Handbooks

Our online handbook has been prepared as a guide for you to become acquainted with the policies and procedures of our school. It serves as a framework from which you can plan your activities. In the absence of a specific guideline, please comply within the spirit of good citizenship and ask your teacher for further clarification. If you still have additional questions concerning these documents and the sign off procedure, please call our office at (435) 884-9991 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

*          *          *          *          *          *          *

    We acknowledge receiving information to access Grantsville Elementary School’s Student-Parent Handbook online for the current school year. It includes G.E.S.’s Walking Plan and Traffic Safety Information, as well as the Tooele County School District’s Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act, School Fees Notice, Truancy/Unexcused Absences Prevention Policy, Student Cell Phone Policy, Rules and Regulations Governing Student Transportation, Tobacco-Free Policy, Bullying Policy, Safe School Conduct and Discipline Policy, and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.

        Student Signature                Date

        Parent Signature                Date

*Please sign and date this page digitally or physically and return it to your child’s teacher ASAP. This helps ensure that ALL students and parents have received access to these documents.

Dear Parents:
Welcome to Grantsville Elementary School! Our entire staff is excited and happy to welcome your child(ren) back to school! Our excellent teachers and staff are very excited to help all of our students to learn, and we are committed to helping each student achieve his/her potential. You will feel the spirit of pride at G.E.S. as you become a part of our school.
We realize that schools are created to serve and to educate students. We intend to maintain high standards of excellence and to establish high expectations for student achievement. With these goals in mind, we anticipate a very productive and rewarding school year. Each of our teachers offer unique educational experiences that will help students to learn and grow, as well as to develop intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally.
As a staff, we will also teach and practice basic social skills. We believe that everyone who has been taught to demonstrate appropriate social skills will be better prepared to excel academically. All students and staff members need to contribute to and help maintain a safe school environment which is conducive to learning, developing individual responsibility, and providing mutual respect.
We also recognize that the parent is the primary educator of the child, and we encourage you to participate and to get involved in the activities at our school. We believe that “it takes a village to raise a child," which includes a combination of home, school, and community members working together, resulting in a more effective and positive educational experience for all of our children.
In this online handbook, you will find a list of staff members, a daily schedule, a school calendar, dates for Parent-Teacher conferences, school policies, and other useful information. Please use this online handbook as a reference throughout the year.
Thank you for your interest in and support of Grantsville Elementary School. We wish you all the best of luck as we embark on a successful new school year!
Sincerely,
Candy Raleigh, Principal
Grantsville Elementary School
 

We recognize that as our children’s first and most influential teachers, we can promote their success and contribute to an excellent school if we make and fulfill the following commitments:

• We will establish high expectations for our students. We will not accept minimum effort or indifference to quality work.
• We will know what is expected in each of our student’s classes and communicate with teachers when we have a question or concern.
• We will insist on good attendance, as long as our child is well.
• We will provide a quiet time and place in our home for study.
• We will insist that our students accept responsibility for their learning and conduct.
• We will model the importance of life-long learning.

Richard DuFour and Robert Eaker
Professional Learning Communities at Work
 

*KIDS 1st*

Structuring Grantsville Elementary for Student Success

HIGH EXPECTATIONS:    We believe that every child is a person of value who is capable of learning and has the need to be challenged. Each unique individual deserves a quality educational experience with equitable access to diverse growth opportunities that will help him/her to achieve his/her potential and ultimately become successful. We envision a school without barriers where risk-taking is accepted and encouraged.

POSITIVE AND SAFE CLIMATE:    We believe in the power and potential of the human spirit, and we believe that people are innately good. We want to create a SAFE, caring, friendly, and nurturing LEARNING environment that celebrates individual differences and respects cultural diversity…a place where students feel like they are wanted and belong to a part of something greater than themselves…where they have the freedom to explore their own creative potential…uninhibited.

INSTRUCTIONAL EXCELLENCE:    We want to provide our students with a solid foundation in the basics, emphasizing reading, writing, math, and science across all areas of curriculum, with a focus on keeping kids at or above academic grade level in conjunction with the Utah State Core Curriculum. At the same time, we want to cultivate critical thinking skills in our students and challenge them to “think outside the box.” We value academic learning time as meaningful, and we seek to provide quantifiable measures of student progress.

COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS:    We believe that learning is relationship driven and should be student-oriented. We want to surround our students with the best available role models, where teachers as leaders can and do make a difference. We want to create a community of learners, where students, faculty, staff, and parents ALL learn, grow, and evolve together.

CHARACTER EDUCATION:    We are committed to developing caring, honest, and respectful citizens who will make positive contributions to society and live meaningful lives. We encourage students to value friendship, and to interact positively with each other as they accept responsibility for belonging to a group. We want them to be passionate and compassionate as they participate in activities that will promote good citizenship and develop leadership qualities.

“REAL WORLD” PREPARATION:    We believe in the edification of our society through the preservation of democratic principles. We want to emphasize practical applications and skill acquisition that students can take with them in the future. We want to provide hands-on experiences and expose students to new ideas, new people, and new places that will motivate them to become self-directed, lifelong learners.
 

The Personal Responsibility of Each G.E.S. Student

    We are proud to be GRIZZLIES, and we believe that it is a privilege to be enrolled at Grantsville Elementary School. We take our responsibilities very seriously as representatives of our school, both during the school day and away from school. Therefore, as students at G.E.S. we are expected to be aware of and to accept our individual responsibilities in the following five areas:

RESPONSIBILITY for Your Own Actions:
Your first responsibility is to decide how you should conduct yourself while you are at school. You will be held responsible only for the things you do or fail to do. What others choose to do or not do is of little importance in determining whether or not you accept your responsibility as a student-citizen at Grantsville Elementary School. The decisions are yours to make, as are the corresponding consequences.   Personal cleanliness, acceptable language, and fairness in play will be expected at all times.  

RESPECT for the Rights of Others:
Every right you have has an obligation attached to it. Your rights must be balanced against the rights of others, just as their rights must be balanced against yours. Also, the purpose of our school and the requirements of the educational process must be weighed in deciding who has a right to do what and which behaviors will be punished at any given time. This is why our society has laws and our school has rules to live by.

