• HOME
• INFORMATION
  • Acceptable Use Policy
  • Curriculum Guide
  • District Calendar
  • Student Handbook
  • Supply Lists
• STUDENTS
  • FCAT Explorer
  • Harcourt
  • Library Search
  • Reading Counts
  • Think Central
• PARENTS
  • District Calendar
  • Faculty Directory
  • Library Search
  • Lunch Menu
  • Lunch Schedule
  • Parent Tips
  
  
  • Skyward
  • Specials Schedule
  • Supply Lists
• TEACHERS
  • Email
  • Blackboard
  • Curriculum Guide
  • EIS
  • Library Search
  • Print Shop
  • Staff Development
  • Teacher Center
• BUSINESS PARTNERS

Bear Lake Elementary School's mission is for all students to learn today for a better tomorrow within a safe and orderly environment.

SCHOOL HOURS

Daily school hours are 8:35 am to 3:05 pm except on Wednesdays when hours are 8:35 am to 2:05 pm.

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE: A student in Seminole County Public Schools who has attained the age of six (6) by February 1, of any school year, but who has not yet attained the age of sixteen (16), is required to attend school regularly during the entire school year. The School Board of Seminole County, Florida, has adopted a Compulsory Attendance Policy, File JEA, which states, "A student is expected to attend all school sessions unless excused by a proper school authority."

PARENT VERIFICATION OF ABSENCES: Regular student attendance is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Once a child is enrolled in school (K-12), it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school according to established procedure when the child is absent or has missed school. The Principal has legal authority to determine if an absence is excused. A student shall be considered truant when absent without permission of the parent/guardian or when the parent/guardian consents to unnecessary absences.

SCHOOL NOTIFICATION OF ABSENCE: Upon each excused absence, or absence for which reason is unknown, the school principal or his/her designee shall contact the student's parent to determine the reason for the absence.

EXCUSED DEFINED: An excused student absence is defined as illness, death of a family member, family emergency (approved by the Principal), and religious instruction or religious holidays. Students with excused absences will be given the opportunity to make up schoolwork according to the following guidelines:

A student who is absent is required to make up all coursework missed, regardless of whether the absence is excused or unexcused. It is the student's responsibility to obtain assignments upon returning to class immediately following an absence.

AT MINIMUM, THE STUDENT SHALL HAVE NO LESS (PLUS ONE) THAN THE NUMBER OF DAYS THEY WERE ABSENT TO COMPLETE AND HAND IN MAKE-UP WORK FOR CREDIT. SPECIFIC ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE MADE WITH THE STUDENT'S TEACHER(S).

Unless exempted from this requirement by the Principal or the Principal's designee (in consultation with the teacher) assignments given by the teacher ten school days in advance of a student's absence will be due by the assigned date. An assignment turned in after the due date will be graded by the teacher. When the grade for the assignment had been determined by the teacher, it may be reduced by no more than one letter grade for every day the assignment was turned in late.

SCHOOL NOTIFICATION OF REPEATED UNEXCUSED ABSENCE: After three (3) days of unexcused absences or a pattern of absences in thirty (30) calendar days, with no parental notification to the school, the Principal or designee shall contact the parent/guardian via telephone, e-mail, personal contact, or mail. The purpose of this contact is to notify the parent/guardian and to discuss the reason for the absences. Any attempts should be documented and a copy sent to the Principal or his/her designee. After all school-based interventions are utilized; the Principal or designee will refer a student accumulating ten (10) unexcused absences within ninety (90) calendar days to the school social worker.

REPEATED ILLNESS: A student may be excused for a continued or repeated illness up to ten (10) attendance days in a span of ninety (90) calendar days. After this period of time, medical verification will be required. If no verification is submitted within three (3) student attendance days, referral to the School Board nurse will be required.

HEAD LICE (PEDICULOSIS) OR IMMUNIZATION NON-COMPLIANCE: Absences due to head lice (pediculosis), nits, or immunization non-compliance in excess of three (3) school days will be considered an unexcused absence. The school will make a referral to the School Board nurse who will assess the need for forwarding the student to the school social worker.

ABSENCES DUE TO TARDINESS/LATE ARRIVAL: A student who accumulates five and one-half (5 1/2) hours of absences due to tardiness, late arrival, or early release during the regular school day shall be deemed absent for one school day.

Public school attendance is mandatory. When your child must be absent, a written and dated note from a parent or guardian is required upon his or her return to school. A PARENTAL NOTE IS REQUIRED TO EXCUSE A STUDENT FROM P.E. IF THE STUDENT IS TO MISS MORE THAN 3 DAYS OF P.E. A DOCTOR'S NOTE IS REQUIRED.

