Block L Handbook 2023-2024

Lincoln Elementary School 774 E. Alluvial Avenue Fresno CA 93720 (559) 327-7200

Overview

The Block L Award is the highest award a student may earn at Lincoln Elementary. The Block L Award is available to 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students and is awarded to all recipients at our special Block L recognition program at the end of the year.

The criteria for earning this award reflect a broad base of participation, achievement, and service. In order to earn the Block L, a student must accrue points in five categories:

•	Curricular
•	Co-Curricular
•	Effort/Citizenship •	Athletics
•	School Service and Leadership

Points are earned as the result of participation and/or achievement in designated areas or activities. Candidates for this award must earn a minimum of fourteen (14) points in the “Curricular” category, as well as additional points in each of the other categories. Students who have met initial criteria AND have earned the following total number of points will receive the Block L Award:

•	Grade 4: 40 Points
•	Grades 5 & 6: 45 Points

Two additional categories are provided in which students may earn points: (1) Attendance and (2) Community Involvement. Unlike the five required categories, students are not required to earn points in these areas. Although points earned in these categories will apply to the total points required for the award, they cannot be used in lieu of points in the required categories.

The purpose of this award is to recognize individuals who exemplify the qualities that Lincoln hopes to foster in all students: (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 student 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 award receive the Lincoln Block L plaque. Second- and third-year recipients receive a medallion to be added to their first-year plaque. NO LATE forms will be accepted.

Category One:

Students caught cheating in their academic areas or on AR, will be disqualified from Block L.

Curricular Areas
A minimum of 14 points is required in this category.

Honor Roll
•	Principal’s Honor Roll: 4 Points for each quarter earned (4.0 G.P.A.) •	High Honor Roll: 3 Points for each quarter earned (3.5-3.99 G.P.A.) •	Honor Roll: 2 Points for each quarter earned (3.0-3.49 G.P.A.)

Only the first three quarters of the school year figure into the total points possible for the Honor Roll section.

Readers Den
Three (3) points will be verified and awarded by the classroom teacher based on the following grade-level requirements:
•	Grade 4: 60 AR points •	Grade 5: 75 AR points •	Grade 6: 90 AR points

One (1) point will be awarded for an additional consecutive completion of requirements for a maximum of (4) points. Outside reading material used in earning these points is subject to teacher approval based on reading-level appropriateness. Teachers and students must maintain records indicating the titles of books, and the amount or A.R. points awarded for each given title. A.R. summary will be used to govern the number of points awarded.

Essay/Poster Contest Participation
Participation in any essay/poster contest offered throughout the school year will earn the student one (1) point. The essay/poster must be complete and approved by the teacher prior to submission. Students will receive two (2) points for school-level winners. Students will receive three (3) points for any awards at the district, county, state or national levels. The maximum points allowed in this category are three (3) per year.

Science Fair Participation
A student who enters a completed (with a completed board) science project in the Lincoln Science Fair will receive one (1) point. A student who enters a completed science project in the Clovis West Area competition and receives special recognition will receive a total of two (2) points. Finally, students competing in Fresno County’s Science Fair will receive one (1) point for participation and one (1) additional point if they place. A total of five (5) points is possible.

Healthy Zone: P.E.
Grade level is based on criteria for Physical Fitness Assessment. Students achieving “Healthy Fitness Zone” will receive two (2) points. Students earning the “Superintendent’s Award” will earn three (3) points.

BIG 4 Club and Math Masters
Three (3) points will be awarded by the classroom teacher based upon qualification into the “Big 4 Club.” An additional point will be awarded to students who complete grade level math facts in two minutes or less or achieve Math Masters during the first quarter.

Category Two: Co-Curricular Area
A minimum of 1 point is required in this category.

Oral Interpretation
Only students who qualify and participate in the District Festival of Oral Interpretation will qualify for points. Participation in the team will earn students three (3) points. Students may also receive one (1) additional point by having the team rated Superior by the judges.

