Nelson Elementary BLOCK N Award

Handbook 2023-2024

PHILISOPHICAL STATEMENT

The school plays an important role in preparing children to lead successful and happy lives. This entails much more than merely teaching skills and imparting knowledge. The school must also provide a wide range of experiences for children and a framework within which their attitudes toward themselves and their environment can take shape. The school is an environment where children should assume a variety of roles and engage in diverse experiences in order to explore and develop the many facets of their unique personalities and talents. There is strong evidence to suggest that a child that has experienced and participated in a myriad of school activities will be more apt to develop poise, self- confidence, and well-roundedness which are essential ingredients in exercising freedom of choice and decision-making as an adult.

TheBLOCK “N”AWARDhas fourfunctions. First, it is a vehicle to motivate students to become active participants in the activities of their school. Second, it is a blueprint for parents and teachers to use in planning, encouraging and setting goals with children regarding their involvement in school activities and programs. Third, it is a means of defining and affirming responsible, well-rounded individuals. Fourth, it is a significant form of recognition for students who have met the criteria for this award.

Planning and commitment are the key factors in earning this award, not necessarily ability and talent. This handbook outlines the criteria for achieving Block “N.” We hope that it will be useful to parents, teachers, and students working together in pursuit of a worthwhile goal.

OVERVIEW

The Block N Award is the highest award a student may earn at Nelson Elementary. The Block “N” is available to 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade students. It is awarded at the end of each semester at our Block “N” Awards Program.

The criterion for earning this award reflects a broad base of participation, achievement, and service. In order to earn the Block "N," a student must complete a minimum of one item in each of the following categories:

Mind, Body, & Spirit

Points criteria are specified on the Block N Application.

The purpose of this award is to recognize those well-rounded individuals, who exemplify the qualities that Nelson hopes to foster in all of its students, namely: (1) the desire for self-improvement; (2) dedication and commitment in reaching for goals; (3) concern for and service to others; and (4) the willingness to be a positive role model to others.

A must be an active and enthusiastic participant in the activities of the school, engage in the pursuit of excellence, and meet certain standards of achievement and performance. Individuals earning this prestigious awardreceive the Block“N”plaque presented at a special program in their honor. The Block N Award Program has a positive impact on both individual students and the total school program in the Clovis Unified School District in the following ways:

Updated 8/16/2023

➢Many students who had been reluctant to participate or try new activities have now become much more active and involved.

➢The quality of student participation has improved as students have taken the responsibilities and commitment of their involvement more seriously.

➢It has provided parents and teachers with a means to identify students who either were too heavily involved in school activities or not involved enough resulting in the ability to offer appropriate guidance.

➢Parents, teachers, and students have begun to view the "school-life" of a student as a total picture, not isolated bits and pieces.

➢Students are acknowledged for serving as role models who demonstrate exemplary leadership and character on a daily basis.

It is our hope that all students will actively pursue this award, making it a part of their planning for their total school experience. Whether or not the student actually receives the award, striving for it will hopefully enrich and enhance his/her educational foundation.

In the sections that follow, specific guidelines and requirements governing how items are earned in each category are discussed. We encourage students, parents, and teachers to work as partners with students in planning and setting goals.

We appreciate the input, participation, and support of the Nelson Community as we work to make the concept of this award a meaningful to students at Nelson Elementary. Block N students represent the best Nelson has to offer in Mind, Body, & Spirit!

Thomas Brocklebank Principal

Ashley Hutchason & Michelle Perkins Guidance Instructional Specialists

General Guidelines

1. The student must complete the activity’s guidelines to be signed off on an item. 2. All activities must be completed by the specified deadlines.
3. The student will obtain the advisor’s/coach’s signature to confirm that the activity was completed.
4. The student must complete at least one item in each area to be eligible for Block N. 5. The application will not be accepted for consideration without the teacher’s
signature.
6. Students who are suspended are NOT eligible for Block N for that semester. 7. Final consideration for Block N will be processed through Administration.
8. All deadlines are final and late or incomplete submittals will NOT be accepted.

Updated 8/16/2023

Mind: Academic Performance

GPA Requirements for Honor Roll and Principal’s Honor Roll

3.0 -3.99 grade point average on quarterly report card for Honor Roll 4.0 for Principal’s Honor Roll

Grade Improvement

Grade improvement constitutes a significant change in letter grades or quarterly assessments. Points can be earned by:
•	Lexile or iReady Diagnostic growth from one qtr. to the next
• Letter grade improvement from one qtr. to the next on quarterly report cards
o For example, 1^st quarter. math was a C and improved to an B the 2^nd quarter.

iReady Lesson Goals

In order to be signed off for this item, the student must adhere to all the following: • Pass lessons with a minimum of a 70% pass rate average
• Pass specified # of lessons as per set by the grade level team (Please talk with your child’s teacher about his/her quarterly goals.)

AR Award
Students earn this point if they complete the grade level qualifications for earning the AR award for the semester.

GATE
Students must first qualify for the GATE program. They must participate in all meetings and projects as specified by the GATE coordinator.

