All four elementary schools have the same student day schedule:

All-day 4K and 5K through 5th Grade - 8:15-3:20 M-F

4K Morning Session (Blakewood only) - 8:15-11:25

4K Afternoon Session (Blakewood only) - 12:05-3:20

Early Childhood (Rawson & Blakewood) - 8:15-11:15 or 12:15-3:15

*EC classes are held M-Th unless otherwise specified on the EC calendar.  

The district website has a link to the EC calendar - please see for specific dates.

Students have a fundamental right to free public education. Students have a corresponding responsibility to join with other members of your school community in establishing a climate for learning within the school. This handbook represents portions of school policies and guidelines that are essential to the efficient operation of the school district.  It summarizes your basic rights and responsibilities as a student in the School District of South Milwaukee. These rights and responsibilities are complex issues, and students and families are cautioned that this handbook is only a guide; you should not use it as a final statement of your legal rights.

It is understood that the rules contained in this handbook are not all inclusive.  The administration and teachers may take such action as is necessary and not forbidden by law to ensure the discipline and operation of the school.  Action may be taken with respect to any offense which interferes with the orderly conduct of the school or which affects the safety and welfare of students either individually or collectively regardless of the existence or non-existence of a rule covering the offense.  Acts that are crimes outside of school are also considered crimes in school, and they will be treated similarly. 

This handbook represents portions of school policies that are essential to the efficient operation of the school district.

All students shall follow all new, revised or temporary district guidelines and rules related to

behavior or expectations in a pandemic or other health emergency. All students must follow the expectations contained in this Handbook as well as any future pandemic-related orders, rules, and/or guidelines.

The District shall abide by and implement student compulsory attendance laws.  State law requires each child residing in the District between the ages of  6 – 18 and those enrolled in Kindergarten, to be in school attendance (religious holidays excepted) unless they/them:

• Is excused temporarily for physical or mental reasons;
• Has graduated;
• Has been authorized to attend an alternative educational program;
• Has been excused by his/her parent/guardian prior to an absence in accordance with state law; or
• Has been excused by the building principal or his/her designee.

Any violator of the compulsory school attendance law shall be subject to penalties outlined in school board policy and state law.

We cannot stress enough the need for regular school attendance if your child is to be successful in school. Research about positive, consistent school attendance supports the need for students to attend regularly in order to grow and achieve. Even though some assignments can be made up later, absentees miss class discussion and the teacher’s explanation.  A day lost from school is gone forever and cannot be regained.  The schools feel very strongly that they have an obligation to work hard at educating your child.  This can only be accomplished, however, if the child is in regular attendance, including days of cold or inclement weather if school is open.  Good school attendance also includes being on time, not tardy, and remaining in school until dismissal.  If a student misses parts of the school day this tardiness/absence may also be considered truancy.  It is the parent’s responsibility to get the child to school on time on a daily basis.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Regular attendance is a responsibility shared by parents/guardians, students, and school.  Students are expected to attend every scheduled school day unless prior clearance has been received from a parent/guardian and the school administration.

Daily Attendance Procedures

1. When a student is absent from school, a parent/guardian must call the attendance office no later than 9:00am that same day or complete the online absence form from the school website.

2. When the school does not receive a telephone call or a completed online absence form by 9:00am the day of the absence, a parent/guardian home or place of employment will be called that day.

3. If telephone contact between school and parent/guardian has not been made, the student must bring a written note signed by a parent/guardian stating the reason for the absence. Email can substitute for a call or written note.

4. No call and no note will result in the absence being recorded as truancy. The administration will determine on a daily basis which students are excused as absent and which are truant.

5. If a student has a medical appointment, a provider’s note should be submitted to the office.

Absence Type - Tardy (late arrival to school) or early pickups - Students are considered “tardy” when they arrive after the beginning of the school day (8:15 AM).  All late arrivals and early pickups will be recorded in the student’s attendance record.  

Any student that arrives after 8:15 but before 10:45 AM will be marked tardy.  Arrivals between 10:45 and 11:45 will be marked absent for the entire morning.

Any student that leaves between 11:45 AM and 12:45 PM will be marked absent for the entire    

afternoon.  If a student leaves after 12:45 PM, the school will mark the student as "left early" 

(which is similar to a tardy, but for leaving early). 

Tardies and “left early” may be treated the same as any other type of absence, in accord with district 

policy and state law.

Action Taken - Excessive Tardies (excused or unexcused)

• Family contact
• Meet with student and family about patterns of tardies
• Attendance intervention (i.e., contract, incentive)
• Continued unexcused tardies or “left early” may result in citation

Absence Types – Unexcused Absence (full day) – Any full day absence where a student does not have a legitimate excuse or Excessive Excused Absences – More than ten (10) excused absences:

Actions Taken: 

• Attendance Letters
• Family conference
• Attendance intervention (i.e., contract, incentive)
• Referral to police for citation
• Home visit
• Truancy referral
• Second citation

Attendance Letters

Five Day Attendance Concern Letter – this letter will be sent to a parent/guardian for a student who has missed five (5) days, excused and unexcused during each semester, and to express concern and the desire to help.

Ten Day Attendance Meeting Letter – this letter will be sent to parents/guardians who have excused their student for more than ten (10) days without a medical excuse. The purpose of this letter is to inform parents/guardians that they will need to provide a medical excuse for any additional absences in order for them to be considered excused.

Tardy - Late to School

Students are required to be in their assigned class at 8:15 am. Students with a reasonable excuse for being late to school must report to the office with an excuse from a parent/legal guardian. Being late to school is a disruption. 

Truancy

Truancy means an unexcused absence for part or all of a school day during which the administration has not been notified of the legal cause of the absence by a parent/guardian of the absent pupil. Truancy will result in school consequences and possible citation by the police liaison officer. Ordinarily, any student who is absent for all or part of a day, and for whom the school has not received notification, their family will receive a notification from the office informing the household of the absence.  

1. “Habitual Truant” 118.16(1)(a) means a pupil who is absent from school without an acceptable excuse under sub.(4) and s.118.15 for part or all of five or more days on which school is held during a school semester.

2. Habitual Truancy Follow-Up Procedure:  When a student is identified as a habitual truant, the school shall notify the parents/guardian by registered or certified mail. The notice shall include:

a. a statement of the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility under s.118.15(1)(a) to cause a child to attend school regularly.

b. a request that the parents/guardians meet with appropriate school personnel to discuss the child’s truancy*.

*At the meeting the parent/guardian or child may request program or curriculum modifications for the child and that the child may be eligible for enrollment in a program for children-at-risk.

c. a statement of the penalties under s.118.15(5), that may be imposed on the parent/guardian if they fail to cause their child to attend school regularly.

If your student has been out of school due to illness, the teacher will observe your child when they/them return to school, and if in the opinion of the teacher your child appears ill, your child will be sent to the office.  If a child has or develops a chronic health problem, the nurse servicing the school and the principal should be notified so they can assist in helping the child realize the maximum benefit from the educational program available to him/her and possibly help with the health concern.

The attendance policies and administrative rules of the School Board of South Milwaukee may be found in board policy 431.

For school safety, all schools in the School District of South Milwaukee are closed campuses. All visitors are required to go through a check in process at the main office.  Students are instructed to not open the door for anyone requesting access and doors are marked to have all visitors report to the main office to gain access. Propping any exterior door in an open position is strictly forbidden. Students found allowing unauthorized access to a building or propping open doors will be subject to disciplinary action.

If a student must leave the school building before the regular time, an authorized adult must sign the student out.  Under no circumstances should a student leave the building without permission.  Students who leave the building without authorization may be considered truant and subject to disciplinary action.

The Centers for Disease Control defines bullying as “any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, who are not siblings or current dating partners, that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. Bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted youth including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm” (Gladden et al., 2014, p. 7).

It is common to mistake a conflict between peers or classmates for bullying. The following are common differences between the two, but not all aspects will always be present:

The District strives to provide a safe, secure and respectful learning environment for all students in school.

Definition
The following terms used in this Policy shall have the meanings defined herein. Any word or term not defined herein will be construed in accordance with its plain and ordinary meaning.

