Principal’s Message

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Butts Road Intermediate School. The staff at Butts Road Intermediate is dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our students. We are responsible for making learning a pleasant and rewarding experience for students. In addition, students must assume certain responsibilities for their education. Parents are also asked to collaborate with our school to assure the best education possible for their child.

The pages of the handbook are filled with important information regarding school policy and procedures. Parents and students should review the contents together. We feel that open and clear communication between school and home is important to the success of our educational program. If you have any questions, please call the school office.

The BRI Student Planner was designed to assist your child in organizing his/her daily, weekly, and long-term assignments. This planner will improve your child’s organizational skills and serve as a helpful reference for parents who seek to provide academic support at home. BRI parents are our partners in the important job of educating the children of this community.

We welcome your participation and support this school year and solicit your membership in the PTA. Working together, we will be able to reach our collective and individual goals and celebrate the achievements of our students.

Take care and stay safe,

Douglas Connolly, Principal

School Hours

School hours are from 8:15 a.m. until 2:44 p.m. each day. Students should not arrive earlier than 7:50 a.m. or remain on school grounds later than 2:50 p.m. unless they are participating in a supervised school activity. Supervision is not available for students who arrive before 7:50 a.m. or remain later than 2:50 p.m. These procedures are designed for the safety and well-being of your children.

Chesapeake Public Schools Strategic Plan

Our Vision

We inspire, engage, and empower all learners to achieve their highest potential.

Chesapeake Schools Mission Statement

The Chesapeake Public School family promotes educational excellence by engaging all students in meaningful and innovative learning experiences that empower them

to successfully fulfill their life’s purpose.

Our Values

Our educational family fosters equity, cultivates innovation, models integrity,

promotes accountability, and inspires excellence.

Academics

Grading Policy

Grading Scale for 3rd – 5th Grades

93 – 100 – A

90 – 92 – A-

87 – 89 - B+

83 – 86 - B

80 – 82 - B-

77 – 79 - C+

73 – 76 - C

70 – 72 - C-

67 – 69 - D+

64 – 66 - D

Below 64 - E
In assigning grades to student work and in evaluating student performance, the following guidelines will be followed:

● Teachers evaluate student progress frequently and use a variety of methods including tests, projects, homework, classwork, and class participation.

● A minimum of one graded activity per week for each subject taught that week is the goal.

● Not all work completed by a student carries the same weight. Grade level teams develop a plan for grading classwork, projects, tests, and homework. Some student work, such as major tests, carries more weight in the averaging of grades for the end of the marking period.

● Teachers use the evaluation process (grading) as a diagnostic tool for identifying skills mastered and skills requiring re-teaching as well as for assigning grades for subjects taught. Grades reflect student achievement (how much of the material has been mastered by the student) not ability, conduct, or work habits. Areas such as handwriting, neatness, and conduct are evaluated separately and are not used in deriving a grade for subject content. Teachers inform parents of students’ progress at least once every four and a half weeks, either by an interim progress report or the report card.

● Assignments of zeros will only be used to reflect non-performance of an academic responsibility. It will not be used for work where the student’s name is missing.

● Grades reflect individual and honest effort. Therefore, students who cheat will receive a grade of zero and possible disciplinary action.

Homework

The Chesapeake School Board considers homework to be an important component in the learning process. It is a natural link between the home and the school. Appropriately planned homework assignments extend the time in which formal learning can take place. Correctly monitored, homework helps children learn how to work independently and how to be accountable. Parents should provide an established routine for completing homework and then check that it is done correctly. Homework must take precedence over extracurricular activities.

Butts Road Intermediate teachers adhere to the following homework guidelines:

❑ Homework assignments will be evaluated and returned as soon as possible to students. Non-written homework assignments may be assessed by students’ participation in class discussions.

❑ Evaluation of homework by the teacher does not necessarily require the “grading” of each assignment. The teacher may use check marks, stickers, or written comments as examples of how to evaluate homework.

