Smith Family Resources

Table of Contents

Forward Parent Involvement  
Important Notices & Policies Personal Property  
Attendance Pets  
Change of Address Recess  
Communication Religious Release Time  
Complaint/Grievance Procedure Report Cards  
Discipline School Closings & Delays  
Dress Code Student Records  
Emergency Information Tobacco Products  
Field Trips Transportation  
Food Services Use of School Facilities  
Insurance Visitors  
Lost and Found Weapons  
Medical Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy  

Forward

This handbook is intended to provide basic, quick reference information for the parents and students of Smith Elementary School. Please take a few minutes to go over this handbook with your child.

Included in this handbook is the Stockbridge Community Schools Technology Usage Policy and Acceptable Use Policy. You will need to sign and return the technology acceptance form that is located on the last pages of this handbook. In order for your child to fully participate in the Computer Lab, Media Center, and classroom it is important that we get this signature form returned. Feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the school office whenever you need additional information.

Smith Elementary School houses one Young 5’s, four Kindergarten, three first, four second, and four preschool programs (two GSRP). We also offer music, physical education, STEAM, Art, and special services. Our student enrollment is approximately 385. 

Important Notices and Policies

Annual Notices

Board Policies

Attendance

Good attendance is an extremely important part of your child’s school career. When a student is absent or tardy they are missing important parts of their education. Further, regular attendance in school now is an important lesson to be learned for their future education and into the world of work. 20 or more absences will result in a notification from the attendance officer of the county.

Students who are absent should bring a note when returning to school. It isn't necessary to call the office unless the child has a communicable disease (head lice, chickenpox, etc.) Students arriving late should report to the office.

You can make arrangements to pick up homework or have it sent home with another student. Please give the staff sufficient time to prepare the information.

Students arriving after 8:50 a.m. and before 9:10 a.m. are marked tardy. Arrival between 9:10 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. will be marked 1⁄4 day absent. Students who leave between 1:01 p.m. and 2:20 p.m. are also marked 1⁄4 day absent. Students that arrive or leave between 9:31 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. will be marked 1⁄2 day absent.

Change of Address

If you have a change of address or phone number or add a P.O. Box, please let us know, so we can
update our records. A new Proof of Residency will be required in the office.

Communication

Tips for better home school communication:

  • Get to know the school principal and staff members. Attend school open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and other events.
  • Let the principal or staff member know when you are pleased about something, as well as when you are dissatisfied.
  • If an issue arises, communicate with the staff member or administrator closest to the situation.
  • Be aware that answers or solutions may not come right away. Sometimes follow-up activities are required to obtain all the information and to study the implications before a question or concern can be resolved in a way that is fair and reasonable.

Complaint/Grievance Procedure

If any person believes that the Stockbridge Community Schools or any part of the school
organization has inadequately applied the principles and/or regulations of 1) Title VI of the
Education Amendment Act of 1972, 2) Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, and 3)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, he/she may bring forward a complaint, which shall be referred to as a grievance, to the local Civil Rights Coordinator at the following address:

Brian Friddle, Supt.
305 W Elizabeth
Stockbridge, MI 49285

Discipline

Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible
We expect positive behavior to be used by all. Students will be taught, monitored, and acknowledged when positive choices are made.

Stockbridge Community Schools does not allow bullying per Policy 8260 which is posted in each building, available from the principal, and on the district website under Board of Education/Policies.

We are fond of the research and ideas that are coming out of the "Love and Logic Institute." Love and Logic has been used throughout the schools for many years. We are making a conscientious effort to increase the usage and understanding of these philosophies. In a nutshell:

Guidelines For Student Behavior

  1. You may engage in any behavior that is Safe, Respectful, and Responsible. The behaviors must not create a problem for you or anyone else in the school.
  2. If you find yourself with a problem, you may solve it by any means that does not cause a problem for anyone else in the school.
  3. You may engage in any behavior that does not jeopardize the safety or learning of yourself or others. Unkind words and actions will not be tolerated

Childhood Misbehavior Is Treated As An Opportunity For Gaining Wisdom.