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS the First Time:
You deserve the best instruction that Grantsville Elementary School has to offer. In order for the efforts of the teachers to be successful and for you to work and achieve your potential, you must cooperate with the teachers and do all those things that you are asked to do the first time, without complaint or question. Compliance is key to our collective success—noncompliance will not be tolerated in our building.

Keep Your HANDS, FEET, MOUTH, and OBJECTS to SELF:
Everyone has their own personal space that needs to be respected by others. A good rule of thumb to guide your behavior at school is to not touch other students and/or any other personal property that does not belong to you. This includes not pushing or shoving when lining up to go somewhere and no roughhousing or horseplay in any of the common areas (hallways, restrooms, lunchroom, playground, etc.).  Stay to the RIGHT as you walk through the school.

BE THERE—BE READY:
You have an obligation to be in class, on time, and prepared to give your best effort each and every day. Just as your teachers must come prepared to teach, you and your classmates must come prepared to learn—with open minds and open hearts—ready to take full advantage of all the educational opportunities that our school has to offer, and to be a proactive participant in the instructional process.
 

3 R’s . . .
    RESPECT for the Rights of Others:
Your rights must be balanced against the rights of others, just as their rights must be 
balanced against yours.
    RESPONSIBILITY for Your Own Actions:
You will be held accountable only for the things you do or fail to do.
READINESS:
Be THERE; Be READY; Make GOOD Choices.

In the Hallways . . .
RESPECT:
Keep Feet, Hands, Mouth, and Objects to SELF.
RESPECT for everyone in the building will be shown at ALL times. 
RESPONSIBILITY:
Students will move QUIETLY and use appropriate language.
Students are expected to help keep our school building CLEAN and SAFE.
READINESS:
Walk SAFELY and SLOWLY; stay to the RIGHT.

In the Restrooms . . .
RESPECT:
Keep Feet, Hands, Mouth, and Objects to SELF.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Use QUIET voices and appropriate language at ALL times.   
Use only what you need.
Clean up after yourself. 
READINESS:
ONE and DONE!

In the Lunchroom . . .
RESPECT:
Keep Feet, Hands, Mouth, and Objects to SELF.
Students are expected to use proper manners when eating; say “Please,” “Thank you,” and “Excuse me.”
RESPONSIBILITY:
Raise your hand if you need something.
Use QUIET voices and appropriate language at ALL times. 
Clean your table and assigned area.
ALL food stays in the lunchroom.
READINESS:
Get everything you need BEFORE sitting down at your assigned table.
Stay seated until you are excused; leave when you are excused; WALK.

On the Playground . . .
RESPECT:
Keep Feet, Hands, Mouth, and Objects to SELF.
Be a good sport; play SAFE and by the rules. 
RESPONSIBILITY:
Use equipment appropriately; be FAIR and SHARE space as needed.
Use appropriate language in ALL your activities. 
Return ALL equipment.
READINESS:
ALL activities are confined to the defined play areas.
STOP your activity when you hear a whistle.
Line up in an orderly manner and prepare to return to class when the bell rings.
    
In the Gym . . .
RESPECT:
Keep Feet, Hands, Mouth, and Objects to SELF.  
Be a good sport; play SAFE and by the rules.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Use equipment appropriately; be FAIR and SHARE space as needed. 
Use appropriate language in ALL your activities.
Return ALL equipment.
 READINESS:
ALL activities are confined to the defined play areas.
Line up in an orderly manner and prepare to return to class when the bell rings.

In the Library . . .
RESPECT:
Keep Feet, Hands, Mouth, and Objects to SELF.
Show respect to the Librarian at ALL times.
RESPONSIBILITY:
LISTEN and be cooperative in following directions.
Ask for help when you need it.
Push in your chair and CLEAN UP before leaving.
Return ALL books and other materials ON TIME and in good repair. 
READINESS:
Enter with a QUIET voice and use appropriate language at ALL times.
Sit where assigned and work quietly.

In the Office . . .
RESPECT:
Keep Feet, Hands, Mouth, and Objects to SELF.
RESPECT for everyone in the building will be shown at ALL times. 
RESPONSIBILITY:
Remember to ask permission FIRST.
Remember to return items that you borrow. 
READINESS:
Enter with a QUIET voice and use appropriate language at ALL times.
LISTEN, pay attention, and do as you are asked.   
Patiently WAIT your turn.

In the Bus Zone . . .
RESPECT:
Keep Feet, Hands, Mouth, and Objects to SELF.
LISTEN to adults and do as you are asked. 
RESPONSIBILITY:
Use appropriate language at ALL times.
Everything with wheels WALKS off campus.
Use garbage cans for trash as needed.
READINESS:
Stay on campus if you are riding a bus home; get to your bus ON TIME.
Line up in a single file at the bus door behind the line.
Walkers leave campus right after school; be SAFE and use the crosswalks.

In Assemblies . . .
RESPECT:
Keep Feet, Hands, Mouth, and Objects to SELF.
Be a good participant-–show appreciation with applause--and enjoy the assembly as a courteous spectator.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Enter with a QUIET voice and use appropriate language at ALL times.
Both FEET and POCKETS should remain planted at ALL times after being seated.
READINESS:
Enter and exit assemblies responsibly; WALK.
Sit quietly, eyes forward, and LISTEN.
 

A Limited English Proficient (LEP) student who has sufficient difficulty speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language, which may deny the student the opportunity to learn successfully in classrooms where English is the language of instruction or to participate fully in our society, and:

Was not born in the U.S. or whose language/environment is other than English; 
OR
Native American or Alaskan Native who is a native resident of outlying areas where environment is other than English; 
OR
Is migratory and native language/environment is other than English.

At the beginning of each school year, a Home Language Survey is provided in the online registration for each student to determine if they require further testing in order to qualify for additional Alternative Language Services (ALS). If they do qualify, they will be contacted by the school and testing will be administered. If the testing indicates that the student qualifies for additional services, an Individualized Language Plan (ILP) will be set up to help accommodate and facilitate the student’s school work.

