Success in our rapidly changing world requires more knowledge and skills than ever before. Our children’s future – Oregon’s future in this changing world – depends on student performance today. Consequently, schools must change. And Oregon’s schools ARE changing – into schools that measure student performance against high standards and offer all students the tools to meet the new high standards.

Higher standards are now in place for what students ought to know and be able to do in reading, writing, mathematics, science and other basic subjects. Better, more comprehensive tests – tests that focus schools on achieving results at higher levels – are being used statewide.

The changes ahead require unprecedented collaboration and commitment by students, parents, educators, employers and communities in every part of the state. This brief introduction explains where Oregon’s school transformation is headed and outlines your role in helping us get there.

Oregon set its course for improved student performance in 1991 when the legislature passed the Oregon Education Act for the 21st Century. The act calls for dramatically raising student achievement by:

• Raising expectations for students;
• Focusing curriculum and instruction on higher standards built on the basics;
• Holding students accountable for achieving the standards through assignments and tests;
• Using the community as a learning resource;
• Forging new working partnerships among schools, parents, employers and communities.

It insists that students graduate from high school better prepared for college, employment and the responsibilities of adult life.

The idea behind standards is simple. Standards define what it takes to know and do something well. Getting a license to practice medicine or to fly an airplane requires meeting a set of established standards. Standards are clear, specific expectations measuring quality, excellence and proficiency.

Such standards will be used to evaluate student performance.

Oregon’s new standards provide a solid foundation in the basics, and require students to demonstrate their proficiency in all areas by showing they can apply what they learn. Common statewide standards set clear guidelines for what children should learn in every major subject area. Students, parents and teachers will know what is expected.

Curriculum and instruction in the Klamath County School District is based on Oregon state content and performance standards for each subject. Elementary programs in Klamath County School District have two distinct parts:

• Learning Environment: Each elementary school in Klamath County School District will have a positive learning environment. Climate, learning styles, teaching styles, and appropriate instructional strategies are key elements of the learning environment.
• Assessment: Good assessment requires a clear conception of the target being measured, an assessment technique that best measures that target, and minimization of factors that could lead to a misinterpretation of the results. Having a clear understanding of goals and criteria for excellence, linking assessment to those goals, and understanding subjective biases will enhance the validity of assessment practices.

Klamath County School District develops goals to guide the curriculum and instructional programs. These goals are developed through involvement of our staffs, parents, and communities in the decision-making and goal-setting process. Goals are reviewed periodically, and, where desirable, modified.

Student progress is assessed to determine how well the student is doing to reach the instructional goals in each course taken.

Periodic assessments are recorded in teachers’ grade books. Oregon State tests are administered to all students in grades three through eight and ten. Results are sent to parents at the end of each school year.

Klamath County School District recognizes the right of parents to exclude their children from any curriculum they find to be objectionable for religious or moral reasons. Students may also be excluded because of handicapping conditions. The building principal will authorize this exclusion upon written request of the parents. Students will not be responsible for any of the material taught during their absence. The teacher may choose to assign the student work on a different topic in lieu of the one being taught in class. Such an alternative assignment shall not exceed the regular class work in difficulty or time required to complete it.

If a parent requests in writing that his/her student not use specific material, the student will be given the opportunity, under the direction and recommendation of the teacher, to use alternative materials. Refer to the Klamath County School District Student Rights and Responsibilities at the back part of this handbook for the complete policy statement.

Students may be excused from a state-required program or learning activity for reasons of religion, disability, or other reasons deemed appropriate by the school district.

Field trips may be scheduled for educational, cultural, or other extracurricular purposes. All students are considered to be “in school” while participating in district-sponsored field trips. This means students are subject to the school’s student conduct rules, applicable Board policy and other such rules as may be deemed appropriate by the field trip supervisor.