Bullying is defined as any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, who are not siblings or current dating partners, that involves:

●  An observed or perceived power imbalance, ●  That is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated, and
●  Inflicts harm or distress on the targeted youth including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm.

Procedure for Reporting/Retaliation
Students, parents, guardians, staff members or others who observe or become aware of acts of bullying are required to report these acts to the classroom teacher or activity supervisor for resolution. If the issue is not resolved, the concern may be submitted directly to the building principal, associate principal or pupil services staff member.

Reports of bullying may be made verbally or in writing and may be made confidentially. (Please note that while all efforts will be made to keep matters confidential there are legal limits to the use of confidentiality. Anonymous reports may receive less attention and investigation.) All such reports, whether verbal or in writing, will be taken seriously. Reports should be made using the Bullying/Conflict Incident Reporting Form if possible.

The school district of South Milwaukee has an extensive procedure for reporting and investigating claims of bullying. To report a concern related to bullying by printing and submitting this form to your principal or fill out the form online.

Full board policy 411.1 can be found here

Parents/guardians should immediately inform the student's school counselor and the school secretary if there is a change of address, telephone number, and/or family emergency contacts. It is very important to contact the school any time there are changes in emergency contact information.

The District will not cover bank charges for checks that are returned unpaid due to insufficient funds.  Individuals issuing checks to the District that are not paid will be charged the return check fee in addition to the amount of the check written.  Currently, this fee is $15.00 per check.

Cell phones, smartwatches and personal devices may be brought to school, but must be put away and/or turned off and/or collected and returned daily by the classroom teacher, as determined by the administration at each school.  Students must follow the Technology: Student Appropriate Use Policy included later in this handbook. . Students using electronic devices to send text messages, make calls, use the Internet, or other non-class related activities without permission will have the item confiscated. Cameras, including the camera mode of cell phones, are prohibited to be used during the school day unless there is an educational need and the student has teacher or administrator permission. In addition, cell phones with camera capabilities are strictly forbidden in the physical education/athletics locker rooms and bathrooms. Violations may result in confiscation of the student’s device, which will only be returned directly to a parent/guardian in a timely manner.

Cell Phone or Social Media Account Search 

The contents of a student’s cell phone will not be searched unless there exists a potential significant threat to the safety of a particular student, group of students, or school as a whole. Contents of cell phones may also be searched with student or parental permission. 

The District may view, access, or use information obtained from a student or prospective students that can be obtained from a social media account without access information or that is available in the public domain. The District may not: 

1. Request or require a student or prospective student, as a condition of admission or enrollment, to disclose access information for the personal Internet account of the student or prospective student or to otherwise grant access to or allow observation of that account. 

2. Expel, suspend, discipline, or otherwise penalize any student for refusing to disclose access information for, grant access to, or allow observation of the student’s personal Internet account, opposing a prohibitive practice with respect to personal Internet accounts, filing a complaint or attempting to enforce a right protected by the statute (Wisconsin Statute Sec. 995.55), or testifying or assisting in any action or proceeding to enforce such right. 

3. Refuse to admit a prospective student because the prospective student refused to disclose access information for, grant access to, or allow observation of the prospective student’s personal Internet account. 

The School District of South Milwaukee must locate, identify, and evaluate all resident children with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disabilities.  The school district has a special education screening program to locate and screen all children with suspected disabilities who are residents of the district and who have not graduated from high school.  Upon request the school district will screen any resident child who has not graduated high school to determine whether a special education referral is appropriate.  A request may be made by contacting Molly Gallegos, School Social Worker, South Milwaukee School District at (414) 766-5041 or in writing at 901 Fifteenth Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI  53172.

 A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to they/them for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to report the child to the school district in which the child resides.  Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child’s parent that the referral will be made.  The referral must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability.  Others who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child to the school district in which the child resides.  A referral of a child residing in the School District of South Milwaukee may be sent to Pupil Services Office, 901 Fifteenth Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI  53172.

Technology resources provided by the School District of South Milwaukee are for educational purposes only. Acceptable uses are those which support the District mission and vision.  Violations will result in appropriate consequences.  Since older students begin to take home district-supplied devices, students in grades 4 and 5 will receive further instruction at the beginning of the school year about appropriate use and responsibilities of using the district devices and network.  The following points apply to all students, and students who use district devices outside of school must especially know and understand the following: 

Access to the technology system is a privilege not a right; and each student will be held responsible for they/their actions on the technology system. Inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws and can lead to prosecution under those laws.

• Students failing to abide by the Appropriate Use Policy may lose network/computer privileges along with consequences that may arise from violations of normal school rules, up to and including possible expulsion.
• All aspects of the technology system are the District’s property. The District can review all electronic documents, messages, or information for any reason at any time.
• The District technology system shall be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner.
• The District will provide students access to technology resources, including the Internet, unless the parent/guardian notifies the appropriate building principal in writing that the District should prevent access to technology resources for they/their student(s).
• Students are responsible to follow the entire Student Appropriate Use for School Computer Systems School Board Policy 362.2, located on the District and high school websites.

Use and guidelines of the District Technology System

1. All use of District technology resources, including access to the Internet, must be in support of the educational objective of the District. All Board policies must be followed when using any technology resource.
2. When using technology during the school day, students are expected to be on websites that the teacher has directed or allowed students to use and not other websites.
3. Use of District technology to access and/or distribute any material that violates U.S., state, or School Board policy is prohibited.
4. Use of technology to access/use copyrighted materials, pornography, materials harmful to minors, obscene materials and/or similar materials is prohibited.
5. Students may not use the District’s technology system in an offensive, harassing, illegal, or defamatory manner. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, cyber bullying, and other antisocial behaviors are unacceptable in Internet and other network communications. The District prohibits the use of the system to send or receive offensive or improper messages such as derogatory messages about other students or staff members. In addition, the District prohibits the use of the technology system in any way that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others.
6. Use of proxy sites to bypass District web filters is prohibited.
7. All information accessible through the Internet should be assumed to be private property and subject to copyright protection. Internet sources should be credited appropriately, as with the use of any copyrighted material.
8. Students have a responsibility to respect the privacy and property of other users. Students should not intentionally seek information about, obtain copies of, or modify, files, data or passwords of other users. A student will not allow another student to access computers or network resources using they/their login credentials.
9. For their own safety, students should not reveal any personal information, such as addresses, phone numbers, or photographs.

10. Employing the Internet for commercial purposes is prohibited. Students may not use the system to solicit for commercial activities, religious, or political causes, outside organizations or other non-school related matters without prior authorization from the building principal.

11. Students should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private. School and network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that the network is being used responsibly.

12. Technology resources must be handled with care. Physical damage or network interruptions such as the introduction of viruses or deleting of files are prohibited.

13. No eating or drinking near computers.

14. Students are directed to keep passwords for their own private use. 

15. Students may not access social networking sites (such as Instagram, Facebook, etc.), personal websites, personal blogs, online gambling sites or personal email accounts on District computers. Students may not engage in cyberbullying activities.

16. Students may not load, save, download, or otherwise install software on technology without approval from the District technology department.

17. Students who create web pages, blogs, profiles or other online postings that result in the student’s online posting being accessed and viewed in the school environment may be disciplined if there is a disruption at the school as a result of the online posting.

Conferences will be scheduled by appointment in the fall and in late winter. The format of conferences will be determined by the school district each year. Families may make appointments to meet with a teacher at times other than regularly scheduled conference days by contacting the teacher or their child’s school counselor. Teachers cannot be released from their teaching assignments for unscheduled conferences. Check the calendar for details on dates and times for conferences throughout the school year.

Whenever possible, please have your child cross the street where there are crossing guards.  For the safety of the children, the South Milwaukee Police Department hires and maintains school crossing guards at intersections in the city where a large number of children are crossing streets with heavy traffic. Parents driving children to school are asked to use extreme caution around the schools because many children are entering or leaving automobiles.  Vehicles are not allowed on the playgrounds.

