ACCIDENT/ILLNESS
If a child is injured or ill at school parents will be contacted. We start with the home number and move on to
work and cell phone numbers. When a parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact person listed on the student
registration form will be called. If this person is not available, we will use our best judgment in deciding what
steps will be taken. This is why it is so important to keep the school informed of any changes in address, phone
numbers or changes to your contact information.
ATTENDANCE AND PUPIL ABSENCE
Students who attend school regularly do better in school, have more friends, require less discipline and are more
comfortable in their school setting.
All students coming to school tardy MUST sign in at the office.
Please call the office by 9:00 a.m. if your child will be absent or late to school. If you forget to call we will
attempt to call you. If we are unable to contact you, you will need to send a note of explanation promptly following
the absence.
If the school does not hear from you regarding your child's absence, the absence is recorded as unexcused. Unexcused
absences require certain types of follow-up.
One unexcused absence: The school will notify you by phone or mail.
Two unexcused absences: School personnel will arrange a conference with a member of the family.
Five unexcused absences in one month or 10 unexcused absences in one year: The school will notify the district
attendance officer. By law, the attendance officer must then file a petition with Whatcom Juvenile Court.
Please help us implement this law/policy by keeping us informed of absences during the school year.
ARRIVAL TIMES
All elementary schools in the Bellingham School District begin at 8:55a.m.
Your child may NOT be at Silver Beach before 8:30 a.m. We have no supervision on the playground before that time.
Our doors open for children to enter the building at 8:45. If your child eats breakfast at school he/she may enter
the cafeteria at 8:30.
BIRTHDAYS
If you plan to bring a treat to class for your child to share on a birthday, contact the teacher in advance. He
or she may have a suggestion about an appropriate time. Please do not send birthday party invitations to school
to be distributed, as this can cause disappointments.
CLOTHING
Clothing worn to school should be clean, neat, in good taste and should not distract from classroom instruction.
Beach wear, short shorts, mid-drift tops, spaghetti straps, halter tops or clothing with suggestive logos are not
appropriate for school. Students wearing inappropriate attire will be asked to call home and have their parents
bring them a change of clothes. "Sagging" or wearing jeans/trousers where undergarments show at the waist
is not permitted. At the Elementary level make up at school is a distraction. Please be aware of your child's PE
days and be sure they are wearing safe and appropriate shoes. High heels and flip flop type shoes can be dangerous
when running and playing.
Parent Handbook--Accidents to Clothing