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School Hand Book

2025-26 Parent / Student Handbook

 

OUR VISION 

Creating lifelong learners who strive to succeed in our changing world.

 

OUR MISSION 

With attitude, effort and pride we build relationships, responsibility and respect. 

 

WELCOME BACK! 


I am pleased to welcome you and your child to Bench Elementary School and the 25-26 school year. The coming academic year promises to be full of new learning, fun activities, and challenges for all of us.

Bench School is committed to the guiding principle that every student can learn and succeed. We work hard at Bench to create an environment that builds trust and respect for others. Bench has an excellent staff of educators. Please refer to the Bench Elementary website for additional information regarding our staff, their positions and email addresses. You will find that our teachers offer multiple approaches to learning, and that opportunities are available to accommodate students with differing needs and learning styles. We believe that optimum learning occurs when educators, parents and the community work together as a team. We look forward to having you involved in your child’s education and hope to see you at school often. 

The “Bench Parent and Student Handbook” has been prepared to help you be informed about school policies, procedures, schedules and the general operation of the school. Please take the time to review this important information, and  keep it on hand for future reference. In addition to this handbook we also follow the District Student / Parent Handbook which is applicable for all students throughout the district.

I am looking forward to working with you. You will find there are many opportunities for involvement at Bench. You can take an active part in our PTA, help out with a special project, eat lunch with your child, volunteer in the classroom or volunteer in our library.  Please feel free to stop in or call if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions.
 

Tami Concepcion 

Principal

 

EXPECTATIONS, PROCEDURES, AND GUIDELINES

 

ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL 

  • Students are NOT to be on campus before  7:50. when staff are available for supervision. If your child is at school prior to 7:50, you need to wait with them. 
  • Breakfast is served at 7:50 a.m. Students are to enter quietly and walk to the gym/cafeteria. There is to be no cutting, horseplay, screaming, arguing, etc.  While eating breakfast students are expected to remain in their seats until finished eating. 

 

ATTENDANCE & TARDIES

Parents need to make every attempt to have students attend school unless their child is ill or has some other valid reason for not attending. Your child needs to develop a habit of prompt and regular attendance. Good habits acquired now will help them be successful in life. Parents are asked to call the school office (281-6203) to report absences.  If we do not receive a call by 8:45 a.m., the automated calling system will contact the parent. This is required by state law. 

When a child is going to be absent for a prolonged period of time it is important that the school and family work together to ensure assignments and make-up instruction are provided and completed. 

  • When your child has a doctor/dentist appointment, please bring a note from the appointment desk. Students that provide a doctor’s note are marked as being medically tardy (MT)  or medically absent (MA) for medical reasons. 
  • Excessive Absences –  Chronic absenteeism is considered missing more than 10%.  For example, there are 60 days of school in a Trimester.  If your child misses more than 6 days of school in a trimester – due to illness or for another reason –  that is excessive.  
  • Excessive Tardies – Learning begins at 8:05 when school starts.  Total tardiness above 5% of accrued school days is excessive.
    •  If your child misses the first few minutes of class, it can be unsettling for them and difficult for them to catch up on what the class has started.
    • If your child is half an hour late, they have missed the majority of the first lesson.
    • If your child arrives after 10:00 a.m. they have missed the majority of any morning lessons.

If a child shows a pattern of excessively missing school, being tardy, or being truant, you will be contacted to seek your support in improving this situation.  Detention and referral to the Billings Public Schools’ Attendance and/or Truancy Officer are possible mitigating measures for those who are chronically absent, late for school, or are truant.

For your information:  If a student is late 10 minutes each day of school, s/he misses 1,800 minutes of instructional time.  That is 30 hours of lost learning.  There is no question that missing 30 hours of instruction impacts a student’s academic performance.  A Minneapolis study found that students who were in class 95% of the time were twice as likely to pass state language arts tests as students with attendance rates of 85%.

     

BICYCLES, ROLLER BLADES, SCOOTERS, & SKATE BOARDS

Children in grades 1-5 may ride their bicycles, etc. to school. Bicycle racks are provided and bicycles should be left in the racks during school hours. Students are to lock their  bicycles while they are at school. The serial number and brand name should be recorded at home so that identification may be made if the bicycle is  stolen. Kindergarten students are asked not to ride their bikes, etc. to school unless accompanied by a parent. Research and experience show that most children in kindergarten lack full motor control and are easily distracted. The inconvenience far outweighs the risk of serious injury.