Drama
Participation in Lincoln’s Drama earns students (1) point for auditioning and (3) points for participating in the play to its completion. A maximum of four (4) points may be earned.

Instrumental Music
Fifth and Sixth grade students participating in the Lincoln Instrumental Music Program may receive one (1) point for earning “Outstanding” on his/her report card during the first semester, and one (1) point for earning “Outstanding” on his/her report card during the second semester for a total of two (2) points. A student can earn one (1) additional point by attending the off campus Clovis West Area Articulation Concert AND the Lincoln Spring Concert. All instrumental music participants receive one (1) additional point if the school earns a Superior rating on the district instrumental music test (based on playing and written components of the test only) for a maximum total of four (4) points possible in this category. Students who drop or are permanently dismissed from the music program due to disciplinary reasons receive zero (0) points.

Choir
Fifth and Sixth grade students participating in the Lincoln Choir Program may receive one (1) point for earning “Outstanding” on his/her report card during the first semester, and one (1) point for earning “Outstanding” on his/her report card during the second semester for a total of two (2) points. Choir participants receive one (1) point for attending the CUSD Choir Articulation Performance and one (1) additional point if the school earns a Superior rating for their performance. There is a grand total of four (4) points possible in this category. Students who drop or are permanently dismissed from the Choir program due to disciplinary reasons receive zero (0) points.

4^th Grade Recorders
Fourth Grade students who achieve “Black Belt” status in recorders can earn one (1) point in the co-curricular area. To earn Black Belt status, students must master specific skills designated by their instrumental music teachers. Fifth and Sixth Graders are not eligible in this category.

Chess Tournaments
Participation in any (or all) chess tournaments offered throughout the school year will earn a student one (1) point. Participants who place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in a tournament will receive one (1) additional point, for a grand total of (2) two points.

GATE
A student will be awarded four (4) points by the GATE advisor if they meet all the responsibilities of the GATE program. These responsibilities and requirements will be outlined at GATE parent and student sessions.

Cheerleading
Cheerleading is offered for all interested fifth and sixth grade students. Participation as a cheerleader in accordance with the “Code of Ethics” and cheerleader participation contract will earn students one (1) point. Additional points will be awarded for participation in the football carnival and rallies one (1) point, Clovis West Spirit Night one (1) point, and the Clovis West Showcase one (1) point, for a grand total of four (4) possible points. Service for the entire school year is required to receive full points.

Category Three:

Effort/Citizenship/Service
A minimum of 5 points must be earned in this category.

Lion’s PRP
Based on Lincoln’s Personal Responsibility Award:
A student earns two (2) points for each of the first three quarters when he/she has earned Lincoln’s Personal Responsibility Award. Students who have met the criteria of the Personal Responsibility Award earn this award on a quarterly basis. An “N” on the student’s report card will disqualify the student for that quarter. Students may earn two (2) points per quarter for a maximum of six (6) points.

***If at any time during the school year a student is suspended, they will be deemed ineligible to earn the Block L Award. They can appeal this rule on an individual basis with the principal.***

Attendance
Regular attendance in school is an important factor in a student’s progress, achievement, and success. Therefore, attendance is one of the factors associated with being an EXEMPLARY LION.

Students with perfect attendance (no absences) or unexcused tardies for all quarters will receive two (2) points. Students with one to three absences will receive one (1) point. Students with more than three uncleared absences and/or any unexcused absences will not receive points.

Students who complete an Independent Study (IS) contract are not counted as absent. The independent study contract must be initiated prior to the absence in accordance with district policy. An Independent Study Contract does not count towards Perfect Attendance.

If a student has five (5) or more unexcused/uncleared absences and/or unexcused/uncleared tardies in a semester, they will be deemed ineligible to earn the Block L Award.