Physical education for every child is required by law. Any request for your child to be excused from P.E. for a short period of time (five days or less) needs to be in writing. If your child needs to be excused from P.E. for an extended time (six days or more), a note from a physician is required.

Klamath County School District believes that the teaching of any sectarian view or religious doctrine is not the responsibility of the school.

All Klamath County School District schools are enrolled in the state’s Community Eligibility Program (CEP), which allows each enrolled student to receive ONE breakfast and ONE lunch each day, at no cost to the family.  There is no application necessary; all enrolled students qualify for this benefit.

USDA Non-Discrimination Information
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. Email: U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. Fax: (202) 690-7442;
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Breakfast and Lunch Prices:

KCSD policy EFAL states “The district will continue serving portions of meals as seconds to students upon request at no charge from the garden cart (salad bar).  Students who desire an entire second meal at the time of initial service will be accessed the full price of the second meal and must have sufficient funds in their meal account to cover the cost of that meal.  The student’s second meal will not be claimed for federal reimbursement.  If there are extra entrees available after all students have gone through the serving line, then students would be welcome to request a second entrée based upon availability.  In these circumstances, the cost of the second entrée, which is an excess leftover, would be the financial responsibility of the district.”

Cafeteria Rules

• Courteous table manners are always expected.
• Food is not to be shared, especially food made at home.
• Keep toys and playground equipment away from the cafeteria line.
• Talk quietly. Be prepared to listen when an adult needs your attention. 
• Enjoy your meal. Try a little of each food group.

Each school has a media center. These centers support the curriculum of the school by providing instructional materials. Many of these materials are available for checkout by students, who are responsible for the care and condition of the materials.

The goal of the Klamath County School District EL’s program is to assist emerging bilinguals to continue making academic progress while they learn English. In order to best accommodate this goal, the district uses a pull-out model where EL’s receive English Language Development services from ELD endorsed teachers.

Students are placed in regular education mainstream classes and are pulled out daily to receive 30 minutes of targeted instruction in reading, writing, listening and speaking. With the exception of Chiloquin Elementary where teachers have been trained in EL strategies so students remain in their class.

The District’s Talented and Gifted programs and services are designed to serve students capable of high performance. Eligible students are provided accelerated and enriched instruction based on their level and rate of learning. More information about TAG is available by contacting your local school building. Refer to the Klamath County School District Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook for the complete policy statement

To qualify for this program a child must have moved within the past three (3) years across school district boundary lines to enable the child’s parent or guardian to obtain or seek temporary or seasonal work in agriculture, timber or fishing. A migrant child remains eligible for three (3) years after the family’s last qualifying move.

Southern Oregon Education Service District Migrant Education Program provides supplementary educational help in areas of academic weakness. It also provides accident only insurance, summer school and support services for migrant families.

Title IA is a federally funded program. It is designed to assist eligible students in served schools to meet the state’s content and performance standards in math and reading. Title I schools are structured in one or two ways, either as Targeted Assistance or as School wide. Most KCSD Elementary Schools are school wide Title I. In Title I School Wide Schools, the staff has completed a lengthy planning process to reform many of the services provided to students. All students in the school are identified as Title I.

The goal of this program is to keep Native American students in school and to improve their academic progress by providing support, counseling, and instructional tutors.

This federally-mandated program was developed to ensure equal educational opportunities for students with unique learning needs that require adaptation of traditional educational programs or alternative placements.

Klamath County School District provides a variety of special education services within and outside of the district to provide specialized instruction for all students with disabilities. Students with autism, or vision, hearing and orthopedic impairments also receive a variety of services designed to meet their unique needs in collaboration with Southern Oregon Education Service District.

Klamath County School District participates in a consortium program for early intervention services for disabled preschoolers from birth to school age. Additionally, if you as a parent, friend or neighbor are aware of a resident student (birth to twenty-one (21) years) who may be in need of assistance because of an apparent handicap, or other special need, please contact the Special Education Department at 541-883-5000.