 In addition to the crossing guards, student safety cadets are used at school crossings near each school.  If you are interested in becoming a crossing guard, please contact the South Milwaukee Police Department for information.

Cumulative records contain a complete record of each student’s educational progress. These records are maintained throughout each student’s tenure in the South Milwaukee public schools. Upon graduation, part of the record is microfilmed for reference. Students and a parent/guardian may request to see their cumulative records at any time with their school counselor. 

Student records shall be maintained to assist the school in providing the student appropriate educational experiences. Student records shall include all records relating to an individual student, regardless of format, other than notes or records maintained for personal use by teachers or other certified personnel who are not available to others and records necessary for and available only to persons involved in psychological treatment of a student. Student records shall be maintained in accordance with state and federal laws and established guidelines. 

Parents and students have the right to: (a) inspect, review and obtain copies of student records; (b) request the amendment of the student's school records if they believe the records are inaccurate or misleading; (c) consent to the disclosure of the student's school records, except to the extent state and federal law authorizes disclosure without consent; (d) deny the release of information which has been designated as directory data; and (e) file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office of the U.S. Department of Education. 

In accordance with Wisconsin Statute 118.15 (1), the School District of South Milwaukee may provide program and curriculum modifications for a child under certain guidelines.  The parent or guardian should first talk with the principal and/or Student Learning and Technology Coordinator regarding the specific program or curriculum modifications requested.  The parent or guardian should then speak with the superintendent if a solution is not obtained.  Finally, any child’s parent or guardian, or the child if the parent or guardian is notified, may request the school board, in writing, to provide the child with program or curriculum modifications. 

 The school board shall render its decision, in writing, within 90 days of a request, except that if the request relates to a child who has been evaluated by an individualized education program team under s. 115.782 and has not been recommended for special education, the school board shall render its decision within 30 days of the request. If the school board denies the request, the school board shall give its reasons for the denial.

 Any decision made by a school board or a designee of the school board in response to a request for program or curriculum modifications shall be reviewed by the school board upon request of the child’s parent or guardian. The school board shall render its determination upon review in writing, if the child’s parent or guardian so requests.

 Please contact your child’s building principal or Brian Gannon, Student Learning and Technology Coordinator, if you would like more information or to make a request for modifications.

Elementary schools in the School District of South Milwaukee try to use a positive, restorative  approach to student expectations and behavior whenever possible.  Schools  establish clear expectations for student behavior in each area of a school (classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, lunchroom, playground, etc.)  These expectations are proactively taught to students at the beginning of each school year and reinforced on a consistent basis in order to be instructive.  Discipline and consequences at the elementary level focuses on restorative practices whenever possible. 

Expected behavior in school and on school grounds:

• Respect and obey all school personnel.
• Respect the rights of fellow classmates.
• Do not act in ways that interrupt the learning for yourself or others
• Act in a manner that will not cause injury to you or to others.
• When conflict with others arises, report it to school staff immediately.
• Students will not be allowed to possess, use, and/or distribute weapons, pepper spray, ignition devices, facsimile firearms (including toy weapons) controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, laser pointers or any object that could be used to cause bodily harm while on school grounds or at school sponsored activities.
• Students are encouraged not to bring electronic equipment to school. If a child must bring a cell phone, it must be turned off during school hours (see the section on technology for more information about cell phones at school).

Expected behavior on the playground:

• Play in designated areas.
• Play safely and follow rules of good sportsmanship (avoid rough play).
• Use assigned playground equipment in a proper manner.
• Play in a respectful manner with other students.
• Follow individual school playground rules.
• Report issues with peers or injuries to teachers/supervisors immediately

All schools adhere to our behavior expectations and document and address behaviors according to our elementary behavior T-chart which is at the end of this handbook.

School rules and policies apply on all district-managed land.  Examples of those properties include the Rawson and Blakewood wooded areas, the E. W. Luther soccer fields, and the baseball field at Lakeview. Therefore, all policies, rules and regulations apply to these properties.

PURPOSE

Responsibility for the personal appearance of students enrolled in the District normally shall rest with the students themselves and their parents/guardians. Student dress or grooming should not affect the health or safety of students or substantially disrupt or materially interfere with the learning process or contribute to a hostile or intimidating environment within the classroom or school. Students shall not be unnecessarily disciplined for their choice of attire, jewelry or personal items. Students, parents/guardians and school personnel are expected to cooperate in efforts to ensure an emotional and physical safe learning environment free of disruption.

 DEFINITIONS

Substantial Disruption or Material Interference. A substantial disruption or material interference of the educational process may be found to exist when the District reasonably forecasts that a student’s conduct or attire may substantially disrupt the school setting or materially interferes with the rights of others.

 IMPLEMENTATION

General Requirements.

Each student has the right to determine personal dress.

Clothing must be suitable for scheduled classroom activities including physical education, science labs, technical education, and other activities where unique hazards exist. Safety or special purpose equipment shall be worn when required.

Students must wear clothing including a shirt with pants, skirt, shorts or the equivalent, or a dress and footwear as required by state law. All clothing must have fabric that covers the front, back and sides.

Clothing fabric must cover all private body parts and/or undergarments and must not be transparent (see-through) (waistband and bra straps excluded).

Clothing may not cover a student’s face to the extent that the student is not identifiable (except clothing worn for religious or medical purposes or a mask worn for health reasons).

Footwear such as shoes, sandals or boots shall be worn in the school buildings. Footwear must be both safe and non-destructive to school property.

Reasonable variations from these requirements may be permitted by a building principal to accommodate student participation in approved activities such as for physical education classes (e.g., swimming) or other student activities (e.g., student theatrical productions).

Prohibited Apparel and Items. 

Students shall not be permitted to wear the following:

Any clothing, jewelry or personal items identifying an antisocial association or organization.

Any clothing, jewelry, or personal items that display symbols, lettering or insignia that promotes hatred, intimidation or harassment.

Any clothing, jewelry or personal items that use or depict hate speech or targeting groups based on sex; age; race; religion; color; national origin; ancestry; creed; pregnancy; marital status; parental status; homelessness; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; gender nonconformity; physical, mental, emotional or learning disability/handicap; or any other legally-protected status or classification.

Any clothing, jewelry or personal items that contain pictures and/or writing referring to alcohol, tobacco products, nicotine, sexual references, nudity, profanity, obscenity, unlawful use of weapons, and/or controlled or illegal drugs.

Any clothing, jewelry or personal times that threaten the health or safety of any other student or staff member.

Headwear.

Headwear, including hats, hoods and bandanas may be permitted in school buildings. 

Students may not wear hoods if the student is required or chooses to wear a mask for health reasons. 

Headwear must allow the face to be visible and not interfere with the line of sight to any student or staff (except clothing/headwear worn for religious or medical purposes.)

Students may wear headwear for religious or medical reasons.

 Regulation of Student Dress. Student dress shall only be regulated when, in the judgment of school administrators, there is a reasonable expectation that:

• A health or safety hazard concern exists as a result from the student's dress or appearance including possible membership in an antisocial association or organization as defined in Board policy;

• Damage to school property may result from the student's dress; or

• A substantial disruption or material interference of the educational environment or process will result from the student’s dress or appearance.

 ENFORCEMENT, NOTICE AND SANCTIONS

This policy shall apply to the instructional day and all District and/or school sponsored events and activities.

 Building principals shall be required to ensure that all staff members are aware of and understand the requirements of this policy.

 Staff will use reasonable efforts not to discuss with a student a dress code violation in the presence of other students. 

 Any student whose attire does not meet the requirements of this policy may be asked to remedy the matter by covering, changing or removing the non complying clothing, jewelry or personal item where appropriate.

Students shall not be disciplined or removed from class as a consequence for wearing clothing, jewelry or a personal item in violation of this policy unless the item causes a substantial disruption or material interference to the educational environment or process, poses a hazard to the health or safety of others or contributes to the harassment, intimidation or bullying of another student or staff member. However, a student may be instructed to leave the classroom briefly to change clothes. Consequences may be imposed if a student is insubordinate after a discussion.