Classroom/School Service (Teacher Discretion)
All students have the opportunity to make worthwhile contributions to Lincoln and earn points in this category. Students, teachers and/or the principal may agree upon a school service project or task. A student may earn one (1) or two (2) points in this area. The point value will be at the discretion of the teacher and determined at the time the agreement is made. It will be based on:
•	significance of service (one week or two weeks)

•	effort required

•	time required. (Maximum of 2 points)

In order to receive points in this category, a School Service Validation form must be completed and submitted with the Block L point verification form at the end of the semester. The form will include a description of the service, project, or task, and the teacher’s signature indicating satisfactory completion.

Community Involvement
Non-school, community activities are beneficial to the growth and development of children. Participation in these activities, therefore, are consistent with the values and qualities of which the Block L Award is designed to encourage.

Students may earn points for participation in an activity, class, or organization not sponsored by the school. A maximum of two (2) points may be earned in this category. Activities such as scouting organizations, community-sponsored clubs, instructional classes in fine arts (music, church group, community volunteer, etc.), or other genuine community sponsored organizations that promote the involvement of children in worthwhile learning activities qualify.

To obtain these points the students MUST submit (to the teacher) a completed school form signed by the sponsor/leader of the non-school sport, activity, or class and certify that the student’s participation meets with the spirit of Lincoln’s “CODE OF ETHICS”.

The completed form must be turned into the student’s teacher on time, or Block L Award will not be granted to student.

Category Four:

Athletics
A minimum of 3 points and a maximum of 12 points can be earned in this category.

Athletics Overview
Participation on the team for the full season in accordance with a signed “Code of Ethics” contract will earn a student three (3) points. Students who enroll at Lincoln after the season has begun may receive participation points if they participate for at least 50 percent of the season. All “A” team members receive one (1) additional point if the “A” team finishes in the top 3 in league standings. Participants have the opportunity to earn individual points in Cross Country, Wrestling and Track. An individual receives one (1) additional point for an award earned at the district-level. Team membership is open to all students who wish to participate.

Track
Track is offered in the late Spring. Participants receive one (1) point for trying out for the Lincoln Track Team. An individual receives one (1) additional point for participating in the league meet, for a grand total of two (2) points.

Community-Sponsored Athletics
Participation in a Community-Sponsored Athletic activity will earn a student one (1) point. Students must have at least one (1) additional point from another school athletic event. Participation in a community-sponsored activity means signing-up and participating in all scheduled games, practices, meets, etc. The coach of the activity/team must verify participation. Participation in these activities must not conflict with the school program.

Sports Manager
5^th and 6^th grade students who serve as a Sports Manager for any sport throughout the year can earn one (1) point maximum. 4^th grade students can earn an additional point for managing two sports for a maximum of two (2) points. Sports Managers must agree to the terms of the “Code of Ethics” and serve for an entire season.

Category Five:

Leadership
A minimum of 1 point needs to be earned in this category.

Cafeteria Helper
Students are selected to assist the cafeteria manager in serving lunches. Students serving as cafeteria helpers will receive one (1) point per semester (2) points possible per year. In order to qualify for one (1) point, the cafeteria manager will validate that the student has worked in the cafeteria at least five (5) lunch periods during the course of the semester. If a student is absent or is unable to work on an assigned day, he/she should arrange a “make-up” day with the classroom teacher.

Library/Technology Monitor

Library Helper
Students can serve as a Library Helper. Participation as a library helper earns one (1) point per semester. Students work within a two-week period designated for their class. They must work a total of 4 lunch recesses to get 1 point. Library Helpers will sign in before each shift and wear a Library Helper badge. Tasks include shelving books, book inventory, library science lessons, assisting with library recess and Makerspace, cleaning and organizing the library, and other special projects.
Two (2) possible points per year.

Cross Age Tutor
Cross age tutors provide help to other students. A cross age tutor may be involved in working with another student in his/her classroom, or a student in another classroom, usually a lower grade. In order to earn one (1) point as a cross age tutor, the teacher must validate that the student has constructively worked with and assisted another student on at least five occasions during the quarter. Students will not be involved in cross age tutoring if it is detrimental to their own learning progress. Cross age tutoring assignments will be specific in nature, controlled, and coordinated by the teacher and/or teachers. A maximum of two (2) points per year.