If your child rides a bike, etc, to school , please be certain they are aware of the following safety practices: 

  • Bikes should be ridden on the right-hand side of the street. Bicycles are vehicles and should be operated as such; they are subject to traffic signs, signals, and regulations. 
  • Bikes, etc. should be ridden alone. Students should not ride double. 
  • Bikes should be ridden in single file when in a group. 
  • Bikes should be in good working condition, including tires, steering, brakes and drive mechanism.
  • Bikes should be walked through pedestrian crosswalks and on school property. 
  • Bikes should be ridden on the streets and sidewalks only, never on lawns.
  • City regulations REQUIRE that students wear helmets.  Students must always wear a helmet if they are riding anything to school. *
  • Students are not allowed to ride their bikes or any other equipment around the school area before or during school time. Once reaching school ground, students are asked to disembark and walk their bike to the bike racks.

If a student  disregards any of  the above  safety rules in any manner the school staff deems unsafe (including not wearing a helmet) they will lose their privilege to ride, and parents will be called.  When this occurs, if parents are unable to pick the student and their mode of transportation up after school, students will be asked to leave their equipment at school  and walk home.   *If your child needs  a helmet, and you would like our help in getting one, please let us know. 

 

BIRTHDAYS and PARTY INVITATIONS

Please make arrangements with your child’s teacher if you would like to bring treats to celebrate your child’s birthday.  They will be able to give you the number of students in the class, as well as inform you about any allergies or dietary restrictions. Parents may drop birthday treats off at the office but will not be permitted to personally deliver treats to classrooms. If you would like to have flowers, balloons, etc. delivered or dropped off, please be aware that we do not deliver them to the classroom.  Students will receive notification that they have a delivery at the office, and will be sent to the office to pick them up close to the end of the school day.   If a parent or relative would like to make a personal delivery, they may do so at the office during the school day or on the playground after school.

Emotional safety is important to us. Be considerate of the feelings of your child’s classmates. In an effort to promote a safe, healthy environment for all students in each classroom, we do not permit on-campus distribution of birthday or social invitations that are not inclusive. If you would like to distribute party invitations on campus, please include either the whole class, or those students of like gender to your child.   If you would like to invite only a few of your child’s classmates, please distribute them after school hours.

 

BULLYING and CONFLICT

Billings Public Schools and Bench Elementary take Bullying very seriously. The District has specific behaviors that constitute Bullying, and procedures to be followed.  They are summarized here, but described in detail on the District website.  https://www.billingsschools.org/about-us/stand-with-us-against-bullying 

Bullying  is defined as  actions which are negative, intentional, repeated, show a lack of empathy, and  where there is a power imbalance between the bully and the victim.

What Bullying is not:  Most conflict between students is not considered “Bullying” under  the District’s definition.  However, we take all conflict seriously as well, and believe that quick resolution based upon effective information gathering  is the best course of action.  We encourage your child to tell their teacher or another adult at school about any conflict they are experiencing.   Children have difficulty recalling accurate details of incidents days or weeks after they occur, so the sooner they report the conflict, the better.  If your child tells you of a conflict they have experienced, contact their teacher immediately if you feel your child has not told an adult at school, or if you are concerned the conflict was not adequately resolved.  If you do not receive a response from the teacher within 24 hours, contact the office. 

If the principal becomes involved, they will gather information from all who were involved.  They will make a determination of what occurred based on this information  and formulate a plan of resolution.  Depending on the severity of the conflict, you may not be informed of its occurrence and resolution.  If the severity of the conflict warrants, you will be informed of the conflict and resolution by a staff member.  As a matter of privacy, please do not expect to know what another child’s consequence was.

 

BUS POLICY 

  1. Behavior at the bus stop and on the bus must conform to normal school behavior (i.e. children should wait at their bus stop in a calm, mannerly fashion and sit in their seats in the same manner that they would in class).
  2. No guest riders are permitted unless the prior arrangements have been made with the Director of Transportation (281-5581).
  3. Bus drivers and bus aides are authorized to take the following disciplinary actions:
    1. Verbal Warning
    2. Seat Assignment on Bus
    3. Written Warning (Discipline Report*)
    4. Revocation of Riding Privileges Until Further Notice (Discipline Report*)

           *Parents will receive an email from the Transportation Office. If the interaction warrants a suspension the Transportation Office will attempt to contact the parent by phone.