 Where the clothing or other items of personal attire that are found to be dangerous, illegal or in violation of this policy and cannot be remedied through a student changing they/their attire, a student may be directed to remove the item to be placed in a secure location for the remainder of the school day to be taken home at the end of the day.

In the event such item(s) may cause a safety or security concern, the item(s) may be taken away from the student.

 Any item taken from a student should be promptly delivered to the main office. A parent/guardian conference may be required before an item is returned.

 The District assumes no responsibility for the loss or theft of, or for any damage to, any personal attire, jewelry or items that a student chooses to bring to school or to a school activity regardless of when the loss, theft, or damage occurs or where the personal attire, jewelry or item is located/possessed at the time the loss, theft, or damage occurs.

The District is permitted, but not obligated, to investigate or otherwise resolve the loss or theft of, or any damage to, any personal attire, jewelry or items.

​​​​​​​This Dress Code shall be published in the District’s student expectations handbook. Violations of the Dress Code are subject to District disciplinary procedures. 

Accommodations will be made as necessary for those students with temporary or permanent physical disabilities. See your school Counselor for more information.

When the school administration deems it necessary to evacuate a building, an announcement will be made over the Public Address system. The following procedures must be followed during a building evacuation.

 1. When evacuating the building, teachers should have a list of those students assigned to them at the time of the evacuation. 

2. Evacuation does not automatically mean that school is being dismissed for the day. 

3. All school rules are still in effect, including the use of cell phones. 

4. Two sites have been designated for evacuation of each school site

 5. Once students arrive at their site, no student under the age of 18 will be released from the site without permission from a parent/guardian. An administrator or their designee must speak to the parent/ guardian directly before approval will be given to be released. Students will remain at the site until a parent, guardian, or designated individual comes to pick them up. The School District requires all parents to update emergency contact information at the beginning of each school year. 

Emergency Procedures – Fire 

Evacuation is required any time the building fire alarm sounds. Teachers are responsible for acquainting each of their classes with the detailed directions for their room as posted. This should be done within the first week of school. Fire drills are held once each month during the school year. 

● Walk briskly; never run. 

     ● Stop all talking. 

● Leave books and other materials in the classroom. 

● The first students out should hold open all doors at the exit.  

● Everyone must leave the building. 

● Walk away from the building until you reach the designated outside area. 

● Do not return to the building until you hear the “All Clear” from an administrator. 

● When evacuating the building, teachers should have a list of those students assigned to them at the time of the evacuation. 

● Evacuation of disabled students must be provided by the staff member supervising that student at the time of the evacuation. Assist the student to an area designated as “Area of Safe Refuge”.

Emergency Procedures – 5 Student actions of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) 

An announcement will be made over the Public Address system to initiate one of the 5 student actions of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). In each action there are specific student and staff steps to take. All schools will train and drill on the SRP's throughout the school year. Please become familiar with the general concepts of the SRP. 

Emergency Procedures – Tornado 

A Tornado Drill is usually performed once each school year. In the event a tornado warning is issued, administrators will take responsibility for initiating the emergency plan of action via the Public Address system. Once the announcement is made, the following procedures should be followed. 

1. All students are to stay indoors, or move indoors if outdoors. Wind-driven objects are a great danger to anyone outside. 

2. The safest places in our school are those rooms away from outside windows. Students will move directly to the designated areas, which are posted in each room. 

3. Students are to sit or kneel on the floor, with heads held down, close together, faced away from any glass, outside wall, or door. 

4. Students should remain calm and quiet. 

5. The plan of action will remain in effect until an administrator announces the “All Clear” over the P.A. system. 

6. Evacuation of disabled students must be provided by the staff member supervising that student at the time of the evacuation. Assist the student to the designated area for that classroom. 

7. After Dismissal: If a tornado warning is issued, and a student is on the school grounds, the student is required to go to a designated safe area and WILL NOT be released until the tornado warning has expired. A student may be released from a safe area prior to an “all-clear” only through parent/guardian authorization. 

Tornado Watch: means conditions are such that a tornado might develop. 

Tornado Warning: means that a tornado has been sighted. 

The School Board may expel a student from school whenever it finds that the interest of the school demands the student’s expulsion and finds the student:

 Is guilty of repeated refusal or neglect to obey the rules;

1. Knowingly conveyed or caused to be conveyed a threat or false information concerning an attempt or alleged attempt being made to destroy school property by means of explosives;
2. Engaged in conduct while at school or while under the supervision of a school authority, which endangered the property, health, or safety of others;
3. While not at school or while not under the supervision of a school authority, engaged in conduct which endangered the property, health, or safety of others at school or under the supervision of a school authority or engaged in conduct which endangered the property, health or safety of an employee or a School Board member of the district;
4. Is at least age 16 and repeatedly engaged in conduct while at school or while under the supervision of a school authority that disrupted the ability of school authorities to maintain order or an educational atmosphere at school or at an activity supervised by a school authority and such conduct does not constitute other grounds for expulsion under Section 120.13(l)(c)l of the Wisconsin Statutes; and/or
5. While at school or while under the supervision of a school authority, possessed a firearm (as defined by 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3)).

(Policy 447.3; Wisconsin Statutes Section 120.13)    board policy 447.3       

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, requires that you be advised of your rights concerning your education records and of certain categories of public information which the school has designated “directory information”.  Students have the right to inspect and review all records that meet the definition of “Education Records”.  A request for this review should be made to the Guidance Counselor.

The School District of South Milwaukee designates the following personally identifiable information contained in a student’s education record as “directory information” and may disclose that information without prior written consent:

• The student’s name, school of enrollment, and grade level.
• The student’s participation in officially recognized activities and sports.
• The student’s weight and height if the student is a member of an athletic team.
• The student’s photograph.
• The student’s honors and awards.

 At the beginning of each school year, the school district shall publish in the official district newspaper the above directory information list.  Students who enroll after the notice is published will receive notification of this list at the time and place of enrollment.

After the parents or eligible students have been notified, they will have two weeks to advise the school district in writing (letter to the district administrator’s office) of any or all of the items they refuse to permit the district to designate as directory information about that student.

 Each student’s record will be appropriately marked to indicate the items the district will designate as directory information about the student. This designation will remain in effect until it is modified by the written direction of the student’s parent or the eligible student. 

(Policy 347; Wisconsin Statutes Section 118.125)

All students are required to pay annual school fees. Fees will be assessed for lost or damaged Library or classroom books, and other materials provided by the school. Locks for students in Physical Education classes and for athletics will be issued free of charge. A replacement lock for any damaged, lost, or stolen lock will be issued at a charge of the current lock replacement cost as established by the School District. 

District policy states that a parent/guardian is responsible to clear all school obligations for their children. Payment of school fees can be made online by credit/debit card through Infinite Campus, or by cash or check in the High School Main Office.

Anytime your child will be leaving the school grounds, the school will share with you a form that must be signed by a parent or guardian.  This is done as part of the regular schoolwork in order to provide your child with additional enriching learning experiences.  When the class leaves school grounds, they will be under the supervision and direction of the teacher.  However, in order for us to take your child on these trips, it is necessary for you to give us signed permission.  At the time your child's teacher plans one of these trips, you will be notified where and when the class is going before they make the trip, including walking field trips.  ​​All school rules apply when students are off-campus for a field trip.

Chaperone Guidelines for field trips

Being a chaperone is a fun experience for both the adult chaperone and students. SDSM does have a few guidelines for chaperones on a day field trip.

• Chaperones must successfully complete a background check prior to the field trip.
• Chaperones will help ensure that the students on the trip comply with the specific rules and requirements established for the activities on the field trip and standard school rules.
• Chaperones should follow the directions of the teachers or administrators.
• Chaperones may not drink alcohol, smoke, vape, or consume illegal drugs during the time period of the field trip. 
• Chaperones shall be mindful of the confidentiality of other students.  Please do not share what would be considered confidential information about other students to other adults. Examples of this may include what you consider to be not-compliant behavior of students, personal information shared with you by the student, etc.
• Please do not post pictures of other students on your social media if requested not to by the teacher.
• Chaperones may be asked to leave the field trip and find their own transportation home if their behavior is disruptive to the students based on the judgment of the teachers on the field trip. If this occurs, SDSM will not reimburse the chaperone for any costs of returning home or missed activities.

