Hawaii State Compulsory School Attendance Law

Under 302A-1132, Public school; attendance, Hawaii Revise Statutes (H.R.S.), all school age children must attend either a public or private school unless exempted.  School age children are children who will be at least six (6) years old and who will not be eighteen years by January 1, on any school year.  This section states that any parent or guardian having the responsibility for the care of the child must ensure that the child attend school unless exempted by law. 

Furthermore, 302A-1135 H.R.S. provides that a parent or guardian who does not enforce the child’s regular school attendance may be guilty of a petty misdemeanor.  The penalty for a petty misdemeanor is a fine of up to $1,000 (H.R.S 706-640) or jail time up to thirty (30) days (H.R.S. 706-663). 

302A-1136, Enforcement, H.R.S., places the responsibility for enforcing compulsory attendance with the Department of Education (DOE).  Towards this end, agreements have been developed with all departments with the state regarding truant students.  Students who are chronic absentees may be referred to Family Court.  Pursuant to H.R.S. 571-11(2), Family Court can place a child under jurisdiction for truancy if the child is not attending school or is not receiving the educational services required by law.

E.B. de Silva Elementary School defines chronic absenteeism as up to 20 unexcused student absences in a year. However, filing a Family Court petition will be based on Administration’s review of each individual student’s situation.

School Attendance Policy

Students need to attend school daily and be in class on time so that optimum benefits of education can be achieved.  Unexcused and/or excessive absences and tardies are unacceptable and prevent maximum learning from taking place.

School Guidelines on Absences

In order to ensure students’ accountability for their attendance and to ensure consistent data collection, the school will process and maintain attendance on a daily basis.

Parents may call the office to notify school of a child’s absence.  **However, for an absence to be marked excused, parents/guardians must submit a written note within three (3) days upon student’s return to school.**  Written notes must contain the following information:

 School will only excuse absences for the following reasons:

·           Illness

·           Injury

·           Quarantine (chicken pox, measles, etc.)

·           Doctor/Dental appointment verifiable by a doctor’s note

·           Death in the family

·           Court attendance or approval

·           Special cases approved by the principal

·           School authorized activities which may include but are not limited to:

Unexcused Absences

*NOTE:  Parents must notify the school in writing as soon as plans for any extended absences due to family vacations, youth camps, and/or sports competition events (i.e. Little World Series) are made by the parents.  The school administration has the discretion to determine if the absences will be excused or unexcused if student academics are adversely affected and/or if attendance is a concern and notify the parents.  The parents should meet with the school administration to discuss the educational arrangements with the parents.  Teachers are only required to provide make-up work for excused absences only.

Excused Tardies

The school will only excuse tardies when a written documentation is submitted and tardies are for one of the following reasons:

Note must include the following for tardies to be excused:

If the tardy is due to a medical/ dental appointment or court, please bring a verified doctor/dentist or court note.

Unexcused Tardies

Consequences

Unexcused absences/tardies will affect a student’s academic performance and are subject to the following consequences:

Bus transportation applications are available at the office during the summer.  Students who do not qualify for free lunch will be responsible to pay for bus transportation according to pay scale located on the application.  One appliation must be filled out per student.  A Bus Pass will be issued to each student eligible to ride the bus.  If your child(s) bus pass is lost or misplaced, see the office to have the bus pass reissued. Students riding the bus must obey the bus driver at all times for the safety of all riders.  The bus driver may make a written referral to the school administrator for any student who disobeys. Reoccurrences of unsafe behavior and referrals could possibly result in suspension from riding the bus for the remainder of the school year.

E. B. DeSilva has a full time counselor who provides a variety of services to students, their families and the staff at school.  Counseling services support student achievement through academic, career, and personal/social counseling and instruction.  Counseling services are provided through individual counseling, small groups, and classroom guidance.  Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact the counselor by calling the school to discuss concerns about their child.

The Comprehensive Student Support System (CSSS) goal is to respond to the broad range of student needs by providing students with comprehensive, coordinated, integrated and custom supports that are accessible, timely, and strength-based so they can achieve in school.  An array of student support services is an inventory of programs and services designed to develop competent students.  The focus is on prevention efforts that support student success.

