The Mission of Audubon School is to develop and challenge each child's personal, social, and academic potential, so that he or she will become a productive citizen in society.

Looking for the DCSD credit card transaction site for lunch accounts? Here you are.

Audubon Policies & Procedures

Arrival Time
Students will enter the building with the first bell at 8:10 a.m. Classes begin at 8:20 a.m. Students must be in their seat in their classroom by
the 8:20 a.m. bell. Otherwise they will be considered tardy. Students should not arrive at school or enter the playground before 8:05 a.m. unless they are taking part in the breakfast program, which starts at 7:50 a.m. or are part of the St. Mark Before School Program. This time is needed by teachers to prepare lessons for the day. Students are to line up as they enter the playground area. (This is not play time.) There
is no supervision prior to 8:05 a.m. Please do not send children to school early. Good attendance and promptness are valued attributes.
o Students may not leave school grounds once they have arrived.

Absences/Attendance - Call 552-3300 to Report an Absence or Late Arrival
Parents/guardians are required to call the office by 8:20 a.m. to report a student absence or late arrival. The school has an answering machine so you may call anytime at 552-3300; be sure to leave your name, your child's name, and the reason for the absence.

A telephone call or written note (which can be provided the day prior to the absence, the day of the absence with a sibling, or with your child on their return to school) is required in order for the absence to be considered excused.

In the event a student is absent and school has not been notified, we will attempt to call the student's home. It is important that all students are accounted for on a daily basis. We make an effort to locate every student who is not at school. If necessary, follow-up phone calls will be made
to the parents' workplace and the designated emergency contact if we are unable to reach the parent.

According to Section 299.1 of the Iowa Code, the parent/guardian is accountable for the child's attendance at school. Children who have reached the
age of six and are under the age of 16 years of age by Sept. 15 are of compulsory attendance age for that school year and are expected to be in attendance every day of the school calendar. Without reasonable excuse for the absence, the student will be deemed truant. Every week, the Juvenile Court School Liaison/Truancy Officer reviews Audubon's attendance and consults with staff. This may result in a referral to the Dubuque County Attorney where charges may result for the parent.

The principal will exercise judgement concerning the reasonableness of absences and will make the final determination whether an absence is excused
or unexcused. The principal may require documentation for absences deemed unreasonable including excessive illnesses.

School Excused

*Pre-arranged and approved absences - Permission for such absences MUST be obtained in advance of the absence from the principal.
Failure to obtain prior permission may result in the absence being considered unexcused. Parents/guardians are strongly urged to schedule vacation during summer and various breaks in the school calendar.
*School sponsored or approved activities

*Required court appearance
*Bereavement

*Personal illness
*Out of school suspensions

*Professional appointments which cannot be arranged outside of school time
*Recognized religious observances


School Unexcused
*Falsely informing the school about the reason(s) for the absence
*Personal business
*Absences that have not been pre-arranged and approved

Bicycles
If a student rides his/her bicycle to school, it should be parked in the racks provided near the playground doors. Chain locks should be used to secure bikes. The school cannot assume any liability for loss.

Birthdays
Birthday treats are permitted. Please be certain that there are enough treats for everyone in the classroom. The treats should be small and inexpensive. The following items are prohibited: gum, suckers, or hard candy. Flowers, balloons, etc. delivered to school for students will be held in the office until the end of the school day.

Book (Covers)
We require that all student textbooks be covered in grades 4 and 5. Books do go home regularly, and they do need extra protection. If books are damaged or destroyed, students will be charged based on current repair or replacement value. We appreciate your help in this endeavor.

Cancellations and Delays
Cancellations and delays can be heard on any Dubuque radio station after 6:00 a.m. and local television stations. Please do not call the school office to check on cancellations. You may call the Dubuque Community School District inclement weather hotline at (563) 552-3035.

Child Abuse
Iowa Law requires that we report all cases of suspected child abuse and neglect to the proper authorities. State law allows DHS protective workers to interview children at school without parent permission. See Iowa Code 232.68 subsection 3 and 232.71B subsection 6.

Cold Weather Policy
Whenever the wind-chill is below zero, the following measures will be in effect: 1) Students line up in the hallway between 8:05 and 8:10 a.m.
2) Recess will be held indoors. It is very important that all children dress appropriately for this type of weather. There is a significant health risk when failing to do so.

Custody Issues
In cases where parents are separated or divorced and one parent has legal custody, we must have a copy of the court order that indicates custody and visitation rights. We need to keep that copy in the students' file; otherwise we are obligated to let either parent have equal contact with or information about the respective child.