Students who are unable to attend school because of health reasons for a minimum period of 30 days are eligible to receive homebound instruction. Parental and doctor’s request forms for Homebound Instruction must be completed and returned to a counselor before instruction can be provided.

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth (twenty-one years of age and younger) as:

• Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and includes children and youth who are:
  • sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as double-up);
  • living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
  • living in emergency or transitional shelters; or
  • abandoned in hospitals.
• Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designated for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
• Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar   settings.
• Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

If you are personally aware of or are acquainted with any children who may qualify according to the above criteria, the School District of South Milwaukee provides the following assurances to parents of homeless children:

• The local district staff person (liaison) for homeless children is Molly Gallegos, contact information is listed below.
• There shall be immediate enrollment and school participation, even if educational and medical records and proof of residency are not available.
• All educational opportunities and related opportunities for homeless students (preschool to age 21), including unaccompanied youth, shall be the same as for the general student population.
• Enrollment and transportation rights, including transportation to the school of origin may be possible.  “School of origin” is defined as the school the child attended when permanently housed or when last enrolled.
• Written explanation of why a homeless child is placed other than in a school of origin or school requested by the parent, with the right to appeal within the local dispute resolution process.
• Meaningful opportunities for parents to participate in the education of their children.  These shall include:  special notices of events, parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, and access to student records.

Please contact Molly Gallegos, homeless liaison for the School District of South Milwaukee, at 414-766-5816 for additional information about homeless issues.   You may also go to the National Center for Homeless Education website at NCHE.

Teachers may give homework assignments, which stem from class work, giving the student the opportunity to integrate and apply what they/them has learned. 

 It is important for families to have a positive attitude toward their child’s homework responsibilities.  Families who take an active interest in their child's progress at school and at home, and who teach their children the value of education in our society, will do more than anyone else in shaping the positive attitude of their children.

 Families should endeavor to provide a proper place for study and see that the necessary materials are available.  Students should be free from interruptions and conflicting demands during the time required to complete assignments.  they/them should be encouraged to stick to they/their assignments, receiving advice and help only when necessary.  Families should never do their child's homework for them.

Parents should be prepared to 1.) Send packed meal(s) from home, or 2.) provide funds to purchase meal(s) at school, or 3.) establish eligibility for free or reduced priced meals.

When your child participates in our healthy school meals program, it will save your family time and money. At breakfast, all children are offered at least four food items from three food components (grain, fruit, and fluid milk) and at lunch they are offered five food components (grain, protein, fruit, vegetable, and fluid milk). Students must take at least three food items for breakfast, one of which is ½ cup fruit or vegetable and must take at least three different food components for lunch, one of which is ½ cup fruit or vegetable.  

There is a cost for second meals, a la carte items, milk only ($.50), or meals that do not meet the requirements described above. Please be sure there are funds available in your student’s meal account. MySchoolBucks.com is our convenient online payment portal.  Setting up this account allows you to monitor purchases & balances of your student as well as make payments. There is no fee for this service.

Menus and nutrition information are posted on our district website and can be found at nutrislice.com.

Breakfast in the Classroom

Parents are asked at the time of registration to sign up for their student’s breakfast preference. The choices are “Register for Breakfast”, “Register for Milk [only]”, or “Decline”. You may change your preferences by contacting School Nutrition at 766-5023, your school’s office, or your student’s teacher.

Free or Reduced Priced Meals

If you think your family may be eligible for free or reduced priced meals, you are encouraged to apply at MySchoolApps.com.  If you do not have access to a computer, please contact your school office or Amy Jacyna at ajacyna@sdsm.k12.wi.us or 414-766-5023 for a paper application. More information regarding Free & Reduced Meals can be found on our district website for current pricing as well as more information about Free or Reduced payment options.  

 Year End Balances     

Will be carried over into the next school year. If your child withdraws from the School District of South Milwaukee you may request a refund of the balance or a transfer of funds to the account of a sibling by calling (414)766-5023.

 Classroom Celebrations  

Homemade treats are no longer allowed.  We know you are busy so let us help you take care of your child on their birthday or other special occasion.  You can order individually wrapped snacks, safely, from our "peanut aware" kitchens.  Your order will be delivered to the classroom at any school you wish between 10:00am-11:00am.

 Please see our District website at https://www.sdsm.k12.wi.us/ for more information about SDSM School Nutrition Services.  From the School District of SOUTH MILWAUKEE Home Page, click on the “For Families” link, and then click the “School Nutrition” link.  If you have any specific questions regarding the meals, menus or the program in general, you may contact John Xynos, School Nutrition Director (414)766-5135 or jxynos@sdsm.k12.wi.us. Questions regarding meal accounts, online deposits, or eligibility for free or reduced priced meals can be directed to Ms. Amy Jacyna, School Nutrition Secretary (414)766-5023 or ajacyna@sdsm.k12.wi.us.

Proof of immunizations is required by State law upon school entrance.  The following are the minimum required immunizations for each age/grade level.  It is not a recommended immunization schedule for infants and preschoolers.  For that schedule, contact your doctor or local health department.

• DTP/DTaP/DT vaccine for children entering Kindergarten: Your child must have received one dose after the 4th birthday (either the 3rd, 4th, or 5th) to be compliant. (Note: a dose 4 days or less before the 4th birthday is also acceptable).
• DTP/DTaP/DT/Td vaccine for students entering grades 1 through 12: Four doses are required. However, if your child received the 3rd dose after the 4th birthday, further doses are not required. (Note: a dose 4 days or less before the 4th birthday is also acceptable).
• Tdap means tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine, recommended for adolescents. If your child received a dose of tetanus or diphtheria containing vaccine such as Td within the past 5 years, Tdap is not required.
• Polio vaccine for students entering grades Kindergarten through 12: Four doses are required. However, if your child received the 3rd dose after the 4th birthday, further doses are not required. (Note: a dose 4 days or less before the 4th birthday is also acceptable).
• The first dose of MMR vaccine must have been received on or after the first birthday (Note: a dose 4 days or less before the 1st birthday is also acceptable).
• Var means Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. A history of chickenpox disease is also acceptable.
• Students 13 years of age or older without a prior history of chickenpox disease, or who received their first dose of varicella vaccine at 13 years of age or older, are required to receive 2 doses of varicella vaccine.

 By law, all contagious diseases or conditions including chicken pox, measles, etc., must be reported to the Health Department.  A written release slip must be obtained from the family doctor or the Health Department following any contagious disease.  Parents and guardians have the primary responsibility for their child's health.  Sick children should not attend school for their own protection as well as that of their classmates.  Children with a persistent cough or a temperature over 100.4 degrees F should be kept at home. Schools/Principals, by law can exclude a sick child.

The South Milwaukee Health Department conducts immunization clinics twice a month.  Parents are urged to keep permanent family immunization records.  The South Milwaukee Health Department directs activities toward the improvement of individual, family and community health.  The school health program is part of the generalized public health program and provides services for all public and parochial schools in the city.  Nurses periodically visit the schools and services to the schools include vision and hearing screening in addition to immunization review.  Questions may be directed to the South Milwaukee Health Department at 768-8055.

 Please Note: All other health related services are provided by the district health nurse and/or their designee.

An instructional materials fee is charged for each student.  These fees are payable at the beginning of each trimester or can be paid in full at the beginning of the school year.  This fee partially covers textbooks, workbooks and other instructional materials.  Please be prompt in payment of these fees. 

4K is for students who turn 4 years of age on or before September 1.  There is a limited exception for students born from September 2 to October 1 with testing for potential early-entry to 4K as described in board policy 421.  Registration will be available at the elementary schools and online in early spring.  Please watch for specific information regarding these dates and times on our website and district social media.