GUM, CANDY & TOYS

CAFETERIA

Lunchroom behavior will be closely monitored. Students who violate the accepted standards of behavior while in the lunchroom will be subject to appropriate discipline.

Applications for free and reduced lunch may be obtained at the front office. After completing and submitting the application, the county will notify you if your child(ren) is eligible.

CLINIC AND MEDICATION

There is a full time clinic assistant to assist your child during the school day. It is imperative that a complete emergency contact card be on file in the clinic for every student. For questions and concerns, please contact 407-746-5506.

Any form of medication taken at school must be dispensed, by law, through the clinic. (Even over the counter medications such as chapstick, lozenges, cough drops, etc.) A designated AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICATION form must be completed by parent or legal guardian and signed by your child's physician prior to the administration of any medications to a student. These authorizations for medication must be renewed each school year.

All prescription medications to be administered in school must be in the original container labeled with the following information:

All prescribed over-the-counter medication to be administered shall be in the original container labeled with information 1-7 in preceding paragraph. 

If prior arrangements have been made with the principal or her designee, a parent or guardian may go into the school to administer prescribed or non-prescribed (over-the-counter) medication to his or her child, upon completion of a SEMINOLE COUNTY SCHOOL STUDENT MEDICATION RECORD. Students are not allowed to carry ANY medication to school (prescribed or over-the-counter.)

DISCIPLINE

Classroom discipline is the primary responsibility of the classroom teacher and will reflect appropriate, accepted behaviors so that we maintain a safe and orderly environment conducive to effective teaching and learning for all students. The Student Conduct and Discipline Code is the standard used by the administration when students are referred to the office. 

VOLUNTEERS "DIVIDEND" PROGRAM

Bear Lake's volunteer program is conducted through the county wide "Dividends" Program. It provides additional learning experiences for students, under the supervisions of the teacher for insurance purposes. All Dividends must complete an application online each year and this must be approved through the district Dividends Program. No parent or other volunteer is allowed to help in the classroom or attend field trips without completing the appropriate form. All forms require approval. Dividends wear nametags they wear while working at school. THESE NAMETAGS ARE WORN DURING DIVIDEND TIME AND DO REPLACE THE PROCEDURE LISTED UNDER PARENT AND VISITOR NAMETAGS AND SIGNING-IN. 

All "Dividends" MUST complete an application at the beginning of EACH YEAR. No parent will be allowed to dividend or attend field trips until this form is submitted. Click here to complete the Dividend Application online.

GUIDANCE

The purpose of the guidance program is to help each individual student achieve his highest growth mentally, emotionally, and socially. We have two Guidance Counselors. One for grades K-2 and one for grades 3-5.

Our counselors welcome the opportunity to meet with any student, parent or teacher. Please contact (407)746-5554 if you need further information. 

PARENT CONFERENCES

PARENT INFORMATION

We must have at least three current phone numbers for each student including emergency contacts. It is the parent's responsibility to inform the front office and his/her child(ren)'s teacher of changes in addresses and phone numbers throughout the school year.

PTA (PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION)

The Parent Teacher Association functions as a means for communication between home and school, sponsors educational programs related to school, and organized fund raising for purchases of supplementary materials for our school.

The PTA is always looking for volunteers for its working committees. You are encouraged to get involved. It will give you a chance to make many new friends and learn more about Bear Lake.

REPORTING PUPIL PROGRESS

The report card is sent home at the end of each 12 week grading period and the Progress Report is sent home in the middle of each 12 week grading period.

ON THE 12 WEEK REPORT CARD: Kindergarten and grade 1 children will receive an "O" indicating outstanding progress, an "S" indicating satisfactory progress, or an "N" indicating the need to improve.

ON THE 12 WEEK REPORT CARD: Grades 2-5 children will receive A, B, C, D, or F marks in all academic areas, the values are as follows:

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR CHILD'S GRADES REFLECT WHETHER THE MATERIALS THEY ARE WORKING ON ARE AT GRADE LEVEL OR BELOW GRADE LEVEL.

(SAC) SCHOOL  ADVISORY  COUNCIL

The School Advisory Council is composed of parents, teachers, non-instructional staff members and school administration. This committee meets monthly during the school year and is integrally involved in all aspects of the school as well as the writing of the School Improvement Plan. SAC acts in an advisory capacity to the principal. Concerns, suggestions and accolades will be accepted for discussion at regular meetings provided they are on the written agenda.

Committee members:

Jane Curran - Chairperson
Judy Bricker - Co-Chair
April Dickerson - Time Keeper
Dan Ongie - Recording Secretary

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

STUDENT COUNCIL: A representative and alternate will be elected from each class from the 3rd grade through 5th grade to serve on Student Council. Officers will come from the 4th and 5th grades. The purpose of the Student Council is to suggest and carry out projects for the benefit of the school using the democratic process.