Lions’ Voice
Students who are selected and who serve as a Lions’ Voice member will receive two (2) points. They must remain in good standing. A total of two (2) points are available.

Peer Mediators
Students who are selected and trained to serve as Lincoln Peer Mediators will receive two (2) points for each semester of service. They must remain in good standing for the entire semester to receive the two (2) points. A maximum of four (4) points are available.

Student Council
A student will receive one (1) point running for a student body office, even if not elected. (This does not apply to classroom representatives.) A student will receive three (3) points for election to a student body office and while serving as a student body officer, serve for the full term in accordance with the “Code of Ethics.” All officers must serve for the entire semester.

Multicultural Diversity
A student can receive one (1) point for attending M.A.C. and Lion Nights. The student can earn one (1) additional point for a total of three (3) points by attending three M.A.C. and Lion Nights.

Final Document Turn In

The Block L form in this handbook is just a worksheet for students to use to track their progress. Students must pick up a final cardstock version from their teacher for final verification and turn in.

Student Name: ____________________________________	Teacher: ______________________________

CURRICULAR AREAS	(a minimum of 14 points to qualify)
Category One	Points	1^st	2^nd | Semester | 3^rd	4^th	Teacher |
Quarter | Quarter | Check-in | Quarter | Quarter | Verification |
Principal’s Honor Roll-4.0 | 4 | | | | | | |
High Honor Roll- 3.99-3.5 | 3 | | | | | | |
Honor Roll- 3.49-3.0 | 2 | | | | | | |
Reader’s Den | 3 (4) | | | | | | |
Essay Contest | 1 (2,3) | | | | | | |
Science Fair/History Day | 1 (2,5) | | | | | | |
Healthy Zone P.E. | 2 (3) | | | | | | |
Big 4 Club/Math Masters | 3 (4) | | | | | | |
TOTAL POINTS | | 1^st Sem. | | 2^nd Sem. |

CO-CURRICULAR AREAS	(a minimum of 1 point to qualify)
Category Two | Points | 1^st Quarter | 2^nd Quarter | Semester Check-in | 3^rd Quarter | 4^th Quarter | Teacher Verification |
Oral Interpretation | 3 (4) | | | | | | |
Drama | 1,3 (4) | | | | | | |
Instrumental Music / Recorders (Black Belt) | 1 (2-4) | | | | |
Choir | 1 (2-4) | | | | |
Chess Tournaments | 1 (2) | | | | | | |
GATE (must attend meetings) | 4 | | | | | |
Cheerleading/Spirit Club | 4 | | | | |
Poster Contest | 1 (2,3) | | | | | | |
TOTAL POINTS | | 1^st Sem. | | 2^nd Sem. |

EFFORT / CITIZENSHIP / SERVICE (a minimum of 5 points to qualify)
Category Three | Points | 1^st Quarter | 2^nd Quarter | Semester Check-in | 3^rd Quarter | 4^th Quarter | Teacher Verification |
Lion’s PRP | 2 (4,6) | | | | | | |
Attendance | 1 (2) | | | | | |
School/Service** | 1 (2) | | | | | | |
Community Involvement Example: Scouts | 1 (2) | | | | |
TOTAL POINTS | | 1^st Sem. | | | | 2^nd Sem. |

**Service—1 week of service is equal to 1 point and 2 weeks of service is equal to 2 points.
You must turn in a School/Community Service Form in order to earn these points. The form must be attached to your final Block L Form which is turned into the office.

