FOR the RECORD
February 2018
Transfer Warnings and Revocations
Students can be revoked for poor attendance, behaviors resulting in ISS or OSS consequences, and / or problems with punctuality in the form of tardies or parent/guardian delays in dropping off or picking the student up from school at dismissal. These warning letters are generated via the Cognos Reports and is very systematic and easy to utilize
If a student is challenged with attendance concerns, be sure to give the student and their family at least two weeks prior to checking attendance percentages again using the Cognos Report. If the student is challenged with poor behaviors resulting in discipline, the time frame could be greatly shortened. Punctuality is based on your documentation of parent tardiness for drop off and pick up, or student tardiness to class during the school day.
Additionally, your principal should be aware that March 8, 2017 is the date after which no further 2017-2018 Immediate Transfer requests shall be accepted based on the SPS Transfer Guidelines. Fourth quarter is the nine week time period where our district prefers no transfers in or out. If a student transfer receives their 3rd and final letter of warning, it applies to the following year. The student should remain at the transfer school to complete the school year.
Of course, if a child's family moves out of your attendance area and wishes to attend their new resident attendance school, this is allowed.
If you wish to know more about the SPS Guidelines for Transfers, please locate this document in the Secretary/Administrative Assistant Canvas page under Records Office, or follow this link. If you have questions or concerns, call Ann White 523-0230.
Friendly Reminder: Parents Looking for Children
An upset guardian or parent at a school site can present a stressful situation for school staff and children that might over hear an upset parent describing their plight to a school official. For that reason, it is a better idea to send that parent, especially if you do not know them, to the Roseann Bentley Center to see someone in Records or Ann White.
If you wish more information about the steps in this process, please review the SPS Records Department Professional Learning Module # 7 Adults Hunting for Their Children Please give us a call at 523-0230 if you have other questions on this or other matters.
Celebrations with The SPS Volunteer Program
A pat on the back to all of our volunteers who dedicate time out of their day to provide valuable assistance at our sites.
2017-18 Building Volunteer Hours
EXPLORE
Enrolling is the same as in the past with staggered dates beginning with seniors on Feb. 5th at 7:30 am, 10th-11th grade at noon that day. February 6 at 7:30 am opens for 9th grade enrollment, followed on Feb. 7 at 7:30 am by grades 6-8. Grades 3-5 enroll at 7:30 am on Feb. 8th, and K-2 enroll on Feb. 9 at 7:30 am.
Need more information? Click this link EXPLORE!
LAUNCH
WHAT IS LAUNCH?
Launch is Missouri’s solution for course access issues for school districts and families in need of flexible and personalized learning options. Launch courses meet both individual student needs and the needs of districts seeking to provide virtual course options for their students.
Launch courses are tuition paid by the partner school district to Springfield Public Schools (SPS) and are counted for average daily attendance (ADA) by the partner school district.
You might be wondering how Launch is different from the for profit online course providers. Launch was developed with statewide input, and offers high-quality virtual course access taught by highly-qualified Missouri teachers. The course work aligns to Missouri Learning Standards and was designed and developed by Missouri educators. This may not be the case in the for profit providers who focus much of their money for marketing purposes.
The Launch program provides access and equity to the online learners and will provide laptops for students free of charge if they do not have a device. Other technologies are provided if the course requires them, for example, heart rate monitors in the online PE class.
So now you are wondering about student records, right! Here are some frequently asked questions about Launch and student records.
Question #1 If a non-SPS student is enrolled in Launch course work, does SPS need to create a student file?
Answer # 1: Yes, Amelia Horras is the point person in the district to assist.
Question # 2: Is there a tuition fee for a non-SPS student to enroll in Launch courses?
Answer # 2: Yes, again, Amelia Horras is the point person for this.
Question #3: If a non-SPS Student is enrolled in Launch courses, would SPS request records for that student?
Answer # 3: No, all records remain with the student's resident district
Question #4: How to out of district students enroll in LAUNCH during EXPLORE sessions?
Answer #4: Refer to Amelia Horras.
Question #5: So a non-SPS student takes a LAUNCH course to graduate or for graduation credits, who sends the grades to the student's home district?
Answer #5: Amelia Horras sends the grades and the resident district completes their own transcripts.
Click the link below to find out more about Launch
ELI SAUDI ARABIA FAMILIES ARRIVAL
Missouri State University is working to coordinate the arrival of 100 families from Saudi Arabia to participate in the English Language Institute. The Institute provides English language support to international students seeking a full immersion program to increase fluency within the context of our community. Furthermore, participants will also be learning about public education to teach English in their home language.
We anticipate adding 45 children to Springfield Public Schools, many with little to no English language. Jeremy Borland (English Language Learner Director), is coordinating with Health Services, Transportation, Early Childhood, and Counseling to provide a special SPS intake day on Feb. 12th to ensure a smooth transition. Furthermore, once sites have been identified Jeremy will provide building leaders training regarding cultural customs and arrange building level orientations for the students before they begin.
GO CAPS adds Pathway for Future Teachers
Want to know more? Follow the link below:
Children Say the Cutiest Things
Q. What did the calculator say to the pencil on Valentine's Day?
A. You can count on me, Valentine!
I guess that sums up what we in the EXPLORE/RECORDS office feel when it comes to supporting you out in the buildings. You can count on us. Need assistance? Give us a call. Happy Valentine's Day from Brenda, Amy, Linda, and Ann.