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| Volunteering
| Communication Folder
Elementary Handbook
| Absences | Medication
| Arrival | Dismissal
| Student Drop-off and Pickup | Rear
Path
| Bicycles | School
Cancellations | Media Coverage | Student
Conduct and Discipline | Visiting School
Areas of Interest | Downloadable
Forms | Parent Resources
Helping Your Child
| Links
to Informative Sites
PTO Executive Board 2008-2009
Phone
Secretary Secretary, Donate-a-Book, Scholastic Book Fair Kim Wackell
Patti Wolohan
Scripts Fundraising, Box Tops & Campbells, Volunteer Coordinator Milissa Pisano
Hospitality
Floral Street School welcomes volunteers. Opportunities include participating in the PTO, serving as a room parent, helping in the classroom, fundraising organizing and creating materials, and many more.
Please contact your child's teacher or the office if you'd like to help in any way; volunteering is crucial for our school community to reach its goals!
[ Top ]In order to improve communication and save resources, Floral Street School will only send home general notices in a communication folder on the first day of the week with the only or oldest child of a family. Notices unique to a grade level, classroom, or specific students (e.g. scout troops) will also be sent on the first day of the week.
Your child is expected to take excellent care of this folder. A replacement can be purchased from the office for $1.00.
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At the beginning of the school year, each family will receive the Shrewsbury Public Schools' Elementary School Handbook. This contains important information on school district policies and curriculum. Please read it carefully and share it with your child(ren) as appropriate.
The folder contains information that is specific to Floral Street School as well as commonly requested general information. If you have a question about any information contained in the handbook or folder, please don't hesitate to contact the school for clarification.
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Absences (Operation Child Safe)As soon as you know that your child is going to be absent from school, please call 841-8720 (prior to 8:30 a.m. whenever possible). This is the school's main number; please leave a message stating the child's name, teacher, and reason for absence.
If your child is listed as absent and the school has not heard from a parent, the office will call. It is very important that home and work phone numbers and addresses of parents and emergency contacts are kept up-to-date with the office so that we can reach someone when necessary.
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Students may not transport any medication (prescription or nonprescription) to or from school. All such medication must be delivered to the nurse by an adult. It must be in its original container with instructions for use. All medication will be administered at the nurse's office.
Please read the Shrewsbury Public School's policy on dispensing medication to students.
The necessary Signed Medication Order form is also available.
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Arrival
Class begins at 9:00 a.m. Students may be dropped off no earlier than 8:30 a.m., as supervision is not available before that time. Auto traffic for student drop-off must enter from the side driveway off of Whippoorwill Dr. and leave by the main driveway. Parents who need to park for a meeting or volunteering must use the blacktop parking area by the basketball hoops. Students arriving by car must be dropped off at the side entrance or main entrance as directed; do not drop off students in the parking lot or in the driveway, as this creates a dangerous traffic situation. If a parent brings a student in after 9:00 a.m., the parent must check the student in at the office. A fee-based Extended Day Program is available from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Please refer to the FSS drop-off procedure for additional information.
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Dismissal begins at 3:15 p.m. Students who are being picked up in a car are dismissed to the side parking lot, students taking the bus exit at the front door, students who walk using the rear path are dismissed at the lower rear door, and students who walk from the front of the school are dismissed at the front door after the buses have cleared.
The school must be notified when a child's usual dismissal procedure will be changed. Please send a note to the teacher; phone calls to the office to do this should only be done when absolutely necessary, since class may have to be interrupted to relay the message. Because of bus overcrowding, students are not allowed to ride a bus other than their assigned bus for any reason, including birthday parties, scout meetings, play dates, etc. If a situation involves daycare on an ongoing basis, please contact the office.
The school strongly discourages parents from dismissing their children early. Please keep this in mind when making appointments, scheduling lessons, etc. Time in class is a top priority for all of our children; your understanding and cooperation are appreciated in helping our students benefit from the maximum amount of undisturbed time available for learning.
If picking up your child by car, please refer to the FSS parent pick-up procedure.
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Student Drop-off and Pick-up Procedure
Student Drop-off
Auto traffic for student drop-off must enter from the side driveway off of Whippoorwill Drive and leave by the main driveway.
