W. Fred Scott Sr. Elementary School

100 N. Hansell Street

Thomasville, GA 31792

Phone (229) 225-2631

Fax (229) 225-21672

2009-2010

Student Handbook and Calendar

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Tret Witherspoon – Principal

Sherry Lawrance – Literacy Coach

Scott Elementary School

August 1, 2008

Re: Student Handbook

Dear Parents,

The administrative staff at Scott Elementary School is required to document that every parent has received and read the Scott Student Handbook. Please read over it carefully. On the last page, you will find a handout that should be signed and returned to you child’s homeroom teacher that includes a form containing Parent Handbook Acknowledgement, a Passive Permission form and a Nondisclosure of Student Information and Survey Participation form. If you have any questions, please call the school office.

Thank you,

Mr. Tret Witherspoon

Scott Elementary Principal

Highly Qualified Teachers

The faculty and staff at Scott Elementary are committed to continually seeking to improve instruction for our students. We hope that as a parent, you will become actively involved in our school improvement initiatives as we continue to monitor student achievement and set high expectations. We encourage you to get to know your child’s teachers and the class routines and expectations.

We are proud of the professional credentials of our teaching staff and will furnish you, upon request, the professional qualifications of any of your child’s classroom teachers. This includes information concerning the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher is certified, the major fields and degrees held by the teacher, and the qualification of any paraprofessional who provides services to your child.

Sincerely,

Tret Witherspoon

Scott Elementary Principal

Scott Elementary School

2008-2009 Calendar of Events

August

1^st - Open House

2^nd - Back to School Blitz

4^th - First Day of School / Election Day Primary Runoff/Special Runoff Voting in gym

5^th - School Council Meeting

8^th - Begin STAR Testing

8^th - 22^nd THANKS Ticket Sales

14^th - STEEP Screening

14^th - Papa John’s Pizza Night

25^th - QSP Candy Kick-Off Sale

28^th - PTO Meeting

29^th - Back to School Pep Rally

29^th - THS Football Game @ Home Central

September

1^st - Labor Day Holiday

3^rd - Mid-term Reports Go Home

5^th - THS Football Game @ Moultrie

11^th - Early Release Day 1:00 pm

11^th - Dinner & a Movie

11^th - Papa John’s Pizza Night

12^th - THS Football Game @ Cairo

15^th - 19^th ITBS Testing Grades 1-5

17^th - Constitution Day

26^th - THS Football Game @ Home

30^th - 1^st – 5^th Benchmark Tests

October

2^nd - Papa John’s Pizza Night

3^rd - AR Goal Date Ends

4^th - Hands On Thomas County Day

6^th - 10^th Fall Break

12^{th –} 17th National Lunch Week

13^th -Teacher Workday

14^th - Second Nine Weeks Begins

14^th - Second Nine Weeks AR Begins

14^th - Fall Picture Day

17^th - THS Football Game @ Cook 7:30 pm

17^th - Report Cards Go Home

23^rd - Terrific Kids Celebration Day

23^{rd -} PTO / Family Supper @ 6:00 pm

24^th - THS Football Game @ Home

31^st - THS Football Game @ Berrien

November

4^th - Election Day Voting in the Gym

6^th - Early Release Day 1:00 pm

7^th - THS Football Game @ Home

13^th - Papa John’s Pizza Night

13^th - Mid-term Reports Go Home

22^nd - 23^rd Plantation Wildlife Festival

26^th - 28^th Thanksgiving Holidays

18^th - Fall Picture Retakes

December

1^st - STAR Testing

2^nd - Election Run-Off (In the gym)

2^nd - School Council Meeting

11^th - STEEP Testing

11^th - 12^th Downtown Victorian Christmas

11^th - Papa John’s Pizza Night

16^th - 18^th Benchmark Assessments (1^st –5^th Grades)