For more information, please contact one of the following people:

    ALS Representative:    Kristiana Allen        (435) 884-9991
    Principal:            Candy Raleigh            (435) 884-9991
    Title III Director:        Stephanie Rowley        (435) 833-1900
    Assistant Superintendent:        Jeff Hamm            (435) 833-1900

The  following teachers at G.E.S. have ML Endorsements:

Wendy Boren, Angela Orton, Toshia Medrano        

Native American Education
    The Title VI program provides supplemental services to meet the culturally-related academic needs of American Indian/Alaskan Native students. The program is federally funded through the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. by a Formula Grant Program.

    To enroll in the program, students must be enrolled in one of the district’s public schools and parents/guardians must complete a 506 form. The student, a biological parent, or grandparent must be or have been an enrolled member of a federally recognized Native American Tribe/Nation. Parents/Guardians provide documentation to this effect when filling out the 506 forms. 506 forms are available in the school office, or you can contact the Native American Education Liaison at 435.833.8778 ext. 1704.
 

Homelessness is a lack of permanent housing. Under the McKinney-Ventra Act, students living in a campground, car, hotel, motel, shelter, or other temporary residence—or who are sharing a home due to the loss of housing or economic hardship—have their educational stability protected. A homeless child or youth shall:

Continue in their school of origin for the duration of homelessness or for the remainder of the school year.
Be immediately enrolled, even if the student cannot produce the records required to enroll.
Are eligible for free lunch and fee waivers.
Would be provided transportation to the school of origin by parent request.

If your family is in a homeless situation, please talk to your principal about the specific needs your student may have, or for further information, call: 
District Family/Homeless Liaison at (435) 833-1900, extension 1415 
 

The Grantsville Elementary School PTA is an extremely valuable and active group of parents and teachers. The PTA helps GES with many programs and activities. They provide field trips for each grade level each year. The PTA provides field day, provides goodies for our guest reader days, helps with our literacy programs, and sponsors many after school activities . The GES PTA is a terrific asset to our school. Please watch for notices from the PTA when membership meetings will be held. 
Officers for the 2024-2025 school year are:
        President:            Megan Hansen
        Vice President:        Traci Graft
        Secretary:            Holly Ramos
        Treasurers:             Emilly Johnson
        Membership:        
        Reflections:            Megan Hansen
        Field Day:            
        DLI & New Teacher Liaison: Stacy Bleazard
        Teacher Appreciation:     
        Media/Communications: 
 

Volunteers are essential to the success of our school, and we are very grateful for the contributions of our dedicated volunteers. All volunteers (including those chaperoning field trips) will be required to apply to be a volunteer. This can be done by following these steps:
Visit our website https://appgarden5.app-garden.com/VolTrackUT30.nsf 
Register and complete application 
Application will be reviewed and you will be contacted if further information is needed. TCSD uses BCI for all background checks. If you have never applied to volunteer before, you will need to have your fingerprints taken at the district office before you can be approved to volunteer. If you have applied and been a volunteer before, you may not need to have your fingerprints taken again. This will depend on if your fingerprints were taken through the TCSD system. The district will notify you if you need your fingerprints taken. 
Once approved, watch your in-box for invites to opportunities that match your interest.  Once you are a volunteer, please check in with the teacher for whom you would like to volunteer. That teacher will be able to direct you as to how to help in his/her classroom, with copies, and/or how you can be of benefit to the school at large. 
Once your initial volunteer application and background check have been approved, you will be notified by email annually on the anniversary date of your application approval to renew your status as a volunteer. If you do this, you will not be required to have your fingerprints taken again. However, if you fail to respond to the yearly reminder email, you will have to complete the volunteer registration process.

A Community Council shall be formed at each school to provide a sounding board for the principal to be used in the performance of his/her designated duties and responsibilities. Actions of the school Community Council shall be advisory in nature. Elementary Community Councils shall consist of at least seven members, including at least four parents/guardians, and three employee members (including the principal).

Each school Community Council shall:

Annually evaluate the school’s U-Pass test results and use the evaluation in developing a school improvement plan.
Develop the School Land Trust Program.
Develop and implement a staff professional development plan.
Develop a child access routing plan and make recommendations relating to the community environment for students.
Develop a reading achievement plan.
Create subcommittees and/or task forces as needed.

Grantsville Elementary School’s Community Council is scheduled to meet bimonthly in the library @ 4:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of every other month (unless otherwise noted), as follows:

September 4, 2025 @ 4:00 PM
November 6, 2025 @ 4:00 PM
January 8, 2026 @ 4:00 PM
March 5, 2026@ 4:00 PM
    May 7, 2026 @ 4:00 PM

Grizzly of the Month assemblies take place once monthly. Students are chosen by their teacher based on monthly characteristic traits presented by the counselor and STUCO on a video to be viewed in the classroom.  A bulletin board will be created to showcase different activities students participate in throughout the school year.  Students will also receive a Grantsville Elementary swag.

Growth Parades will take place at the end of the 4th term. At the beginning of the year  students will set academic growth goals. At the end of the term, students and teachers will meet to discuss progress on academic growth goals. Students will recognize an area or areas of growth they are most proud of and create a poster to advertise their success. Parents of students will be invited to attend our Growth Parade to cheer on students for their hard work and success. 

Growth Parade Dates: May 15th or May 20th
 

When Should My Child Arrive at School?
Students should arrive at school between 8:35 and 8:45 a.m. If your child is eating breakfast at school, he/she needs to arrive at about 8:30; we stop serving breakfast at 8:45. The tardy bell rings at 8:50, announcements are made, and school begins. Students not eating breakfast will wait outside until the bell rings at 8:45 unless there is inclement weather, in which case students will be allowed to wait in the gym. 
If students are not eating breakfast at the school, it is helpful if they do not arrive before 8:45. If children wish to come into the building at this time, they should go immediately to their classrooms and remain there until school starts. There should be no children playing in the halls or the restrooms before school.

