Tuesday, February 21, 2012

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent-Teacher conferences will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, February 27th and Tuesday, February 28th. There will also be a book fair those days at the elementary school.

There are no scheduled times for parents of students in grades 6 - 12. You may visit the high school library anytime between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday to meet with the teachers.

SPRING BREAK

The first day of spring break 2012 will be Friday, March 30th. School will resume on Tuesday, April 10th.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

2nd ANNUAL ALUMNI GAME

The second annual Ellsworth Alumni basketball game will be held on Saturday, March 3rd at 6 p.m. in the Ellsworth High School gymnasium. The Alumni Team will face off with the Antrim County Sheriffs Department’s Law Dawgs for a second time.

A silent auction will be held throughout the evening with items including gift certificates, a 2 night stay at the Edgewater, Swan’s Cove Spa, Interlochen event tickets, and gift baskets created by our own students and staff. Returning this year will be the popular Jail-A-Friend option where for only $1 you can send your friend to jail for five minutes. There will be a $1 half-court shot where any winners will receive $25 cash. A selection of tasty homemade deserts and baked goods will add to our concession stand offerings. And Lancer Pride apparel will be available for purchase as well.

This year’s event proceeds will benefit not only the Athletic department but also the ECS band program.

Monday, November 28, 2011

SNOW DAYS

If the weather causes roads to be too dangerous, we will close school. We call the following media outlets when school is closed:
TV 9 & 10
TV 7 & 4
WPHN-90.5
WGFN-98.1
WTCM-103.5
WKHQ-105.9
WCCW-107.5
Please note that if there is no school, due to the weather, there were be no other school activities including athletic competitions.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

2011-12 LANCER BEHAVIOR PROGRAM

Parents:

Our School Board has adopted a behavior program that outlines our expectations that all students to be respectful, be responsible, and be safe. We reinforce good behavior by giving students tickets when they demonstrate exceptional behavior. These tickets are entered into a drawing for small prizes that are awarded each week.

We also address inappropriate behavior, behavior that requires the teacher to stop teaching to address the behavior, or that requires a staff member to devote significant time to the behavior. The following outlines the process we use. Please understand that our goal is not to punish students but rather to reinforce behaviors that will enable them to be successful in school and beyond.

We ask that you partner with us and help your son or daughter understand the importance of positive behavior at school. We know that by reinforcing good behavior and by addressing inappropriate behavior, we can increase student achievement. More time is devoted to academics, the school environment is more conducive to learning, and all students thrive.

One area of particular concert is the use of electronic devices in school. Please understand that our staff and administration is committed to introducing our students to cutting edge technology. However, we continue to find that if students are allowed to access their cell phones, mp3 players, tablet communication devices, etc. during school hours they remain distracted from the very important task of learning what they need to learn. Students are not allowed to have these and any(or) any similar devices with them during the school day UNLESS THE TEACHER SPECIFICALLY ALLOWS SUCH USE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, in other words, with the permission of the teacher.

We appreciate your student as well as your ongoing support.

I have read and understand the behavior policy.

Student_____________________________________ Date______________
Parent/Guardian_____________________________ Date______________





LANCER BEHAVIOR PLAN
This behavior plan applies to all Ellsworth Community School 6th-12th grade students while on school grounds or attending any school event. Students will receive points for the infractions outlined and will have the opportunity to have points removed from their total. The consequences associated with student point totals is outlined below. When a student has accumulated the point totals listed, the following actions will be taken.

INFRACTIONS
1 Point
--Unexcused absence from a class
--Unexcused tardiness
--Abuse of the food and beverage policy
--Abuse of the electronic device policy
--Teasing or bad-mouthing a fellow student
--Inappropriate behavior, dress and/or language on school grounds or at any school event
--Other minor infractions at the discretion of the teacher or staff

2 Points
--Class disruption
--Insubordination
--Disrespect for others
–2nd abuse of the electronic device policy
--Other infractions of concern to the teacher or staff

3 Points
--Unexcused absence (1/2 day or more)
--Cheating or plagiarism; discipline points and no credit for the assignment
--Possession of banned objects or substances (matches, lighters, pornography, etc.)
--Failure to comply with discipline consequences
--Forgery
–3rd and/or 4th abuse of the electronic device policy
--Other serious infractions at the discretion of the teacher or staff

4 Points
--Harassment (sexual, racial, or gender)
--Misuse and or abuse of school equipment
–-Driving or Riding in Vehicle During School Hours (unless approved by parent/staff)
--Serious disrespect of teacher
--Violation of Internet Use Policy

6 Points
--Use, or possession of controlled substances on school property (5-10 day suspension, possible expulsion, police referral)
--Stealing or intentional possession of property not belonging to student
--Fighting or provoking a fight (1-5 day suspension)
--Willful destruction of school property (under $100 damages)

9 Points
--Willful destruction of school property (over $100 damages)
--Prank fire alarms
--Extortion or physical threats

15 Points
--Bomb Threats
--Possession of Weapons or Use of Objects as Weapons
--Setting Fires
--Physical Assault
--Distribution or delivery of controlled substances


CONSEQUENCES
Electronic Devices (cell phones, Ipods, etc.)
–1st time the device will be taken to the office and it can be retrieved after school. (1 point)
–2nd time the device will be taken to the office and a parent or guardian must come in to retrieve it. (2 points)
–3rd time the device will be kept over night (including the weekend if it is found on a Friday). (3 points)
–4th time the device will remain in the office until the end of the semester. (3 points)

Points Action to be Taken
(3) Points
--Parents will be notified by mail or e-mail by the teacher.
–The student will serve 1 lunch detention.