          For more information go to the Billings Public Schools transportation contact First Student Transportation at 281-5583 or go to the  transportation website.  

          https://www.billingsschools.org/departments/student-support-education-services/transportation 

 

CELL PHONES / SMART WATCHES

Students are not allowed to use their phones or watches at school.  If a parent needs to be called, the student should notify their teacher or another adult.  Cell phones are to be kept in student backpacks, and phone/text modes are to be turned off on watches.  Students are never allowed to text during the school day.

We consider it a parent’s responsibility to monitor their child’s cell phone/watch  usage outside of school hours. We deal with conflicts at school that interrupt learning because of poor choices students make outside of school on their devices.  Please help us to support all of our students by monitoring your student’s phone/watch interactions outside of school hours. 

This link, https://www.waituntil8th.org/, has some great information regarding the negative impact of smart devices on children, and we highly encourage all parents to read it.  Find out why many executives from tech firm giants such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Ebay have delayed giving their children Smartphones until age 14.

 

CHEMICAL ABUSE

Billings Public School policy prohibits the use or possession of any tobacco, alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on school district property. Any student possessing or using these substances shall be subject to immediate suspension, a possible hearing, and law enforcement may be called. Students are not allowed to wear clothing that advertises the above mentioned products. 

 

CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS AND SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Please contact your child’s teacher for information regarding classroom celebrations and  any special activities.  The front office is generally not aware of details regarding individual  classrooms and their special activities.

 

CLASSROOM VISITORS & VISITATIONS 

           For the protection of students, all visitors and guests must check in at the school office and pick up a Visitor Badge.  During the school day students may ONLY 

           be checked out through the office.  Office staff will deliver late lunch boxes, books, messages, birthday treats, etc., to the classroom for the parents, so as to cause 

          minimal  interruptions in instructional time. Visitors are to use the check-in bell at the front doors to be let into the school. Visitors should have and be ready to 

         Present their ID and must provide their purpose for visiting the school. 

           Visits during the school day should be prearranged.  Conferences and visits must be planned with the teacher. Observations must be scheduled with the principal.     

           Teachers and students work on a planned schedule and program.  Unnecessary interruptions consume and hinder the educational program.

 

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Any student information parents provide to the school is for school use only. We do not give out names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. All information of student placement and services is also confidential and is available only to the parents and school personnel who are involved with the student’s program. In the event shared communication with providers or organizations is necessary a Consent for Mutual Exchange of Information is available. Information regarding discipline will only be provided to the parent or legal guardian of any particular student.

 

CROSSING GUARD AT MILTON RD AND LAKE ELMO DR   

We strongly encourage parents to teach their children to safely cross intersections without the help of an adult if you plan on having your child walk to school along these routes.  If your child is unable to safely cross these streets by themselves, we strongly recommend that they be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Our Crosswalk Guard will begin crossing students at Milton Rd and Lake Elmo Dr at 7:45. 

COMMUNICATION 

Parents are responsible for 

1) Providing the school with an up to date working phone number. In addition, you must have at least one alternate contact listed that we can reach in the case of an illness, behavior issue, or emergency. 

2) Having voicemail set up on their phones with a cleared mailbox that they listen to regularly.  

3) A working email that you check regularly. 

4) Setting up your child’s teacher’s messaging app on your phone. 

5) Make a habit of visiting the school’s website regularly for schedules, announcements, calendars, and district information. 

6) Checking your child’s backpack for information, permission slips, and specific communication to you  from your child’s teacher, counselor, specialist or the office. 

Contacting your child’s teacher:  A parent’s primary  source of specific  information regarding their child is their child’s teacher.  If you call during school hours, you may leave a message for them.  You may also use whichever messaging app the teacher uses, or email them.  App information should be given to you by your child’s teacher at the beginning of the school year.  Teachers’ email addresses may be found on the Bench website under the “Staff” link. 