No student may use or possess a laser pointer while on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity or event. (Policy 443.8)

Pediculosis Capitis (Head Lice) Procedure

Head Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are a common community problem.  An estimated 6 to 12 million lice infestations occur each year in the United States, most commonly among children aged 3 to 11 years old. Live lice feed on human blood and live close to the human scalp. They are not dangerous and do not transmit disease, but they do spread easily.

If an infestation is found at school, these steps will be followed:

1. Parent/guardian will be notified by school secretaries or health aides if an infestation was found.
2. Any siblings at school will be checked by school personnel.
3. The student will finish the day at school and parents will be reminded to check any family members, especially any siblings.
4. The parent/guardian will be provided with guidance on how to remove lice and nits.
5. The student will be returned to school after all the live lice have been removed.
6. All Lice infestations will be recorded in a logbook which will be kept confidential and locked in a medication cupboard.
7. If there is a lice case in which a student has not returned to school within 3 to 5 days, the Principal of the particular school will be informed by the health room aide.
8. Any time there are three (3) or more students in a classroom with lice, a letter will be sent out to the other student’s parent/guardian informing them to check their student for any lice infestation.

 Bed Bug Procedure

Although bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, their presence may cause distress and health issues for many people.

The following health issues are associated with infestations of bed bugs:

• Minor skin irritations that itch. Itching can lead to excessive scratching, which can increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.
• Moderate allergic reactions, which require medical attention.
• Severe allergic reactions, which require immediate medical attention.
• Increased stress is caused by minor skin irritations and the loss of sleep. (EPA.gov/bedbugs)

If a bed bug is found at school, these steps will be followed:

1. The bug will be placed in a plastic bag.
2. The student will be discreetly removed from the classroom and sent to the health room.
3. The District Nurse will inspect the child’s skin, clothing and belongings for bed bugs.
4. The area around where the bug was found will be inspected.
5. The child will remain in school.
6. The parent will be notified that a bed bug was found on the student.
7. The student’s belongings will be placed in plastic bags while in school.
8. Parents are advised that at home students should store school supplies in protective boxes and not under or near beds or couches.

When the school, for the convenience of the student, provides a student locker, it is to be used solely and exclusively by the assigned student for the storage of outer garments, footwear and school related materials.  Students will not use the locker for any other purpose.  Students may not add or remove items to/from lockers that are assigned to other students.  Lockers will be kept neat, clean and in working condition.  School personnel will periodically inspect lockers.  Lockers may not be decorated inside or outside except with items approved by the administration at each school, and locks may not be placed on lockers.  Locks that students bring from home and place on district lockers will be promptly cut and removed if the student him/herself does not remove it when requested.

 Searches of Lockers 

All school lockers (including hall, physical education, industrial technology) are the property of the school. At no time does the District relinquish its exclusive control of lockers provided for the convenience of students. Periodic general inspections of lockers may be conducted by school authorities as determined necessary or appropriate at any time, without notice, without student consent and without a search warrant. 

 Further, reasonable searches among the personal belongings of the student contained within the locker may be conducted where there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the search will provide evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law or school rules.

 Locker searches may be conducted by the Superintendent, a building principal, an assistant principal, a police-school liaison officer or a school employee designated by the Superintendent or building principal.

 School board Policy 446.1

Each school has a Lost and Found Box where children's clothing and other articles that are found are held to be claimed by the owner.  Each year there are many valuable items of clothing unclaimed.  Please check the school office for glasses, watches, etc., as soon as possible.  Unclaimed items will be disposed of or donated at multiple times throughout the school year.

Please do not send medication to school with your child or have them transport medication in their backpack. A Parent/Guardian is required to drop off all medication to be in accordance with board policies and WI state laws.

All medications must be dispensed from the health room or school office, by trained school personnel, unless directed otherwise by the prescribing physician.  In order for medication to be administered within school, a signature is required by the parent/guardian on the medication administration form, which will be kept on file in the health room.  For all prescription medications (including inhalers and EpiPens), the prescribing physician must complete the Prescription Medication Form. The form must be completed in writing and include instructions for administration (medication name, dose to administer, time of day it should be given, and how often it to be administered), specific conditions in which the doctor should be contacted, possible side effects of the medication and their signature. Once the Prescription Medication Form is completed, the parent/guardian is responsible to drop off the medication in a properly labeled container in order to be administered by school personnel. This should include the child’s name, date of birth, name of medication, dose to be administered, time/frequency in which medication should be given and the name of the prescribing physician. If medication is not labeled correctly or if the necessary paperwork is not  completed, the school is unable to administer the medication and will be returned to the parent/guardian. Siblings may not share medication. All medications not picked up by the last day of the school year will be disposed of.

Inhalers or EpiPens, may not be kept in student backpacks or lockers, unless the prescribing physician determines they are able to self-carry their medication. In order for a student to self-carry their medication within school, they must have the prescribing physician and District Nurse sign off on their ability to self-carry on the Prescription Medication Form. Self-carry is permitted within school for students who are grades 5th-12th. A student who is not within this age range, will not be permitted to self-carry. Students who are able to self-carry will need to report to the health room or front office if they feel that they need to administer the medication, to ensure closer monitoring. In addition, the school district will not be held responsible for the loss or damage of the inhaler or EpiPen when the student is authorized to carry the medication on their person or in their possessions. 

Self-Carry rules will only apply to Inhalers and/or EpiPens. All other medications are not permitted to be in a student’s possession, and if found, could be confiscated. If medications are found on a student or in their possessions, and are not allowed to self carry, the medication will be confiscated and returned only to the parent/guardian. If the administration has reason to believe medication (including inhalers) are in a student’s backpack, a search of the locker may take place as described in this handbook The school will not administer medications found in a student's possession without authorization from the provider and family as described above. Families may not have a single prescribed medication that travels daily between home and school. It is the responsibility of the family to get a second prescription that is kept in the health room/school office. If exceptions need to be made, there must be prior approval from the District nurse and building principal.

It is recommended that all students have a pair of gym shoes that can be kept at school for use during physical education periods only.  Please try to avoid black sole shoes that mark up floors. 

Report cards are issued electronically in a family’s Infinite Campus Parent Portal two times during the year at the end of each semester.  If you need help accessing your Infinite Campus Parent Portal, contact the office at your child’s school.  Conferences are held in Fall and Spring to personally communicate student growth and achievement. Conferences are one of the best ways we know to help you understand your child's progress in school.  Please plan to attend your child's scheduled conference.

The District shall provide for the reasonable accommodation of a student’s sincerely held religious beliefs with regard to examinations and other academic requirements, upon written request, and with approval of the building principal. Accommodations may include, but not necessarily be limited to, exclusion from participation in an activity, alternative assignments, and release time from school to participate in religious activities and opportunities to make up work missed due to religious observances. Any accommodations granted under this policy shall be provided to students without prejudicial effect. 

If any student believes this policy was not followed correctly the student should first attempt to resolve the situation through the building Principal or Associate Principal. Formal written complaints may be directed to Jennifer Sielaff, Director of Personnel, Administrative & Legal Services, 901-15^th Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI 53172. The phone number is 414-766-5011. (Please see Policy 411 and Rule 411 for specific steps and timelines).

Any student seeking entrance into the district must reside within the established boundaries of the district, except as otherwise provided by law.  Parents/guardians of a student that reside in the district with someone other than the parents/guardians will be required to complete a Determination of Residency Status form.  Students may not reside in the district with someone other than the parents/guardians for the sole purpose of attending school in the district.  Parents/guardians of a student who moves out of the district during the school year must complete a tuition waiver form to remain a student in the district.  

(School Board Policy Policy 420)

Your child(ren) attend the School District of South Milwaukee (NOT Milwaukee Public Schools).  You may receive a phone call in the morning if school is closed.   You do not need to call the office to ask if school is open or closed.  

School Closings will be listed on the District Web Site – www.sdsm.k12.wi.us, and on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @SoMilwSchools or search for #SMWay.

For snow and other emergencies, tune to or use the websites of the following media outlets:    

They will broadcast information regarding school closings.    

A student and they/their personal possessions may be searched by the building principal or his/her designee if there is reasonable suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that a particular law, school policy or school rule has been or is being violated.  The extent of the search will be governed by the seriousness of the alleged infraction, the student’s age and gender, the student’s disciplinary history and any other relevant circumstances or information.