As directed by law, the Klamath County School District Board of Directors will provide for the identification, location, and evaluation of all students with disabilities residing within its boundaries and will ensure a free, appropriate public education is available to them. The Board directs the Superintendent to establish that their parents are protected by required law.
Legal references: ORS 332.075 – ORS 339.185 – ORS 343.035
Education of the Handicapped Act of 1975, as amended 34 CFR Section 300 (PL 94-142), IDEA 2004

School health services are provided by registered nurses in Klamath County School District to support students with complex, chronic health needs; to support health education for students and staff; and to provide school health services that comply with national, state and local mandates. The KCSD nurses believe that each student’s health has a direct effect on his/her educational achievement and that healthy students are better learners.

If your student has health needs which may require nursing services, please contact your school principal, or the KCSD Health Services at 541-851- 8760.

Animals may visit school under parent supervision, only when arranged in advance with your school principal. On such visits, the parent must deliver the animal to and from school. Animals loose on the school grounds are referred to the local animal control service.

According to Oregon Revised Statute 418.750, any public or private official having reasonable cause to believe that any child with whom he/she comes in contact in his/her official capacity has suffered abuse, or that any adult with whom he/she comes in contact in his/her official capacity has abused a child, shall report or cause a report to be made to the appropriate officials. Klamath County School District adheres to this legal requirement.

In the event that bad weather or other circumstances cause school closure or delayed opening, the radio and television stations listed below will begin announcing this information at approximately 6:00 a.m. or as soon as a decision is reached. Schools will be open unless closure or a delayed opening is announced by the district.

Please do not call your school or the school bus garage. Those lines must remain clear for other calls related to the closure or delayed opening.

The following radio and television stations will carry the information:

Television                                        KOTI                       KDRV/KDKF                 KTVL

This website will also have current information on the homepage.

Please DO NOT call the stations. 

Frequent announcements will be made. School closure results in automatic cancellation of the school activities program unless information to the contrary is specifically released. Be sure your child knows where to go if an emergency is declared and schools are closed early. Most parents have made arrangements with a neighbor who lives close by to take care of their children when no one is at home. This should be within walking distance of your home.

It is very important your school has an up-to-date phone number of a parent or guardian (both home and work) and of a family friend, neighbor or relative who can be contacted in case of emergency.

The student is entitled to verbally express his/her personal opinions in an appropriate and respectful manner. The use of profane or obscene language is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. Threats of harm to persons or property will result in disciplinary action.

A student may be excused from participation in patriotic exercises with parental permission based on family religious or personal conviction, but not on the arbitrary or capricious reason of the individual.

Student organizations, clubs or classes, athletic teams, outside organizations and/or parent groups may occasionally be permitted to conduct fund- raising drives. An application for permission must be made to the principal before the event.

All funds raised or collected by or for school-approved student groups will be receipted, deposited, and accounted for in accordance with Oregon law and applicable district policy and procedures. All such funds will be expended for the purpose of supporting the school’s programs. The Principal is responsible for administering student activity funds. Students shall obtain the permission of the principal to sell materials or engage in activities which solicit contributions

Homework assignments should be planned to include a wide variety of activities in all areas of the curriculum. The type, frequency, and quantity of homework assignments should be determined by the needs of the individual student. Homework should be an application of practice of effectively taught skills/concepts; it should not be assigned for disciplinary purposes.

Reasons for Homework:

• To complete work started in class;
• To expand and/or enrich regular class work;
• To build interest in reading and learning;
• To make up work missed due to absence;
• To encourage parents’ awareness of student learning;
• To provide an opportunity to pursue special ability areas;
• To increase learning time;
• To establish independent study skills.

Guidelines for Parents
Parents can support a child’s interest in lifelong learning by encouraging good study habits and providing a learning environment in the home.