ATHLETICS	(a minimum of 3 points to qualify, maximum of 12 points)
Category Four	Points		1^st	2^nd	Semester	3^rd	4^th	Teacher Quarter      Quarter       Check-in        Quarter       Quarter         Verification |
Fall Sport____________ | 3 (4) | | | | | | |
Winter Sport__________ | 3 (4) | | | | | | |
Spring Sport __________ | 3 (4) | | | | | |
Track | 1 (2) | | | | | |
Community Sponsored Athletics | 1 | | | | | | |
Sports Manager | (1) 5^th/6^th (2)4^th | | | | | | |
TOTAL POINTS | | 1^st Sem. | | | 2^nd Sem. |

LEADERSHIP	( 1 point minimum needed to qualify)
Category Five | Points | 1^st Quarter | 2^nd Quarter | Semester Check-in | 3^rd Quarter | 4^th Quarter | Teacher Verification |
Cafeteria Helper | 1 (2) | | | | | | |
Library/Technology Monitor | 1 (2) | | | | | | |
Cross Age Tutor | 1 (2) | | | | | | |
Lions’ Voice | 2 | | | | | | |
Peer Mediators | 2 (4) | | | | | | |
Student Council | 1 (3) | | | | | | |
Multicultural Diversity | 1 (3) | | | | |
TOTAL POINTS | | 1^st Sem. | | | 2^nd Sem. | | |

BLOCK L POINT TOTALS	(4^th Grade=40 or more; 5^th & 6^th Grades need 45 points to qualify)
1^st	2^nd	TOTAL POINTS EARNED |
Semester | Semester | |
CURRICULAR AREA TOTAL | | | |
CO-CURRICULAR AREA TOTAL | | | |
EFFORT/CITIZENSHIP/SERVICE TOTAL | | | |
ATHLETICS AREA TOTAL | | | |
SCHOOL SERVICE LEADERSHIP | | | |
BLOCK L FINAL TOTAL | | | |
TEACHER VERIFICATION (must initial) | | |
ADMIN VERIFICATION (must initial) | | |
If a student has five (5) or more unexcused / uncleared absences and/or unexcused / uncleared tardies in a semester, or is suspended, they cannot qualify for the Block L Award.

Lincoln Elementary Community Service Time Log

A detailed description of all Community Service hours logged is required before points will be awarded for the Community Service (Spirit) portion of the Block L Award. Please complete the time log below and transfer the “Number of Hours” from the “Totals” line to the other side of this form.
One form should be used for EACH organization you provided service to. You can get additional copies of this form from your classroom teacher.

_______________________________________________________ Name of Non-Profit Organization to Whom Service Was Provided

Date of Service | Description of Community Provided | Number of Hours
Total Number of Community Service Hours Provided: |

Lincoln Elementary Community Service Verification Form

The student listed below is applying for Service Credit for Lincoln’s Block L Award. We are asking that the sponsor of advisor (non-family member) listed below verify the student’s completion of volunteer service hours as defined in the Block L Handbook. All service hours must be without compensation and must be provided to a “non-profit” group or organization.

Student Information:
Name of Student Performing Service: _____________________________________________ Teacher: ____________________________________________________________________ Total time volunteered during the school year (See back of this form): __________ Total Hours.

General Description of Community Service Provided:

___________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________ Student Signature

______________ Date

Sponsor/Advisor Information:

Name: ______________________________________________________________________

Position/Organization: __________________________________________________________

Contact Phone Number (For possible clarification/verification) ___________________________

I verify that this student provided the Community Service as described (see back).

____________________________________________________ Sponsor/Advisor Signature

_______________ Date

LINCOLN BLOCK L SCHOOL SERVICE POINTS

I, ________________________, have completed my volunteer service so that I can earn points toward my Block L Award. I worked for one/two (circle one) weeks in______________________ room.

My responsibilities included doing: ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________.

Classroom Teacher’s Signature

Teachers, your signature verifies that the above student did fulfill a school weeks’ worth of volunteer time doing a service for you.

Signature of teacher(s) I have worked for:

1. _______________________________

2. _______________________________

COMMUNITY SPONSORED SPORTS VERIFICATION

I, ________________________, have participated in the sport of ___________________ from the date of ____________ through _____________with the following organization: _____________________

With my participation in this community organization, I can earn points toward my Block L Award. ___________________________________________________________

I verify that the above-named student completed the season of sport in good standing, by attending the majority of required practices, games, activities, or competitions.

Coach’s Verification

Coach’s Name (Print) _________________________

Coach’s Signature ____________________________