Math Mastery
Students earn this point if they meet the grade level qualifications as set by each grade level team.

Computer Mastery
Students earn this point if they complete the grade level qualifications for earning the Computer Mastery award each semester.

Essay Writing or Art Contest
Students may complete an essay or art project for a community, school, or district sponsored contest. Contests will be provided each quarter and announcements will be made about their due dates.
• Contest entry must be approved by the classroom teacher and be submitted on time. • Teacher’s signature is required to receive credit for Block N.

Updated 8/16/2023

Science Fair/ History Day Participation

In order to be signed off for this item, the student must adhere to all the following: • apply to be involved in Science Fair or History Day
• attend all meetings
• conduct an original Science Fair experiment or History Day Project • keep all materials for a completed project (binder, board, etc.)
• complete an original board project of high quality (as determined by instructor)
• complete ALL of the requirements for Science Fair and History Day as discussed at the meetings.
• Present project at Clovis West Area Science Fair or History Day

Band/Orchestra

• Student must complete the entire year of band/orchestra instruction.

• Student must perform at all school band/orchestra events, and pass all required skills tests. • There should be less no behavior referrals documented.
• The band/orchestra director’s signature is required to receive credit for Block N.

Choir

• Student must complete the entire year of choir instruction.

• Student must perform at all school choral events (including winter and spring concert). • There should no behavior referrals documented.
• The choir director’s signature is required to receive credit for Block N.

Recorder Black Belt (4^th grade)

• Student must perform at all school concert events, and pass all required skills tests

Drama/OralInterpretationPerformance

Students will have an opportunity to participate in a school play and/or Oral Interpretation Competition. • Student must sign up and attend all required rehearsals.
• Students must participate in all of the school’s productions.

• The director’s or classroom teacher’s signature is required to receive credit for Block N.

MAC and Kids 

MAC and kids is our multicultural club. Students will attend meetings and organize activities with the club advisor.

In order to be signed off for this item, the student must adhere to all the following: • Attend all MAC and kids meetings
• participate in all MAC and kids events/activities

• Advisor’s signature is required to receive Block N credit

Spelling Bee

Students will have an opportunity to participate in a school spelling bee. • Student must sign up and attend all required meetings.
• The advisor’s signature is required to receive credit for Block N.

Updated 8/16/2023

BODY: ATHLETICS

Nelson provides a variety of athletic programs for students. The goals of our athletic program are: (1) to provide opportunities for students to participate in and experience athletic competition at levels and in contexts appropriate to their needs, experience, and skill, (2) to teach and develop proficiency in the skills associated with each sport in contexts appropriate to the student's needs, and (3) to develop the personal qualities of discipline, commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship associated with being a member of a team. The sports programs at Nelson are an important part of the overall instructional program aimed at developing the well-rounded individual. All students in the upper grades are encouraged to participate. Athletes should maintain passing grades of a “D” or higher, throughout their sports season.

• No more than 3 unexcused absences or tardies over 30 minutes, in a season.

• Students who participate in athletics will be placed on "A", "B", or "C" teams based on skill level, experience, and participation except track. To earn Track item credit, athlete must participate in the Nelson and area track meet.
• Participation on a team for the full season must be in accordance with the athletic "Code of Participation.” Team membership is open to all students who want to participate however, in some cases students must “tryout” for roster positions on the teams due to league rules and the limited space available on playing fields.
• Students who enroll at Nelson after the season has begun may receive credit if they participate for at least 50 percent of the season.
• The coach must sign off for participation.

FALL CrossCountry(4^th/5^th/6^th) Football (5^th/6^th) Girl'sVolleyball(5^th/6^th) Cheer Squad (4^th, 5^th/6^th)

WINTER
Girl's Basketball (5^th/6^th) Boy'sBasketball(5^th/6^th) Wrestling (4^th/5^th/6^th) Cheer Squad (4^th, 5^th/6^th)

SPRING
Boy’s Baseball (5^th/6^th) Girl’s Softball (5^th/6^th) Boy'sVolleyball(5^th/6^th) Track (4^th/5^th/6^th)
Cheer Squad (4^th, 5^th/6^th)

Body: Physical Fitness

PFT Assessment-
In order to check off this item, the student shall:
• Achieve a qualified mile time (as designated by each grade level) in the 1st semester
• earn PFT passing scores in the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) in all 5 areas in the 2^nd semester • submit the Block P form to the teacher for sign off

Updated 8/16/2023

SPIRIT: LEADERSHIP & SCHOOL SERVICE

Student Council

In order to check off this item, the student shall:
• run for a student body office in the fall or spring (Even if not elected, student earns 1 point only) • be elected to a student body office and serve for the full term in accordance with the "Code of
Participation" in the fall or spring, student shall earn only 1 item
• submit the form to the Student Council Teacher/Advisor for sign off
• Student must help a minimum of 5 days per semester to earn the 1 point

Peer Mediators

In order to check off this item, the student shall:

