PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOKS

A parent/student handbook is an important publication that every school needs. It provides vital information about your school, district policies, and the guidelines for cooperation between parents and educators. Handbooks are most valuable to educators if they are to be used as a reference and guide for student conduct and similar purposes. Your handbook should contain general guidelines that allow you flexibility in dealing with a variety of situations while remaining within the boundaries of district policy. If rules and regulations are written in too much detail, you may find yourself boxed into a corner when dealing with a particular issue.

Involve your school site council or other parents and staff members in helping to develop the contents of your handbook. By including those who will be using it, you will end up with a publication that better serves the needs of your school. Even if your school district provides such a handbook to parents, a supplement addressing issues specific to your school would be very useful.

Subjects that should be included in the handbook are the following:

● Attendance ● Code of conduct ● Dress code ● Discipline ● Academics ● Student activities

● Student and parent rights ● Health care and regulations ● Transportation ● Safety programs ● Parent involvement ● Philosophy and goals