SAFETY PATROLS: The Safety Patrols will be made up of responsible students in the 5th grade who are good citizens. Safety Patrols help students learn safe practices on the school grounds. All students are expected to cooperate with the patrols. Any complaints about how the patrols are doing their job should be brought to the attention of the patrol sponsor.

EXTRACURRICULAR - Music Ensembles provide an additional learning opportunity for students in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. These groups emphasize music reading and performance, and involve singing as well as recorder and bell playing.

RUNNING CLUB, ROBOTICS CLUB AND ART CLUB ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO INTERESTED STUDENTS. Information will be distributed at the appropriate times.

STUDENT APPEARANCE

The dress code for the school is based upon the following considerations: utility, appropriateness of indoor-outdoor activities, and modesty. Students must wear enclosed shoes for Physical Education. Students may NOT wear halters, midriffs, backless dresses or tops, tube tops, or any clothing which may be distracting. Girls and boys may NOT wear "short" shorts. The rule for the right length shorts is: with the arms hanging by the side, the thumb reaches the edge of the shorts. Good grooming will by the rule at all times. As a general rule, elementary students will wear clothing and hairstyles that are not harmful, disruptive or hazardous to health or safety.

STUDENT AWARDS

To encourage student achievement, students are awarded certificates based on their academic or social growth and development. These awards include the Principal's Award, Honor Roll and Citizenship Awards. ABC (Academic/Behavior & Citizenship) and Caught Being Good awards are given to any students who show appropriate growth.

STUDENT INSURANCE

School insurance is available to all students. A packet will be available for each student on the first day of classes. Purchase of this program is optional, but strongly recommended.

STUDENT SUPERVISION

Supervision of students begins at 8:15 AM and ends at 3:15 PM. Please arrange for your child(ren) arrive and leave within the times indicated.

There is no supervision of students before or after school hours.

Should you need to pick up your child prior to dismissal, please arrive at school no later than 2:30 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and no later than 1:30 PM on Wednesdays. Students will not be called out of their classes between 2:30-2:45 PM (Wednesday 1:30-1:45 PM).

TELEPHONE

Students are allowed to use the telephone for emergency reasons only. Forgotten homework, permission slips, and books DO NOT constitute an emergency.

TEXTBOOKS

All basic textbooks are loaned to the students for their use. Handle the books with proper care and return them to the teacher at the end of the year. Should a book be badly damaged or lost, the school must be reimbursed. Students should put their name and teacher's name on the paper book panel at the beginning of the school year.

TRANSPORTATION

BUS: A CHILD IS ONLY ALLOWED TO RIDE A BUS THAT HE/SHE IS AN ASSIGNED. County policies must be followed while students are on the SCPS bus.

CAR: Grades 2-5 daily car riders are to be delivered and picked up at the front of the school in the designated area only. Kindergarten and Grade 1 car riders are to be delivered and picked up in front of the K-1 Primary Learning Center. Siblings of Kindergarten and Grade 1 students should also be delivered and picked up in front of the Primary Learning Center.

Adults will be on duty to assist your child both in the morning and afternoon. THE PARKING LOT IS NOT A PEDESTRIAN AREA. Please stay in your car and follow our established procedures so that the safety of your child(ren) is not compromised.

EMERGENCY PICK-UP: ALL EMERGENCY AND OTHER DISMISSALS MUST BE DONE THROUGH THE FRONT OFFICE.

BICYCLES: Bicycles are to be walked at all times when on school grounds. Bicycles should be locked at bicycle racks while students are in class. Bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and roller blades are not permitted on school sidewalks at any time.

DAY CARE RIDERS: Day care riders will be dropped off and picked up at the bus ramp behind the school in the designated area.

PARENT AND VISITOR NAME TAGS

ALL PARENTS AND VISITORS ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN IN AT THE FRONT OFFICE (NOT AT THE PRIMARY CENTER) AND WEAR A VISITOR'S NAME TAG WHERE IT IS VISIBLE. The school secretary will inform the parent which procedure she or he should follow depending on their need. If you would like to observe your child's classroom, arrangements are made through your child's teacher. A 24-hour advance notice is required.

A parent eating lunch with his or her child should first sign in at the front office and then go directly to the cafeteria and wait for the class. After lunch, it is requested that parents leave and not return to the classrooms unless prior arrangements are made with the teacher. These procedures are required to ensure the safety of the Bear Lake campus and to maintain an appropriate learning environment for all students. Persons not signing in or not wearing a name tag will be asked to go to the front office to follow the above procedure. Please help us keep our children safe by modeling these procedures each and every time you come on campus.