• Be selected to participate in the Peer Mediator program through an application process • Attend all required trainings and meetings
• Not have behavior office referrals or suspensions

• Participate and be punctual for weekly peer mediation recess duty

Photo Club
• Student volunteers to help aMs. Brewer with photography for the yearbook and various other projects
• Student must participate a minimum of 5 days per semester to earn the 2 points

Library / Cafeteria Helper

• Student must assist Mrs. Mc Brien in the library or Ms. Yvonne in the cafeteria a minimum of 5 days during the semester.
• Sign-ups must be done through the library or with the classroom teacher for the cafeteria

Campus Beautification

• Must assist with cleaning or helping to beautify our Nelson campus. o Example: volunteering to help in the cafeteria after lunch
• Must complete at least 2 weeks (10 minutes/day) during the semester

Updated 8/16/2023

BODY or SPIRIT: Community Involvement – 1 bonus point available

The goal behind the outside involvement section is to reward students, at a young age, to be positive, active contributors in our community.
Students may earn a bonus point for involvement in the following areas: • Church outreach or community service
• Club Sports (Soccer, Swim, Karate, etc.) • Gymnastics or Dance Group
• FCA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.
In order to receive a point for this area, students shall: • be actively involved in a community organization
• have a parent AND coach/advisor/leader of the organization sign an additional form (see the Outside Involvement Form) to verify participation.

CODE OF PARTICIPATION

"Be the best you can be in MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT"

The Nelson Co-Curricular program is an integral part of our total school program. It is an opportunity to allow all students to acquire the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that lead to maximum development within their individual capabilities. It also affords the child an opportunity to develop social skills needed in order to be a well-adjusted individual. When students elect to participate in a co-curricular program (i.e., chorus, sports, etc.), they must recognize that they have assumed certain responsibilities and obligations to the coach/advisor, to the members of the activity, and certainly to themselves.

Nelson Elementary will maintain a "no cut" policy for all athletic teams. We encourage each and every child who has a desire to be part of a team while giving each individual the maximum amount of playing time possible.

Upon entering any sport or other co-curricular activity, students agree to participate in accordance with the Code of Participation. The code is enforced commencing with the second week of practice.

•Students are required to attend practice/rehearsal as established for the activity. Absences or tardies may be excused as with classroom attendance. The participant has the obligation to clear these with the teacher or coach.

•Students joining a sport or other co-curricular activity will be given one-week grace period to determine whether they wish to continue with the activity throughout the entire season. The student and/or athlete will not arbitrarily or unilaterally "quit" a sport, activity, band, chorus, etc. After the grace period, the student may drop the activity only after consultation between the student, parent, coach or advisor and principal.

•Students are expected to respect and properly care for all property and/or equipment issued in conjunction with the activity. Team uniforms arethe property ofthe school. Students who negligently lose or cause undue damage to a uniform will be charged for its replacement.

•Students will maintain and demonstrate satisfactory behavior and citizenship. Updated 8/16/2023

CODE OF ETHICS

1. The student will be respectful of his/her teammates, opponents, and all supervising adults.

2. The student will contribute as well as encourage others to contribute in their efforts towards team success.
3. The student should inspire competitiveness in teammates without personal antagonism toward the opposing team.
4. The student will be a gracious and humble winner.

5. The student will elect to place team betterment over individual accomplishment.

CERTIFICATION OF AWARD RECIPIENTS

STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY - STEP ONE

1. All students in grades 4-6 will complete and maintain the Block “N” application throughout the school year by adhering to all sign up, sign off, and due dates.

2. Each student will complete appropriate forms and gather signatures as required prior to due date.

3. Each student will turn in his/her completed form to the teacher by the specified date.

TEACHER'S RESPONSIBILITY - STEP TWO

1. The teacher, advisor or coach will monitor and review the completed form with all students each semester when students present it to them.

2. The teacher will review the students'/class' progress and goals on a periodic basis.

3. The teacher will verify all category items and signed forms.

4. The teacher will submit the forms of those who have met the criteria for the award to the administrator in charge of the Block N applications.

5. Students whose forms are submitted to the overseeing administrator are considered CANDIDATES for the award.
The administrative team has the final say over approving or denying applications.

Updated 8/16/2023

PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY - STEP THREE

1. The parent will monitor their child’s planner, school newsletter, and social media for information regarding Block N.

2. The parent will sit down with the child and plan which activities they will participate in to ensure thoughtful planning.

3. The parent will review their child’s progress and goals on a periodic basis.

4. The parent will submit any and all questions to the classroom teacher as soon as they arise.

BLOCK “N” CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE - STEP FOUR

1. The committee will consist of the principal, the G.I.S., and Resource Teacher.

2. The committee will review the forms of all candidates in order to verify accuracy and, more importantly, to ensure consistency in interpretation among the classrooms.

3. The committee will consider all matters where credit may be in dispute and make the decision.

4. The committee will certify and announce the Nelson Block N recipients for parents, and schedule the Block “N” Award Program.

This Block N document is a living document and can be edited and/or updated, as needed, per site administration.

Updated 8/16/2023