Daily Schedule
8:10 a.m. - Students enter the building (Students should not arrive before 8:05 a.m. unless they are eating breakfast or are part of the St. Mark Before School Program.)
8:20 a.m. - Classes begin/"Good Morning, Audubon" Announcements
3:05 p.m. - All students dismissed (Except on Wednesdays when dismissal is 1:05 p.m.)

Discipline
In an effort to provide a safe and positive environment that supports teaching and learning, it is essential that we establish an orderly and supportive climate at Audubon School.

Before effective learning can take place, reasonable order and discipline must be present. Basically, it is the shared responsibility of home and school to accomplish this goal. Discipline is the key to good conduct and proper consideration for other people. Good discipline is maintained by recognizing and encouraging good behavior and taking corrective action when necessary.

Students are expected to put forth their best effort and to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will promote our safe, orderly learning environment. Building, recess, and classroom rules and expected behavior will be shared by the teachers at the beginning of the year and will periodically be revisited throughout the year. Any behavior which causes the learning atmosphere to be disrupted or which infringes upon the rights of others in the school will not be tolerated and may subject the student to corrective instructional measures.

Acceptable corrective instructional measures may include, but are not limited to the following: teacher-student conference; completion of classroom behavior plan; deprivation of privileges or preferred activities; time out in the classroom; communication with parent via note, telephone or conference; referral to principal and completion of problem solver form; in-school suspension; referral to support resources including School Resource Officer; suspension or possible expulsion (for more details please read the District Policy 5200).

To ensure a positive learning environment for all students and staff at Audubon School, we ask you to give us your support, cooperation and trust in guiding your child's behavior. In return we will act in the best interest of your child, strive to be fair and maintain an open line of communication. Together we can make Audubon a safe place!

Discrimination
Discrimination and Harassment Not Tolerated Assurance Statement: Any form of discrimination or harassment can be devastating to an individual's academic progress, social relationships and sense of self-worth. Therefore, the Dubuque Community School District will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in its educational program on the basis of a person's protected status, such as age, color, creed, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, physical attributes, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. ~Dubuque Community School District School Board Policy #1001

Inquiries about this statement need to be directed to: Dr. Kris Hall, Executive Director of Equity Operations and School Services, Dubuque Community School District, 2300 Chaney Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52001. Phone: 563-552-3019.

Dismissal
Dismissal time on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday is 3:05 p.m. Dismissal time on Wednesday is 1:05 p.m. ALL early release times are noted on the calendar. Upon dismissal, students are to leave the building and school grounds. Students dismissed must leave the playground and are encouraged to go directly home. The playground opens to the public at 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. If it is necessary to have your child dismissed early, you must send a note with your child for their teacher. The teacher will release your child at the appropriate time to your designated adult. If an emergency arises, notify the office prior to picking up your child. School policy dictates that any student leaving the building prior to dismissal time must be picked up in the school office and signed out of school by their parent/guardian or an authorized adult. Should the need present itself, identification may be requested from the individual picking up the student. Keep in mind that according to district policy, students leaving before the scheduled dismissal time are counted tardy. We ask that arrangements are made with your child before school so that the office is not asked to interrupt the classroom for messages - unless there is an emergency.

If students are not picked up, DHS or the police will be called if the office is unable to locate family or emergency contacts that parents have provided.
Dress/Appearance
Please see that your child is dressed appropriately for the school day. Students wearing inappropriate attire do not contribute to the learning atmosphere (i.e. short shorts, halter tops, spaghetti-strap tops, see-through shirts, shirts with inappropriate messages, badly torn or ripped jeans, etc.). Hats, bandanas, or any head covering are not appropriate for the school day. Any form of dress style, makeup, hair style, or unnatural color of hair which is considered contrary to good hygiene or which is distracting or disruptive in appearance and detrimental to the purpose or conduct of the school will not be permitted. For gym days, rubber-soled, non-scuff shoes are required for safety. High-heeled shoes are not appropriate for school. We ask that children dress appropriately for the winter months enabling your child to enjoy outdoor recess on colder days. (If these guidelines [Board Policy 5200] are violated, the student will be required to change to appropriate attire and/or his/her parents will be notified and the student may be sent home for appropriate action.) As always, use good judgement.

