  More testing may be deemed necessary by the teacher.  Throughout the year, reading fluency is regularly tested using DIBELS, which are grade-level passages that students read for word accuracy.  Reading fluency rates provide snapshots of a child’s reading progress and sometimes tell us that further exploration may be warranted.  Progress monitoring in math is completed regularly in each classroom, and data is analyzed to inform instruction.
 

TCSD Board of Education approved days for the early release of elementary school students at the end of each term.  This gives teachers the time to prepare report cards without supervising students in the classroom.  The early release days are on the district calendar.  All students will be released at 12:00 on those days.  

Cooperation between teachers and parents plays an important role in student success. For that reason, parents should feel free to contact any of our teachers and arrange a conference to discuss student progress.  Please call to schedule the conference before coming to the school so as not to interrupt a class in progress. We will have formal parent/teacher conferences two times throughout the year. Once in the fall and once mid-winter. 
Please do not feel you have to wait for formal conferences to meet with your child’s teacher.  Let your child’s teacher know at any point if you need to arrange a conference, either by meeting, phone, or email.  Teachers want to be available to parents to help ensure school success for every child.    
    We are sure you realize that a teacher's primary responsibility is to the students in the classroom.  We also believe you are aware of the problems that could arise if parents go into the classrooms during school time to talk with teachers.  Therefore, no one should go to a teacher's room without an appointment.  Conferences must be held before or after school.
 

Volunteers are always welcome and much appreciated.  Many of the things the school provides would not be possible without the generous support of the community.  Volunteers often find that the energy and commitment put in is returned in terms of satisfaction, skills, and experience.  
There are many ways to volunteer and be involved.  Please contact your child’s teacher for suggestions on how you can help.
We also recognize that you make valuable contributions to your child’s success at school every day when you see that your child completes his or her homework, reads every day, gets plenty of rest, eats well, exercises, and has a good attitude about school.
 

Student visitors are not permitted to attend classes, visit the school, or visit classrooms during regular school hours.  District policy does not allow students to attend classes unless enrolled at our school.  Our school cannot be held responsible, legally or practically, for taking care of children who are not registered at Ibapah Elementary.  Please make other arrangements for visiting school-age relatives and friends.
 

Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 7:45. We try to adhere to that schedule so that students are not tardy to class.  School breakfast is a convenience that we are happy to provide, but our primary mission is learning, and students must be in their class on time to get the full benefit of what school can offer.  

 Hot lunches are provided for all students. Students are welcome to bring their own lunches from home.  Milk and fruit drinks are available.  Students may not leave school for lunch unless accompanied by their parent or guardian.  Ibapah Elementary is a closed campus. 
    We are diligently and constantly working toward good table manners, courtesy, and proper lunchroom behavior.  We believe we should reinforce good eating and behavior habits taught at home.  Each child is expected to practice good manners while in the cafeteria.  For sanitary and allergy reasons, students should not exchange or share lunches. 
 

We understand the feeling of security that cell phones bring, but we need to make sure they don’t cause problems at school.  Cell phones may be brought to school with parents’ permission, but must be turned off during school hours and kept in backpacks unless teachers have students use them for learning activities.  Cell phones are not to be used by students during school hours to call out.  The teacher’s desk phone is available for students, when necessary and with permission, during the school day.  We cannot assume any responsibility for cell phones.   
    If students do not comply with cell phone rules, consequences may be the following:   
1st infraction - Cell phone held until the end of the day.
2nd infraction - Cell phone held until parent picks up.  

Clothing, language, and behavior reflect the pride we take in our school and in the pursuit of learning.  Proper dress and grooming greatly affect the attitude and behavior of students.  Research indicates that student dress influences academic success.  With this in mind, we encourage all students to be mindful of their dress and grooming habits.  School is the child's place of business, and children who are groomed and dressed in appropriate school clothing seem to do a better job.   Learning to comply with this dress policy is an integral part of each student's education and a positive step toward becoming a successful member of society.  We also want to encourage children to be children and not grow up too fast.
Some specific dress standards for our school are:
Shoes are required at all times, including on the playground.  Because children will be expected to play outside, please ensure that their shoes are appropriate for active play.  For safety reasons, flip-flops, high-heeled shoes, or wheelies are not allowed.  
Students may wear shorts as long as they cover their underwear completely and are the appropriate length.  Shorts, skirts, and dresses should be at least fingertip length. 
Halter-tops, midriffs, and spaghetti straps are not appropriate for school.  Sleeveless tops may be worn as long as they are modest, at least 2 finger-widths wide, and the body is covered properly.
Any clothing with vulgar words, inappropriate pictures, advertisements for alcohol, drugs, or tobacco will not be allowed at school.  
Hairstyles or hair colors that are disruptive are not permitted.
Make-up is to be left at home.
Students are not to write on clothing or to wear clothing that students have written on.  Students are also not to write on body parts.  Paper will be supplied to students to meet their needs.
      Parents may be called to bring appropriate clothing to school if necessary.  
From time to time, the building principal may designate days when dress standards may be slightly altered.  
     Please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately to fit the weather conditions for the day.  Stay aware of predicted weather conditions and dress your child for their comfort and safety. 
 