Level 1 – Basic Services to all students

                                                                                     
 Level 2 – Informal additional support services provided through collaboration

 Level 3 – School-Level and Community Programs

 Level 4 – Specialized services from DOE and/or agencies

Level 5 – Intensive and Multiple Agency Servicesgist)

       
Student Support Process
Express Concern:  The expression of a concern for a student initiates the SSP.  Once this concern is expressed, the school logs a referral.  The focus of this stage is to accurately log the referral.  If a student is suspected of having a disability, the referral must be notated as such.Gather Data:  Once the referral is logged, a team is assembled to begin gathering academic, behavioral and health data.  A conference to discuss the student’s challenges is scheduled, which may require input from parents.Define Need:  At the conference, the team defines the student’s needs by analyzing performance data.  The focus is to determine whether a challenge exists and to develop a definition of that challenge.  For a student suspected of having a disability, the team may decide to proceed with an evaluation to determine if the student’s needs are the result of a disability.Develop a Plan:  Based on the student’s defined needs, the team develops a General Plan that consists of measurable goals and appropriate services.  For students eligible for IDEA and 504 services, the plan includes the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Modification Plan (MP), respectively.Implement Plan:  This stage involves service delivery.  When applicable, providers are assigned and log their services.  Student progress is reported and monitored periodically.

Evaluate Plan:  On the plan end date or sooner, if warranted, the plan’s effectiveness is determined using evidence of student progress.  The plan is updated as needed and parents are notified.

Please note that all school rules are in effect from the time a student arrives on campus until returning home at the end of the day.  These rules are also in effect during all off campus school related activities, during A+, and while students are waiting for the school bus, being dropped off, and riding on the bus.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:  Students are expected to RESPECT the rights, feelings, and property of others, school facilities & material, keep campus clean from litter, & follow all classroom/playground/cafeteria rules.  E.B. DeSilva School does not tolerate bullying/teasing in any form.  Students who are being bullied need to tell a teacher, counselor, principal, of his/her parents so that we can help them. Bullying most often starts out as unwanted teasing and/or name calling.  This must be reported at once.

TEACHER EXPECTATIONS:   Teachers are responsible for establishing and implementing a classroom management plan that includes regular discussions on rules and expectations with students.  Teachers are expected to use Comprehensive Student Support Services (CSSS) behavioral intervention methods to shape student behavior.  In order to be proactive, teachers are expected to, with parental support to establish firm and consistent classroom expectations to deter bullying.  Teachers who observe, or have knowledge, that a student has committed a Class A, B, and/or C level infraction must report their findings to the principal as soon as possible.

PRINCIPAL EXPECTATIONS:  support the classroom teacher’s efforts, communicate closely with parents/teachers, maintain a safe & secure campus, and assure compliance with the Student Discipline Plan.  The ultimate goal of the Student Discipline Plan is to take all reasonable steps to guide children towards making the right choices. 

PARENTS WILL:  support the teachers, counselor, & principal’s efforts to enable their child(ren) to succeed at school.  This means insisting that their child(ren) demonstrated appropriate respect to school staff members, fellow students, and their own families by being reasonable student-citizens.  Parents are encouraged to ask their children about homework, assist as necessary, ask how things are going at school, and to phone the school at any time that they have a concern.  Student success depends upon a well balanced partnership between home and school.

--All School Staff Members Are Expected To Serve As a Positive Role Model for Students—

Search of Students by Principal/Teacher-In-Charge:  Whenever the principal, or designee, receives information, or suspects, that a student is in possession of illegal, harmful materials, and/or contraband, he she is obligated to make a reasonable search to see if such materials actually exist.  This is an issue of safety and security/welfare for our entire student body.  Searches can include pockets, waistbands, hats, backpacks, purses, shoes, lockers, and/or binders.  Note:  The principal, or designee, does not need a search warrant or prior parent approval before initiating a search.  Items discovered in a search may be used in school disciplinary actions and/or be submitted to the Hawaii County Police Department.

Contraband:  Is defined as any item that is prohibited from possession or use on school premises because of disruption, potential for bodily injury and/or other undesirable reasons.  Contraband items include, but are not limited to the following:  skateboards, roller blades/skates, portable radios, CD players, sunglasses, video cameras, cell phones, walkie-talkies, playing cards/dice, sunflower seeds, and/or other food items not approved for student consumption on campus.  Offensive pictures/literature and/or clothing, matches & lighters, and/or other items deemed by school officials as inappropriate for the campus.  E.B. DeSilva School and staff will not be responsible for lost/damaged contraband items brought to campus.  Large sums of money and expensive jewelry should not be brought to school, nor will the school be responsible for the loss/damage of these items.  Contraband items may be held by the principal until the end of the quarter or semester.