Emergency School Closings
Early school dismissal or emergency school closing occurs occasionally. The causes are varied but in most instances, the same guidelines apply.
The following information will be helpful in safeguarding your children:

Emergency closing of school during the school day will be announced on local radio and television stations. Please do not call the school to see if school is being dismissed early. The telephone lines are sometimes blocked with calls. You may have difficulty getting through.

How Parents Can Help

* Make plans ahead of time, such as making arrangements for your child to stay at a neighbor's house in case you are not home. Discuss these plans with your child so that he/she will know the procedure to follow.
* Please do not call school unless it is an extreme emergency. Instead, listen to the radio and television reports. Incoming calls only tie up the lines when it is necessary for the school to make important calls to help insure the safety of children.
* Encourage older children in school to think about their younger brothers and sisters. If your children are walkers, discuss with them the importance of having a special meeting place and walking home together.
* If you come to school on an emergency dismissal day to pick up your child, you are asked to check with the office to receive instructions.

FERPA
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) mandates that only biological parents of a student or a legal guardian of that student is allowed access to student information (unless the parent gives written permission otherwise). This includes discussing student progress, behavior issues, etc. Be sure to review the FERPA information, which was included in your registration packet.

Handicap Accessibility
Audubon school is accessible for all people. If you need special parking arrangements, you may park in the small lot along the north side of the building on Lincoln Ave. The main entrance is easily accessible on the north end of the building, also on Lincoln Ave. Once within the building, Audubon is a one-level school as we do not have stairs. If you know ahead of time that you are coming to school and require special assistance, feel free to call ahead (552-3300) and we will be happy to help in any way that you need. This also includes special events and evening programs. Otherwise, check in at the office as all visitors are expected to do.

Immunization/School Records
All students must submit upon entering school a certificate of immunization completed by a doctor or health officer. This certificate must be on file
in the school office. It is important that student records reflect accurate and up to date information. Any changes of address, phone number, emergency numbers, etc. should be reported to the school office immediately.

Injury and Illness
If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the student's parents will be notified as soon as possible. Emergency or minor first aid will be administered if a person competent to do so is available. In any event, ill or injured students will be turned over to the care of the student's parents, designated emergency contact person or qualified medical personnel as quickly as possible. Every year parents will be asked to complete an emergency medical form providing necessary information to be used in the case of an illness or injury. Injuries shall be reported and within
24 hours a "Preliminary Accident Report" will be filed in the principal's office.

On occasion, parents request that students be kept indoors after returning to school following an illness. We ask your cooperation in following district and school guidelines, which require all students go with their classmates to recess unless a doctor's written excuse directs that the child be kept indoors.

Students are by no means required to participate in games or activities while at outdoor recess. Instead, they may choose to be less active but enjoy the break in their day and the opportunity to get some fresh air.

Insurance
Parents are responsible for school-related injuries through their own private insurance carrier, unless, the parent purchased student accident insurance. Parents can apply for low or no-cost health insurance for their children through the state's Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (HAWK-I) program by calling 1-800-257-8563 or the school nurse.

Lost and Found
Please be certain to label boots, hats, coats, gloves, etc. with your child's name. This will enable us to identify and return lost items. Each year many items are left unclaimed because of the lack of proper identification. A lost and found box is located at the end of the entry hallway. Please have your child check this box if he/she is missing something. Students are not to bring any cards including trading cards, cell phones, radios, boom boxes, computerized games, or other electronic equipment to school.

Meal Program
Automated Meal Program
Our meal program is computerized. Each student will have his or her own account set up at the beginning of the school year. You may deposit any amount to the account at any time. Fill out the envelope you receive at registration with your child's name, homeroom teacher, and the amount you are depositing in the account. Cash or checks made payable to the Dubuque Community School District (DCSD) will be accepted. Drop off the completed envelope at the office window. Every time your child eats breakfast and/or lunch, the amount of the meal is deducted from their account. When your child's account is low, a meal envelope will be sent home with your child. This indicates the need to make a deposit in his/her account.
Free/Reduced Meals
Students receiving free or reduced price breakfast through DCSD at the close of the last school year will continue at the same status until the new 2006-2007 application takes effect on September 30, 2006. Application forms will be available at registration as well as mailed to each family in the August registration packet.
Negative Account Balance
A child is allowed to have 3 transactions (breakfasts/lunches) after their balance has become negative. Following the 3 transactions the child will be given a peanut butter & jelly sandwich and milk for lunch until their account is current. Notification will be sent home as the child approaches a negative balance and will continue to be sent until payment is received. Phone call reminders will also be made.