If your child finds anything at school, please encourage them to turn the item in to their teacher.  Throughout the school year, many personal items are left unclaimed by students.  These include coats, hats, shoes, gloves, and backpacks.  Please label all items brought to school, and if your child loses anything, please check the school’s lost and found.  It would be a good idea to check this area periodically.  Any unclaimed items will be donated to a charitable institution at winter break, spring break, and summer break.

Please inform your child’s teacher if you change your address or phone numbers at home or at work.  It is imperative that we are able to locate you in case of an emergency.

Teachers are dedicated, hard-working individuals.  Occasionally, even teachers must be away from their classrooms because of illness or other emergencies.  When the regular classroom teachers are away from the school, the Tooele County School District has hired and cleared a core of qualified individuals to fill in until the regular teacher returns to her/his classroom.  If you are willing to serve as a substitute at our school, please let us know.  
    Functioning as a substitute teacher is a difficult job.  We need to help them be as successful as possible in their jobs.   Counsel your children to be on their best behavior when a substitute teacher is assigned.  Remind them to treat the substitute teacher with respect.  
    If a student becomes disruptive, he/she may be removed from the classroom for the remainder of the school day.  If the infraction is serious, additional disciplinary action may be taken.  
 

 Please always drive carefully around the school and be sure everyone wears seat belts.  We want to encourage everyone to drive slowly and extra carefully anytime children are around.    We use the parking lot for drop-off and pick-up of children.  Students should watch for moving vehicles when getting in or out of their vehicle.
    Please use sidewalks and never walk behind parked cars. Students should use the sidewalk to gain access to their vehicles.    
 

Students are subject to the same rules of conduct while traveling to and from school as they are while on school grounds.  This includes at school bus stops, on school buses, on all school district property, and at all school district-related activities during regular school hours and outside of regular school hours, whether on or off campus. Those standards and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
    1.  Respect the rights and responsibilities of others.
    2.  Accept responsibility for his/her own choices and consequences of choices - good and bad.
    3.  Abide by the authority of teachers, staff, and other adults.
    4.  Be regular and prompt in all school responsibilities.
    5.  Make a constant effort to do one's best.
    6.  Help maintain school property and keep it free from damage and vandalism.
    7.  Abide by all classroom rules and general school rules.

School bus transportation is a privilege that may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior. Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right. The following rules must be followed:
The bus driver is in complete charge of the bus and its occupants at all times. Students must comply with the requests of the driver.
Students will be dropped off the bus at the designated drop-off locations only. Bus Discipline Policy:
    Because safety is a priority, a student may be removed from the bus for misbehavior on the bus or at the bus stop. Generally, misbehavior will be handled as follows:
1st Offense-Warning, Parents Notified (will be notified with each occurrence)
2nd Offense-Bus riding privilege revoked for 5 school days
3rd Offense-Bus riding privilege revoked for 10 school days
4th Offense- Bus riding privilege revoked for an entire semester or longer as deemed necessary.
Note: A student may be removed from the bus on the very first offense, depending upon the severity of the infraction. Likewise, a student may be removed for a longer period of time than stated above—regardless of the number of infractions- depending upon the severity of the infractions (s). 
The following form is the Tooele County School District’s Rules and Regulations Agreement for any student who will be riding the school bus. This form must be signed and returned to the school.

It is necessary that we have a current phone number where we can reach a parent, relative, or neighbor at all times.  If your child is injured at school, the medical personnel will not treat him/her without permission from someone in the family, so please let your child and the school know who they may contact at all times.  If you are new to Ibapah Elementary School or have had a change in information, please notify the school at once at (435) 234-1113.
    If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, parents/guardians will be called.  Parents/guardians will be expected to pick up the ill/injured child or to make arrangements for another person to pick him/her up as promptly as possible.  Having an ill child at school may affect the well-being of other children.
 