Website: Our website has the school schedule, a link to the Bench  Family Event calendar, the Bench Student/Parent Handbook, School and Building Protocols, Schoolwide Behavior and other important Bench information, in addition to the most current news.  Please make a habit of visiting the website to obtain needed information.  https://bench.billingsschools.org/   

Principal Communications: We will use all of the following to ensure you receive important communication from the principal. 1) ParentSquare – the District app that will either email or text parents, depending on preference  2) Remind messaging app 3) messaging from the teacher 4) take home fliers and 5) website posting.  It is imperative that email boxes and text messages  are checked regularly.

Front Office: Front office personnel primarily use the telephone to contact parents.  It is imperative that you have voicemail set up, and that you keep your voicemail boxes cleared.  If you do not have at least one secondary contact, please add one as soon as possible.  If we cannot reach a parent or secondary contact by phone, we will email the parent.  For this reason, please make sure the school has a working email address for each parent, and  that  it  is checked regularly.

 

DAYCARE PROVIDERS - Before and after school practices

Please be certain that your daycare provider is listed on your annual contact information updates online. If this changes during the school year, please let us know right away. It is important for you to have arrangements made so that children do not arrive at school before 7:50 unless it is for a special school activity, a meeting and arrangements were previously made. School doors open for breakfast at 7:50. If daycare providers are picking students up, they should be prompt in picking up the children as close to dismissal time as possible. We cannot allow primary students being dismissed at 2:25 to wait for siblings in intermediate grades, who are dismissed at 3:10 because there is no supervision available during that time. 

 

DISCIPLINE AND SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS ~ Be safe. Be Respectful. Be Responsible.

One of the most important lessons education should teach is self-discipline. While it does not appear as a subject, it underlies the whole educational structure. It is the skill that develops self-control, character, orderliness and efficiency. It is the key to good conduct and proper consideration of other people. Students should behave in a manner that will be a credit to our school. Our 3 school-wide expectations are to be safe, respectful and responsible. Additional information is shared on the Bench website and in parent newsletters throughout the school year.

 

DRESS CODE 

We believe that attention to appearance and a student’s attitude toward self and school are related. Good taste, good grooming, and appropriateness of attire are a part of learning for both boys and girls. However, we recognize that students’ mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of their personal style and individual preference. With this in mind, students must dress in a manner that supports a serious, business-like, and safe environment for learning. Therefore, the following rules shall be followed in regards to students’ dress: 

  • Shorts must have an inseam of at least 2 inches on each pant leg  (4 inches across the crotch area).
  • Undergarments (briefs, shorts, bra, etc.) must not be visible. 
  • Pants should sit at the waist or above the hip bone.
  • See-through and fishnet fabrics are not permitted unless worn over another shirt. 
  • Skirts and dresses  may not be shorter than mid-thigh. 
  • Short shirts that show the midriff are not allowed. Off-the-shoulder, halter-tops, tube tops, low-cut tops, and spaghetti strapped tops   are not allowed.  Shirts with extremely large armholes may be worn over  a tank top or t-shirt.
  •  No clothing advertising alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or having inappropriate language are allowed.
  • Footwear should be safe and comfortable to walk in. Close-toed shoes and sandals with straps around the heel are preferable.  High heels and flip-flops are highly discouraged. Wheelies are not permitted unless the wheels have been removed.

 

DROP OFF / PICK UP OF STUDENTS 

Students that cross Lake Elmo Rd MUST cross with the Crosswalk Guard or a parent. Our Crosswalk Guard begins crossing students at 7:45. We’ve been fortunate in sharing the location directly in front of the main entrance with buses as well as parent’s vehicles. However OUR BUSES MUST BE GIVEN PRIORITY. If you are choosing to drop off students in the bus zone, you must be cognizant of safety and be patient. Parents may not back out, flip around or cross the median (concrete curbing) to exit the bus zone.  Students may not walk through the parking lot unless escorted by an adult.  

 

EMERGENCIES 

It is important that the school be able to contact parents in case of illness, emergency or accident. School records must include current home and work phone numbers, and the phone number of a designated relative, friend, neighbor, and/or daycare. During the year, if  you change your workplace, phone numbers, home address, or are planning to move out of the Bench attendance area, please call the school and inform us. Please set up your voice mail boxes, and keep them  clear.   If we cannot reach an emergency contact by phone, we will email as an alternative.  Parents should  have working emails that they check regularly.

