Section I - General Policies and Information (continued)

School Traffic Patterns (see figure 1):
THINK SAFETY!! Please think safety as you arrive and depart from the school. Do not pull out of the car drop off or pick up line at any time! Doing so violates our safety rules and threatens individuals that may be crossing the parking lot. Also, during departure, after the teacher opens the car door and escorts the child inside, we ask that parents help to ensure the child is properly seated and buckled-up. This safety practice will help reassure both parent and teacher that the child is safely secured before the car door is closed and departure begins. Remember not to exceed 10 m.p.h. on school property! Also, for the safety of all concerned, ensure your car is in PARK, or your emergency brake is on when dropping off or picking up your child.

Arrival:
A one way traffic pattern is followed when children are brought to school in the mornings and picked up at dismissal time. All Pre K and kindergarten children enter the door at the end of the K-hall (door 1). Graders and K-5 students will enter at the office door (door 3) along with school van riders. Please do not park your vehicle at the curbs alongside the school when dropping off students at arrival times. This creates an annoying traffic backup and unsafe practice, as vehicles tend to pull out of line and go around the parked vehicle. If you have business with the school office, a teacher, etc., park in the designated visitor spaces and then come into the school. Thanks in advance for your good driving courtesy!

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Departures:
At 11:30 a.m., Pre K-3 and Pre K-4 car pool drivers will line up at the K-HALL DOOR behind the vans (area B). Please proceed very slowly and do not exceed the 10 mph. speed limit. For graders (K5 through 5th grade), at dismissal time (2:30 p.m.), line up around the back of the parking lot to the stop/merge area (see Figure 1). Proceed to the front door area after the vans have left. Grade students (K5 through 5th grade) wait in the gym until their car pool number is called, and then they follow directions of the dismissal teachers in charge.

At dismissal times (11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.), parents must wait in the car pool line instead of walking your child from the school to avoid the line. It is not fair for some to wait while others just get their children and drive past those in line waiting their turn or park on Palmer Lane to avoid the line.

Any parent - requested early dismissals before 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively, and late departures (those past 11:45/2:45, respectively), will need to be handled at the office with official sign out procedures. FOR THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF YOUR CHILD, ANY CHANGES IN PERSONNEL AUTHORIZED TO PICK UP YOUR CHILD MUST BE CALLED INTO THE OFFICE STAFF BY A PARENT AT LEAST 1 (ONE) HOUR BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME. Individuals not personally recognized by the school staff will need to bring a photo-ID card which will be copied and kept on file. It is critical that every driver carry their car pool number in the vehicle every day and display it through the windshield so dismissal can proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible. Also, during dismissals, please leave spaces at the areas in the line where church staff arrive and depart (see figure 1). Church staff do not have to follow the one way rule, so please be courteous as they pass by in either direction.

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Parking:
School patrons who are parking to come into the building are asked to NEVER use the circular driveway along Baxter Lane (near area A). Parking spaces there belong solely to the church staff and visitors to the church office. Instead, use the visitor spaces on the side near the school office in the teachers parking lot (near door 3).

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HEALTH POLICIES

Physical Exam and Immunization:
Virginia law requires that every student entering a school system present a form signed by a licensed doctor stating that the child has undergone a physical examination within the past year and has found the child to be free of communicable disease and well enough to attend school. THIS FORM (MCH 213 D) MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE THE CHILD MAY BE ADMITTED TO CLASS IN VIRGINIA.

If not already on record at Orcutt, every child must also present proof (a record signed by a licensed doctor) that the following required immunizations have been administered:

Immunizations may be administered at the Newport News Immunization Clinic on J. Clyde Morris Blvd., or at the York County Health Dept. at 5615 George Washington Highway.

Regulations Regarding Immunization Records:

1. Immunizations reflected on the record must be dated. Check marks are NOT acceptable proof.

2. The list of immunizations and their corresponding dates must appear on the official state physical form (MCH 213 D).

3. The record should be updated until the final boosters for DTP, PV and MMR have been administered.

4. The record should be updated to reflect any Hep. B boosters received.

NOTE: NOTE: Even if a student had been part of a school system before, he/she would be considered a new student to Orcutt and would have to present evidence of a physical exam given by a licensed doctor within the past calendar year as well as the immunization record on the Virginia physical exam form (MCH 213 D).

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Sickness, Illness, Injury:
If the child becomes seriously ill or injured while at school, the office staff will attempt to inform the parent or guardian immediately. If OBS is unable to reach the parent, and the incident is serious, 911 will be called.