Student Cell-Phone Policy:  Student cell-phones are not allowed on campus and will be considered contraband.  If necessary, and with teacher/staff approval, students may use the classroom, health room, or office telephone.  The only exception to this policy are cases in which parents/guardians submit a letter to the school stating that their child needs to use a cell-phone to call for an after school ride home. Such requests must be approved by the principal.  After request is approved, the student will check cell-phone in with classroom teacher or office upon entering campus—and pick-up upon exiting.  Students in A+ will use school phones to call parents.

Fireworks, Firecrackers and/or other Pyrotechnic Devices (possession or use of):   Upgrade to Class A, or B offense with Police Report in specific situations where required by law.  Upgrade to Class A if intent was physical harm, property damage or fire.  Fines are determined per DOE/BOE policy.

Inappropriate Clothing:  In accordance with the E.B. DeSilva School Dress Standard the following items are considered inappropriate for school, 1) low cut shirt/blouse that exposes midriff, 2) shirt/blouse with thin straps, 3) tight form fitting clothes, 4/ shorts/skirts that are too low, 5) clothes with graphics and/or text that promote alcohol, drugs, sex, violence, profanity, or other inappropriate messages, 6) boys must keep shirts on, nor wear undershirts for outerwear, 7) any other clothing that is considered inappropriate by school officials.  Hats are to be removed when inside school buildings.  Footwear is required on campus.

CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENSES (parents to be notified on each referral/infraction)

Class A Offenses:  Unlawful Conduct, Police Report Mandatory
Assault, Burglary, Dangerous Weapons, (possession and/or use of).  Extortion, Firearms (possession and/or use of), Illicit & Intoxicating Substances/Alcohol (possession and/or use of, possession by consumption, rolling papers, pipes & other drug paraphernalia, Murder, Property Damage, Sexual Offenses, Terroristic Threatening, Robbery,

            1st Offense:     Crisis Suspension, and/or 3-10 days Suspension, and/or dismissal.

            2nd Offense:   Crisis Suspension, and/or 5-10 days Suspension, and/or dismissal.

            3rd Offense:    Dismissal, and/or Disciplinary Transfer.

Class B Offenses:  Unlawful Conduct, Police Report as Needed
Disorderly Conduct (fighting) False Alarm, Harassment, Theft, Gambling,

            1st Offense:     1-5 days In-School-Detention, or Suspension.

            2nd Offense;   3-10 days In-School-Detention, or Suspension.

            3rd Offense:    5-10 days In-School-Detention, or Suspension, and/or Dismissal.

Class C Offenses:  Department of Education Prohibited Rules:
Truancy, Leaving Campus Without Permission (LCWOP), Smoking (possession/use of tobacco substances, on or near campus, during and after school), Swearing (profanity used in communication with or directed to school staff members), Insubordination, Inappropriate use of the Internet.

            1st Offense:     1-3 days In-School-Detention, or Suspension.

            2nd Offense:   3-5 days In-School-Detention, or Suspension.

            3rd Offense:    5 -10 days In-School-Detention, or Suspension.

Class D Offenses:  School/Classroom Violations:
Class/Campus Disruptions, Gum Chewing, Tardiness, Running in hallways/classrooms/cafeteria, sitting on railings, leaving class without teacher approval, habitually not bringing supplies to class, and/or other forms of minor classroom violations such as talking out of turn, not sitting in assigned seat, or walking around the room without permission.  To the greatest degree possible teachers are expected to work closely with parents/guardians towards reducing/eliminating inappropriate behaviors.

            1st  Referral:   Reprimanded and counseled by teacher & phone call home

            2nd Referral:   Sent to Counselor with follow-up phone call home.

            3rd Referral:    Referred to Principal—phone call home (possible insubordination)

 Other Misconduct:
Act 90 - By Hawaii State Law, “Any student found to be in possession of a dangerous weapon, switchblade knife, butterfly knife, intoxicating liquor, or illicit/illegal drugs while attending school may be excluded from school for up to ninety (90) school days.”