 

INSTRUCTION

Curriculum Required instruction (including but not limited to lessons, readings, texts, discussions, etc.) is part of our district curriculum. Billings Public Schools continues to follow Senate Bill 99 as well as board policy 2310 procedure 2 which states that when selecting materials, teachers, and administrators must review their content and consider the issues of violence, profanity, prurient subject matter, cultural concerns, and historical accuracy in the selection process. Objections to lessons and/or materials must be brought to the teacher’s attention in writing, using the District Alternative Material Request Form. Alternatives may be available within district guidelines. If an objection is submitted, the teacher will then select an alternative option from the appropriate course/grade level guidelines to provide the students with an independent study opportunity as allowed by state law and local policy. 

 

In addition, students may have access to a classroom teacher’s library. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your student’s teacher for more information.

INTERNET ACCESS 

Our curriculum is the basis of our teaching at Bench and supplemental resources through the  internet to enhance and practice our curriculum. The use of these supplemental resources is to be for educational purposes only. Students are to be under the direction of a teacher when using the internet and apps. Please see District Policy 3205 and 3205-P1 District-Provided Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks which will be provided in the First Day Packet and are always available via the Bench or District websites.  Parents and students must review the District policy and sign the Bench Acceptable Use Policy to be completed by all students using Billings Public Schools laptops, ipads and chromebooks. 

 

LOITERING

Students are expected to be picked up, or to walk or ride their bicycle, etc. home, as soon as they are dismissed.  They may not stay anywhere on campus, unless accompanied by an adult.  If a student returns to school grounds after going home, it is the  responsibility of parents or guardians to ensure their safety and proper behavior.

 

MEDICATIONS 

Speak with the school nurse, and complete the appropriate medication form given to you by the nurse. Please note that doctors are required to fill out the District form; we do not accept prescriptions, or other documents provided by the doctor.  Send the medicine in the original container labeled with the child’s name.  Be sure the child is able to self-administer the medication, or work with the school nurse to develop an appropriate plan.  We do not provide over the counter medications to students.  If OTC medications are needed, parents must  complete the required medical form authorizing their child to come to the office as needed to self-administer OTC medication provided by the parent.  Alternatively, parents may bring OTC medications to school to administer to their child as needed during school hours.

 

MONEY, WALLETS, Etc.  

Unless your child has specifically been asked by their teacher to bring in money, or you are sending lunch money (for seconds), please ensure that your child does not bring money to school.  We cannot be responsible for lost or stolen money that your child brings to school.  If you are sending lunch money or other money requested by your child’s teacher, please send it in a sealed envelope with your child’s name and teacher’s name on it.  If you don’t have an unused envelope, feel free to reuse an old envelope that is clearly labeled and taped or stapled shut.   A Ziploc baggie labeled with a sharpie or containing a slip of paper with your child’s name and their teacher’s name on it may also be used.

 

REPORT CARDS AND CONFERENCES

Report cards are sent home each trimester. Parent/Teacher conferences are held at the end of November for all students.  Parents who have concerns may ask for a conference with their child’s teacher  any time during the school year. 

 

SECTION 504 ANNUAL PARENT NOTIFICATION

Section 504 protects qualified individuals with disabilities. Under this law, individuals with disabilities are defined as persons with a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include caring for one’s self, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, performing manual tasks, and learning. Please contact the school principal for additional information.

 

TOYS, TRADING CARDS, ETC. 

Toys, trading cards, etc. are not needed or allowed at school. Please do not send them. They cause disruption to the learning environment and cause problems on the playground and buses. Toys, cards, stuffed animals, etc. should only be sent to school on special occasions communicated to parents by the teacher. 

 

VALENTINES’ DAY 

Please check with your child’s teacher for information regarding how Valentines will be exchanged.  To limit class disruption, we do not allow parents / relatives to visit students’ classrooms or the lunchroom during the school day.  Deliveries of flowers, etc. will be taken at the office; students will be notified of the delivery and will be sent to pick them up near the end of the school day.  If a parent or relative would like to make a personal delivery, they may do so on the playground before or after school, or at the office during the school day.

 

VANDALISM AND THEFT 

Students involved in vandalism or theft of school property may be referred to the police department and may be suspended from school. Students and/or parents will be responsible for making full restitution for any damage or loss. 

