School Handbook
This handbook serves as a reference about The College School (TCS) and its program. It provides a brief history of the school, as well as other information regarding your child's enrollment, administrative regulations, and student expectations. You are encouraged to read this handbook and discuss it with your child. Parents are encouraged to communicate with the school staff and to be involved in their child's education. A small school thrives with parent support.
In early 1970, Susan K. Gray, staff members of Educational Services, Inc. and the Delaware Curative Workshop, Inc. recognized the need for a school for children with learning and/or other disabilities. In September of 1970, Susan K. Gray founded Beechwood as a school for children needing special attention to acquire basic skills. For fifteen years, the school remained in Wilmington under her guidance. In 1985, the school moved to Newark to serve the increasing demand for these special educational services. In the summer of 1988, Beechwood moved to the College of Education at the University of Delaware and was renamed The College School. The move supported the College of Education by providing a model school in which to train aspiring teachers and to conduct research.
At TCS children flourish in a kind, nurturing and supportive environment. The school recognizes that building strong self-esteem is essential to academic progress. As tasks are successfully completed, students become more self-confident and learning is enhanced. By providing small class sizes, small group instruction, and individualized programs for learning, TCS believes that we can bridge the gap between a child's potential and achievement.
Each student is recognized as a unique learner who has a combination of strengths and challenges/weaknesses. Teachers capitalize on each child's strengths while simultaneously addressing areas of weakness. We strive for the delicate balance between "addressing unique learning needs" and "raising the bar" in order for each student to achieve maximum learning. In a safe and structured learning enviornment, meeting this goal is optimized.
The purpose of TCS is:
- to provide an enhanced and caring learning environment that fosters academic success for children with learning differences.
- to prepare students to return to a mainstream enviornment, (generally) within 2-3 years.
- to serve as a laboratory school for University of Delaware students and faculty
- to serve as a research site, primarily in the area of learning differences
- to provide model instruction for students with learning differences, as well as for University students who aspire to be educators, or practice in related fields
- to capitalize on the unique opportunities and resources afforded by our location on the University of Delaware campus
Based on age, students are assigned to a homeroom. Assignment to core academic classes is based on student achievement levels. If, after working with a student, a change in placement is recommended, parents will be consulted.
All new students are enrolled in TCS for a probationary period of eight weeks. During this time, if TCS or the parents deem that the placement is unsatisfactory, the student shall be withdrawn. Parents are responsible for tuition for the time enrolled. In addition, the tuition deposit is non-refundable.
TCS is concerned about your child's health and safety. A pink STATE OF DELAWARE EMERGENCY CARD must be completed annually for each student. During the year please keep the office informed of any changes in address, telephone, employment, etc.
Each
new student enrolling at TCS must file a HEALTH FORM signed by their
physician. A certificate specifying the month, day, and year that immunizations
were administered
by your child's physician or public health agency must be provided. As long
as your child is enrolled, the school maintains records of immunization. Vaccines
are required for attendance, unless your child's physician informs us in
writing that one or more of these vaccines is contraindicated or against
your religion.
If your child requires medication during school hours please provide:
- the medication in a prescription bottle (or provide a written prescription)
- a COLLEGE SCHOOL MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION FORM which must be on file in TCS office.
If there is any change in medication (i.e. type of medicine, dosage, time, etc.) written notification is required.
- Before
and/or after school care is available at the
Newark Day Nursery for a fee. To arrange care, please call (302) 731-4925.
- Students
should arrive no earlier than 8:10 a.m., as there is no outdoor supervision
before that time. Students should not be dropped
off in the morning
until a TCS staff member is clearly visible and on duty. All students should
be dropped off in the morning on the north side of Alison Hall. Homeroom
begins promptly at 8:20 a.m. Any student arriving after 8:20 a.m. must be
accompanied
to the school office by a parent/guardian or carpool driver. Those students
arriving after 8:20 a.m. will be marked "tardy" and will not be permitted to enter a class that is in session. It is imperative that
students arrive on time so as not to disrupt instruction.
- Students
who leave school early (i.e. for medical or other appointments) should
be "signed
out" in the main office by the parent.
- Dismissal is promptly at 3:00 p.m.
Rooms A, B, and C students should be picked up on the north side of Alison
Hall (same as arrival). Rooms
D and E students and any carpool in which a Room D or E student is riding should
be
picked up
on the east side (Academy Street) of Alison Hall in the semi-circle
drive area. During dismissal time, the traffic flow may become congested.