Please do not send your child to school when they have any of the following symptoms: Fever, Sore Throat due to infection, Diarrhea, Nausea/Vomiting, Head Lice/Nits, Cough due to infection, Eye infection, Contagious Skin Rashes, Tonsillitis, or Contagious Diseases.
When a student has to remain home for an illness, parents must call or email the student’s teacher. If the student misses multiple days, a doctor’s note will be required to verify that the child is/or has been sick.
 

If your student has medical conditions or issues that we should be aware of, please contact your child’s teacher so that a care Plan can be developed to meet the needs of your student.
 

State law forbids school personnel from dispensing any medication, even over-the-counter remedies, without the written consent of the child’s physician, and/or the City/County Health Department.  Forms for this purpose are available and must be completed before we will administer any medication.  All medication containers must have complete information attached: name of contents, patient, dosage, and instructions.
    Children are not allowed to carry medication of any kind at school, including prescriptions, aspirin, or Tylenol.  Cough drops are okay.
    NOTE:  State law is very strict and will not allow the school to dispense any over-the-counter drugs such as Pepto-Bismol, cough syrup, Tylenol, or aspirin. 
    If you have any questions, please contact us or the Tooele Health Department 435- 843 – 2314.
 

From time to time, we are notified that a parent has discovered lice in their child’s hair.  Our policy is to be sure that other families know to check their children.  If time allows, we will check at school.
    Lice are not uncommon among school children, not a health emergency, and do not mean that children are dirty.  Having lice does not justify undue alarm.  We ask that you handle this matter factually and discourage irrational and unkind reactions.
    According to the Health Department, lice do not jump from head to head and are spread through direct contact and sharing items like brushes, hats, and pillows.  For further information, please call the Tooele County Health Department at 435- 843 – 2316.

Utah State Law requires that a child entering school be up-to-date on the recommended immunizations. Please see the included chart from the Health Department for the immunization requirements. 

Sometimes recess is held indoors when the weather is bad, but most recesses are outside.  We are sorry that we cannot accommodate requests for students to remain inside for recess.  Students are not to be left unsupervised in classrooms, and recess is often the only time teachers can leave their rooms.  Please encourage your child to come to school dressed appropriately for the weather.  If there are extenuating circumstances or a doctor’s note, please let your child’s teacher know.

PLAYGROUND RULES:
Throwing snowballs, ice, snow, or rocks is prohibited at all times.
Fighting (even play fighting) & wrestling are prohibited.
Food and gum are not allowed on the playground; gum is not allowed at school.
Tackling games are not allowed. 
No one is allowed to leave the playground during recess times, unless it is an emergency. 
All equipment should be used properly.
Students must go directly to the playground during recess time; no lingering in the hallways or restrooms.
Students must follow the directions given by the staff member on duty.
Local wildlife that may frequent the school grounds are not to be harassed, and staff and students should keep a fair distance from them for safety.
 

Children are not to bring toys to school unless invited by the teacher for a special day.  Throughout the year, there may be a special “Stuffed Animal Day” or other such activity.  If that happens, parents will get a flyer or note stating that children can bring something special for the occasion.      
Toys and anything else like them can be a real distraction at school.  Children are not to bring toys for recess because it often results in lost or broken toys, and leads to problems.  This includes trading cards, Legos, and other items that are a disruption to the learning process.
Any object that is judged to be a distraction or a danger in the classroom or playground may be taken from the student and held by the teacher.  Objects will be returned to the student or parent.
    IPODS, MP3 player,s and other electronic equipment can be expensive.   If they are brought to school, families assume the risk.  These items must be turned off and kept in backpacks during the entire school day and are only to be used on the way to and from school with parental permission.  We advise that students do NOT wear headphones or other pieces while walking or riding bikes.
 

The Tooele Board of Education limits parties held on school time. The school also recognizes the appropriate use of group rewards when earned by the students.  Parents may wish to celebrate a student’s birthday or other important event by bringing in a treat for the class.  Parents are asked to contact their classroom teacher and make appropriate arrangements.  Out of concern for the feelings of our students, we cannot allow birthday invitations to be distributed at school unless everyone in the class or everyone of the same gender in the class is invited.  
    Utah State Code [Food and Sanitation 2-101] requires that no home-canned or home-prepared items be served at school.  If food items are a part of any classroom celebration, the food items must be brought to school in unopened original containers.  Special food presentations and classroom demonstrations of food preparation may be allowed if cleared through the school administration prior to the demonstration. 
 