(6) Points
--Parents will be contacted by phone, mail or e-mail by the office.
–The student’s open campus privileges will be suspended for 1 week and in addition the student will serve 2 lunch detentions.
--Student athletes will be disciplined according to the athletic code.

(9) Points
--Parents will be contacted by phone, mail or e-mail by the office.
--The student’s open campus privileges will be revoked for 2 weeks and in addition the student will serve 4 lunch detentions.
--Student athletes will be disciplined according to the athletic code.
--Student will be ineligible for exam exemption if applicable.

(12) Points
--Parents will be contacted by phone, mail or e-mail by the office.
--Student will serve a one-day in-school suspension.
--The student’s open campus privileges will be revoked for 3 weeks and in addition the student will serve 6 lunch detentions.
--Student athletes will be disciplined according to the athletic code.
--Student will be ineligible for exam exemption.

(15) Points
--Parents will be contacted by phone by the office.
--Student will be suspended up to ten (10) days, in-school or out depending on the infraction(s). The student may be recommended for long-term suspension or expulsion if the infraction is of a serious nature.
--Parents will be required to come in and meet with staff to develop a plan to guide the behavior of the student prior to the student returning to school.
--The student’s open campus privileges will be revoked for the remainder of the semester.
--Student will be ineligible for the exam exemption.
--Student athletes will be disciplined according to the athletic code.
--Student may be subject to additional disciplinary measures depending on the seriousness of the infraction(s).

Note:
--If a student is point-free for 15 calendar days for middle school and thirty 30 days for high school, he/she will lose 2 points from his/her record.
--Any points earned during the last 30 calendar days of the school year will carry over to the following school year.
--Special education students will be subject to the discipline rules and procedures that are governed by state/federal rules and regulations.
--Nothing in this plan shall prevent the administration from imposing additional disciplinary measures if the infraction(s) dictates that such a measure is appropriate.


LANCER LEADERS POSITIVE BEHAVIOR
Students exhibiting outstanding behavior will be given tickets that they can deposit in the office. There will be weekly drawings and other incentives for students who demonstrate good behavior leadership qualities.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

ELLSWORTH COMMUNITY SCHOOL BOARD & GOALS

The Ellsworth Community School Board of Education will meet on the second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m., in the High School Media Center, 9467 Park St.

The Ellsworth Community School complies with all Federal laws and regulations regarding discrimination. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for these meetings should contact Lynn Aldrich Spearing, Superintendent, at 231-588-2544, in advance of the meeting to request assistance.

ELLSWORTH COMMUNITY SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
“Preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s opportunities.”

BELIEF STATEMENTS
Curriculum
We must:
…provide each and every student with a relevant and meaningful curriculum that meets State and Federal standards.
…use emerging technologies to transform the educational process.
…ensure a safe and effective environment in which all can learn.

Competency
We must:
…offer each and every student the means to choose their future.
…provide all staff and faculty with professional development opportunities that will improve learning opportunities for all.
…teach all students to be independent, lifelong learners.

Contributors
We must:
…teach students to be competent and productive participants in our diverse, multicultural society.
...encourage students to be responsible, contributing members of their communities.

Communication
We must:
…communicate effectively with our entire community in a variety of ways.

ELLSWORTH COMMUNITY SCHOOL GOALS
Adopted 11/8/10

1) To ensure the long term viability of Ellsworth Community School the Board and Superintendent will maintain a three-year strategic plan that will outline the goals, objectives and strategies that are necessary to “prepare today’s youth for tomorrow’s opportunities.”

2) To maintain the financial stability of Ellsworth Community School the Superintendent and Board maintain and implement a strategic marketing plan to facilitate the recruitment and retention of all eligible students residing in the District.

3) To be certain that the Ellsworth Community School meets all requirements of the State of Michigan, as well as the needs of the students and expectations of the parents, the Superintendent will continually review the curriculum and student data to determine if any revisions are necessary to be sure that Ellsworth continues to offer unequaled educational opportunities.

4) To meet the community’s needs and expectations, the Board, Superintendent, staff and community will identify opportunities and funding for expanded offerings for students and the community.

5) To maintain an open dialogue regarding our school and the future of our community, the Board, Superintendent and staff will strive to communicate regularly and effectively.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

PARENT - STUDENT - SCHOOL COMPACT

A Promise of Commitment

We, the Ellsworth Community School staff, parents and community guide each child in achieving his or her greatest potential by providing a variety of experiences which integrate excellence in education with the child's individual abilities and unique talents. We share the responsibility, in a safe and secure environment, for student acquisition of academic, creative, emotional, physical and social skills necessary for entering society as contributing members. We strive to enhance each child's experience at Ellsworth Community School by continually assessing and evaluating our attainment of these goals as measured by descriptive objectives.

PARENT/GUARDIAN AGREEMENT
It is important for my child to reach his or her full academic potential. Therefore I will encourage him or her by doing the following:
-See that my child attends school regularly and is punctual
-Encourage my child to complete homework
-Support the school staff
-Have ongoing communication with my child's school and teachers

STUDENT AGREEMENT
It is important that I do the best I can. Therefore I will do the following:
-Come to school each day and be in class on time
-Have my homework completed and turned in on time
-Come to class prepared
-Try my best
-Show respect for myself, my school, and others
-Believe that I can and will learn
-Know that I am an important part of my school

SCHOOL AGREEMENT
Students must be given an opportunity to succeed. Therefore we will do the following:
-Provide an environment conducive to learning
-Have high expectations for ourselves and our students by using
effective techniques and methods in our classrooms
-Maintain open lines of communication with our students and their
families to support student learning
-Welcome families as the center of our learning community.