 

WEATHER

We ask that your child comes dressed appropriately for anticipated weather; please keep apprised of weather forecasts. Please send appropriate outer garments, boots, mittens, hats, etc., during cold weather, and raincoats and umbrellas in wet weather.   Our policy is that children go outside unless the temperature with or without windchill  is below zero. If it is raining hard, or in certain other situations, we keep the children inside.  However, in light rain students will go outside, so it is imperative they come dressed appropriately.  Occasionally, teachers will take the children out for a few minutes during inclement weather to give them some fresh air. If you need assistance with winter weather gear, please contact your child’s teacher, school counselor or the office.

OUR PROGRAMS 

 

Art 

Students in grades 4-5 receive one hour per week of instruction from the Art Specialist. The art program is a discipline-based program with emphasis on studying technique and processes. Students at this level will receive a letter grade in art. Primary students in grades 1-3 receive art instruction from the classroom teacher. 

 

Counseling 

Elementary School Counseling services are an integral part of the total school program and complement learning in the classroom. Services are child-centered, proactive and developmental. Counselors promote positive intellectual, behavioral, and emotional growth. These uniquely qualified professionals work directly with students in individual and group counseling sessions. Classroom guidance lessons are presented in grades K-5. Counselors also consult and collaborate with parents, teachers, and other professionals in the community. School counseling services are intended to enhance the potential of all elementary students. 

 

Health Enhancement 

Health Enhancement is a combination of physical education and health-related sciences. All students in grades 4-5 spend one hour two times a week in Health Enhancement and receive a grade from the Health Enhancement teacher. Included in the curriculum are units on wellness, anatomy, growth, development, personal hygiene, nutrition, environmental health, safety, exercise, disease, medicine, drugs and traditional activities when students are involved in physical fitness testing. Primary grades 1-3 spend a half hour per week in Health Enhancement and mainly focus on learning playground games and safety. The major goal of Health Enhancement is to provide students with information so they can make responsible decisions for a healthy life. This is done in Health Enhancement by combining the academic work with social skills and physical activities. 

 

Library 

Each class visits the library weekly to give students the opportunity to check out books and receive instruction from the librarian. Library class includes listening to stories, learning about books and authors, and developing research and information-use skills using print and electronic resources. Primary students have a half hour per week of scheduled library class time. Intermediate grades have an hour per week. Students are expected to return or renew their library books weekly. Students with an overdue book will receive reminders to return the book. If a book is lost or damaged, the student will be charged for the current replacement cost. 

 

Lunch

Students have two options for lunch. They may eat school lunch or bring their own lunch from home. Please remember to label all lunch containers -- even sack lunches. Students are not allowed to bring carbonated beverages such as soda or pop in school lunches unless it is for a special classroom party, etc.  All students at Bench Elementary are eligible to  receive free breakfast and lunch.  Students may pay for seconds if they’d like an additional entree. Students eat lunch in the cafeteria, but may be checked out for lunch off campus by their parents.  Parents are welcome to join their child for lunch – please call the office the day you would like to visit. If you’d like to purchase a school lunch for a visiting adult, the kitchen must be notified 24 hours in advance.

 

Music 

General music is taught by a music specialist twice for 30 minutes a week in grades 4-5. Students in grades K-3 will have music once a week for 30 minutes. 

 

P.T.A. 

Bench has a PTA and we encourage each of you to become members. The PTA holds monthly meetings and supports various events throughout the year. 

 

Quest

Students who demonstrate  very high academic or creative ability and who might be in need of extensive intervention and challenge could be served in our Quest program. Quest is offered to 2nd-5th grade students in satellite sites throughout the District. The amount of time varies depending on grade level. Testing for the Quest Program is only done in the spring. Parents will be contacted if their child appears eligible for this program and parental permission will be obtained. There are very strict guidelines for placement in the program. The Quest teacher and school principal are available to answer any questions regarding qualifying factors for placement. 

 

Speech 

The Speech/Language Pathologist is available to provide diagnosis/determination of eligibility and services for a variety of speech and language disorders. 

 

Volunteers 

We welcome volunteers at Bench School.  Parents are encouraged to sign up anytime during the year by contacting their child’s teacher or the office.   A name recognition background check and Confidentiality Agreement is required per District Policy for all volunteers. Volunteers may help in the library, in the classroom, and at special events during the school year. The work a volunteer wants to do is cross-matched with work that a teacher would like to have done. The number of hours and choice of days dedicated to volunteering is up to the parent and teacher.