 Each month Ibapah Elementary will honor students who have exhibited SOAR behaviors.  Each student has a chance to be nominated by his or her teacher.  Students who are chosen will be celebrated in the monthly school calendar, certificates will be sent home, and they can choose to sit at a special lunch table.  
 

 Students are to follow the example of SOAR
     S – Self Control
     O – On Task
     A – Act Responsibly
     R - Respectful
The objective of school discipline is to help make school a safe place and to protect the rights of everyone.  Proper discipline is an important part of education, and very little can be accomplished when it does not exist.  We believe that our students are entitled to the best education our resources can provide.  Students who disrupt the educational setting, endanger the rights and safety of others, and harass other students will receive corrective guidance and be subject to disciplinary action.
We believe that teachers have a right to teach and students have a right to learn.  Our goal is to focus on the positive and to recognize students for making good choices. Students will not be allowed to disrupt the learning environment.  When any student interferes with that philosophy, they are subject to disciplinary action either by a teacher or school administration.   
Ibapah Elementary uses THINK TIME. When students choose to be disruptive, they may be sent to another classroom in another grade for a period of time.  All students deserve the most positive educational experience possible for academic and social growth.  THINK TIME emphasizes the seriousness of education, respectfulness of the classroom environment, and the importance of students taking responsibility for their own behavior.  If such behavior is chronic, other action may be taken. 
    We believe that students have certain responsibilities and standards of conduct to maintain, which will enable them to learn in the school environment and become successful members of society.  
Those standards and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
    1.  Respect the rights and responsibilities of others.
    2.  Accept responsibility for his/her own choices and consequences of choices - good and bad.
    3.  Abide by the authority of teachers, staff and other adults.
    4.  Be regular and prompt in all school responsibilities.
    5.  Make a constant effort to do one's best.
    6.  Help maintain school property and keep it free from damage and vandalism.
    7.  Abide by all classroom rules and general school rules.

    We care about every child who walks through our doors. We work hard to see that your child's dignity and self-respect are maintained.  If a problem does occur, please contact the teacher or the principal so that solutions can be found.  We cannot address situations we are not aware of.
 

No set of rules can or should be all-encompassing.  School rules are intended to form a nucleus for an orderly and safe school environment.   In addition to the school, class, and district rules, students are expected to use common sense and to act responsibly.
Ibapah Elementary’s school-wide rules are to follow the example of SOAR (SELF CONTROL, ON TASK, ACT RESPONSIBLY, RESPECTFUL), which will guide the following: 
1.  Follow directions the first time given.
2.  Keep your hands, feet, mouth, and objects to yourself.
3.  Show respect for the rights and property of others. 
4.  Come to class prepared and ready to work.
5.  Use all materials and equipment properly.

    Any rules not covered in this handbook are subject to the District Policy and the Tooele County School District Safe School, Conduct, and Discipline Policy.  (All parents should read this policy included in this handbook.  Parents are to sign that they have received the policy and return the sign off sheet to the student's teacher.)
 

Children must learn to work out their differences in a way that does not lead to more problems.  They need to understand that if they can’t be friends, they need to leave each other be.  School suspension is possible.  

Students engaged in vulgar speech, whether spoken, written, or gestured, will be subject to discipline.  Schools have become more and more aware of sexual harassment issues and are understandably required to take action when problems are reported. 
 

We believe that excellent school citizenship makes all the difference in the world and is something to be recognized and celebrated.  Students in grades 3-6 who earn Honors in every category of Citizenship throughout the school year will receive a certificate at the end of the year Awards Program for their grade.
 