If a child receives a minor injury that requires simple first aid, he/she will be treated at school by trained people, and the parent will be notified about the incident by means of a duplicate, signed accident report form. One copy is kept on file in the school and the parents receive the other copy. For the health of other Students and Faculty, 24 hours must have passed before allowing a child to return to school after experiencing a temperature. (The child must be clearly well again and free from the ill effects.)

If a child is sent home due to a temperature; the 24 hour rule must be followed. Regarding vomiting and diarrhea, the child will be monitored by the Health Coordinator for 30 minutes after the initial incident. Any subsequent occurrences will require the child to go home for the day.

Contagious Illness:
Parents are duty bound to inform the school whenever their child has been exposed to a contagious illness or has had one shortly before reporting to school. A doctors statement of good health is required before the child can return to the school if he/she has suffered strep throat, measles, scarlet fever, impetigo, head lice, pink eye, or other highly contagious diseases.

Communicable Disease Parental Agreement:
Parents must inform Orcutt Baptist School within 24 hours or the next business day after his/her child or any member of the immediate household has developed any reportable communicable disease, as defined by the State Board of Health, ie. Chickenpox, Fifth Disease, Measles, Hepatitis A, Mumps, Meningitis, Lice, Impetigo, Salmonellosis, Scabies, Scarlet Fever, Ring Worm, Whooping Cough, and any other communicable disease as defined by your Doctor.

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Head Lice:
When active head lice is found, the child will immediately be removed from his/her class. The parent will be called to take the child home for treatment. A head lice treatment information sheet will be given to the parent at the time of pick-up. The child may return to school 24 hours after treatment. Before the child may return to his/her classroom, the parent/guardian and the Extended Care Director (or other trained staff member) will do a thorough inspection of the childs scalp for active head lice. If the child is found to have active head lice within 30 days of the initial infestation, the child will then be required to be NIT FREE before re-entry.

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Administration of Medicine:
Prescription and non-prescription medicine will be given to a child at OBS only with the specific written authorization of a parent or guardian. (Please use school form available in office.) The medication should be in the original pharmacy container and labeled with the childs name and the amount and time of dosage. Medication should be given to the school health coordinator, office staff, teacher in charge, or the bus driver (as applicable) with the exact instructions. If the medication is to be taken home at the end of the day, the parent should also specify that and then make a point of asking for it at departure time in the office. Children are NEVER allowed to carry any medication into, inside, or out of OBS.

Emergency Information:
It is CRITICAL that parents keep all emergency numbers up to date in the school file so the staff can quickly contact the parent or designee in case of an accident or serious illness. This includes home, work, cell, and two emergency contact numbers. ALL numbers should be individuals who are capable of coming to the school and picking up the ill and/or hurt student.

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SAFETY AND SECURITY POLICIES:

Emergency Situation Signals and Guidelines:
Situations may occur at times when the safety of our students, faculty, and staff are at risk. The following information is provided to inform every one of proper procedures in the event of a threatening situation.

1. Fire. The signal to evacuate the building will be a continuous ringing of the school bell or verbal command. Students should follow the directions of the teacher in charge, which will be in compliance with the school Emergency Exit Plan posted in every room and the school Emergency Operations Plan. They will remain outside until a subsequent all-clear continuous ringing occurs or are directed by staff personnel to return to their respective classrooms.

2. Severe Inclement Weather (hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms). When notification is received of threatening weather affecting the safety of the school, a series of short bell rings or a verbal command will be given to alert all personnel. In accordance with the school Emergency Operations Plan, staff will proceed with all students to an inside school hallway adjacent/near to their respective rooms. Students will get on their knees with their head down low and up against the wall in a low, crouching position. Students hands should be placed on top of their head. Teachers will avoid placing students in the way of windows, doorways, the Fellowship Hall, library and the lunch room. Students will remain in place until an all clear verbal advisory is given by staff personnel.

3. Threatening Individual (CODE BLUE). If an individual threatens the safety of our school premises, CODE BLUE procedures will be initiated.

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What constitutes CODE BLUE? If an out-of-control, angry person who is a threat to the safety of our students, faculty, or staff is on school property, a CODE BLUE is called.

Who calls CODE BLUE? Office personnel will call CODE BLUE over the intercom or via staff messenger to alert school personnel. As necessary, the office will also call 911 and alert the church staff. If due to unforeseen circumstances the office cannot call, the first person that becomes aware of the situation should notify all appropriate personnel (e.g. teacher, office, principal, 911, church staff, etc.)

