Handbook & Supply Lists

Lost & Found

• Don’t forget to LABEL outer wear (including snow pants, boots, coats, gloves, and hats) and everyday items such as lunchboxes, backpacks, and balls brought for outdoor recess.
• Every school year we have hundreds of items in our lost and found that are never claimed. We try to look for names to get items returned to their owner, but unclaimed lost & found items are donated on the last school day of each month.

Electronic Devices: Use of cell phones and other electronic devices is not allowed during school hours, unless for educational purposes. Misuse of any electronic device may result in disciplinary action. Bringing any of these devices is at the student’s risk. The school personnel will not be responsible for investigation of lost or stolen items.

Cold or Hot Weather

• During the cold weather months, make a special effort to check your student’s attire before sending him/her off to school. Check to see that their clothing is appropriate and labeled: winter coat, hat, mittens, boots, etc. Also keep in mind that children normally will enter school at 8:40 a.m., plan their departure from home to coincide with this schedule.
• Osseo Area Schools work to conserve your energy dollars, the classroom thermostats are set at 68°. We recommend sending a sweater to wear in the classrooms and hallways.
• Each morning we receive up-to-date weather information which helps us to decide on an ‘inside’ or ‘outside’ recess period. We generally use a -5 wind chill factor as our threshold.

Indoor Recess Requests: Occasionally, parents will request that their student stay indoors for recess due to recent illness. If you feel it is necessary for your student to stay in for recess, a physician’s statement is required.

What can students bring from home? Students are allowed to bring certain equipment from home. Be sure equipment is clearly marked with your child’s name.

Allowed from home for recess use: Basketballs, Footballs, Nerf balls, Tennis balls, Volleyballs, Jump ropes, Softball gloves, Frisbees, Whiffle balls, Softballs, Foam balls, Plastic bats, Ring Toss games, Playground balls, Soccer balls

Not allowed from home for recess use: Cell phones/smart watches, Radios, CD Players, Toy guns, Baseball bats, Baseballs, Golf balls, Anything metal or sharp, Racquets (tennis, racquetballs, etc.), Skateboards, Darts, Rollerblades, Laser pens, Electronic Games (Game Boy, Nintendo Switch, etc.), Trading cards (Pokemon), Scooters, Roller shoes

• Our Food Service Department uses a computerized system for payment of school meals. The system allows parents to prepay lunch accounts through SmartSchoolK12.
• Please report ALL dietary restrictions to the school nurse including allergies and intolerances. Even if you send a lunch with your student everyday, there are a number of times throughout the year that food may be present in the classroom.
• Because of allergy risks, food items brought in from outside restaurant sources will not be allowed.
• The easiest way to apply for Free and Reduced Lunch is online at https://fma.district279.org/fma/. Eligibility can often be determined as quickly as the next day. Application forms will be available at the school office.
• Students eligible for free meals do not need to make deposits into their account to receive lunch each day, however, extra milk or water, extra entrees, etc., will cost money. Students who only purchase milk can pre-pay their account as well, thus eliminating the need for exact change each day.
• Checks or cash will be accepted any day. Checks must have the child’s name and PIN number written on it. Checks for your student’s account can be made out to Rice Lake Elementary or ISD 279. If sending cash, put it in an envelope labeled lunch money and record the child’s name and PIN number. Deposits can also be made online through our SmartSchoolK12 program.
• Due to safety and health concerns as well as limited space and added responsibility for our lunchroom staff, parents will not be permitted to eat lunch with students. You are welcome to sign a student out over their lunch time without penalty to academic attendance.

Visiting Teachers

• Teachers often have meetings and commitments before and after school, we ask that you make arrangements in advance before planning a visit. Teachers regularly use voicemail and email, we encourage you to use these methods when you want to schedule an in-person meeting with your student's teacher. Unplanned meetings with teachers are not permitted.
• Visiting teachers while in the building for another purpose is against policy. You will be asked to return to the office.

Volunteering: Any person who wishes to volunteer at Rice Lake Elementary must fill out a volunteer application form and background check two weeks prior to volunteering. The application can be found online.

Birthday Snacks: Due to the growing number of students with severe allergies, Rice Lake has adopted a school-wide policy. We are asking parents/students NOT to bring shareable snacks or treats, including birthday treats. If a student brings in treats they will be sent back home at the end of the day. Birthday party invitations cannot be handed out in the classroom.

Pet Policy: Due to health and air quality concerns, no pets of any species are allowed at school. Pets are not allowed for “Show and Tell”. • Exceptions are:

• Certified therapy dogs, which will be permitted on a case by case bases.
• Science curriculum approved by the district.
• Organized educational groups that are preapproved by the principal.
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