Students are eligible to participate in the breakfast program which is served from 7:50-8:05 a.m. Students should line up at the playground gym
door no earlier that 7:50 a.m. (Breakfast is not available on 2-hour late arrival days.)

Breakfast Price
Full Price $.95

Reduced Price $.25

Milk $.45

Students may bring a sack lunch from home or purchase a school lunch. The school lunch program will begin the first day of classes. Purchasing a school lunch entitles the student to the basic meal and a carton of milk. (A monthly lunch menu will be sent home.) Pop is not appropriate except on special occasions.

Lunch Price
Full Price $1.75
Reduced Price $.40
Milk $.45

Medication
All medication dispensed at school must have the written permission of the student's parent and physician. Prescription medication must be brought to school in its original container with the pharmacy label attached to be administered at school. Non-prescription medication must also be brought to school in its original container. This includes Tylenol, inhalers, cough drops and all other over-the-counter medication. Permission forms are available in the school Health Office.

Newsletters
Weekly bulletins containing the latest information about upcoming events regarding your child and Audubon School are sent home with the youngest child in the family. The mail carriers (youngest child) will have a laminated envelope that you will want to watch for that will be sent home with all important school information. Every Thursday you should expect the Audubon weekly newsletter in the envelope. Teachers will also be sending home newsletters periodically.

Office
The main office entrance is located just inside the north doors on Lincoln Avenue. All other doors will remain locked during the school day.
Office Hours: The school office is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Individual teachers may be contacted before or after school. Should you wish to confer with the principal or a teacher, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment in advance. Generally, teachers will not be interrupted from their instructional responsibilities to accept phone calls.

Parent Conferences
We will host group orientation conferences on the first day of school for students in kindergarten through fifth grade along with their parent. Regular student/parent conferences will be held in November and March. These conferences are an important part of our grade reporting procedure. They are designed to keep open communications between parent and teacher, and to provide for a valuable exchange of information about your child(ren).

Parent/Guardian Information
It is very important that we have current information about address and telephone numbers, home and work, of both parents. We also need an emergency contact person and telephone number. If your child becomes sick or injured, we must have a quick, sure way to reach you or a responsible person who can act in your behalf. PLEASE NOTIFY THE OFFICE AS SOON AS A CHANGE OCCURS.

If you plan to move, please notify the office at least three days in advance. This allows the time to properly prepare for the student transfer and provide you with the necessary forms for enrollment at another school.

Parking
Please remember to observe parking regulations as indicated by "NO PARKING" signs and yellow curbing. Parking is prohibited in front of the building during school hours. We have several buses arriving at approximately 8:05 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Please do not park in the middle of the street to drop off or pick up students. Illegal parking can create dangerous situations for students leaving the school. Police will ticket violators. We need your cooperation.

Personal Equipment
Any equipment brought from home needs to be properly labeled and stored in our equipment boxes at school. It is not Audubon's responsibility if these items become damaged or are missing. Please make sure your child does not bring any cards (including trading cards), radios, boom boxes, portable CD players, computerized games, cell phones, pagers or other electronic equipment to school. Any balls brought to school must be labeled and cannot be used outside of recess time. Bikes and skateboards are allowed as a means to get to school, but should not be used to play with. Upon arriving on school grounds, please secure bikes in the racks or carry skateboards and secure them in the locker after student entry.

Pets
For the safety and comfort of everyone in the Audubon family, we ask that you do not bring pets onto school grounds. Special arrangements - such as show and tell - must be arranged with your child's teacher in advance then the teacher will request principal approval.

Pictures
Class and individual pictures will be taken on October 17 and again in the spring on March 16. More information will be forthcoming.

Police Officer Mentors/Helping Services Staff
The 2006-2007 school year is the fourth year for Audubon to participate in a grant providing Police Officer Mentors. A grant administered by Helping Services of Northeast Iowa and SRO Brian Jobgen was obtained for Audubon and Lincoln schools in the fall of 2003. During the 2005-2006 school year, four officers participated in the program and worked with students in grades 2-5. The purpose of the Officer Mentors in the grade levels is to develop a positive relationship with all students in their assigned grade level, interact with students as positive role models, assist with peer issues as they arise at recess or in the classroom, and provide a helping hand to the teacher for students who need occasional tutoring or an adult to read with for ECR minutes. Officer Mentors come in uniform and are located in the classroom for their work with students under teacher supervision. Occasionally, they may assist in the office with student recess problems for their grade levels. A Helping Services violence prevention specialist is also in the building weekly to administer the grant, provide support for teachers, and to work with students on violence prevention topics.