  • In a loving way, the adult holds the child accountable for solving his/her problems in a way that does not make a problem for others.
  • Children are offered choices with limits.
  • Adults use enforceable statements.
  • Adults provide delayed/extended consequences.
  • The adult’s empathy is “locked in” before consequences are delivered.

Two types of discipline are possible, minor and major.

Minor Discipline

Minor discipline takes place within the school and many times is handled by the teacher and may involve parent contact. Options include:

  • Loss of privilege (free-choice time, special class activity etc,)
  • Change of seating or location
  • Lunch-time in office
  • Review of Panther Pride
  • Job assigned
Major Discipline

A major discipline requires the student to meet with the principal to discuss the situation. Parents will be notified via a phone call or a Yellow Office Referral being sent home. It includes:

  • Loss of privilege (free-choice time, special class activity, etc.)
  • Loss of recess
  • Lunch-time in office
  • Panther Pride Pledge
  • In/out of school Suspension

This discipline policy is in compliance with Board Policy 5600 – other applicable policies.

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress in good taste. Apparel that is disruptive to the educational environment or process is prohibited. Shoes must be worn at all times. Longer type shorts can be worn on warm days. Rule of thumb: finger-tip length. Halter tops, tank tops, etc. are prohibited at all times. Rule of thumb: underarms should not be visible. Confederate flags shall not be worn on school grounds. This includes t-shirts, belt buckles, jackets, cups, pins, stickers, etc. Each student will need a pair of gym shoes that are clean, dry, and have a soft rubber sole. Hiking boots, snow boots, slippers, dress shoes, hard-soled shoes, sandals, flip flops, spikes, wrestling shoes, and stocking feet will not be allowed in gym class.

If a student violates the dress code, the student will be given the opportunity to correct the violation. School personnel will communicate with the student and his/her parent or guardian about the best means to correct the violation.

Emergency Information

On the first day of school or before we will send home several forms to be completed, including an Enrollment Card containing emergency information. This information is necessary so that we will know whom to contact if your child is injured or ill and you cannot be reached. It is important to let us know if there are any changes during the year. Please note the information regarding permission to have your child treated at a medical facility if you cannot be reached.

Also, be sure to indicate where your child should go if school is dismissed early due to inclement weather, and you are not home. Please discuss this with your child ahead of time. If the school does close early students must ride their usual bus. Because of the time factor, it is usually impossible for students to call their parents for instructions before leaving school.

Emergency

In case of a Homeland Security Advisory System - Level Red Alert directly impacting Ingham and the surrounding counties in our district the following steps listed below will be taken.

If the announcement regarding a specific threat that impacts Ingham County comes before or after school hours:

  • Schools will be closed.
  • All activities and events scheduled for any district facility will be canceled until further notice.
  • Normal school operations will remain closed until we are authorized to re-open.

If the announcement regarding a specific threat that impacts Ingham County comes during school hours:

  • All schools will be locked and access will be closely monitored.
  • Students will remain in programs until regular dismissal.
  • Parents and guardians may sign students out as preferred; however, students will only be released to those listed on the student’s emergency contact form.
  • Normal transportation procedures will be implemented for students (i.e. regular bus routes, walkers, student drives him/herself, or parent pickup) unless otherwise directed by local emergency management officials.
  • All activities and events scheduled for any district facility will be canceled until further notice.

Parents are encouraged to help with this matter by advising the school of any emergency contact information changes, refraining from calling the school during an emergency time so the phone lines may remain open and tuning into the local radio and television stations for updates.

Field Trips

With the approval of the administration, students will be allowed to take trips with their classes. Parental permission is required. The Field Trip Permission Form is included on the enrollment form. Parents are also encouraged to help chaperone students on trips. To be considered for chaperoning a field trip, parents/guardians must have an approved background done through the school. Background check forms must be turned in no later than 1 week prior to the trip. Forms are available in the main office and need to be returned to the main office.