• Provide a place for the student to do homework.
• Help the student budget time so that a regular schedule for study is set.
• Take an active interest in what the student is doing at school.
• Ask for an explanation of a particular assignment and what is being learned.
• Compliment good work or when improvement is shown.
• Make constructive suggestions, but avoid severe criticism and undue pressure. A positive attitude by parents will encourage the student to do the best work possible.
• Encourage the student to seek additional help from the teacher at school if there seems to be any difficulty with the work.
• Encourage and guide your child with assigned homework.
• Under no circumstances should a parent complete schoolwork for the student.
• Regular school attendance is important for your child’s continued learning.
• Consult your child’s teacher at once with your concerns.

Suggestions for Students

• It is important to develop good study habits at home and at school.
• Be sure you understand the assignments and ask your teacher if you need help.
• Set aside a regular time to do homework.
• Study in an appropriate place without distractions.
• Complete your work and hand it in when it is due.
• Do your best on each homework assignment.

Each school year, many items end up in the “lost and found” area. Most items do not have names on them so there is no way of determining to whom they belong. Those items unclaimed are donated to a charitable organization.

Please put your child’s name on the inside of all jackets, sweaters, gloves, hats, backpacks or other items your child could remove during the day.

A note of caution: Put your child’s name on the inside of the lunch box. This will prevent persons who do not know your child from calling him/her by name when your child is going to and from school with a lunch box.

Occasionally, school materials checked out to your child are damaged or lost. When this occurs, it is expected that replacement costs will be provided by you or your child. In the event lost items are later found, the money will be refunded.

The District assumes no responsibility or liability for loss or damage to personal property brought to school. This includes bicycles, balls, bats, gloves, clothing, cameras, electronic toys and devices, eye glasses, calculators, radios, stereos, personal communication devices, books, or other personal effects.

Rollerblades skateboards and skate shoes are not permitted on school premises at any time.

Our parents are encouraged to participate in the education of their children in a number of ways. Opportunities for a parent to become involved include:

• Volunteering at your child’s school (contact your child’s teacher or principal);
• Joining your school’s parent organization or helping any way you can;
• Serving on a school committee;
• Attending and participating in your child’s school activities;

We frequently receive notes requesting children be kept in from recess due to illness. In most cases, we suggest students be kept home if they are not medically able to participate in regular school activities.

Students should be appropriately dressed to participate in outside recess activities.

Registration forms are available at every school and forms need to be completed each year. If there are changes during the year, the school needs to be notified as soon as they occur.

A student shall not be released from school at times other than regular dismissal hours except with the principal’s permission or according to school sign-out procedures. The teacher will determine that permission has been granted before allowing the student to leave. A student will not be released to any person without the approval of his/her parent or as otherwise provided by law.

All students shall remain at school from the time they arrive in the morning until dismissed at the end of the school day. Leaving school grounds without permission may result in disciplinary action. Should a student need to leave school prior to the end of the school day or if they are returning home by a different means, the parent should notify the school in advance.

Health regulations strongly advise that food prepared at home should not be served at school activities. Therefore, food prepared at home will not be served at school.

For safety reasons, we request that children arrive no earlier than fifteen (15) minutes prior to the beginning of classroom activities.

Children who walk or ride bicycles to school must leave at dismissal time. Children involved in after school activities, sponsored and supervised by school personnel, should go home promptly after the activity has been dismissed. Supervision is not provided on the playground after school.

Children who need to stay after school for unscheduled activities, like special program practices or completion of school work, will be asked to stay only if verbal or written parental permission has been received prior to the regular school dismissal time.

Supplies will be purchased by the district and distributed to students by their teachers at the beginning of the school year.  Schools will let families know if there are any additional personal items students might need.

District officials may search the student and his/her personal property when there is reasonable suspicion to believe a student is concealing evidence of an illegal act or is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct or district policy. Illegal items (weapons, alcohol and unlawful drugs, etc.) or other possessions determined to be a threat to the safety or security of others will be seized by district officials.