Problem Solving Efforts
Our school makes every attempt to help all children be successful. We are proud of our efforts to provide a variety of modifications and interventions to help students improve if they begin to have difficulty. We use a problem-solving model to address student concerns. Problem solving is a systematic set of procedures designed to look at different factors that might be effecting student success, such as what is taught, how it is taught and how the student responds to these processes. Parents are key participants during all facets of problem solving. During the problem solving process, school personnel including special education staff and Keystone special education personnel may be involved in gathering information that will be used to develop effective interventions. If a child is recommended for special education services, parents must give written consent. Parents may also request that their child be considered for special education services at any time by contacting the child's principal.

Request for Make-up Work
Request make-up schoolwork due to absence prior to 10:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. For prescheduled events (e.g. hospitalization), please contact the classroom teacher or the school office with your request. Work may be picked up at the school office after 3:10 p.m.

Safety Patrol
School staff will be on duty at the following times (unless cold weather when time is shortened):
7:50 - 8:10 a.m. and 3:00 - 3:15 p.m. (1:00-1:15 on Wednesdays)

Please help them do a good job by following their lead and respecting their requests. License plate numbers will be reported to police on those drivers failing to follow safety rules and regulations. The safety of our students and the adult safety patrol is very important.

School Fees
The Dubuque Community School District has determined the following fee schedule: K - 5 (full-time) $40.00
(Assignment notebooks for Audubon students in grades 4 & 5 are $6 each.)

School Counselor
The elementary school counselor works with all students in the school. Prevention of problems is a key part of the philosophy in implementing a counseling and guidance program. The counselor works in classrooms on developmental activities and is available to help individual students and small groups. The counselor works with students, parents, teachers, and various agency personnel.

School Safety
The student "buddy" system will be encouraged any time students leave a supervised area.
Students not in their seat in their classroom by the 8:20 a.m. bell will be considered tardy and must report to the office prior to going to class.
Do not permit your child to be on the playground prior to 8:05 a.m. or after 3:05 p.m. (1:05 p.m. on Wednesdays, unless they are part of the St. Mark Before/After School Program). There is NO supervision. Make sure that the school office always has current phone numbers, (home and employment) and the name of an emergency contact person.

School Spirit Days
School Spirit Days will be every Friday and are listed on the calendar. Children and staff are encouraged to show their school spirit by wearing their school T-shirt, sweatshirt, button or dressing in blue and white.

Student Searches
School officials will conduct searches of "protected student areas", including student's body, clothing or containers holding personal belongings if there are reasonable grounds for producing evidence that the student is violating a law or school rule/regulation. In addition, periodic inspections of student lockers, desks, school facilities, and spaces may be conducted without notice with reasonable cause. For the entire text, refer to Policy 5200 "Rules Concerning Student Conduct and Discipline," that is distributed the first day of school.

Telephone
Parents are asked to make after school arrangements with their children before they leave home. It is not desirable to interrupt the classroom instruction to deliver messages. In addition, the office telephone cannot handle last minute calls for all students in the building. Students are discouraged from using the office telephone unless there is a definite need. Students must have permission from a teacher before using the phone. Students will not be called to the telephone unless circumstances warrant an immediate need.

Textbooks & Library Books
Students are responsible to the school for the proper care of textbooks and library books and must pay for lost or damaged books. Students are required to pay fines for damaged textbooks in accordance to the amount of damage. In cases where the damage is so extensive as to render the book unusable, the full price will be collected since it will no longer be in use. Each student shall return all textbooks issued to him/her when leaving the school, or at the end of the school year.

Transportation
The school transportation department (552-3275) will notify those families who are eligible for school bus transportation. A bus schedule will also be shared.

Visitors
All visitors must enter through the main entrance on Lincoln Avenue, sign in at the office, and wear a visitor badge while on school property.

Weapons
Knives, matches, lighters, laser lights, guns (including toy guns), and other dangerous items that may endanger the safety of students are NOT permitted in school. School district policy dictates that a student may be suspended for bringing any of the above items to school or endangering the lives of our students.

See District Policy 5200 for other behaviors that may warrant suspension.

© 2000-2001 Audubon Elementary School, Dubuque Community Schools All Rights Reserved. No portion of this Web site can be reproduced without expressed permission of the Dubuque Community School District. Direct correspondence to Amy Naumann, Audubon School. View our Privacy Statement.