~DAILY SCHEDULE~

(M-Tue-Thurs-Fri)
8:25    Front doors open for students eating breakfast (School breakfast starts at 8:25 and ends at 8:45)
8:30    Teachers arrive
8:40-8:45    Students arrive 
8:45    First Bell: Front doors open for Students  to go to class
8:50           Tardy Bell: School begins for ALL grades PK-6; National Anthem and Announcements
8:50-11:30    A.M. Preschool
8:50-11:40    ½ Day Kindergarten 
Recesses by grade level throughout the day
10:55/11:00 - 11:40     1st and 2nd Grade Lunch and Recess
11:30/11:35-12:15    Full day Kindergarten and 6th Grade Lunch and Recess
12:05-12:45    3rd and 5th Grade Lunch and Recess
12:35-1:15    4th Grade Lunch and Recess
12:50--3:30    P.M. Preschool
3:35    Dismissal Bell: School dismissed for ALL grades K-6
4:00    Teachers Leave
~Wednesday Schedule~
8:25    Front doors open for students eating breakfast (School breakfast starts at 8:25 and ends at 8:45)
8:30    Teachers arrive
8:40-8:45    Students arrive 
8:45    First Bell: Front doors open for Students  to go to class
8:50           Tardy Bell: School begins for ALL grades PK-6; National Anthem and Announcements
8:50-10:20    A.M. Kindergarten 
9:55- 10:35     1st and 2nd Grade Lunch and Recess
10:30-10:50      6th Grade Lunch
10:30-11:05    Full day Kindergarten Lunch and Recess
11:00-11:25    3rd and 4th Grade Lunch
11:35-11:55    5th Grade Lunch
12:30    Dismissal Bell: School dismissed for ALL grades K-6
4:00    Teachers Leave
Our doors are locked before school, with the front doors opening at 8:25 a.m. for students eating breakfast. All outside doors will be open to enter the building from 8:45-9:05. At 9:10, we will relock all outside doors. During the school day, students may exit through all doors, but must re-enter with a teacher, or come back through the front doors.
    Parents may meet their children outside the school doors after school. Parents and visitors needing to enter the school during the day must enter through the front doors after being let in by the front office (you will need to ring the doorbell and office personnel will unlock the door for you). To meet with a teacher or an administrator, an appointment must be made in advance. 
 

Breakfast is served each day from 8:25-8:45 a.m. in the cafeteria. Any student wishing to eat breakfast needs to go directly to the cafeteria upon arrival at school so that they are not late for class. Breakfast serving ends at 8:45. Cost for breakfast is $2.00 and $.30 for reduced.
 

School lunch is available for all students each school day. Cost for lunch is $2.50 and $.40 for reduced. 
 

In accordance with TCSD Policy 5031, Personal Technology and Communication Devices, the Grantsville Elementary written procedures for using devices is as follows:
District-Owned Electronic Devices: Grantsville Elementary School recognizes that technology can enhance teaching and learning. To this end, the school is supportive of TCSD providing Chromebooks for all its students and working with students to enhance their education through these devices. Use of these devices is based on the acceptable use policy signed by all faculty, staff, students, and parents at the beginning of the school year. Violation of this policy can result in the loss of privilege of these devices.

CELL PHONES and SMART WATCHES - We understand the feeling of security that cell phones or smart watches bring, but we need to make sure they don’t cause problems at school. Cell phones and/or smart watches may be brought to school with parents’ permission but must be turned off during school hours and kept in backpacks. If the student does not have a backpack, a temporary bag will be provided to store the cell phone/watch. Cell phones or smart watches are not to be used by students during school hours including recess to call or text out. The office phone is available for students when necessary and with permission during the school day. We cannot assume any responsibility for cell phones or smart watches. If students do not comply with the cell phone or smartwatch rules, consequences may be the following: 1st infraction: Cell phone/watch held until the end of the day at the office. 2nd infraction: Cell phone/watch held at the office until a parent picks it up. 3rd+ infraction: Cell phone/watch held at the office until a parent picks it up AND additional consequences will be implemented. 
**Exceptions will be made for diabetic students that use a continuous glucose monitor(GCM).

Any immunization record provided by a licensed physician, registered nurse, or public health official may be accepted by the school official as a certificate of immunization if the type of immunization given and the dates given are specified and the information is transferred to an official certificate for immunization and verified by the district in which the school is located. The governing authority of any school shall prohibit further attendance by a student under a conditional enrollment who has failed to obtain the required immunization five (5) days after written notice of a pending suspension and if the student’s rights have been mailed to the last known address of a parent, guardian, or legal-age brother or sister of a student who is without parents or guardian. Parents or guardians whose children are prohibited from attending school for failure to comply with the provisions of this act shall be referred to the juvenile court (Division of Family Services) for medical neglect.
 

It is the practice of the Tooele County School District to have a health care plan in place for children who have a health concern. The classroom health care plan (HCP) helps to ensure a better understanding of your child’s health care needs and is directly reviewed with your child’s teacher and principal. 
Issues that need to be addressed are:

• Administration of medication to student by school personnel
• Students carrying and self-administering their own medication
• Diet modifications
• Medical conditions
• Physical cares that need to be done during school hours

HCP’s require signatures from parents/guardians and health care providers. Under Utah Code 53-A-11-601 medication administration and possession of medication is allowed at school as long as consents are signed by parents/guardians and health care providers.
If your student requires any of these services or attention regarding a health care concern, it is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to contact the student’s school. The school will provide you with the appropriate paperwork so that your student’s health concerns can be addressed at school.
 

The school staff is not allowed by law to dispense any medications except with the written consent of the child’s physician, and/or the County Health Department. Forms for this purpose are available in the office and must be completed BEFORE the medication can be administered. All medication containers must have complete information attached: name of contents, patient, dosage, and instructions. The school will not dispense over the counter drugs, such as aspirin, Tylenol, cough syrup or drops. Inhalers may be used according to State Policy and Guidelines.

Regular attendance in school is very important to maintain continuity in the education of children, and it has a direct impact on a student’s level of academic achievement. School 
Attendance is a student/parent/school responsibility. It should be primarily the responsibility of the home and student to promote consistent, daily, punctual attendance as directed by Utah State Law, U.C.A. 53A-11-101 et. seq. It should be primarily the responsibility of the school to provide, monitor, and adjust appropriate curriculum and educational opportunity as directed by Utah State Law. With that being said, if your child is sick, they need to stay home. If students have any symptoms of COVID-19 or other communicable diseases, please keep them home, and excuse them through the office. Communicate with your child’s teacher as well so that information from class can still be learned. 
    The administration and staff of Grantsville Elementary School believe that students need to be in class and on time every day. We expect students at Grantsville Elementary School to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered to them. Therefore, we ask that you please call the school office and let us know when your child is going to be absent. 

