Student Information

Family and Student Handbook

Big 3 Expectations Bee Here! Bee Kind! Bee Your Best!

Student Responsibilities 

During the first few weeks of school, students will learn about their responsibilities at school. You will also receive a copy of the JCPS Student Support and Behavior Intervention Handbook, parents are asked to sign the Acknowledgement of Receipt Form and return it to school. At Bowen, our students are expected to follow our Big Three Expectations

BEE Here

Have good attendance, arriving at school on time each day. Be present, and participate in all learning activities. 

BEE Kind

Have a positive attitude, and cooperate with others. 

BEE Your Best 

Complete all schoolwork to the best of your abilities. Respect your property, the property of others, and school property.

Student Rights 

As a student at Bowen Elementary, you can expect to be treated fairly. Your right to be treated with kindness and respect will always be honored. Of course, you are expected to extend that same respect to others. You can expect your teachers to work to the best of their abilities to prepare you for academic success. You can expect all school staff to be available to help you solve any problem. Finally, you can expect always to be given a chance to tell your side of the story if a behavior incident occurs. Refer to the JCPS Student Support and Behavior Intervention Handbook for a complete description of students' rights.

Dress Code 

Bowen Elementary has a dress code that is designed to:

  • Make certain all students are comfortable, safe, and ready to learn.

  • Enable students to participate fully in ALL school activities.

  • Reduce distractions in the classroom for ALL students.

To accomplish this, the following dress code rules apply:

Shoes—Shoes should be comfortable and have a closed heel. Gym shoes are recommended every day and are required for participation in physical education (PE). Shoes without a back, such as flip-flops, clogs, sandals, and mules, are not recommended. Platform shoes, high heels, and skate shoes are also unacceptable.

Shirts—Spaghetti straps and midriff-baring shirts are unacceptable. Shirts must not contain advertisements for tobacco, alcohol, or firearms; violence; or inappropriate language.

Shorts, Skirts, Pants—Shorts and skirts must be of an appropriate length (the buttocks must be covered). The fingertip rule is a good one! Pants must be worn at the student’s waist. 

Jackets and Coats—Students should always dress according to the severity of the weather.

Dress code violations will be addressed on an individual basis. If assistance is needed in providing appropriate clothing that meets the Bowen Dress Code, don't hesitate to contact our Family Resource Center Coordinator.

Library Book Checkout 

All students have the privilege of checking out books from our school library. First- through fifth-grade students may check out two books at a time. Kindergarten students may check out one book at a time. Students are encouraged to take their library books home, but they are expected to return a book to the library in the same condition as when it was checked out. Library books are due back to the library one week from the day they are checked out. With librarian approval, most books are available for one renewal for second through fifth-grade students. An overdue notice will be sent home when a book is two weeks overdue. If a book is lost or damaged, a notice will be sent home with the replacement fee for the book. A student will be unable to check out any books until the replacement fee is paid or the book is returned. If a book is found after the fee is paid, the fee will be refunded as long as the book is returned in the same condition as when it was checked out. Any questions related to library book checkout should be directed to our school librarian.

Personal Possessions 

Students are responsible for the safety and security of their own personal property. Please don’t allow your child to bring items of great value or large amounts of money to school. Please write your child’s name on clothing and personal items with a permanent marking pen. Clothing left in and around the school will be placed in the Lost and Found area located in the cafeteria. Unclaimed Lost and Found articles will be sent to the JCPS Clothes Closet at the end of each grading period. Electronic games and devices, such as Nintendo DS, iPods, and iPads, are not to be brought to school. There are times during the year that these items may be allowed in the classroom but only with written permission from the classroom teacher. Students may not use, activate, or display cell phones or other telecommunication devices during school hours. Personal items, such as toys, trading cards, money, jewelry, etc., should be left at home. JCPS is not responsible for the loss, theft, or destruction of cell phones, electronic devices, or personal items brought onto school property. This includes the school bus. Items may not be traded or sold on school property. This also includes the school bus. Confiscated items will be held in the school office, and only parents may claim them. No confiscated items will be sent home with students under any circumstance. 

Extracurricular Athletics and Activities 

At Bowen, there are many opportunities for your child to be involved in extracurricular athletics and activities. According to SBDM Policy: Extracurricular programs shall be selected based on the following criteria: 

  • The program complements the academic achievement of all students. 

  • The program encourages students to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills. 

  • The program provides opportunities for students to participate in activities that encourage physical fitness, cooperation and/or team building with adults and peers. 

  • The program provides the opportunity for students to interact socially in a positive manner with students in our school, other schools and/or other districts. 

  • The program follows the participation guidelines as specified by Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Activities and Athletics rules and regulations as well as those of the Kentucky High School Athletics Association (KHSAA). 

  • The program is offered to students at a cost of no more than $25. 

  • Program sponsors and coaches shall be selected by the principal. Program schedules (including meeting times and locations) shall be approved by the principal. 

Requirements: Insurance, Medical & Other Forms 

All students trying out for an athletic team at Bowen must have the following information on file in the school office: 

  • JCPS After-School Activity Permission Form 

  • Bowen Elementary Tryout Form 

  • Proof of Medical Insurance 

Once a team has been selected, players must present a KHSAA Sports Physical Form completed by an approved medical professional before the first practice. Sports physicals can be administered by a pediatrician, but most neighborhood medical care clinics will administer sports physicals on a walk-in basis. 

Requirements: Grades & Behavior 

All students participating in an extracurricular activity at Bowen must meet the following academic and behavioral criteria for participation: 

  • During the season or term, teachers will monitor grades and report concerns to the principal or assistant principal. If a student’s academic performance becomes an area of concern, school administrators reserve the right to prohibit the student from participating until their grades improve. 

  • The coaches and school administration reserve the right to suspend a child from the squad/team if behavior during games, practice or activity meetings is inappropriate or if school/classroom behavior becomes an issue.