Act 148 – By Hawaii State Law, “Any student who is found to be in possession of a firearm, as described under Chapter 19 definition, while attending school, or a school related function, shall be excluded from attending school for not less then one year.”

At times it is necessary for parents to have their child released from school during the school day.  The office needs to prepare a pass that will be issued prior to the child being released from school.  Parents/Guardians are to report to the office to sign the official “Early Release Pass” and the “Early Release Log.”  Students cannot be excused or leave campus without this pass.  If a child is released from school before 11:00 a.m. and does not return, he/she will be marked absent for the day. 

In preparation in the event of a natural or man-made emergency requiring secured classrooms and buildings such as a hurricane, tsunami, trespasser, bomb threat, or release of an unknown substance into the air that threatens the health safety of our students and school personnel, our school has emergency response plans developed.  In the event of an emergency, your child will be cared for by our staff in accordance with school plans and guided by emergency response personnel such as the Hawaii County Police Department, Fire Department, Civil Defense and Emergency Medical Services.  At these times, please cooperate by not rushing to campus, listen to the radio or television for information and instructions, avoid calls to the school so the phone lines are open for emergency responders and pick up your child(ren) at the regular dismissal time or otherwise directed.  If you would like to see a copy of our emergency response plans, please inquire at the office.

If student will not be attending E. B. DeSilva school because of change in residence since registration, please notify our office immediately.  The office staff must prepare necessary information  and a release card for the student.  Records will be sent directly to the new school upon their request.

Completely sign and send in permission forms with exact cash or check by the date indicated on your child’s field trip permission form.  Make checks payable to E. B. DeSilva Elementary.  Field trip money will not be accepted after the deadline.  There will be absolutely no refunds once payment is made.  The state requires a charge for $15.00 for service fees on returned checks.  All payments must be made to the teacher responsible for the field trip.

Parents must take care of financial obligations for lost or damaged books, borrowed lunch/bus money, theft, etc.  Failure to make restitution as required under section 8-57-4 shall prohibit a student from participating in any school activity (i.e. clubs, festivals, May Day, athletic events).  All obligations must be paid in cash.  Bounced checks:  Returned checks due to insufficient funds will be assessed a $15.00 service charge.

If a student becomes ill or injured at school, immediate first aid treatment will be administered and the school will notify you by telephone.  If you are unable to pick your child up, inform the school of who will be coming in your place so the safety of your child is constantly assured.  The health room register must be signed by the parent or guardian before the child is released.

• Please notify the school immediately when there is ANY change in residence/work address and/or telephone numbers listed in your emergency contacts.  Current information is necessary in case of an emergency and vital to the safety and welfare of your child. 

The main purpose of homework is to encourage and measure the development of self-discipline, which is associated with good work and study habits.  Homework also teaches a child to be responsible.

Homework is an integral part of a student’s education.  It provides a vital link between home and school, thereby giving parents insights into a school’s philosophy, curriculum and objectives.  It also extends the time available for formal learning.

There are four reasons for homework assignments (Lee & Pruitt, 1979):

1. Practice – Helps students master specific skills
2. Preparation – helps students fain the maximum benefit for future lessons
3. Extension – Determines whether students can transfer specific skills of concepts to new situations.
4. Creativity – Requires students to integrate skills and concepts to produce original responses (i.e. book reports, research projects). 

Teacher’s Responsibilities

1. Carefully plan homework as you do classroom instruction.
2. Assure that the homework is explained and understood before it is assigned.
3. Effort toward completing homework should count toward a small portion of the overall grade.
4. Grade or check homework assignments and return to students as soon as possible.
5. Assign homework at a child’s achievement and ability level.
6. Assign homework according to the educational needs of the student on a daily basis.
7. Assigned homework for grades K-2 should take approximately thirty (30) minutes to complete; grades 3-6 approximately 1 hour.
8. Communicate with parents whose children fail to complete assignments. 