(School Board Policy 446; Wisconsin Statutes Section 118.32)

For the safety of our school community, electric scooters, bikes, hoverboards, and all other motorized modes of personal transportation are prohibited on the playground and blacktop areas around any Elementary School. Additionally, these devices may not be operated on any school walkways. This will be enforced during elementary school hours (8 a.m.- 4 p.m.) to ensure the well-being of all students, staff, and visitors.

Smoking-State law prohibits smoking on premises owned or rented by the School District of South Milwaukee. The law applies to pupils and adults. This is also a violation of City Ordinance 24.03(B) and 24.24. State Law 48.983(2)(c) and City Ordinance 24.24 state that a minor may not possess any cigarette, vaping, or tobacco product. 

Vaping- This is a violation of City Ordinance 24.24 "Vapor products" shall mean noncombustible products, that may or may not contain nicotine, that employ a mechanical heating element, battery, electronic circuit, or other mechanism, regardless of shape or size, that can be used to produce a vapor in a solution or other form, including but not limited to an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe, or similar product or device. "Vapor products" shall include any vapor cartridge, solution, or other container, that may or may not contain nicotine, that is intended to be used with an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe, or similar product or device (i.e. Juul). The possession or purchase of vapor products by anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited. 

Ignition Devices - City Ordinance 27.15 prohibits the sale and/or possession of any ignition devices to/by a minor. Ignition devices are defined as matches, lighters, or any other materials when used for the purpose of ignition. 

Student assistance groups may be offered to all students in the school.  Parents/Guardians may notify the principal if they wish to exempt their sons/daughters from participation.

District students shall act in such fashion that their behavior will reflect favorably on the individual student and the school, show consideration for fellow students, and create a harmonious school atmosphere. To accomplish this, each student must recognize individual responsibilities and obligations and discharge them in accordance with school regulations. Students are expected to abide by the conduct rules outlined in the student handbook, the rules and regulations established by building principals for each school, and by the Classroom Code of Conduct approved by the School Board. 

(Policy 443, 443.1)

Student Nondiscrimination

The School District of South Milwaukee prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination against students and other persons in all aspects of the District’s programs and operations. Accordingly, consistent with section 118.13 of the state statutes, no person shall unlawfully be discriminated against in any curricular, extracurricular, pupil service, recreational, or other program or activity because of the person's sex, sexual orientation, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, any physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other legally-protected status or classification.

The District likewise requires and enforces nondiscrimination in a manner consistent with the rights and obligations established under all applicable federal civil rights laws, including the current provisions of Titles IV and VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, religion, sex, or national origin), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (sex), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (disability), the Americans with Disabilities Act (including Title II of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in state and local government services), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (age), and the civil rights provisions associated with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act  and the District’s participation in federal meal programs”.

The District’s commitment to nondiscrimination and to responding appropriately to any report, allegation, or confirmed incident of unlawful discrimination against any student is further addressed in the School Board’s policies, including but not limited to Board Policy 300 and Board Policy 411. These Board policies can be accessed online at https://www.sdsm.k12.wi.us/. As further required by the Board’s policies and applicable law:

• The District provides legally-required accommodations and appropriate educational services or programs for students who have a qualifying disability, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. The District also provides for the reasonable accommodation of a student's sincerely held religious beliefs with regard to examinations and other academic requirements.
• As mandated by the current provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and under the regulations set forth in Part 106 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the District does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits all forms of unlawful sex discrimination in any education program or activity that the District operates. Title IX’s requirement not to discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity includes, but is not limited to, discrimination affecting students. A more comprehensive notice covering the application of Title IX to the District is available on the District’s website at https://www.sdsm.k12.wi.us/. The District’s Title IX notice identifies each of the District’s designated Title IX Coordinators and includes additional information on how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment under Title IX, and the manner in which the District will respond to such reports or complaints. Inquiries regarding how Title IX and the federal Title IX regulations apply to the District may be referred to a District Title IX Coordinator (as designated below), to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, or to both.
• The District shall provide children of homeless individuals and unaccompanied homeless youth, as identified under federal law, with equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including the provision of comparable services, as the District provides to other children and youth who reside in or otherwise attend school in the District. The Director of Pupil Services, who can be contacted at 414-766-5041, is the District’s designated liaison for homeless children and youth.  
• All District career and technical education opportunities are offered to students on a nondiscriminatory basis. Additional information regarding such program offerings and the applicable admission/participation criteria can be obtained on the District’s website or by contacting any school’s guidance office.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator(s) – The following employee serves as the District’s primary nondiscrimination coordinator for student matters:

Jennifer Sielaff Carrie Stollenwerk

Director of Personnel, Administrative & Legal Services Director of Pupil Services

901 15th Ave. 901 15^th Ave.

South Milwaukee, WI 53172 South Milwaukee, WI 53172

jsielaff@sdsm.k12.wi.us cstollenwerk@sdsm.k12.wi.us  

(414) 766-5011 (414) 766-5051

The student nondiscrimination coordinators identified above also serve as District-designated Title IX Coordinators and as District-designated ADA/Section 504 Coordinators.  

How to Report or Make a Complaint of Student Discrimination – Any person (including a person who is not claiming to have been personally harmed/victimized by the alleged conduct or by a challenged policy) may report information about or, if eligible, a person may submit a complaint alleging any type of student discrimination that is prohibited pursuant to state or federal law (including any allegation of prohibited retaliation) to the District’s student nondiscrimination coordinator, as identified with their contact information, above.  

Formal complaints alleging Title IX sexual harassment must be submitted in writing as further detailed in Board Policy 300 and will be processed using the District’s designated Title IX grievance process for such complaints. Unless applicable laws require the use of other processes (e.g., for certain special education matters), any other reports or complaints of prohibited student discrimination (including prohibited retaliation) will normally be processed under the complaint procedures that the District has established under Board Policy 411. For a complete copy of such complaint procedures, refer to Board Policy 411 on the District’s website at sdsm.k12.wi.us.  

Questions concerning this notice, the District’s nondiscrimination policies, the application of student nondiscrimination laws to the District, or the District’s complaint procedures may be directed to either of the nondiscrimination coordinators identified in this notice.

By following all required procedures and timelines of the applicable non-District entity, complaints of unlawful student discrimination may also be filed externally with an appropriate state or federal court or state or federal agency. Such courts and agencies independently determine the extent to which any given complaint falls within their scope of authority.

Promotion

Student placement into a specific grade shall have as criteria:  1) student academic performance based on District Curriculum Standards; 2) teacher recommendation; 3) state, local and classroom testing and assessment; and 4) other criteria, as appropriate.

 In general, it is expected that a student shall make a year’s academic progress for each year that they/them is in school.  Progress shall be determined by their ability to meet the proficiency expectations of the District Curriculum Standards.

 Retention

It is recognized that retention alone is an insufficient intervention.  In those cases where retention is recommended, it shall be combined with interventions specific to the individual student’s learning needs.  The recommendations can include, but are not limited to:  change in teaching/instructional practices, summer school, tutoring, special materials, extended day opportunities, increase in school time focused on specific area.

 Specific grade level considerations shall be as follows:

• Standardized test data shall be reviewed.  Students who are Proficient or Advanced in all tested areas shall be promoted.  Students who are Basic in any areas(s) shall be promoted with a set of recommendations as to how the student can reach the Proficient or Advanced level of performance.  A student in the Minimal category, in one or more areas, can be promoted with a set of recommendations to bring the student to proficiency in the Minimal areas if:
• Daily performance and assessment demonstrates academic proficiency based on District Curriculum Standards.

Or

• The goals of the IEP (Individualized Educational Plan), 504 or LEP (Limited English Proficiency) plan are met.

Or

• The school-based team recommends promotion based on academic performance assessments specific to the individual student.  This recommendation shall be in the form of a document indicating the specific criteria used in making the decision.  The document shall be placed in the cumulative folder and a copy of it is given to the parent.