Students
are asked to remain on the steps and not walk between parked cars.
Teachers or assistants will wait outside with students until 3:10 p.m.
For the safety of your child, we will ask you to complete a TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT. This informs the school of persons who may pick up your child. Students will not be dismissed from school if someone other than those designated on the TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT arrives for the child and a teacher has not been notified verbally or in writing.
Please notify the school (in advance, if possible) of special circumstances such as the following:
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your child will be absent
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your child will arrive late
-
your child will need to be dismissed early
-
you will be late picking up your child
-
someone other than a designated person will be picking up your child
-
your child will go home with another student
-
your child is permitted to walk home (or to an alternate destination)
In the event of school cancellations and emergency closings, a staff member will phone each family. In addition, announcements will be made on the following local stations:
RADIO:
TELEVISION:
OPTIONAL FRIDAY HALF DAY PROGRAM
On scheduled Fridays, students will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m. and teachers will participate in staff development. Please see the school calendar to verify this schedule. An optional Friday Half Day Program will be offered on these staff development days. Information regarding this program will be sent to all parents. For more information about the Friday Half Day Program, please contact the office.
INDIVIDUALIZED
EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP)
504 INDIVIDUALIZED ACCOMMODATION PLAN (IAP)
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Individualized Accommodation Plan (IAP) is developed for each student enrolled at TCS. Parent participation and input in the IEP/IAP process is encouraged. A mutually agreed date and time will be established for the IEP/IAP conference with parents. Instructional goals and objectives, class accomodations and/or modifications, which address specific academic and/or other needs, are reviewed annually.
PARKING
Parking at the University can be a challenge! It is imperative that you do not leave an unattended vehicle in the fire lane. Although we have approval for our families to line up in the fire lanes during morning “drop-off” (arrival) and “pick-up” (dismissal), leaving your car unattended may result in a $75.00 ticket! Your legal options for “running into school for 5 minutes” are as follows:
1. park at a meter (and feed it!)
2. park in the “Lab Preschool & College School Visitor Parking” space #586 , located in the morning “drop-off’ lane. Be sure to inform Mrs. McKenna that you have parked in this space.
3. park in the Perkins Indoor Parking Garage/Academy Street.
4. call the main office (831-0222) from your car phone and we will escort your child to your car. Again, under no circumstance should you park in a fire lane and leave your car unattended.
Homework is assigned daily to review concepts that have been taught and to develop student skills. Your child is responsible for writing down homework assignments in his/her daily Assignment Notebook. Parents should sign the Assignment Notebook daily so that the teacher is assured that the parent is aware of assignments and any written communication from the staff. In addition, a daily parent signature is required to verify your child's completion of his/her Daily Reading Log.
Parents are encouraged to determine a time and a place where your child may best complete homework. Ideally, the area should be quiet and free from distraction. Students are responsible for completing and returning homework, which should be done as independently as possible. The amount and content of assigned homework is in accordance with each student's abilities. Please contact your child's teacher if your child experiences difficulty with homework.
Report cards will be issued three times per school year. Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held at the end of the first trimester to discuss your child's progress and program. There will be no school for students on Parent/Teacher Conference Day. Parents or staff may request a conference at any time during the school year. Second trimester report card envelopes should be signed and returned to school to acknowledge your receipt of the report card. Please consult your school calendar for the report card schedule. Letter grades and their numerical equivalents are as follows:
| Letter |
Grade |
| A |
90-100 |
| B |
80-89 |
| C |
70-79 |
| D |
60-69 |
| F |
Below 60 |
TCS is a training site for graduate students in the University's School Psychology Program. Under the supervision of faculty, University students provide the following services to referred students:
-
comprehensive psychoeducational assessments
-
individual and group counseling
-
social skills classes
-
consultation with teachers and parents
- crisis intervention
UNIVERSITY ID CARD/FLEX ACCOUNT
As a student at TCS, your child is entitled to have a UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE ID CARD. There is no charge for the initial ID card; however, replacement ID cards cost $5.00 (University policy). The ID card may be used by your child for access to the University library, to eat in the Perkins or Trabant Student Centers, to purchase tickets from the University box office and items from the bookstore, and for many other uses. In order for your child to use his/her ID for purchases, money must be placed in his/her FLEX ACCOUNT. A Flex Account can be established for your child by providing us with a check (payable to the University of Delaware) in the amount of $10.00 or more. Please allow at least one week processing time for deposits into this account.