❑ Homework should be reasonable in length. On some nights there will be more homework than at other times. School Board guidelines are as follows:

Intermediate grades (3-5) -- approximately 30 to 60 minutes per night

❑ In each intermediate classroom, homework assignments will be clearly displayed in a specific location. Students will know where to look in the classroom in order to copy down the day’s homework assignments. Additionally, homework assignments will be posted on Canvas.

❑ Homework will not be used as a disciplinary action.

ParentVue

ParentVue is the parent component of the student information system that CPS utilizes. Through this program, ALL parents receive communication from both the school and classrooms as well as have access to grades for students in 3rd – 5th grades. Accounts can be maintained throughout a child’s enrollment in CPS. Activation codes are available upon request from the office.

Student Recognitions

Our faculty and staff are committed to recognizing our children for their many varied accomplishments. Children are recognized in these categories: academic achievement, academic improvement/effort and behavior. Additionally, students are recognized each day for displaying SOAR characteristics, good citizenship, and individual student birthdays.

Academic Awards

❑ Superintendent’s Honor Roll – all A’s

❑ Principal’s Honor Roll – All A’s and B’s

❑ Honor Roll - B Average (with nothing below a C)

❑ Principal’s Wall of Fame – One student per class each Thursday

CPS 1:1 Device Initiative

BRI is a full 1:1 device school thanks to the CPS 1:1 device initiative. Every student is issued a Chromebook for use as part of the academic plan. Students will need to charge the device at home daily and treat the device with care. Devices will be used in the classroom each day. Students are reminded to bring their device with them daily. Students are subject to the CPS Acceptable Use policy. Please note: At this time, third grade devices will be stored in the classroom.

Attendance

Attendance Requirements

Butts Road Intermediate School is required by the Code of Virginia, Section 22.1 - 254 and the local school board to enforce laws that are related to truancy and excessive absences. The law states that every elementary school aged child is required to attend school every day and is to remain in school for the whole day.

Recently, those laws have increased the school’s responsibility to make sure children are in school. The law requires the school to take an active role in the enforcement of school attendance. This law requires schools to develop a plan of action with the parent for students who are not in school and whose attendance is excessive and/or unexcused. Absences that exceed 10% of instructional days are considered excessive, which equates to 18 days or more over the entire year.

Absences from school are categorized as either excused or unexcused. The Chesapeake School Board has defined an excused absence to include any of the following:

Sickness of a student, medical appointments, severe illness or death in the family, exposure to contagious disease, religious holidays, or extenuating circumstances such as fire, accident, or extremely inclement weather. Absences other than those listed above will be recorded as unexcused absences.

Being on time and regular attendance are important to your child’s success. This lays the foundation for good work habits that your child will carry into adulthood. When a student is absent, there are many missed educational opportunities. Written work can be made up, but missed instructional time cannot. Instruction, including explanations, demonstrations, discussion, experiments, and group practice continues whether your child is present or absent. There is no substitute for direct instruction provided by the teacher. Therefore, try to schedule doctor and dental appointments for after school hours and take family vacations when school is not in session.

Excessive Absences/Truancy Procedures

❑ After five unexcused absences, the school counselor will contact the parent and student, obtain an explanation for the absences, and make the parent aware of the consequences of continued unexcused non-attendance.

❑ After six unexcused absences, the principal or assistant principal will schedule a conference with the parent within ten days of the last unexcused absence in order to resolve the causes for the unexcused absences.

❑ After ten unexcused absences, the student and parent will be referred to Truancy Court through the Office of Student Services. The documentation will be reviewed and forwarded to the court for legal action.

❑ Children who miss 30 or more school days, either excused or unexcused, are candidates for retention due to large amounts of instructional time lost unless extenuating circumstances have been discussed with the principal.