Brothers, sisters, or other relatives under the age of 18 are prohibited from attending field trips. These activities are intended only for students who are in the class. Chaperones other than the child's parents need to be approved by the principal.

Food Services

Smith Elementary School Menus are updated monthly. We recommend that you look them over with your children and decide on lunches for the coming week. 

Insurance

Students who do not have insurance can purchase a policy from First Agency for a nominal fee. Pamphlets are sent home on the first day of school. The school does not provide insurance for injured students.

Lost and Found

Items that are found will be put in a lost and found area, located in the lobby. Please check this area on a daily basis.

Medical Information

Stockbridge Community Schools Administrative Rules and Regulations for Administering and Dispensing Medication to Students are as follows:

  • No school staff member may dispense or administer medication of any kind, including non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, without a completed medical permission form.
  • For any student requiring medication at school, the parent/guardian will bring the authorization and medication in the original container to the office. Information regarding side effects is also requested. The school may request additional information about side effects as needed.
  • The administration of all medication will be witnessed by an adult in addition to the adult administering the medication, except in cases of emergency.
  • An individual record will be kept of each medication administered. The record should include student identification, date prescribed, name of medication, time and date given, the signature of person administering, and a section for comments.
  • The school staff will be advised annually to send any student exhibiting signs or symptoms of a medical reaction or illness to the office.
  • Medication not picked up by parents by one week after school ends will be discarded.

Injuries

Students, teachers, and supervisors are asked to report all school and playground accidents to the office. When necessary, an accident report is filled out. Any time the office is informed that a serious injury has occurred, the office will notify you.

Head lice

Head lice is a common condition that can be transmitted among people, especially among children whose hats and jackets are close together. Itching or scratching may be a sign of lice, but sometimes there are no signs until you look closely. Until a child is lice and nit free, they may not be able to ride the bus or attend school. A check will be required in the main office when the child returns.

Communicable Disease

Communicable disease control is an integral part of school health services. The school follows current public health practices and rules and regulations governing the control and prevention of communicable diseases that are set up by the State and County Health Departments. Please help us by keeping your child at home when the following symptoms appear coughing, sore throat, runny nose, chills, ear or eye discharge, upset stomach, fever, infected sores, swollen glands, or a contagious rash. If your child becomes ill during school hours, we will notify you. Please be sure we have the correct emergency numbers for your child.

Recommendations

Disease May return to school Approximate time
Fifth Disease
(blushing)
May return with rash if no fever or distress 1-3 days
Common Cold Reduction of cough and runny nose, no fever 1-6 days
Chicken Pox No new eruptions or fever, may have old dry scabs 1 week
Hepatitis Doctor permission only Varies
Impetigo Doctor permission or clearing of the condition 24 hours after first medication
Measles (Rubella) No rash or fever, red eyes, red nose 4-10 days
Mumps No swelling or fever 1-2 weeks
Pink Eye Doctor permission or clear eyes evident Varies
Pediculosis-Scabies
Head/body lice
Until all lice and nits are gone 1-7 days
Strep Infection Doctor permission, depends on severity of condition Varies

*Students must be fever free and not vomited for 24 hours before returning to school.

Illness

In order to protect all children, parents are requested to provide a statement from the attending physician when a child returns to school from a serious illness or injury that indicates:

  1. The exact nature of illness or injury.
  2. The child’s present physical, mental, and emotional state.
  3. Specific special needs that the child has. (i.e., special seating, rest periods, safety precautions)
  4. Limitations for physical and mental activities.

Immunizations

Michigan schools are required to report immunization information. Any student who fails to meet the immunization requirements below shall not be admitted or participate in school classes.

In order for a student to attend school in Michigan, the Michigan Public Health Code requires the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) to have one of the following on file with the school:

  1. A valid, current immunization record
  2. A medical doctor’s (M.D./D.O.) signed the State of Michigan 2020 Medical Contraindication Form, which states the medical contraindication(s), the vaccines involved, and the time period during which the child is not able to get the vaccines
  3. A current, certified State of Michigan 2020 Immunization Nonmedical Immunization Waiver Form required under Michigan Administrative Rules

Screenings

Michigan law requires that children entering Kindergarten have vision and hearing screening tests upon school entrance. Additional tests are provided at designated grade levels during the school year.