18^th - PTO / Christmas Program

19^th - AR Goal Date Ends

19^th - Christmas Parties

22^nd - 31^st Winter Holidays

January

1^st - 2^nd Winter Holiday

5^th - Student Holiday / Teacher Workday

6^th - First Day of 3^rd Nine Weeks / New AR Goals

8^th - Papa John’s Pizza Night

9^th - AR Celebration

9^th - Report Cards Go Home

15^th - Terrific Kids Celebration

19^th - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

29^th - Cookie Dough Sale Kick-off

30^th - Beginning of Cookie Dough Sales

February

2^nd - Groundhog Day

6^th - Mother / Son - Father / Daughter Dance

10^th - Class Group Pictures

11^th - Mid-term Reports Go Home

12^th - Papa John’s Pizza Night

13^th - Deadline for Cookie Dough Sales

16^th - President’s Day (Not a school Holiday)

March

2^nd - Read Across America Day / Dr. Seuss’ Birthday

3^rd - School Council Meeting

4^th - Fifth Grade Writing Assessment

5^th - Book Fair

5^th - Muffins for Mom Day

8^th - Daylight Savings Time Begins

9^th –12^th - Benchmark Assessments

12^th - AR Goal Ends

12^th - Papa John’s Pizza Night

12^th - Dinner & a Movie

13^th - Student/Teacher Holiday

16^th - Student/Teacher Holiday

17^th - Teacher Workday Student Holiday

18^th - First Day Fourth Nine Weeks / New AR Goals

18^th – 27^th 3^rd Grade Writing Assessments

20^th - AR Celebration Day

23^rd - Report Cards Go Home

26^th - Terrific Kids Celebration

April

2^nd - PTO Meeting / CRCT Information night

2^nd - Papa John’s Pizza Night

6^th – 10^th - Fall Break

21^st – 24^th - CRCT Testing

22^nd - Administrative Assistant / Secretary Day

23^rd - Rose Bud Parade

24^th - 25^th Rose Show

27^th –30^th - CRCT Testing

29^th - Mid-Term Report Goes Home

May

1^st - CRCT Grades 1 – 5

4^th - 8^th Teachers Appreciation & National Nurses Week

6^th - School Council Meeting

7^th - STEEP Testing

10^th - Mothers’ Day

11^th - STAR Testing

14^th – Papa John’s Pizza Night

15^th – Field Day

18^th - Deadline for Accelerated Reader Points

19^th - Kindergarten & 1^st Grade Honor’s Day

19^th - 2^nd & 3^rd Grade Honor’s Day

20^th - 4^th & 5^th Grade Honor’s Day

21^st - AR Celebration Day

22^nd - Last Day for Students

27^th - Report Cards may be picked up

Scott Elementary School

2008-2009

Table of Contents

Board of Education……………………………………………………………

Faculty and Staff………………………………………………………………

Mission & Beliefs………..…...………………………………………………..

Expectations of Students………………………………………………………

Parent Responsibilities…………………………………………………………

Dress Code…………………………………………………………………….

Attendance & Tardies…………………………………………………………

Student Admission……………………………………………………………

Withdrawing from School………………………………………………………

Hospital/Homebound………………………………………………………

School Insurance………………………………………………………………

Discipline Plan…………………………………………………………………

Character Education………………………………………………………….

School Pictures………………………………………………………………….

Report Cards…………………………………………………………………

Parent/Teachers Conferences…………………………………………………

Visitors……………………………………………………………………….

Student Information Sheet……………………………………………………

Change of Name & Address……………………………………………………

School Supplies…………………………………………………………………

Medication……………………………………………………………………

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Matthew Conyers, Chairman

Darrell Allen

Donnell Carley

John Everett

Andrew Jones

George R. Lilly, II

Jimmy Woodward

Sabrina Boykins Everett– Superintendent of Schools

The Thomasville City School System does not discriminate in education and activities or in employment on the basis of race, national origin, sex or disability.

504 Coordinator Title IX Coordinator

Mary Friesen Dusty Kornegay

225-2600 225-2600

HONOR CODE

We, the students of the Thomasville City Schools, realizing that honesty is needed to help develop good character and a sense of pride, do hereby agree to be honest under all circumstances. This commitment of honesty will prevail in our schoolwork and in our relationships with others, including students and the faculty.

We further agree to be respectful of the property of others, both on and off the school campus. We also commit ourselves to report to the proper school authorities any dishonest acts of which we have knowledge.