Parents who have reasons for parking and entering the school at arrival time, such as volunteering, meetings, helping students carry special projects, etc., are required to park in the center of the blacktop area where parent drop-offs occur. Parents must enter the blacktop via the side driveway along with the rest of the morning auto traffic. A staff member will provide direction. Parents who park in this area will need to move their cars by 10:00 a.m. so that students can use the space for recess.
"Parent pick-up" refers to students who are being picked up by car, not to parents who meet walking students at the school. Parents picking up a child by car must send a note informing the classroom teacher (if this will be a regularly scheduled pick-up, one note stating the schedule is sufficient). If a student is to be picked up by someone other than the parent, the note must state specifically to whom they are being dismissed. At dismissal, parents must enter from the side driveway off of Whippoorwill Dr. and line up their cars in the side parking lot; a sign in the front window stating the last name of the student(s) to be picked up helps speed the process.
The Police Department has informed us that they will be patrolling and giving citations for speeding, not observing stop signs, and entering the one-way driveway the wrong way.
From 8:30-9:00, auto traffic may not enter the main driveway from Floral Street. Cars must enter from the side driveway off of Whippoorwill Drive and then leave by the main driveway. Only staff members and those who need handicapped parking may enter, take a left at the first driveway, and park in the main lot.
Because there are many parents who have reasons for parking and entering school at arrival time (volunteering, meetings, helping students carry special projects, etc.), we created a special parking area for parents in the center of the blacktop area where parent drop-offs occur. All parents, except those with special needs or children with special needs, will be required to use the blacktop parking area in the mornings, and must enter it via the side driveway along with the rest of the morning auto traffic. Parents arriving for meetings or volunteering prior to 8:30a.m. may come in the main driveway but still must park in the blacktop area, not the main lot. Beginning at 8:30, a staff member will provide direction. Parents who park in the blacktop area will need to move their cars by 10:00 so that students can use the space for recess.
All cars must observe all stop signs. In the morning, at the intersection where staff members have hand-held stop signs, cars must stop until the staff member gives the go-ahead before proceeding. One car at a time will be waved through per the request of the Shrewsbury Police.
Please do not drop children off anywhere other than at the doors of the school - dropping them off in the driveway or the parking lot creates a hazardous situation for your children. Please do not pull out of the line and cut in front of other cars after your child exits your vehicle in the morning.
At parent drop-off in the morning, it is not the staff member's responsibility to open the car door for your child(ren). She may assist occasionally if a child is having difficulty.
When in the afternoon pick-up line, please do not block the four-way intersection, residential driveways, or crosswalks.
We appreciate the fact that families are often in a hurry, but please remember that the staff who do drop-off and pick-up duty are doing a difficult job with a focus on student safety, not speed. While we understand that waiting in line can be frustrating for those of you in a hurry, it is unfair to allow a few to disregard this policy for convenience's sake, as one family's time is no more or less valuable than another's is. Dismissing your child through the office simply to avoid waiting in line violates our school community's value of "working together" and teaches children that following procedures is for others.
We ask that you remain patient and take it slow in order to make arrival and dismissal as safe as possible for everyone. Thank you!
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Rear Path
During the fall and spring, students living in the neighborhoods behind the school may use the path through the woods to walk to and from school. This path is supervised by school staff at arrival and dismissal. Students are expected to stay on the path from beginning to end.
Students are not allowed to be dropped off or picked up by car at the end of the path to Ryan Road or at the end of the path at Hunting Avenue because of safety concerns.
During the winter months, the school district may provide bus service to walking students. Information will be sent directly to those families.
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Bicycles
Only fourth grade students are allowed to ride their bicycles to school. They must wear a helmet and walk with their bicycles on the school grounds. Bikes must be locked at the bike rack at the side of the school; the school will not be liable for any damage to or loss of a bicycle.
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School Cancellations
When school is canceled because of weather conditions, notification will be given, usually no later than 6:00 a.m., to television channels 4, 5, 7, and 34 (SETV); and to radio stations WXLO FM 104.5, WTAG AM 580, WSRS FM 96.1, WORC AM 1310, and WBZ AM 1030.
