About Deer Creek Elementary

Mission
To develop Deer Creek's community of learners as creative problem solvers, skillful communicators, productive team workers, capable of using technology to process information in a life-long pursuit of excellence.

Philosophy
"A STRONG EDUCATION IS THE FOUNDATION FOR A STRONG WORLD TOMORROW"

The ongoing philosophy of Deer Creek Elementary School is to develop the maximum interests of each individual student.

The educational program shall provide a creative learning environment which nurtures self-respect and self actualization, while developing positive attitudes toward higher levels of learning. Each child shall be encouraged and challenged to develop individual creativity, sensitivity, inquiry, and critical thinking skills and an appreciation of cultural and aesthetic values to the best of his/her ability. The student should be taught to think creatively and logically in order that he/she may rely upon his/her own initiative and judgment. With the opportunities provided, each student should achieve a sense of accomplishment and individual security with the recognition of the need to respect the rights and privileges of others.

The students are active participants in the educational program, and the community acts as an extension of the program. Teachers function as facilitators in the learning process. The administration serves as the coordinator and harmonizer for the students, faculty and community. With these roles in mind, the goal is that each student shall have an opportunity to become an effective member of a democratic society.

Curriculum
Deer Creek Elementary's basic curriculum includes instruction in reading, phonics, language arts, spelling, mathematics, science, and social studies. In addition, children attend physical education, art, and music classes. Spanish instruction is offered in grades 4 and 5 and Enrichment special interest groups are offered to students who meet the criteria. Guidance classes are also offered on a regular basis. In addition, our students utilize the computer lab and the media center in conjunction with their basic studies.

Student Activities
Deer Creek Elementary School offers students opportunities to become involved in leadership roles through Student Council, Art Club, Honor Chorus, Student Mediators, Safety Patrol, and Job Corps.

Daily Schedule

8:30 a.m.	Earliest Arrival Time (Teachers are not on duty until 8:30)
8:45 a.m.	School Begins
11:30 a.m.	Morning Kindergarten Dismissed
1:00 p.m.	Afternoon Kindgergarten Begins
3:45 p.m.	School Dismissed

Before/After School Program
A Before-School Program and After-School Program is offered each school day. For more information call Latchkey Child Services, Inc. at 236-2069.

Deer Creek Elementary School Rules
Deer Creek Elementary School believes that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. In order to establish a climate of cooperation, it is necessary to establish guidelines for behavior. Therefore, all students are expected to follow five basic rules. Teachers will discuss these rules, as well as special classroom rules, with students at the beginning of the year.

1. We will treat others with respect and courtesy.
2. We will come prepared to work and follow directions.
3. We will respect the property and rights of ourselves and others.
4. We will follow the rules of specific areas.

Student Information Card
A "Student Information Card" is kept on every child in the school office. It asks for important information, including emergency numbers. A CHILD CANNOT BE RELEASED TO ANYONE WHO IS NOT LISTED ON THE STUDENT INFORMATION CARD. If you have corrections of addresses and/or telephone numbers during the school year, please contact the school secretary.

Directory
Each year, a Student/Family Directory is published. If you would like to be included in the directory, please indicate your choice on the Student Information Card.

Medication
If a student MUST take medication while at school, it will be administered and logged through the office. Medication must be labeled with the child's name, dosage, and the time to be administered. Prescription medicine should be sent in a properly labeled prescription bottle (showing the doctor's name). The school must follow the prescription label. If a dosage needs to be changed, we must be notified by the prescribing doctor.
We will dispense medication aspirin with writtend permission from a parent.

Absences
We ask that parents call the school attendance number (359-3167) by 9:30 a.m. when a child is absent to report the reason for the absence. See the family handbook for a discussion of excused absences.

Tardiness
If a student arrives after 8:45 a.m., he/she should check-in with the office upon arrival.

Changes in Transportation
Parents should send a note with their child if there will be a change in transportation for that day. Please send a note if you know ahead of time that your child will be going home in an alternate way. If you cannot make transportation plans ahead of time, please call the office BEFORE 3:15 p.m. There is no need to call if you have sent a note.
If a child is to be dismissed early, a written note is necessary. A student will NOT be permitted to wait outside the building when leaving early. A parent or adult must come into the office and sign the student out from school. The secretary will call for the child to come to the office for early dismissal.

Fundraisers
We have one major fundraiser, the Walk-A-Thon, in September. Participation is appreciated but strictly voluntary. Monies are raised for instructional materials, Antler Day, music programs, and necessary materials needed for children.

Programs
The Physical Education Department schedules a special event each year. Antler Day (a field and track day) is scheduled in May.
The Music and Art Departments will have several programs or shows during the school year.

Money/Valuables
It is most helpful to send money or checks for lunches or other items in an envelope labeled with the child's name and teacher's name along with a note as to what the money is for. We discourage children from bringing large amounts of money to school. Also, children should not bring toys, games, and other valuable items to school which may distract them and others.

Lost and Found
A "Lost and Found" rack is kept inside the cafeteria. Children should place any found items in the "lost and found" and check there first if they lose an item.

Lunch Program
Students may purchase a hot lunch for $2.00 which includes milk. Students who bring a sack lunch may purchase milk for $.35. Juice may also be purchased for an additional $.35.
All lunch accounts are handled through a computer system. Each child is issued a computer card which is used to debit his/her account for any lunch purchases. Parents may send any amount to be placed into the lunch account. We encourage parents to pay at least a week's worth of meals or milk at a time.

When your child's account balance becomes low, a notice will be sent home with your child. If your child runs out of money, they may CHARGE ONCE. Parents will be notified with a phone call from their student when this situation occurs.

Clothing
The weather in Oklahoma is variable. Please have your child dress for the weather, appropriate for outdoor play.
Also, please mark all outer garments with your child's name so that it can be returned if lost.

Parties
Classes will have two parties each year - one before the winter break and the other near Valentine's Day.  If you would like to bring treats for birthdays or some other special occasion, please make prior arrangements with the teacher. (We do not hold birthday parties but teachers will pass out treats.)

All special occasion parties need to be cleared through the office before being planned.