    The following is a copy of the Tooele County School District’s policy regarding excused absences. This policy will be followed throughout the District this year.

    “A student may be excused for a reasonable period of time from school in cases of illness, medical or dental appointments, death in the immediate family, or acts of nature which may endanger the child. All other absences shall be unexcused unless the building principal, prior to the absence and at the request of a parent, agrees to excuse the student for a specific purpose.
    Pupils should be excused only for that part of the school day necessary to satisfy their specific need for absence. For pupils with excused absences, they shall be afforded the opportunity to make up any school work missed as a result of the absence. It shall be the student’s responsibility to ensure that all makeup work is completed and turned in.
    Students absent from school in connection with school-sponsored activities shall be counted as present and shall be allowed to make up all work for missed classes. If missed work is not made up or is not acceptable, the student’s grade shall be reduced accordingly.”
Tooele County School District Policy Manual: Section V. Pages 22-23
 

As per State Law, any student who does not attend school for ten consecutive days without a legitimate excuse, will be dropped from the attendance rolls.

Conversely, any student who is absent for reasons of health, accident, or injury for more than ten consecutive school days is eligible for homebound instruction. The school must receive written verification from a medical doctor before authorization is given for homebound privileges. If a student qualifies for homebound instruction, the parents should contact the main office for information on the application. The school district Case Management Team will determine if the student is eligible for homebound services.

Grantsville Elementary School is a closed campus. As a result, once students arrive on our premises—whether they are walking; riding bikes, scooters, or skateboards; roller blading; being dropped off by their parents or the bus—they are not to leave school grounds until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the day, unless they are checked out with an adult. STUDENTS ARE TO REMAIN ON CAMPUS ONCE THEY ARRIVE, or we cannot accept responsibility for their supervision.

Please do not send money with students to spend at local businesses during school hours. Students caught frequenting stores during school hours will be considered truant and referred to the Grantsville City Police Department in violation of the Tooele County School District’s Attendance Policy. Truant students will be picked up and returned to school pending parental notification.
 

No student will be detained after regular school hours until his/her parent or guardian has received prior notification of the need for detention, including the day and the amount of time the child will be kept after school. If a bus student is kept after school, arrangements for transportation home will be made at the time of the prior notice. If a child misses the bus through his/her own choice—or neglect—the child and/or parents will be responsible for arranging transportation home. 

    We also recognize the importance of after-school religious instruction, sports, and other social activities. Students will not be kept after school when it conflicts with religious and/or social activities. The teachers should be informed of any such activity. An alternative day will be agreed upon for the child to remain after school and complete his/her school work.
 

The number one objective at G.E.S. is to educate our students. To be successful, our classrooms need to be safe and free from distraction. For this reason, all parents who come into the school are required to check in with the office.
    Parents will not be allowed to drop things off to their students in the classroom. If a parent plans to bring something to his/her child:
Prearrange with the front office
Upon arrival check the item in with the front office, and we will send it to the classroom or give it to the child at the appropriate time. This includes birthday treats, forgotten items, lunches--everything. In order to maintain a great teaching atmosphere, we ask that balloons, flowers, and other gifts specific to a child be dropped off at the office. If a parent needs to visit with a child, we will call him/her to the office.
In the event that a parent needs to visit with a teacher or administrator, an appointment will need to be made in advance. 
-Check in with the office 
-Wait for the person with whom they have an appointment in the office 
 

If your child must go home during the school day (excused absence), you will need to send a note notifying the teacher and the front office.

Any student leaving school during the school day must sign out through the front office. This policy is to provide additional safety for all students and parents. The adult taking responsibility for the child must provide his/her name, picture I.D. (upon request), checkout time, and the reason for taking the student out of school.

    If your child becomes ill or is injured while at school, we will call you. For your child’s sake, it is imperative that we know how and where we are to contact you, and as many emergency contacts as you are comfortable with, in case of an emergency. If you are going to be out of town for the day, please make sure your child knows where to go in case of illness or injury. While we will not violate FERPA Laws in order to protect the identity of students, we will disclose information about COVID-19 cases according to local governmental and health department guidance.

    Please call us at (435) 884-9991 if your child is absent from school. If he/she is going to be out of school for an extended period of time, you need to make arrangements with the teacher to pick up his/her work.
 

While we appreciate the fact that most children are willing to share, bringing toys to school creates nothing but distractions for students and staff, as well as causing problems in the classroom and at recess for everyone involved. Toys get broken, lost, stolen, and kids fight over them, not to mention the additional safety hazards that some toys create at our school.
    
    Toys are not allowed at school, with the notable exception of things brought to share with classes for show-and-tell. These things should be checked in with the classroom teacher first thing in the morning and picked up on the way out that same day. Grantsville Elementary School will not be held liable for any damage caused to items brought onto our campus that may get lost, stolen, or broken.
    
    All toys brought to school—with the exception of those things checked in with the classroom teacher in advance for show-and-tell as described above—will be confiscated and the parents will be required to pick them up. Please help us to create a safe and positive learning environment for all students.
 

Please do not send “guest” students to school to visit classrooms. This results in additional work for individual teachers, and often distracts students from their school work. Additionally, this is a safety issue.

The telephone in the main office is for school business only. Children are discouraged from using the telephone, except in emergency situations. Students must have a phone pass from their teacher in order to use the phone during the school day.
    
    In order to relieve pressure on the front office, we ask you to arrange with your children ahead of time where they should go after school, or the pickup schedule if they are in car pools. As much as possible, the telephone will be off-limits to students calling for rides or asking permission to go to a friend’s house after school.

    Please do not ask the staff to relay messages to your child unless the situation is urgent. We cannot stop the instruction of all the other students for any reason other than an emergency. We try to limit all classroom interruptions in order to facilitate the productive use of instructional learning time. 
 

Students with five or more unexcused tardies in any school term will be considered in violation of our attendance policy. Tardies distract from your student’s ability to learn, as well as his/her classmate’s ability to learn.