Notification of school cancellations and delays are also posted on the school department's web-site.
In the event of a delay in the opening of school, the Extended Day Program before school is canceled. For a one hour delay (class begins at 10:00 a.m.), students may arrive beginning at 9:30 a.m.; for a two hour delay (class begins at 11:00 a.m.), students may arrive beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Please do not call the school to find out if there has been a cancellation or delay, as this ties up school phone lines unnecessarily. Thank you.
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Media Coverage
Many school events and student accomplishments are publicized through both print and electronic media, including local newspapers, local cable television, and this web-site. If you have an objection to having your child's name publicized or your child photographed or videotaped, please contact the principal.
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Student Conduct and Discipline
In keeping with the core values established at Floral Street School, the policies and procedures regarding student conduct and discipline focus on our mission of "building a respectful community" and "cultivating cooperation, compassion, and confidence." Our goal is to create an environment where students feel safe and happy, so that they are able to learn and grow academically and socially. Emphasis is placed on students developing the skills they need to solve problems and resolve conflicts themselves; therefore, the approach used by staff focuses on constructive ways to aid students when problems occur, rather than focusing on punishment. The goal is for students to conduct themselves positively because they understand it is the right thing to do and that our school community expects such behavior, rather than out of fear of what will happen if they act negatively.
When a problem does occur, students are encouraged to solve it on their own if possible. If unable to do so, a staff member helps resolve the problem. Problems at these levels may involve consequences set by the teacher and may involve parental notification at the teacher's discretion. The goal is to resolve the issue with the least amount of distraction from the academic program and so that the student learns from his/her mistake.
When an issue cannot be resolved at these levels, or if the issue is judged serious enough, the administration is involved. At this level, consequences may involve "community service" related to the problem (e.g. helping pick up the cafeteria floor if the student made a mess), a reflective writing assignment, a time-out from class, a restriction from an activity (such as recess), and/or a parent meeting to discuss the situation and develop a plan of action to correct it. In some situations, the administration may require an immediate parent meeting to address the issue. Whether or not a meeting is requested, parents are notified in writing if their child has a serious problem, and a signed copy of the notification will be kept on file at school.
We have succeeded in creating a school environment where positive behavior is the norm and where students are encouraged to learn from their mistakes. Cooperation between the school and families in setting high expectations for student conduct and in helping students meet or exceed those expectations is crucial.
Please refer to the Shrewsbury Public Schools Elementary Handbook to read the Code of Conduct for all Shrewsbury students.
Thank you for your continued help in building a respectful community as Floral Street School.
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Visiting the School
Visitors are welcome at Floral Street School. However, in order to maintain an uninterrupted learning environment, visits must be scheduled in advance with the teacher. For all of our children's safety, all visitors must sign in at the office and get a pass.
Forgotten items should be dropped off at the office, not brought directly to the classroom.
Parents who walk their children to/from school need to remain at the entrance. Parents should not go to the classroom without making arrangements with the teacher in advance and signing in at the office. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Areas of Interest
- Sherwood Middle School
- Oak Middle School
- Curriculum Guides
- Donate-a-Book Program
- Shrewsbury School Department
- Shrewsbury Public Library
- Corridor Nine - Area Chamber of Commerce
- Parks and Recreation
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Downloadable Forms
To download a form, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. This can be installed free of charge from www.adobe.com. After opening the form in Acrobat Reader, simply print it and fill out the form.