In accordance with School District Board Policy 456, our elementary schools promote healthy schools “by supporting wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity as part of the total learning environment.”  

Homemade Treats

As a learning community, we support the appropriate celebration of important moments in the lives of our students.  Some families choose to send a treat to share on these occasions.  If you choose to send a treat, it may only be foods that are commercially pre-packaged and labeled (store bought).  This means that homemade treats are not allowed to be brought into the schools to celebrate events or for other purposes.  Please keep in mind that we are addressing allergy concerns and we need to take the proper precautions to reduce risks to all students.

If you would like another way to celebrate your child, please consider purchasing a book, indoor recess game, or school supplies for your child’s classroom instead of sending food.  

As mentioned in the section of the elementary handbook on Visitors, families will not be allowed to visit a classroom for the sole purpose of delivering birthday/celebratory items during the school day.  These items must be left at the office for delivery by school personnel and distribution by teachers at a time to be determined by the classroom teacher.

Cold Lunch/Snacks

In our efforts to promote wellness, we recommend that you consider the types of food you choose to send to school for your child’s lunch or snack.  Students should not consume beverages with high caffeine content (including sodas) during the school day.  If students bring high-caffeine content beverages to school, they will be asked to reconsider their choices for the next day and families may be contacted if necessary to promote wellness and good nutrition.  

A summer school program will be offered for elementary students.  Core academic courses will provide help for students in reading, writing, and mathematics.  A variety of enrichment courses will also be offered to expand learning experiences. Recommendations for Core Reading/Literacy, Writing, Math, or 4K/5K Kindergarten will be provided to families on the Trimester 2 Report Card. 

Children will be asked to bring supplies such as pencils, paper, scissors, crayons, and watercolors.  All four elementary schools collaborate to provide a single supply list for families.  Supply lists will be available at registration and they are also listed on the specific schools part of the District Website.

Surveillance cameras may be located in school buildings and on school grounds. The primary purpose for using surveillance cameras in the District is to provide a safe and secure environment for all students, staff and visitors. Cameras will only be placed in public areas such as entrances, hallways, cafeterias, libraries, athletic areas and parking lots. Cameras will not be located in private areas such as restrooms and locker rooms. The cameras may record sounds and images and such sounds and images may be stored electronically, in printed or recorded form. The stored images are the property of the District. The District reserves the discretion to refuse to provide copies to students, parents, staff, community members or other individuals or groups. In cases where surveillance recordings involve student disciplinary action, the recording may become part of that student’s record and shall be dealt with consistent to the District’s student records policy and procedures. Disciplinary action may be taken based on video documentation. Cameras will be monitored throughout the school day, however, the District does not guarantee that the cameras will be monitored at all times. (Policy 734) .

The building principal or they/their designee may suspend a student for not more than five consecutive school days or, if a notice of expulsion hearing has been sent, for not more than a total of 15 consecutive school days in accordance with state law.

 A student may be suspended for:

• Noncompliance with school or School Board rules or teacher rules made with the School Board’s consent.
• Knowingly conveying any threat or false information concerning an attempt or alleged attempt being made or to be made to destroy any school property by means of explosives.
• Conduct by the student while at school or while under the supervision of school authority that endangers the property, health or safety of others which includes making a threat to the health or safety of a person or making a threat to damage property.
• Conduct while not at school or while not under the supervision of school authority that endangers the property, health or safety of others at school or under the supervision of school authority or endangers the property, health or safety of any district employee or School Board member which includes making a threat to the health or safety of a person or making a threat to damage property.

 Repeated violations may lead to expulsion. In addition, students shall be suspended when required by law.  Suspensions may be in-school or out-of-school as determined by the administration.

 A suspended student shall not be denied the opportunity to take any quarterly, semester or grading period examinations or to complete coursework missed during the suspension period.  (Policy 447.2; Wisconsin Statutes Section 120.13)

The use of tobacco, alcohol and other drug products on the school district's premises is contrary to the educational goals, policies, image and interests which the district is trying to maintain for the health, safety and quality of life of all persons who enter onto the premises or use the facilities.  It has been well documented over the years, through substantial medical research, that the use of tobacco is a hazard to the health and welfare of the user, and those exposed to smoke.  The district is concerned about the effects that tobacco products may have on persons using the district's facilities.  Therefore, the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drug products on school premises is forbidden.  This includes cigarettes and e-cigarettes.  Minors may not be in possession of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or look-alike products, including empty e-cigarettes or empty vape devices.

If a student is found to be in possession of these or similar items, the principal or designee will confiscate the item(s) immediately, inquire how the student came to be in possession, and use the opportunity to instruct the student on the potential future legal and health impacts.  The school official will contact the family to let them know that the student has brought an illegal item or substance to school and attempt to ascertain its origin with the family.  

As a district, we are committed to instructing students on a healthy lifestyle.  However, the presence of drugs, alcohol, and other substances on school property is a serious issue.  Depending on the outcome of the investigation of how the student came to bring the item(s) onto school property, disciplinary actions may be enforced.  Disciplinary action may depend on several factors, including the age of the student, the student’s understanding of the item, the type of device and/or substance, the student’s intent in bringing it to school, how the item or substance was discovered, the truthfulness of the student in the investigation, and if the student has previously brought item(s) of this or similar type to school.  

Cannabidiol Oil

Cannabidiol Oil (CBD Oil) may be administered to students at school if it meets the

requirements under “Prescription Medicine.”

The product may not be administered in a manner that, in the opinion of the District or school,

would create a disruption to the educational environment or cause exposure of the product to

other students.

Discipline of a student for being administered a product by a designated caregiver, or by a school nurse or administrator, or who self-administers a product under the direct supervision of a school nurse or administrator pursuant to this policy is prohibited.

The District may not deny a student attendance at a school solely because they require administration of the product during school hours.

It is the intent of the South Milwaukee Board of Education that all students in the school district be provided access to a current and balanced collection of instructional materials. These materials should depict in an accurate and unbiased way the diversity and pluralistic nature of American society, and support the locally established philosophy and objectives of education. 

1. Chromebooks, textbooks and some school materials are furnished to students. 

2. School equipment is for school-related projects only. Students are not permitted to do personal work, correspondence, etc., on school equipment. 

3. Students will be held responsible to pay for items that are lost, stolen, or damaged. 

Causing or intending to cause damage to school or personal property is not allowed.  This includes computer tampering and graffiti.  Graffiti is criminal damage to property and will not be tolerated.  Parents may be responsible for the cost of restitution to the district.

All visitors must register in the office before going anywhere in the building. Visitors register using the district visitor management system, wear office supplied visitor badges throughout the duration of the visit and return the badge to the office before leaving the building.  In addition to the scheduled Fall and Spring conferences, parents/guardians are able to visit at times with approval from the building principal. If you have any questions regarding visiting the school or if you would like to set up an appointment to meet with a teacher, please call or stop in the school office. However, a school principal shall have the authorization to determine what a valid reason for allowing visitation is.

Due to the disruptive nature to learning, families will not be allowed to visit a classroom for the sole purpose of delivering birthday/celebratory items during the school day.  These items must be left at the office for delivery by school personnel and distribution by teachers at a time to be determined by the classroom teacher.

Student visitors are prohibited during the school day.  Unauthorized persons will be referred to school officials for appropriate action.

Everyone who volunteers in the schools or chaperones a field trip is required to complete a Background Check Authorization form once every other school year.  These must be completed online a minimum of 72 hours prior to volunteering/chaperoning in order to allow enough  time to complete the background check.

If you are chaperoning a field trip, please see the chaperone guidelines in the section on “Field Trips” above.

In the cold season of the school year, all students will go outside for recess whenever the "feels like" temperature is above 0 degrees Fahrenheit.  Families should send students to school with all appropriate winter gear every day in the event that the temperature will be warm enough for students to be outside.  

Exceptions to this rule would include (1) a note from the child's medical provider that limits the child's ability to be in extremely cold weather due to a chronic condition, or (2) a note from the child's medical provider due to a temporary, acute condition (i.e., a short-term illness or physical injury limiting mobility).