Parent Involvement

Volunteers

Parents are always encouraged to be active in school. Please let the office or classroom teacher know if you can give some of your time. All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to volunteering in the classroom.

Smith Watch D.O.G.S.

Please visit Smith Watch D.O.G.S. for more information regarding this innovative father-involvement program. 

Personal Property

We discourage students from bringing valuable personal property to school because of possible loss or damage for which the school is not responsible.

  • Please do not send your child to school with large amounts of money.
  • Student possessions (outerwear, backpacks, etc.) should be labeled with the student’s name.
  • Personal items (toys, trading cards, electronic items, etc.) should NOT be brought to school.
  • Personal items brought to school for pre-approved educational purposes (sharing time or special projects) are to be kept in the classroom or in the office.

Pets

Occasionally a child has a pet, which he/she would like to have the class see. This can be arranged by contacting the teacher to make arrangements for the parent to bring the pet to school at a specific time and then take it home. Pets cannot be taken on the bus.

Recess

All students will participate in a morning and afternoon recess time of 15 minutes each. During the winter months, please have your child bring hats, heavy coats, boots, and gloves or mittens as we will be outside every day as weather permits. If you are unable to provide warm clothing, please contact the main office for assistance. During severe weather or cold (5 degrees actual or wind-chill or at the principal’s discretion) students will remain indoors for recess. A doctor’s statement is required for a child to be excused from outdoor recess.

Religious Release Time

Students that would like to participate in religious instruction will be released from school at the principal's discretion. Parents are requested to submit a schedule in writing to the office at least one week before classes are to begin.

Report cards

Report cards are issued twice a year (end of 1st semester and end of year) they will be sent home with the students following the end of the semester. Progress reports will be sent home twice a year as well during parent/teacher conferences.

School Closings and Delays

In the event of poor weather conditions school may be delayed, closed, or dismissed early, and buses may run on main roads only. Parents will be notified via school messenger (email and phone) in a timely manner when this will occur. Also, stay tuned in to the radio or tv for information on school day changes during times of bad weather.

Please note: Television stations carry school closing information earlier than radio stations. current delay/closing information will also be posted on our website and our social media channels. A school-wide phone call to parents/guardians will also be sent in these incidents.

Student records

Stockbridge community schools has compiled records on students for use in the provision of appropriate education programs and services. Federal and state legislation provide you with certain rights regarding the confidentiality of these records. These rights include the following:

  1. Your right to access education records, which includes your right to inspect and to review them, to request explanation or interpretation of portions you do not fully understand, and to request copies of portions thereof. Copies will be provided at no cost or within 5 days. A fee for retrieval and search for educational records shall not be charged. Requests for access shall follow procedures specified in the agency policy.
  2. Your right to request amendment to records if you think records or portions thereof are inaccurate and misleading and, therefore, violate their confidentiality, and your rights to a due process hearing. Notice of hearing and corresponding process shall follow procedures established in the agency policy.
  3. Your right to limit disclosure of education records which includes the right to know persons or agencies that shall have access to records, together with specific records or portions thereof and proposed uses of records disclosed.
  4. Your right to request the destruction of education records, if and when educational agency has decided that records are no longer needed for the educational and/or administrative purposes they were collected, including your right to be notified at such times as graduation or other forms of termination of enrollment, or when your child reaches age 26.
  5. Your right to protest if you think that the administrative procedures of stockbridge community schools are not in compliance with the law, to:

    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office
    Department of Education
    15  Switzer Building, Room 4511
    Washington, D.C., 20202
    202-245-0233

Tobacco Products

The use of tobacco products is totally prohibited from all school buildings and facilities at any time of day. Violators will be subject to misdemeanor penalty punishment.