If you hear "CODE BLUE, CODE BLUE, THIS IS NOT A DRILL" over the intercom or via staff messenger:

1. Students should stay with the appropriate teacher or staff member in charge. If en route to the health coordinator, the restroom (or in the restroom), or in the hall; return to your class immediately.

2. Classroom teachers (includes library, computer, music, cafeteria) as applicable should:

   1. Close and lock doors.

   2. Close curtains and lower shades.

   3. Sit students on floor so as to minimize their observation from the doorway.

   4. Turn out the lights and take roll.

   5. Keep quiet and listen for further instructions or an "all-clear" over the intercom or via staff messenger.

   6. DO NOT call the office for status updates - remain calm; you will be kept apprised of changing status as necessary.

3. If outdoors for physical education, recess, daycare playtime, etc., staff members will be made aware of a CODE BLUE situation via messenger or two-way radio. If a staff member who is outdoors initiates a CODE BLUE situation, notify all appropriate personnel (e.g. office, 911, principal, church staff, etc.) using the most expeditious means (staff messenger or two-way radio).

   1. Sit on the ground as a group; be quiet, still, and take roll.

   2. Await an "all clear" message via messenger or two-way radio.

   3. Seek the safety of the building as appropriate.

   4. Remain in place until an all clear advisory is given by staff personnel

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Safety and Security:
Orcutt Baptist School is committed to promoting a safe and secure environment for both students and staff. In this regard, the School Board has implemented the following procedures to be followed by parents, students, and staff, as applicable.

1. When the school doors open at 8:00 a.m., all grade students (K5 through 5th grade) will proceed from the front door directly to their classrooms. Pre K are to use only the back hall kindergarten door at 8:00 a.m. All parents should drop off their children from the carpool line and not escort them into the building crossing busy lanes of traffic.

2. After the 8:15 a.m. school bell, classes are officially in session and there should not be any parents in the hallways. This is not a time to confer with teachers. Students are able to find their way to their classes without a parent escort (the office will provide an escort as necessary). Any official business that may require a parent to be in the building after 8:15 a.m. will need to be cleared through the office first, at which time you will be given a visitors pass.

3. After the 8:15 a.m. bell, all late students must report to the office with their parent for official sign in. The office will issue the student a tardy slip. This procedure is required before he/she can be admitted to class. Parents are not to accompany the student to the classroom. The student will be escorted by the office staff, as necessary.

4. If a child is picked up between 2:30 and 2:45, they can only be released through the regular car line.

5. At dismissal times (11:45 a.m./2:45 p.m.), parents need to be in the car pool line to pick up their child/children. It is not permissible to park on the street or in the lot and walk your child out of the building encountering busy traffic and disregarding the carpool line. This is the safest and fairest policy for everyone.

6. At the end of the school day, teachers are instructed to lock their doors before leaving for the day. Once the teacher leaves, for security purposes, these doors will remain locked and will not be opened by the janitor or staff for students who forget books, homework papers, etc. No exceptions will be made.

We need everyones help to ensure that Orcutt remains a school with the best interests of safety and security in mind. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding.

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Child Abuse and Neglect:
Orcutt Baptist School is proud to be accredited and licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services. As such, we are obligated by law to adhere to many different standards, guidelines, and regulations to ensure the utmost in quality care for your child. One area that requires our vigilance is that of child abuse and neglect.

While everybody should be concerned about child abuse and neglect, certain groups of people are more likely to have the opportunity to recognize and report it. As childcare providers, we are required by law to report all cases of suspected abuse or neglect to child protective services. Actual reports from the school, however, have been very rare.

It is important to note that our report of suspected maltreatment is not an accusation. Rather, it is a request for the helping process to begin. Any resultant inquiries, if necessary, are handled confidentially and strictly by child protective services.

If a report is made by the school, there will be some instances when we notify the parents and others when we may not. Each instance is case specific with the childs safety constituting the overriding criteria for parental notification. The identity of the person who makes the report is always treated confidentially.

For more information on this topic, contact the Virginia Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services, for the locale in which you reside.

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OBS DRESS CODE:  Dress Code

DRESS CODE Violations:
A parent will be notified in writing for an initial dress code violation. For a second offense of the same violation, the parents will be called to bring proper attire to the school (if necessary). After the third offense of the same violation, student and parent will meet with the teacher and/ or administration.
 
Any questionable clothing or style which is not specifically addressed in the dress code will be handled at the discretion of the administration.

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