Unless specifically requested/approved by your child's teacher, toys, games, stuffed animals, electronic equipment, trading cards or similar items, should not be brought to school by your child. In addition, gum is not permitted at school.
"The only discipline that lasts is self-discipline" (B. Phillips)
Students are responsible for their actions. One correlate for an effective school is to have a safe and orderly environment. Positive discipline is important to the school environment and student learning.TCS's discipline policy is based on the principle of kindness. In an environment in which students and teachers are expected to promote and personify kindness, discipline problems are minimized. In addition, a "safe" environment for learning is maintained. Thus, we strictly enforce one school rule: "BE KIND." Examples of acts of kindness:
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assisting a student or teacher in need
-
using a respectful voice and kind words in communication
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acknowledging another's success
-
sharing knowledge
Student acts of kindness are appreciated and acknowledged. Our expectation is that each and every student becomes a role model for learning and positive behavior. Thus, any student who disrupts the learning of others will be removed from class. As appropriate, teachers may develop rules or discipline plans specific to their classrooms. Teachers will inform parents in writing of any discipline plan that is utilized with their class or with a particular child. Our ultimate goal is that each student develops self discipline.
Students should bring a lunch to school each day. As we do not have classroom refrigerators nor microwaves, we recommend insulated lunch boxes or bags, which should be clearly marked with your child's name. TCS encourages good nutrition; therefore, student lunches should contain a fruit drink or milk & no sodas or glass bottles, please. We do not allow children to share or trade food at lunch. We appreciate your providing your child with a nutritious (limited sugar) lunch each day. All food that is not consumed will be returned in the student's lunch box. If your child forgets his/her lunch and parents are unable to bring the lunch to school, a light lunch (ex. peanut butter or cheese crackers, box drink, applesauce) will be provided.
HOT LUNCH PROGRAM
Throughout the school year we offer a Hot Lunch Program for students. Participation in this program is optional. Parent volunteers select the restaurant (pizza, subs, chicken, etc.) from which our students may order food. We distribute the order forms, and subsequently, collect money and orders from students. Parent volunteers tally and place the order, pick up the food, and deliver it to TCS. Our students appreciate the opportunity for Hot Lunch and it provides a break to those who pack lunches each day. Hot Lunch Volunteers are most appreciated.
To enrich the TCS curriculum, students may leave their assigned classroom for various activities throughout the school year. Pearson Gym and the Perkins Student Center are only a short walking distance from the school. Other integrated learning trips may be scheduled to the University of Delaware's Morris Library, or other sites within the vicinity of TCS. Many trip destinations can be reached by walking, University of Delaware's bus service, and the Newark Uni-City bus system. You are asked to sign a permission form for your child to go on such field trips. All other trips will require special parent permission. Forms will be sent home and must be returned by the designated deadline in order for your child to participate. Due to our excellent adult/child ratio, parents are not generally needed as chaperones on field trips.
The school dress code will be required Mondays through Thursdays each week. On Fridays, students are free to dress as they wish, provided that their clothing is in good taste. Any student who fails to follow the school dress code on Mondays through Thursdays, is required to change into appropriate clothing at school and/or will lose the privilege of "free dress" on Fridays.
SHIRTS
Colors: navy blue, light blue, cobalt blue, white, yellow, gray
Note:
- shirts must have a collar or turtleneck/mock turtleneck
- spaghetti straps are not permitted
- no stripes, designs, or logos (other than The College School’s)
- midriff must be covered; non-revealing tops only
SWEATERS/VESTS/SWEATSHIRTS
Colors: navy blue, light blue, cobalt blue, white, yellow, gray
Note: no stripes, designs, or logos (other than The College School's)
PANTS/SLACKS/SHORTS/SKIRTS/SKORTS/JUMPERS
Colors: navy blue, black, khaki
Note:
- no jeans (except on Fridays)
- shorts, skirts, skorts, and jumpers should be conservative in length and fit
SPECIAL NOTES:
- Solid color apparel is required (no stripes or designs)
- On your child's assigned Physical Education (PE) day and on Fridays, sweatpants (solid colors: navy blue, cobalt blue, white, gray or yellow & no designs) are permitted. Tennis or running shoes must be worn.