Make-Up Work

Unfortunately, illnesses do occur and children who are sick should not be in school. Because sick students usually cannot complete their school work until they have recovered and effective instruction requires continuous adjustments, it is the general policy that missed work is given when students return to school. Students will be permitted to make up work regardless of the reason for the absences.

❑ It is the student’s and parent’s responsibility to ask for all work missed when absent.

❑ Students returning from each unexpected absence have five (5) school days to complete the missed work to receive full credit. Exceptions may be made for extended absences.

❑ When a student is absent on the day of a test, but was in school the day before the test, the test will be taken when the student returns to school.

Reporting Absences

Parents are required to notify the school, in writing, of the reason for any absences. Notes for absences should include the dates as well as the reason and should be submitted within 4 days of the child’s return. Emails cannot be accepted for student absences.

Tardy To School/Early Departure

Compulsory attendance laws require students to be present from bell to bell (8:15 – 2:44). Students tardy to school must go to the office and obtain an admittance slip to class. Excessive tardies are also subject to truancy procedures. Also, a record is kept of all student departures during the school day.

Communications

Social Media

Webpage: www.cpschools.com/bri

Facebook:@buttsroadint

Twitter: @buttsroadint

Instagram: @buttsroadint

PeachJar (electronic flyers):

http://www.cpschools.com/peachjar

Teacher / Parent Communications

Parent / Teacher communication is vital to the success of every student. Teachers will communicate with parents through several methods, including phone calls, emails, notes in the student planner, and updates on Canvas homepages. Parents are reminded to check email regularly, review their student’s planner and their Canvas homepage daily. Parents who need to speak with teachers can call the office during our normal school hours or email the teacher individually. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response. Communicating with the teacher is always the first tier of communication in the Student / Teacher / Parent communication chain.

PTA Membership

Research shows that children whose parents are actively involved in their children’s education achieve more. We encourage each family to show your support of your child’s education and our school by joining the PTA and becoming ACTIVE members.

School Safety

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Children typically ride the bus to and from school. Buses utilize the bus ramp located at the right of the building. Parents who transport their children to and from school should drop them off / pick them up during the designated times.

Quick Drop-Off Procedures: The drop off zone is located along the curb at the main entrance to the school. When dropping off students, enter the drop off zone and pull up as far as possible to drop-off your child. This should be a quick process so that traffic is able to keep flowing. If you need more time or if your child needs assistance, please park in the parking lot instead of using the curbside drop-off. Children who arrive after 8:15 a.m. must be escorted by a parent to the main entrance to receive a tardy slip.

For dismissal, parents who wish to pick their children up should send a note in with the child or arrive prior to 2:30 p.m. If parents wish to pick-up a child every day, one note should be sent in for the duration of the school year. All dismissal changes must be in writing via a note. We will not be able to accept changes over the phone. Unfortunately, we are unable to get children off of the bus if we have not been notified by 2:30 p.m. due to the tight schedules our buses must follow to get to their next school. If we have not received a note, we will follow our normal dismissal plan for your child.

Change of Address and Telephone Numbers

For the safety and welfare of the children, it is imperative for the school to have the child’s current address and telephone number(s). Parents are required to inform the school of any address, home or work telephone number, or email changes during the school year. Designate an additional emergency contact person. These changes can also be done through the online verification process in ParentVue.

Evacuation Drills

Bus, fire, lockdown, and tornado evacuation drills will be conducted during the school year. The bus drills are usually conducted in October and February during the students’ morning arrival time. Fire drills are conducted twice during the first month of school and periodically thereafter. Lockdown drills are conducted throughout the year. Tornado drills are held at least once during tornado season.

Safety Procedures

In our efforts to ensure the safest learning environment possible, all doors will be locked at all times beginning at 8:10 a.m. until dismissal begins at 2:44 p.m. All visitors must bring a photo government issued ID – preferably a driver’s license – to gain admittance after indicating the purpose of the visit. It is imperative that all visitors remain in the approved areas. BRI welcomes all visitors; however, we ask for your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep our children safe.