It is the desire of the Board of Education that all parents be notified when their children are failing in school. Therefore, the following policy has been adopted:

    “All teachers will notify parents of their child’s failing performance in school at the time the boy or girl shows indication of failure and before it is too late to correct the situation. Notice will be given to parents by telephone or in writing. All teachers will keep appropriate records of efforts to notify.”
Tooele County School District Policy Manual; Section III, Page 18
 

Teachers and staff members deserve respect. Students should address them in the accepted manner (Mr./Mrs./Miss and the teacher’s last name) during school hours. First names and nicknames should not be used by students when addressing school personnel.

Parents are welcome at Grantsville Elementary School. During the course of the school year, you may wish to confer with one of the teachers or to visit a classroom. It is imperative that you call and make an appointment in advance. Parents visiting the school must have a visitor’s pass from the main office.

    A teacher’s primary responsibility is to teach the students in the classroom. Potential problems can arise if parents go into the classroom during school time to talk with teachers. Therefore, no one should go to a teacher’s room without first making an appointment. We also ask that parents respect teachers’ privacy outside of school and discourage calling teachers at home before or after school hours.
 

Parents requesting specific teachers for their children has become an increasing problem. It is very difficult for us to establish classes that are fair and equitable for both students and teachers, while continuing to try and satisfy all requests. It is inherently unfair to “stack” some classes with requests for certain teachers, while the majority of our students are left to fend for themselves in the class placement process. In point of fact, many students have been denied access to the teachers they need the very most because these classes have been filled in advance. As a result, Grantsville Elementary School does not accept placement requests.

    At Grantsville Elementary School, we believe that there are no bad teachers. A great deal of thought and evaluation is given to placing each of our students in the appropriate class. However, parents who still feel it is necessary for us to be aware of a child’s specific needs concerning his/her placement for the next school year need to write a letter to the Principal expressing their concerns (e.g. accommodations related to a 504, health care plan, or I.E.P.; or a previous bad experience with a specific teacher). Parents are welcome to schedule an appointment with the principal to discuss their concerns.
 

Bringing animals on campus is a direct violation of the Utah State Health Department Code providing for a safe school environment. Animals at school pose some obvious safety hazards. For example, the potential always exists for someone getting bit, as well as hidden diseases that may be carried and communicable to our staff and student body, either directly or indirectly. Animals and their waste products carry other smaller insects such as fleas, mites, and ticks, not to mention the mess that their feces and urine leave all over our campus when left unattended.

    Examples of animals brought onto campus that pose potential threats include—but are not limited to—birds, cats, dogs, lizards, snakes, and all forms of rodents (including guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and rats). Grantsville Elementary School is not responsible and will not be held liable for damage caused by animals brought onto our campus. In the event that animals are left unattended, the Grantsville City Police Department will be notified immediately and the animal control officer will come to pick up the animal. The owners will be held accountable for any fines and/or damages.
 

ALL fundraising activities must be pre-approved by the administration. A completed fundraising form must be submitted prior to the beginning of the activity. All funds received—regardless of the source—should be deposited directly with the school financial secretary. Any expenditures of monies must be conducted through the use of a completed purchase order and/or a school check, including all proper documentation, which may be obtained through the school financial secretary.
 

Grantsville Elementary School is a “No Gum” school. The problem with chewing gum at school is that –once allowed in—it gets everywhere from the carpet to underneath chairs, desks, and tables, and it is extremely difficult to clean up. We have had increasing problems with students bringing gum to school and not only chewing it, but sharing it with other students. We respectfully request your help as parents to ensure that students are not bringing or chewing gum on campus during the school day, and we appreciate your support of our enforcement of this rule at school.

    Soda has also become a problem for many of the same reasons listed above. If a student brings a small soda for his/her lunch, that is fine. However, the practice of bringing large quantities of soda, and sharing the soda isn’t acceptable.
 

Please have your child dress appropriately to fit the weather, and in accordance with the TSCD Dress Code. All clothing (boots, coats, gloves, sweaters, etc.) should be marked with the child’s name. This will help us identify items to return them to their proper owner.

Students should not bring any disruptive electronic devices on campus, such as  electronic games, laser pointers, etc. Such items may be confiscated and, if so, only returned to a parent. Fantasy, playing, or trading cards will also not be allowed at school. Internet devices and phones may be used according to TCSD Policy and at the discretion of teachers, but should not be brought to school for entertainment purposes.
 

Throughout the school year, many personal items (coats, shoes, hats, gloves, lunch boxes, jewelry, glasses, etc.) are left by the students. If your child loses anything, please check in the school lost and found area immediately, located in the cafetorium. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity. Please remind your child to look for lost items ASAP.
    
    Before an article may be claimed, the article must be accurately identified by the owner. Therefore, please put your child’s name on all backpacks, coats, gloves, hats, lunch boxes, etc. This will help us to return lost items to your children. The school will not be held responsible for any valuables lost at school.
 

Textbooks are checked out to all students by the Tooele County School District Board of Education. Once a book is assigned to a student, the student is responsible for that book. Lost or damaged books must be paid for by the student.

    Overdue books cause additional record-keeping problems for the Media Center staff, and they also deprive other students from accessing those materials. Students are responsible for all lost books. Additional books will not be checked out to the student until all overdue book(s) are returned.
 

While we understand and appreciate that students want to have social time with their friends after school, it presents a safety issue for all students. We have supervision at 3 different locations (crosswalk, buses, and back playground) for 15 minutes after school, to ensure that students safely exit campus. However, after that, we do not have the resources to supervise students. We have found that students staying at school unsupervised creates many safety issues.

    In order to solve this problem, we are asking that you ensure that your student has a plan for getting home each day after school in a timely, safe manner, and that you review that with your child. We will have any students who are still on campus 15 minutes after the bell rings come to the front office to be picked up. Hopefully, everyone can understand the seriousness and potential danger involved for our students exiting campus at the end of the day. As a staff, we continue to reiterate best safety practices, and monitor students closely as they leave school at the end of the day.
 