Transportation

Please notify Transportation of any address or pick-up/drop-off changes. If you have any questions regarding bus transportation, schedules, late buses, etc.

General Transportation Rules

  • Students who regularly ride a bus must ride the bus home unless they bring a note signed by a parent advising us of a change for that day. We cannot give students a bus pass for a different bus without written permission from a parent. No bus passes will be given during the first two weeks of school.
  • Students should bring notes to the office when they arrive at school, not at the end of the day. This procedure will help to avoid confusion and ensure that your child will be transported to the correct place.

Use Of School Facilities

The school district makes school facilities available during non-school hours for use by various community groups. All such use must be arranged in advance through the Community Education office.

Visitors

Parents and community members are encouraged to visit our school and participate in activities. If you plan on visiting please inform your child's teacher and sign in at the office. We discourage pets and friends from visiting school unless pre-arranged with the teacher and principal.

Weapons

Weapons are not allowed on school property at any time. Any weapon will be confiscated and turned over to the proper authorities. State law dictates action be taken.


LT-this section seems redundant as all the following policies are already referenced above.

Miscellaneous Notices

29b. Bullying and Other Aggressive Behavior

[Replace this section with Replacement Policy 5517.01]  -

It is the policy of the District to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment for all of its students.

This policy protects all students from bullying/aggressive behavior regardless of the subject matter or motivation for such impermissible behavior.

Bullying or other aggressive behavior toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties, including Board members, parents, guests, contractors, vendors, and volunteers, is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes written, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, including hazing, gestures, comments, threats, or actions to a student, which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm, reasonable fear for personal safety, or personal degradation.

Demonstration of appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusal to tolerate harassment or bullying is expected of administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers to provide positive examples of student behavior.

This policy applies to all "at school" activities in the District, including activities on school property, in a school vehicle, and those occurring off school property if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school-approved, or school-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the school’s control, or where an employee is engaged in school business. Misconduct occurring outside of school may also be disciplined if it interferes with the school environment.

Notification

Notice of this policy will be annually circulated to and posted in conspicuous locations in all school buildings and departments within the District and discussed with students, as well as incorporated into the teacher, student, and parent/guardian handbooks. State and Federal rights posters on discrimination and harassment shall also be posted at each building. All new hires will be required to review and sign off on this policy and the related complaint procedure.

Parents or legal guardians of the alleged victim(s), as well as of the alleged aggressor(s), shall be promptly notified of any complaint or investigation as well as the results of the investigation to the extent consistent with student confidentiality requirements. A record of the time and form of notice or attempts at notice shall be kept in the investigation file. © 2015 Neola, Inc.

To the extent appropriate and/or legally permitted, confidentiality will be maintained during the  17  investigation process. However, a proper investigation will, in some circumstances, require the disclosure of names and allegations. Further, the appropriate authorities may be notified, depending on the nature of the complaint and/or the results of the investigation.

Implementation

The Superintendent is responsible for implementing this policy, and may develop further guidelines, not inconsistent with this policy.

This policy is not intended to and should not be interpreted to interfere with legitimate free speech rights of any individual. However, the District reserves the right and responsibility to maintain a safe environment for students, conducive to learning and other legitimate objectives of the school program.

Procedure

Any student who believes s/he has been or is the victim of bullying, hazing, or other aggressive behavior should immediately report the situation to the Principal or assistant principal. The student may also report concerns to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board official. Complaints against the building principal should be filed with the Superintendent. Complaints against the Superintendent should be filed with the Board President.

Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe to be aggressive behavior directed toward a student. Reports shall be made to those identified above. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action may not be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report.

The Principal (or another administrator as designated) shall promptly investigate and document all complaints about bullying, aggressive or other behavior that may violate this policy. The investigation must be completed as promptly as the circumstances permit and should be completed within three school days after a report or complaint is made.

If the investigation finds an instance of bullying or aggressive behavior has occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate remedial action. This may include up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for employees, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers and contractors, and removal from any official position and/or a request to resign for Board members. Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement or other appropriate officials. © 2015 Neola, Inc.