 Parent’s Responsibility

1. Create an area for your child to do his/her homework.
2. Set aside time daily for your child to work on homework assignments.
3. Follow through on any agreements made between parent and teacher.
4. Monitor to see that your child does his/her homework.
5. Establish a high priority to have students do school work.
6. Parents should call the school before 8:30 a.m. to request homework.  Teachers will be provided with 24 hours to prepare homework.
7. If you are planning an extended absence for any reason, please notify your child’s classroom teacher at least two weeks prior to the absence, to make arrangements for missed work.
8. It is important for your child to turn in his/her work immediately upon returning from an absence.

Student’s Responsibility

1. Write down all homework assignments.
2. Listen carefully to instructions.
3. Ask about assignments that you do not understand,
4. Set aside a regular time and place to do your homework.
5. Take home all necessary books and materials to complete assignments.
6. Inform and ask teachers for re-teaching whenever the lesson cannot be completed because of a lack of understanding.
7. Complete assignments neatly and legibly.
8. Turn in homework on time.

The library is open to students from 8:00 a.m.-2:15 p.m. unless closed for meetings.  Registered students may check out library books and materials for 1 week at a time.  Students may return/borrow books from the library during scheduled class visits, recess or after school.  A student may borrow no more that 5 books at a time.  If a student has an overdue book, they will not be allowed to borrow another book until the overdue book is cleared.  In the case of an overdue book, a letter will be sent home with a print out of the overdue list and the amount owed if the book is not returned within 2 days.  Students must pay for any lost or damaged books and materials.

Parents are advised to label student school supplies and other personal belongings.  Lost & found articles may be claimed at the office.  Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the year.

E. B. DeSilva has an automated meal system called Meal Tracker.  This system allows you to prepay your child’s breakfast and lunch meals.  Individual student accounts are created for children enrolled at DeSilva.  This account is like a debit checking account.  Checks or cash deposits are made to the account by parents.  The cost of the meals that your child purchases during the day will be deducted from the account.  Please fill out the white envelope in the office to make a deposit to your child/children’s account(s) prior to the first day of school.  Reminder notices will be sent home with your child prior to account balance depletion.  Any student who does not have money in their school account will be able to take out a loan with the school office.  Parent(s) will be notified of meal loans via a note or phone call from the school office. 

The maximum loan amount will be as follows:
For students eligible for free meals                                           No loan
For students eligible for reduced price meals                            $1 maximum
For students who pay the regular student price for meals          $6.25 maximum

Federal Meal Program Application
Applications to qualify for the Federal Meal Program are sent home on the first day of school.  More applications are available at the school office.  One application per household is sufficient.  Office staff will notify parents of eligibility status.  Students who were deemed eligible the previous school year will be eligible the first month of school until the applications are processed.  Students who become ineligible must begin paying full price for their meals. 

The purpose of having a PCNC on campus is to develop a sense of community in and among the home, classroom, school and the neighborhood.  PCNC’s create and strengthen caring networks for parents, school, staff, students and classrooms.  The PCNC coordinates parent events, special school activities and school volunteers.  Please call the school office if you are interested in volunteering to assist with activities.

PSAP is an early intervention program designed to help children in grades K-3 who are experiencing difficulty adjusting to the school environment due to mild behavioral, social or emotional concerns.  Anyone can make a referral for PSAP services. Parents with concerns may request services for their child by contacting the teacher or school counselor.

Under the “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act” (FERPA), parents, guardians and eligible students (age 18 and over) have the right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access.  Parents, guardians, or eligible students should submit a written request to the school principal that identifies the records they wish to inspect/review.  The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent, guardian or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.  Parent, guardian or eligible student may request that school officials explain and/or interpret the records. They can obtain copies of records at their own expense.  The cost shall be for reproduction only.

All telephone messages during instructional hours will be taken by the office staff and left in the teacher’s box.  Students will not be allowed to make calls from the office phone during the school day other than to notify their parents. 

Upon entering the campus please report directly to the main office to sign in, stating the purpose, time, person  and destination of your visit.  On occasions that you wish to visit your child's class we respectfully request that you gain approval from the classroom teacher 1 day (24hrs) in advance.  The reason we need you to sign in at the office and obtain a visitors pass for that day is to maintain the integrity of our School Safety Plan.  The sign-in policy helps us to know who is on campus--and where they are at.  This would be critically important should there be a fire, lock-down, shelter-in-place, or the need to evacuate the campus.  Under these circumstances we must be able to account for everyone on campus at that time--on that day.