A. Purpose and Philosophy.
Tooele County School District (TCSD) is committed to provide a safe, wholesome, orderly, and positive environment conducive to teaching and learning for all students.  The TCSD Board of Education recognizes that dress and grooming seriously affect the behavior of students attending school and may also impact sanitation, health, and safety conditions. TCSD also recognizes the need for balance between freedom of individual expression and the right to a quality education for all that is free of disruption.
Students shall dress in a manner suitable to the day’s activities consistent with the standards of health, safety, and acceptable behavior.  The student dress and grooming standards shall apply to all schools in the district and to both male and female students.  The dress code also applies to students whether attending school or any school sponsored function or activity (as a participant or member of the audience).
School administrators, faculty and staff are responsible for communication and enforcement of this policy and student dress and grooming standards, as well as, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, in addition to, legal precedence and board policy.  Involvement of stakeholders (i.e. PTA, Community Council, staff, students) in the management of schools is encouraged and can result in expanded thinking, increased ownership, satisfaction, and improved instructional programs and outcomes.  Interpretation of the dress and grooming standards will be under the primary responsibility and discretion of school administrators.  However, all district and school staff members shall have a share of responsibility in seeing that these standards are implemented and enforced fairly and consistently in classrooms, in school buildings, on school grounds, on school buses, at school activities, and other school sponsored events.  The building principal has the final discretion to implement this policy fairly and consistently (regardless of student gender identification, race, sexual orientation, religion, etc.). Violations of this student dress code may result in reasonable disciplinary action according to District policy.
B.  Student Dress and Grooming Standards
Students’ clothing and jewelry must not present a health or safety hazard or distraction, which would disrupt the educational process or mission.  Disruption is defined as reactions by other individuals to the clothing or adornment, which cause the teacher/administrator to lose the attention of students, to modify or cease instructional activities, or to deal with student confrontations or complaints.
Items that disrupt the educational mission shall not be allowed.  Personal items such as clothing, paraphernalia, jewelry, backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags, water bottles, etc., shall be free of writing, pictures, or any other insignias, which are crude, vulgar, profane, violent, or sexually suggestive, or promote illegal/criminal activity.
Items which display advertising, promotions and likeness of tobacco, e-cigarettes, alcohol, gang activity or affiliation or drugs or which are contrary to the educational mission, shall not be allowed.
All students shall maintain their hair, mustaches, sideburns, and beards in a clean manner.  Hair styles which disrupt or interfere with the learning atmosphere at the school shall not be allowed.  Hair coloring is not prohibited; rather it should not detract from the purpose of 1) maintaining a safe school environment, and 2) prohibiting dress and grooming that causes actual disruptions to the learning environment or process.
Clothing, jewelry, accessories and piercings which are so conspicuous, extreme, or odd that they draw undue attention, disrupt or tend to disrupt or interfere with the learning atmosphere at the school shall not be allowed. Sunglasses may not be worn indoors at school.
All students shall wear clean clothing.  Students shall not wear clothes that are mutilated, cut off, overly distressed or “grungy/grubbies”, or immodest.  No shorts or skirts above mid-thigh  are permitted unless leggings are worn.  Such leggings may not be see-through.
Clothing must sufficiently cover undergarments at all times (i.e. sagging pants that reveal underwear, tops that reveal bra straps, etc.).   Short shorts, mini skirts, bare midriffs, halter-tops, tube tops, strapless shirts/tops , muscle shirts with enlarged holes, or similar revealing clothing is not permitted.  Clothing must cover the midriff, underwear, and cleavage at all times (even when seated).  This includes clothing that has holes above mid-thigh .  School activity uniforms (i.e. singlets, spanks, cheer skirts, leotards, etc.) that do not meet these criteria are not appropriate for the school day and may only be worn during the approved activity.  Such uniforms may be worn at school under team warm-ups or sweats.
Belts are to be worn at the waist and at correct length (i.e. not excessively long and hanging).  Chains or other large metal accessories, which can present a safety risk, are not allowed.
Students shall comply with the laws that govern wearing of military uniforms and insignias.
Hats or head coverings, including hoodies, are permitted as long as they do not disrupt the learning environment or make it difficult or impossible to identify students.
Immodest or suggestive clothing; apparel advocating illegal or inappropriate or offensive behavior or language; gang or gang–related apparel or symbols are strictly prohibited.
Tattoos and piercings are not specifically prohibited; rather, the policy is established around 1) maintaining a safe school environment, and 2) prohibiting dress and grooming that causes actual disruptions to the learning environment or process.
School officials may require or approve students to wear certain types of clothing for health or safety reasons in connection with certain specialized activities (i.e. welding gloves or jackets, helmets, safety glasses, etc.).
Shoes or sandals shall be worn at all times to ensure personal safety and hygiene.  Students are encouraged to dress appropriately for weather and wear reasonable footwear for the activity and season.
Reasonable accommodations may be made for students whose religious beliefs are substantially affected by dress code requirements.
Students who violate dress and grooming standards will be subject to student discipline.  Due process procedures will be followed in the case of any dress and grooming code violations.  Schools may have acceptable clothing to loan to students who have violated the provisions of this policy.  An offending student may be sent home until he or she reasonably complies with appropriate dress and grooming standards and/or a parent conference conducted to address the dress and grooming issues.  
C.   Graduation Attire
In order to maintain dignity and decorum at high school commencement, students participating in commencement exercises are subject to the dress and grooming standards articulated in this policy and are required to wear the prescribed cap and gown during the ceremony.
Personal items such as clothing, accessories or jewelry that draw undue attention or detract from the dignity and decorum of the occasion shall not be allowed.  Mantles, cords, insignias or medals signifying achievement, honor or recognition are restricted to awards issued and approved for display at graduation by the local high school.  During the ceremony is defined as the entire duration of the commencement program from opening processional to completion of the recessional.

Make your children aware of the inherent dangers involved when crossing streets. We are most concerned with those streets that border our school: PARK STREET, APPLE STREET, CENTER STREET, and especially MAIN STREET, with the large numbers of students who must cross it.
The black-lined streets (shown by arrows) on the attached map have been designated as the safest and most direct walking routes to Grantsville Elementary School. Each parent and child should decide which of the streets are closest and easiest to get to from their respective homes. The children walking to and from school should get to one of the designated streets as soon as possible after leaving their home, or at the end of the school day when leaving the school building.
    The designated streets lead to the adult-controlled crosswalk, a marked crosswalk, or intersections with stop signs. (We have one adult crossing guard at the MAIN STREET crosswalk.)  Please make a “practice walk” with your children to make sure they know how to cross the street using a crosswalk, and to make sure they use the crosswalk with the crossing guard if they must cross MAIN STREET. All students, parents, and staff members should follow the directions of the crossing guard at all times.