School Climate

Dress Code

The Chesapeake School Board expects all students to dress in a manner appropriate for the promotion of learning. Student appearance shall not be disrespectful, indecent, disruptive to the school environment, or dangerous to the health and welfare of students.

In an effort to ensure a safe, productive, and positive work and learning environment, clothing and accessories that present safety concerns or obstacles to the educational environment are prohibited (i.e., clothing adorned with spikes or chains, unsafe footwear that may be a tripping hazard, etc.).
Clothing and accessories should be appropriate for all scheduled classroom activities including but not limited to physical education, science or food labs, wood shop, and other activities where individual hazards may exist.
Students are not permitted to wear clothing and/or accessories that advocate violence, profanity, alcohol, and other drug use and/or distribution. Clothing that displays gang activity and/or membership, displays disparaging or presents messages of hate or symbols associated with hate toward any group based on race, sex, ethnicity, gender ability, heritage, sexual orientation, religion or are reasonably likely to create a substantial disruption to the educational environment are prohibited.
Students must wear clothing that covers their skin from chest to mid-thigh with non-see-through fabric (in front, back, and on the sides).

The length of shirts and other tops must at least meet the top of the student's pants.
Shirts must be worn under sheer or see-through tops.
Clothing must cover undergarments, with the exception of straps, when sitting, standing, or bending.
All sleeveless tops must be securely connected over the shoulders by straps.

Students must wear bottoms of the appropriate length. The length of bottoms (i.e., shorts, skirts, etc.) may be no shorter than mid-thigh.
Pants, shorts, or leggings with rips, holes, or see-through mesh that expose skin above mid-thigh are not permitted. Students may wear shorts or leggings under garments with rips or holes above mid-thigh. Additionally, all bottoms must comply with the following requirements:

All pants, skirts, and shorts must fit at the waist.
Hemlines and slits above mid-thigh are not acceptable.
Wearing leggings under shorts, skirts, or dresses is permitted if these bottom items of clothing are at least mid-thigh.

Headwear, including hats, hoodies, sweatbands, and bandanas are generally prohibited in the school building.
Exceptions for headwear will be made for students to reasonably accommodate medical/health or disability-related issues (i.e., protective helmets), as an expression of sincerely held religious belief (i.e., hijabs or yarmulkes), or cultural expression (i.e., geles).
For reasons of health and safety, students must wear footwear at all times when on school property, except in instances when changing for practices, performances, or physical education classes. Athletic shoes that are close-toed, secured in the back, and have a rubber or hard sole will be required for participation in certain school-based activities (i.e., physical education classes, extracurricular sports or clubs, wood shop, or other technical education classes, science labs involving chemicals, etc.).
Students whose dress is considered contrary to good hygiene or in any way disruptive to the learning process will be required to meet the school division's standards for dress and appearance and shall be disciplined in accordance with the Chesapeake City Public School's Student Code of Conduct.
Exceptions to the above standards are outlined below:

School administrators shall grant exceptions to the dress code as previously indicated based on disability, health/medical reasons, or for sincerely held religious beliefs unless deemed a safety concern.
Exceptions may be made for spirit week celebrations or for extracurricular and athletic-related purposes, as approved by the school administrator.
If there is a question about a particular item of apparel, the student or parent should contact a school administrator for a decision. When a student is in violation of the above guidelines, all efforts will be made to correct the situation at school. However, if an acceptable alternative cannot be found at school, parents will be notified to bring in appropriate clothing/shoes. Students who consistently violate dress code standards will not be permitted to participate in class with their peers.