The individual responsible for conducting the investigation shall document all reported incidents and report all verified incidents of bullying, aggressive or other prohibited behavior, as well as any  18  remedial action taken, including disciplinary actions and referrals, to the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall submit a compiled report to the Board on an annual basis.

Non-Retaliation/False Reports

Retaliation or false allegations against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying or aggressive behavior (as a witness or otherwise), or is the target of the bullying or aggressive behavior being investigated, is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy, independent of whether a complaint of bullying is substantiated. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying/aggressive behavior.

Making intentionally false reports about bullying/aggressive behavior for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action as indicated above.

Harassment

Harassment of students is prohibited, and will not be tolerated. This includes inappropriate conduct by other students as well as any other person in the school environment, including employees, Board members, parents, guests, contractors, vendors and volunteers. It is the policy of the District to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment for all of its students. This policy applies to all activities on school property and to all school sponsored activities whether on or off school property.

Harassment is defined as inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious enough, to negatively impact a student’s educational, physical or emotional well being. This would include harassment based on any of the legally protected characteristics, such as sex, race, color, national origin, religion, height, weight, marital status or disability. This policy, however, is not limited to these legal categories and includes any harassment that would negatively impact students.

Harassment through any means, including electronically transmitted methods (e.g., internet, telephone or cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer or wireless hand held device), may be subject to District disciplinary procedures. Such behavior is considered harassment whether it takes place on or off school property, at any school-sponsored function, or in a school vehicle if it is considered to have a negative impact on the school environment.

Any student who believes s/he has been/or is the victim of harassment should immediately report the situation to the teacher, the principal or assistant principal, or may report it directly to the Superintendent of Schools. Complaints will be investigated in accordance with AG 5517. © 2015 Neola, Inc.

Every student should, and every staff member must report any situation that they believe to be improper harassment of a student. Reports may be made to those identified above.  19

If the investigation finds harassment occurred it will result in prompt and appropriate remedial action. This may include up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for employee, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers and contractors, and removal from any officer position and/or a request to resign for Board members.

Retaliation against any person for complaining about harassment, or participating in a harassment investigation, is prohibited. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as harassment. Intentionally false harassment reports, made to get someone in trouble, are also prohibited. Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action as indicated above.

The following definitions are provided for guidance only. If a student or other individual believes there has been harassment, regardless of whether it fits a particular definition, s/he should report it and allow the administration to determine the appropriate course of action.

Harassment 
  • Submission to such unwelcome conduct or communication is made either an explicit or implicit condition of utilizing or benefiting from the services, activities, or programs of the School District;
  • Submission to, or rejection of, the unwelcome conduct or communication is used as the basis for a decision to exclude, expel or limit the harassed student in the terms, conditions, or privileges of the School District;
  • The unwelcome conduct or communication interferes with the student’s education, creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or otherwise adversely affects the student’s educational opportunities. This may include racial slurs, mocking behavior, or other demeaning comments.

Sexual Harassment may include, but is not limited to:

  • Verbal harassment or abuse;
  • Pressure for sexual activity;
  • Repeated remarks with sexual or demeaning implications;
  • Unwelcome touching;
  • Sexual jokes, posters, cartoons, etc.;
  • Suggesting or demanding sexual involvement, accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, or safety,;
  • A pattern of conduct, which can be subtle in nature, that has sexual overtones and is intended to create or has the effect of creating discomfort and/or humiliation to another;
  • Remarks speculating about a person’s sexual activities or sexual history, or remarks about one’s own sexual activities or sexual history.

Note: An inappropriate boundary invasion by a District employee or other adult member of the School District community into a student's personal space and personal life is sexual harassment. Further, any administrator, teacher, coach, or other school authority who engages in sexual or other inappropriate physical contact with a student may be guilty of criminal “child abuse” as defined in State law. M.C.L. 722.621 et. seq.

Stockbridge Community Schools has developed a Technology Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet, school networks, computers and related equipment. Access and use of these is a privilege for the user.