FROM THE NORTH SIDE OF MAIN STREET
    Students walking from the east or west directions on the north side of MAIN STREET must cross ONLY at the school crosswalk with the crossing guard. The city provides a crossing guard to help them safely across the street.

FROM SOUTHEAST SIDE OF MAIN STREET
    Children coming to school should cross Park Street at the corner of PARK and APPLE, or the corner of PARK and MAIN, and then enter the school grounds.

FROM SOUTHWEST SIDE OF MAIN STREET
    Children coming to school should cross Center Street at the corner of CENTER and APPLE, or the corner of CENTER and MAIN, and then enter school grounds.

ENTERING THE BUILDING
    Once on school grounds, students may enter through the front doors. Students may also walk onto the playground and/or follow school sidewalks to get to the outside door nearest their classrooms. Students coming to eat breakfast at school (8:30-8:50 a.m.) should enter through the main office doors in front of the school. 
 

Students using a bike, rollerblades, scooter, or skateboard to get to school should ride on the right hand side of the road and never in the middle. They should walk across streets and be cautious while on the streets where there is no adult supervision. All bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, and skateboards must be walked on school property. Students should wear bike helmets and protective padding when riding bikes, rollerblades, scooters or skateboards. Bikes should be walked to and locked in the bike racks during the school day for security purposes. Rollerblades, scooters, and skateboards must be carried into the school building and no one may ride these in the hallways, classrooms, or in the lunchroom.
 

Parents should drop off and pick up their children in the designated drop off and pick up area in front of the school, or in the designated parking areas on the school side of the streets that border our campus on the North, South, and West sides. Drop your students off only in the designated areas. We have access points for children to enter and exit our campus on all four sides of our school.
Comply with all speed limits and stop signs and handicapped parking signs. The speed limit on PARK, APPLE, & CENTER Streets around the school is 10 m.p.h.  All vehicles approaching the school should use EXTREME CAUTION at all times, but especially during the times our children are coming to and from school. Drive slowly and watch for children who may dart out in front of you.
    The staff parking area NORTHEAST of the school building is NOT a drop off or pick up area. Students who dart between parked cars or past employees who are trying to park their cars are in great danger.
 

There is a designated bus loading zone on the SOUTH/WEST side of our school. The buses unload students between 8:25-8:45 a.m. each day and load them at 3:30 p.m. On Wednesdays, ALL bus students load at 12:30 p.m. 
    Do not park, drop off or pick up students in the bus zone as the posted signs designate times of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on school days.
Thank you for your help and support with our safety guidelines. We appreciate all you do to ensure the safety of our students at Grantsville Elementary School.
 

*Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures:
1)     Crossing Guard: All students, parents, and staff members should always follow the directions of the crossing guard.
2)    Drop Off: Parents should drop students off in the designated pull through area in the front of the school. Parents should remain in their cars to drop students off. If they need to get out for any reason, parents should park in the visitor parking area at the front of the school or in the designated parking areas on the school side of the streets that border our campus on the North, South, and West sides. Parents should never pull through the parking lot. School starts at 8:50, so parents should drop off between 8:30 and 8:45.
3)         Pick Up: Parents should pick up their children in the designated pick up areas in front of the school, in the faculty parking lot, or in the designated parking areas on the school side of the streets that border our campus on the North, South, and West sides. Those who travel south on Park Street should pick-up in the Faculty Parking Lot. Those who travel north on Park Street should pick-up in the pull through, as seen in the graphic below.

4) Bus Zone: Do not drop off or pick up your children in the SCHOOL BUS ZONE as this is for buses only and very dangerous for students. The times posted are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on school days.
5) Bicycles: Due to safety concerns, all bicycles, roller blades, scooters, and skateboards must be walked on school property. Please walk bikes to the bike racks.  All bikes should be locked during the school day for security purposes.  No one may ride roller blades, scooters or skateboards in the hallways, classrooms, or in the lunchroom. Roller blades, scooters, and skateboards must be carried into the school building.
6) Speed Limit: The speed limit on PARK, APPLE, and CENTER STREETS on the EAST, SOUTH, and WEST sides of the school building is 10 m.p.h. Please comply with all speed limits, stop signs, and handicapped parking signs.
*Thank you for your help and support with our safety guidelines. We appreciate all you do to ensure the safety of our students at Grantsville Elementary School.
 

Park Street
    It is unlawful for any person during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to allow passengers to load or unload from a motor vehicle, or to park or allow to be parked a motor vehicle, trailer, or other item of personal property, along the west side of Park Street from Main Street to Apple Street. It is also unlawful for any person between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to park or allow to be parked a motor vehicle, trailer, or other item of personal property along the east side of Park Street within 179 feet of Main Street except when the driver or passenger of said vehicle is a patron of the HeadStart Building (Old Grantsville City Hall, 7 Park Street). It is unlawful for any person between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to allow passengers to load or unload from a motor vehicle, park or allow to be parked a motor vehicle, trailer or other item of personal property on the east side of Park Street starting at a point 179 feet south of Main Street and south from that point to Apple Street. The regulations of this subsection only apply when the Grantsville Elementary School is in session and students are in attendance.
Center Street
    It is unlawful for any person during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to allow passengers to load or unload from a motor vehicle, or to park or allow to be parked a motor vehicle, trailer, or other item of personal property, along the west side of Center Street from Main Street to Apple Street. It is also unlawful for any person between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to park or allow being parked a motor vehicle, trailer or other item of personal property on the east side of Center Street starting at a point 300 feet south of Main Street and south from that point to Apple Street. The regulations of this subsection only apply when the Grantsville Elementary School is in session and students are in attendance.
Apple Street
    It is unlawful for any person during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to allow passengers to load or unload from a motor vehicle, or to park or allow to be parked a motor vehicle, trailer, or other item of personal property, along the south side of Apple Street from Center Street to Park Street. It is also unlawful for any person between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to park or allow being parked a motor vehicle, trailer or other item of personal property on the north side of Apple Street from Center Street to Park Street, provided, however, the loading and unloading of students in this area shall be allowed. The regulations of this subsection only apply when the Grantsville Elementary School is in session and students are in attendance.