Items which may be used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process may be temporarily removed from a student’s possession or forfeited in accordance with law.

A general search of district facilities and properties including, but not limited to, lockers or desks may occur at any time. Items belonging to the student which are unlawful or are in violation of district policy will be seized. Students will be notified that searches of district property have occurred and will be notified of any items seized as appropriate

Due to the limited number of telephone lines available, children are discouraged from using the school office phone. Children will be given permission to call when the situation is considered appropriate by a teacher or school office personnel.

Tobacco use on school district property is prohibited

The reporting program in Klamath County School District includes a report every six (6) weeks. Report cards or progress reports will be issued after the end of each grading period.

A parent/teacher conference will be scheduled for each student. Conferences will be scheduled in advance by a note from the school. The parent is asked to confirm the appointment or to reschedule.

The conferences will be based on the kindergarten or elementary report card and will encourage a two-way exchange of information about the child. The parent or guardian should be prepared to share significant information with the teacher. The teacher will discuss growth in skills, attitudes and understandings, and share examples of work the child has done in the various academic areas. Teachers and/or parents may request additional conferences at any time.

A student shall be placed or promoted from one grade to the next on the basis of academic, social, physical, and emotional development. Exceptions may be made when, in the judgment of the professional staff, such exceptions are in the best educational interest of the student involved.

A decision to retain a student will be made only after prior notification and explanation to the student’s parents. Parental decisions will be final.

The continued safety of children is a major concern. It is important to teach your child the danger of speaking with strangers, accepting gifts from people they don’t know, and getting into a car with a stranger. These are concepts which are regularly reviewed at school and your reinforcement at home will stress the importance of these issues.

Immediately contact your child’s principal should your child report any unusual or suspicious occurrence while going to or returning home from school.

Some students ride bicycles to and from school. Parents should be sure each child knows and obeys rules for safe cycling. Each school will have specific rules that children should know regarding bicycle riding

In general, students should:

• Wear an approved bicycle safety helmet. It is the law, and only students who obey the helmet law will be permitted to ride bicycles to school.
• Arrive and leave school on time.
• Ride safely on school grounds and between school and home.
• Park bicycles in designated areas.
• Lock bicycles while at school.

Instruction on fire safety and earthquake dangers for students in grades K-8 shall be conducted for at least thirty (30) minutes each school month. At least one (1) fire drill will be conducted each month for grades K-12.

A map/diagram of the fire escape route to be followed is posted near all classroom doorways and reviewed with students. When the fire alarm is sounded, students must follow the direction of staff quickly, quietly, and in an orderly fashion.

At least two (2) drills on earthquakes for students in grades K-8 will be conducted each year. Drills to ensure the personal safety of employees and students may be held at various times during the school year.

At times a student may have signs or symptoms of illness and need to be excluded from school until diagnosed and treated by a licensed health care provider or until recovered.

Conditions that may require exclusion until either diagnosed or recovered include:

• Fever greater than 100.4;
• New cough illness
• New difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea (3 watery or loose stools in one day) with or without fever;
• Vomiting;
• Headache with stiff neck and fever
• Skin rash or open sores
• Red eyes with colored drainage
• Jaundice: new yellow color in eyes or skin
• Acting differently without reason
• Symptoms or complaints that prevent the student from participating in his/her usual school activities, such as persistent cough, with or without presence of fever; or
• Student requires more care that the school staff can safely provide.

Only a licensed health care provider can determine a diagnosis and/or prescribe treatment and provider instructions regarding the student’s return to school.

If the student becomes too ill to remain at school, or has an injury requiring medical evaluation the student will be released to the student’s parents or to another person as directed by parents on the student’s emergency form. School staff will administer emergency or minor first aid as necessary. The school will contact emergency medical personnel, if needed, and will attempt to notify the student’s parents whenever a student has been transported for treatment.

It is recommended that all students initially enrolling in school have a physical examination.