| Form | Description |
|---|---|
| Parent Pick-Up | When your child is parent pick-up, please fill out this form and
send it to school with your child. "Parent pick-up" refers
to students who are being picked up by car, not to parents who meet
walking students at the school. If this will be a regularly scheduled
pick-up, one note stating the schedule is sufficient. Please refer
to the FSS parent pick-up
procedure for more information. |
| Floral St. Donate-a-Book Form | Floral St. School has a Donate-a-Book Program. If you would like to donate a book to FSS, please download this form and return it to school. |
| 3-5 Acceptable Use Agreement | A Review of the district's Acceptable
Use Policy which includes the |
| Annual Physical Examination Report | When your child's medical record needs to be updated, please have your child's physician fill out these forms and return to FSS. |
| Student Parent Contract 03-04 | Please review this contract with your child before filling it in and returning it to school. |
| Shrewsbury Public Schools Dispensing
of Medication Policy Signed Medication Order |
If your child requires prescription medication be administered at school, please review the school policy and complete the appropriate form. |
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Parent Resources
- Resources on Bullying (Bibliography for students, parents, and teachers)
- Summer R.E.C.E.S.S. (Reading Program at Shrewsbury Public Library)
- DOE MCAS report for Floral
- Parents: Holiday Information
- Elementary Report Card Information
- School Cancellation Link
- Summer Fun and Learning
The Helping Your Child Series publication series (below) aims to provide parents and caregivers with the tools and information necessary to help their children succeed in school and life. These booklets, from the U.S. Department of Education, feature practical lessons and activities to help their school aged and preschool children master reading, understand the value of homework and develop the skills and values necessary to achieve and grow.
Helping Your Child Succeed in School provides parents with information, tools and activities they can use in the home to help their child develop the skills critical to academic success. (September 2002)
Helping Your Child With Homework helps parents of elementary and junior high school students understand why homework is important and makes suggestions for helping children complete assignments successfully. (August 2002)
Helping Your Child Become a Reader offers pointers on how to build the language skills of young children, and includes a list of typical language accomplishments for different age groups, suggestions for books, and resources for children with reading problems or learning disabilities. (August 2002)
Helping Your Child Learn Mathematics is made up of fun activities that parents can use with children from preschool age through grade 5 to strengthen their math skills and build strong positive attitudes toward math. (March 2004)
Helping Your Child Learn Science provides parents of children ages 3 through 10 with information, tools and activities they can use in the home and community to help their child develop an interest in the sciences and learn about the world around them.(March 2004)
Helping Your Child Learn History is largely comprised of activities that can be experienced at home or in the community for children in preschool through grade 5, yet also features information about the basics of history; practical suggestions for how to work with teachers and schools to help children succeed in school; and a list of federal sources, helpful Web sites and suggested books for parents and children. (June 2004)
Helping Your Child Become a Responsible Citizen provides information about the values and skills that make up character and good citizenship and what you can do to help your child develop strong character. It suggests activities that you and your school-aged children can do to put those values to work in your daily lives and tips for working with teachers and schools to ensure that you act together to promote the basic values that you want your child to learn and use. (March 2003)
Helping Your Preschool Child highlights techniques parents can use to encourage their children to develop the skills necessary for success in school and life by focusing on activities that make learning fun. (August 2002)
Helping Your Child Through Early Adolescence addresses questions, provides suggestions and tackles issues that parents of young teens generally find most challenging. (September 2002)
The Children's Literature Web Guide, from the University of Calgary, provides information about children's authors and illustrators.
Helping Your Student Get the Most Out of Homework, National PTA National Education Association. Parents and families play an important role in the process. Together, families and teachers can help children develop good study habits and attitudes to become lifelong learners. This brochure answers questions many people have about homework. It gives specific advice for helping your children.
Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators, provides a variety of curious links ranging from the CIA to Bill Nye. This site includes a number of commercial sites and some advertising content.
HomeworkSpot, another commercial site maintained by StartSpot Networks. This site provides wide range of topics organized by grade. Watch for commercial content and a vague privacy policy.
Encouraging Readers in Grades 3-6 - Promote a deep appreciation of reading! A wonderful site for parents! The American Initiative on Reading and Writing, also called ReadWriteNow!, was launched by the U.S. Secretary of Education, Richard Riley, in May, 1995. Its goals are to assist families in fostering good literacy habits in their children and to assist schools and other youth and educational organizations in improving reading and writing abilities.
Reading Tips for Young Readers - Extensive resources and activities are offered at this site for young readers. There are printable worksheets that cover the parts of a book, differentiating letters, distinguishing sounds in one-syllable words, decoding, and reading common sight words. Punctuation and capitalization exercises are also included. Great exercises Parents can do with their children at home.
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Links to Informative Sites
- Achieve, Inc.
- Back to School, Moving Forward
- How Do I Know a Good Early Reading Program When I See One?
- Just for the Kids
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- National Reading Panel
- No Child Left Behind
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