Unfortunately, there are many types of behavior problems within a typical elementary school.  One of these problems may be bullying.  Bullying is harmful and will not be tolerated.
    Many students in elementary schools joke around with others, call each other name,s or engage in physical horse-play.  Sometimes play gets too rough.  We discourage these behaviors at school, but not all of these events are bullying.
 Bullying and harassment are major distractions from learning, and both the victim and perpetrator suffer significant negative consequences when engaged in this type of anti-social behavior.  The grades of the victim can suffer.  Fear can lead to more problems.  Bystanders feel both guilty and helpless for not standing up to the bully.  Bullying causes pain and stress and is never justified or excused as “kids just being kids”, “just teasing,” or any other rationalizations.  The victim is never responsible for being a target of bullying.
Bullying is about power.  Bullying usually occurs between students who are not friends with the intent to hurt the victim in some way.  There is often a difference in power between the bully and the victim.  The bully may be bigger, tougher, or stronger, but that is not always true.  The bully may be able to intimidate others or have the power to exclude others from their social group.  Bullying is deliberate, aggressive behavior toward another, repeated over time, that is hurtful.  It can include name-calling, spreading rumors, abusive phone calls, and physical intimidation.  Leaving someone out on purpose or trying to get others not to play with someone is also bullying behavior.  Most bullying starts out verbally with teasing and verbal put-downs and may become progressively worse if not addressed.  Cyberbullying has become a big problem in many areas.
Children are taught to identify bullying and how to handle problems.   Students are expected to treat each other with respect, to refuse to bully anyone, and the refuse to stand by and watch or join in when someone is being bullied. Bystanders are expected to report bullying.   Bystanders can make a big difference in whether or not bullying continues.  Bystanders are sometimes reluctant to speak out because they are often afraid that they will become victims too.   Please help your child understand that reporting is the first step to making things better.  Children should not be afraid to get help when necessary, and bullying should be reported.  The goal of any effective school solution is to take away all support for the bully.  We encourage children to report bullying.  Many children are reluctant to tell an adult for fear that it will only compound the problem.  Some children believe they should be able to handle things without an adult stepping in.  While we want children to be empowered and to learn how to stick up for themselves in the appropriate way that will not escalate the problem, most of the time, adult intervention is necessary.  If a child is being bullied, they should tell their parents, teacher, or report it to the principal.  Action will be taken.
    Responses to bullying may include the 3 R’s:  restitution, resolution, and reconciliation.  It may include discussions and re-teaching.  Children who bully others must develop empathy and learn positive social skills.  They need to learn how to manage anger and to resolve conflicts peacefully.  We strive to provide constructive learning experiences for children who have exhibited bullying behaviors.  We recognize the need to provide consequences for inappropriate behavior, but as educators, we also recognize the need to “teach” students more appropriate behavior.  In response to bullying behaviors, we attempt to help our students understand the effects of their actions on the school community, take responsibility for their behavior, and accept the consequences.   Consequences for bullying may include a verbal warning, removal from activities or a conference with parents.  A verbal or written apology to victims may be required.   In some cases, detention or suspension may be warranted. 
    Parents are an important component in stopping bullying.  They can help in making our school bully-free by teaching their children to be kind and tolerant of each other.  Accepting nothing less than respectful behavior from our children at home and at school is the solution.
 

Indian Education – Title 7 is a federally funded program that assists Native American students.  Although Ibapah Elementary makes every effort to identify students who are eligible for services, please let your teacher know if you believe your child may qualify for this support.
Coordinator – Karen Parks – 435-833-1915

Alternative Language Services – Support is available for students who are not proficient in English.  Although Ibapah Elementary makes every effort to identify students who are eligible for services, please let your teacher know if you believe your child may qualify for this support.
Coordinator – Stephanie Rowley – 435-833-1915

Family Liaison Contact / Homeless Students – Homelessness is a lack of permanent housing.  Under the McKinney-Ventro Act, students living in a shelter, car, hotel, motel, campground, or temporary housing or who are sharing a home due to the loss of housing or economic hardship, have their educational stability protected.  A homeless child or youth shall:  1.  continue in their school of origin for the duration of homelessness or for the remainder of the school year 2.  be immediately enrolled, even if your student cannot produce records required to enroll 3.  are eligible for free lunch and fee waivers and 4.  would be provided transportation to the school of origin by parent request.
    Although Ibapah Elementary makes every effort to identify students who are eligible for services, please let Ms. Ruiz know if you believe your child may qualify for this help.

Due Process – If your child is receiving services because they qualify for an Individualized Education Plan (Special Ed) or a 504, please be aware of your family's rights under due process.  Each meeting should begin with a procedural safeguards discussion, and if there are any questions, do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Gonzalez for clarification.
Special Ed Director/ 504 Coordinator – Marissa Lowry – 435-833-1900
 

Ibapah Elementary School will not discriminate against you because of race, religion, age, sex, color, or creed.  Tooele County School District, as a standing policy, does not discriminate against individuals because of their race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, handicap, or status as disabled veteran or Vietnam veteran.  This policy applies to all school programs and employment handled by the school district or through contractors, subcontractors, or any other educational agency.  Such discrimination is prohibited by Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 503 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1974, and other Federal and State statutes and regulations.
    Inquiries regarding the application of these laws and regulations, or grievance procedures to be followed in the event of noncompliance, may be directed to the Tooele County School District's Equal Employment Officer at 60 Lodestone Way, Tooele, Utah 84074, or Director, Denver Regional Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Health, Education, and Welfare.