- Shorts are acceptable during warm weather.
- "Flip-flops" are not appropriate at any time.
- When in the school building, hats must be removed.
- Outerwear (jackets, coats) should be worn outdoors only.
- Students should dress comfortably; however, they should not wear clothes that call undue attention to themselves. Clothing design should be age appropriate, in good repair, and properly fitted.
- Parents are advised to provide a lightweight sweater (in dress code colors) that may be kept at school.
- All clothing should be labeled with your child's name, especially TCS logo apparel
- "Roller Skate" shoes are not permitted.
- Students should have appropriate clothing for cold and inclement weather as all classes have daily outdoor time, year round, unless raining.
Go to Lands’ End School Uniforms to outfit your boys and girls in clothing that meets dress codes and exceeds expectations. Shop online at www.landsend.com/school.
Preferred School Code is #: 9000-7535-9
We strongly encourage parent and family involvement. Parents are encouraged to keep in touch with their child's teacher(s) by writing in the assignment notebook, speaking to them before or after school, or requesting a conference. Parent involvement can take many forms at TCS. A few examples are:
-
help to organize events for the school
-
attend Parent Night
-
speak to students about a topic of interest
-
participate in fundraising activities
-
participate in the Hot Lunch Program
-
volunteer to be a Homeroom Parent
-
volunteer to bake for a special event
-
assist in the school library
- drive students to and from field trips
We believe that it is through this partnership that we can best meet your child's needs.
Tuition is billed from the Accounts Receivable Department of the University. Payment should be made by the 20th of the month. You may also give the payment to your child during the school year and the homeroom teacher will forward it to the office. Checks should be made payable to the University of Delaware. If you experience problems with your account, please call TCS's office manager, at 831-0222.
-
The University will send bills at the beginning of each month.
-
Payment is due no later than the 20th of the month. The office manager will contact anyone whose bill is more than 10 days overdue to provide a reminder that payment is overdue. In the event that the bill is not paid within the next 10 days (10th of the following month), the director will notify parents that the student will not be allowed to attend class until the payment is received.
- The following annual fees will be billed as indicated:
- Activity Fee - October
- Friday 1/2 Day Program (optional) - October
- Book Fee - October
More than anything, we appreciate the gift of having your child at The College School. At times, parents inform us that they wish to give a gift to a teacher(s) or other staff member. Although we appreciate this generosity, we suggest that in lieu of personal gifts, the following would be appreciated:
- an item for the classroom, literacy link, playground, subject area, or special class as listed on our staff “Wish List” (www.udel.edu/collegeschool/wish.html)
- a personal note from you and/or your child
- a donation (even very small) to our Educational Enrichment Fund. This fund supports scholarships for families whose children would not otherwise be able to attend TCS. In addition, The Enrichment Fund supports teacher attendance at trainings and workshops, which are so vital to delivering the highest quality instructional programs to our students. Finally, The Enrichment Fund supports special events, materials and equipment (e.g. books for our Literacy Link school library and computer software)
- Again, your child, as well as your participation in our program, is the greatest gift…
The University of Delaware offers a multitude of resources and extracurricular opportunities that are appropriate for TCS students. University faculty and students tutor, observe, and interact with our students. Activities and special University projects that are part of the ongoing TCS curriculum do not require individual parent consent forms. Research and other special projects in which your child may be invited to participate, will be approved by the Director. A short explanation of the project, its purpose, and how your child will participate will be sent home with a parent consent form. The College School supports the University of Delaware's teacher training programs, as well as professional research and special projects related to education. Parents will be notified if their child/class participates in such training and/or research. Videotaping of classrooms for training purposes may occur.
ANNUAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS
We encourage and appreciate family attendance at two special, annual events:
The TCS Talent Show is held on the last day of school before the winter holiday. This is a fun-filled event in which students share their talents (and build their self-esteem) through individual and group performances. School is dismissed for the winter holiday following The Talent Show. Please invite family members and friends to attend!Closing Exercises is a culminating activity that is held on the last day of the school year. Awards are presented to students to acknowledge their individual achievements. In addition, those students who are transitioning (graduating) from TCS are celebrated. School is dismissed for the summer following Closing Exercises. Family members and friends are welcome!