PBIS: SOAR

As part of our school wide Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) plan, students will be taught how to SOAR at Butts Road Intermediate School! At BRI, students learn important expectations and behaviors associated with:

S - Safety

O - Ownership

A - Attitude

R - Respect

These lessons will be reinforced and retaught throughout the school year. In addition, students will be praised for demonstrating desired behaviors associated with SOAR. Acknowledging and reinforcing positive behavior is one of the most effective ways to change inappropriate behavior and encourage appropriate behavior. On occasion, student behavior requires the intervention of the Principal or Assistant Principal. In these cases, please refer to the Chesapeake Schools Code of Conduct Handbook provided at the beginning of each school year. See the Classroom SOAR Matrix in the front of your child’s planner for SOAR specifics. The SOAR matrix is utilized throughout the building as a reference for all students on how they can SOAR HIGH at BRI!.

Student Recognition

“SOARing HIGH at BRI” (Safety, Ownership, Attitude, and Respect)

Student of the Month – chosen by teacher for demonstrating SOAR
“Caught SOARing” – chosen by all staff members at any time from demonstrating SOAR characteristics

SOAR Squad - awarded for being “Caught SOARing” recognition of all four (4) SOAR standard within a nine-weeks

Birthday

Birthday Recognition – name called on the PA System and a small birthday token

School Bus Rules

Riding the bus is a privilege which carries with it certain responsibilities. Students are expected to display proper conduct, including SOAR behaviors, on the bus as outlined in the Chesapeake Public Schools Regulations for Pupils Riding School Buses. Misbehavior on the bus may result in bus riding privileges being suspended.

Student Life

Invitations to Private Events/Functions

Please note that only invitations and event flyers approved under the guidelines of Chesapeake Public Schools’ Office of Student Services may be sent home with students. This includes birthday invitations. Invitations to private functions must be exchanged outside of school. Unfortunately, privacy laws prevent our staff from releasing this personal information including contact information to students and parents without consent.

Lost & Found

Numerous articles of clothing are lost and never found each year. This number can be greatly reduced when children are reminded that it is important to be responsible for one's possessions and to check the “Lost & Found” on a regular basis. Students’ names should be placed on mittens, jackets, lunch boxes, etc. Clothing not claimed by the end of each month is donated to a charitable organization.

School Breakfast and Lunch

Our school serves breakfast and lunch. Check the CPS website for up-to-date information on pricing and menus.

Parents are encouraged to take advantage of our online prepayment system, mypaymentplus.com. The children’s lunch accounts can be monitored free of charge. Parents can see what each child purchases every day. Additionally, for a small fee, parents can also pay for your child’s meals online as well.

Free and Reduced breakfast and lunch are available to eligible students. Applications are accessed online at www.cpschools.com. Please note that meal benefits are only approved for one school year at a time. All families must reapply each year to determine continued eligibility.

Student Cafeteria Regulations

In addition to the SOAR Cafeteria expectations students should be aware of the following. Be sure to review them regularly with your students.

Students are allowed to go through the serving line only once.
Students may talk in a normal conversational tone.
Students may leave their table only with permission from the monitors or their teacher.
Students must raise their hand to receive assistance from the monitor.
Students must address monitors and cafeteria personnel in a respectful manner.
Students may bring juice or beverages in paper cartons or thermos to drink with their meals. No glass bottled beverages will be allowed.
Students may purchase only one dessert. No charges for desserts will be accepted.
Students may leave the cafeteria area to proceed to Literary Lunch with permission of either the monitors or one of the administrators if they display an approved reading selection to one of the monitors or administrators.

Social Media and Privacy

While social media is a powerful tool, please note that children will only be included with the appropriate permissions. All parents/guardians are requested to respect that same guideline on their personal social media pages to respect the children’s right to privacy.

Chesapeake Public School Student Handbook

The CPS Student Handbook is available on the CPS Homepage and must be reviewed by all students. The Code of Conduct and School Policies for all students are provided in detail as a guidance document for students at all levels. BRI has attempted to address selected policies and conduct in our student handbook. However, the CPS Student Handbook remains the division-wide guidance document for all students.