Key Policies and Procedures

Below are excerpts from the Student Handbook, which address common concerns and frequently asked questions. Thoroughly review the policies, procedures and codes of conduct contained in the Handbook itself with your children since Prairie Ridge students will be held accountable for this information.

Attendance

Because irregular or poor attendance denies the student opportunities to maximize benefits from teachers and fellow students, the following policies have been adopted:

•  A parent or guardian must call the school each day a student misses all or part of his/her school day.

•  You may leave information on the automated voice mail system twenty-four hours a day or you may call the switchboard    between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

•  The Prairie Ridge telephone number is 815-479-0404.

•  Written notes are not acceptable to excuse absences.

•  Failure to call the school within twenty-four hours of a student absence results in an unexcused absence or truancy.

•  A student is only allowed SIX days of absence without question, per semester, provided there is a call from a parent.  (Note: absences that are valid and accompanied by supporting documentation are not counted toward the six days of absence.)  Please see page 31 of the student handbook or the web site for further information.

School Makeup Privileges

Students will retain makeup privileges for  missed work and assignments only if a school administrator excuses the absence. Excused absences include:

• Illness - a doctor's statement may be required for repeated or extended absences
• Serious illness or death in the family
• School related activities such as field trips, music tours or participation in athletic events
• Scheduled family vacations if cleared at least one week in advance with the school administration.

       Appropriate forms are available in the Deans' Office.

Note: whenever possible, students should schedule makeup arrangements with their teachers in advance of planned absences.

Daily Schedule

Period Time                              Period       Time

      1    7:25-8:10 a.m.             6      11:35-12:20 p.m.

      2    8:15-9:00 a.m.             7      12:25-1:10 p.m.

      3     9:05-9:50 a.m.            8        1:15-2:00 p.m.

      4     9:55-10:40 a.m.          9        2:05-2:50 p.m.

      5  10:45-11:30 a.m.

Monday Schedule (Late arrival)

Period       Time                          Period       Time

1        8:10-8:50  a.m.                 6             11:55-12:35 p.m.

2        8:55-9:35  a.m.                 7             12:40-1:20 p.m.

3        9:40-10:20  a.m.               8             1:25-2:05  p.m.

4        10:25-11:05  a.m.             9             2:10-2:50 p.m.

5        11:10-11:50 a.m.

Electronic Devices and Lasers

• The personal use of pagers, cellular phones, laser pointers and other similar electronic devices in any form is prohibited on the school premises, on school buses or any school-provided means of transportation (both on or off District property) and while involved in any school related activities unless the device is authorized and approved for use by the Building Principal.
• The presence of an unauthorized and unapproved device shall be cause for confiscation and further search for possession of additional prohibited items.  
• The student owner and student user(s) shall be disciplined according to school board policy and administrative procedures that may include detentions, suspension or expulsion.

Smoking & Tobacco Use

State law prohibits any use of tobacco on school property. This includes spectators and visitors at all school events. Students may not use or be in possession of tobacco products at any time.

• While on school property,
• While on school buses or any form of transportation provided by the school both on and off  District property 
• While attending or participating in any event sponsored, conducted, approved or authorized by the District. This includes but is not limited to curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities such as field trips, athletic events, dances, music/drama productions, choral trips, etc.

Bus Conduct

• School  rules apply to all students who are transported by the District. Violation of bus rules and safety procedures will result in disciplinary action which may include a suspension of  bus privileges.  Students are required to carry their school I.D.’s for their bus boarding permit.

Study Hall

• All Freshmen students will be assigned to study halls during their non-class time (except for one lunch period).
• Provisions are available for Freshmen students to confer with teachers, use the library or attend the computer labs with approved passes from staff personnel.

Commons

• All Sophomore, Junior and Senior students who demonstrate acceptable responsibility (following all rules and meeting requirements) will have access to non-classroom areas on the lower level of the school building in lieu of being assigned to a study hall. This area contains the student commons, library, computer labs and career center. 
• All students must scan in at  the designated areas and remain in that area until the dismissal bell rings.
• Commons students who cannot demonstrate acceptable responsibility may be assigned to a study hall where attendance will be taken and passes will be needed to move from one area to another.

Getting Yourself and Your Child to Prairie Ridge:

Bus Information

Know your child's bus route number as well as his/her pick-up and drop-off locations. Also, make sure your child memorizes this information -- especially if he/she does not regularly ride the bus.

Remind your child to be at the bus stop on time in the morning.

After school, remind your child to find his/her bus in the loading area (route numbers should be clearly visible).

Finally, be patient if the bus is running slightly behind -- sometimes delays are unavoidable.

Driving Your Child To/From School

When dropping your child off in the morning or picking him/her up after school, please:

• Use the Walkup Ave. entrance and access the campus via Dvorak Dr.
• Exercise patience and caution -- especially in the circle drive outside the main entrance.
• Extended time may be needed on late start Mondays due to an increase in parent drop off.

Visiting the School

During the school day:

• Please park in a "Visitor's" space
• Enter the building through the main doors
• Please stop by the Greeter’s Desk at the main entrance to sign-in
• You will need a driver’s license or state ID to check in

When attending after-school events please park in an appropriate place and enter the building or spectator area and enjoy the results of our students' hard work and dedication, whether on the field, in the gym, or on stage.

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