Faculty and Staff

Tret Witherspoon, Principal

Sherry Lawrance, Literacy Coach

Jennifer Jordan, Director of Guidance

Administrative Assistant Debbie Sumner, Bookkeeper Kimberly James, Secretary School Nurse Robin Cook, R.N Support Staff Julie Brewster, Media Specialist Rosa Clyde, Spanish Lindaajo Haythorn, Art Betty Herbert, Technology Carie Muserallo, EIP Lauren Schmidt, Band Dan Stephens, P.E. Davinia Tucker, Strings Paraprofessionals Barbara Broadnax Wendy Chambers Marcus Griffin Linda Ryland Cleveland Shy June Diggs Delores Johnson Anita Williams Angela Ridley Custodians Donnie Davis Rose Engram Food Service Ileen Cody, Manager Karen Brown Beulah Johnson Daisy Jones Technology Ivey Manwaring Rick Stirewalt

Kindergarten Becky Felts Trish Garcia Jennifer Taylor First Grade Tara Baase Carla DuBose Levada Laing Mary Morris Second Grade Carolyn Alligood Anna Blair Pam Gardner Adrienne Robinson Third Grade Jana Birkenstock Liz McDonald Donnalynn Singletary Jan VanHeiningin Fourth Grade Stacie David Sara Martha Davis Karlan Holik Fifth Grade Iris Carter L.H Jackson Jahra Juech Special Education Krista Dance Laura Poss Beverly Reynolds Debra Smith Desire’Stokes

Philosophy and Beliefs

The Scott Elementary Discipline with Dignity Plan is based upon the belief that the entire school community of students, parents, school personnel, and community members should be involved in teaching and learning.

An effective school-wide discipline plan is more than a set of rules, expectations, and consequences; rather, it is a dynamic process that includes mechanisms designed to clarify expectations, establish procedures, improve consistency, elevate levels of supervision, identify responsibilities (students, parents, and teachers) and it provides tools for behavior problem-solving, a method for evaluating the performance of the school-wide discipline plan, and a troubleshooting vehicle; i.e., a means of identifying aspects of the plan that need to be improved and /or modified over time.

Philosophy

Our mission is to provide standards based instruction to all children in a safe and caring environment that fosters intellectual, social, and moral growth.

We believe:

All students can learn

Student learning is the priority of Scott Elementary

Learning should be meaningful.

Students learn in different ways

Students learn best when actively engaged and provided with successful practice opportunities.

Students learn best in a safe and orderly environment.

Exceptional students require special services resources.

School staff, administration, and parents share the responsibility of advancing the school’s mission.

Community support enhances the school mission.

A commitment to a continuous school improvement process is essential.

School-Wide Procedures

Morning Procedures

Students:

1. Students who arrive prior to 7:30 will sit quietly in the front lobby. Students entering the back porch door will be directed to the front lobby.

2. Students will walk quietly in a single file line with their assigned paraprofessional to their designated hallway at 7:30.

3. Students will sit quietly against the wall until 7:45.

4. Students will enter their homeroom at 7:45 and eat breakfast quietly until 8:00. Food will be available until 8:15.

Hallway Procedures

Students:

1. Students will walk quietly keeping their hands behind their backs.
2. Students will walk on the right side of the hall at all times.
3. Students will avoid touching the walls and any wall displays with their hands or their feet.
4. Students will yield to main avenues of traffic (Stop Points).

Cafeteria Procedures

Students:

1. Students will enter the “IN” door quietly.
2. Students will stand in the serving line quietly with their hands behind their backs until they reach the milk cooler.
3. Students will remain standing, facing forward until they get their meal.
4. Students will then proceed quietly and carefully to their designated lunch area.
5. Students will remain silent and eat their food for the first 10-15 minutes of their lunch period. When the signal cup on their table changes from red to green, students may talk softly.
6. Students will raise their hands if assistance is needed.
7. Students will sit with feet on floor, bottom on seat, and facing table.
8. Students will keep all food to self. (No sharing)
9. Students will clean their area before leaving the table.
10. Students will be dismissed by sections and will be instructed to walk down the designated aisle quietly to empty their trays.

Dismissal Procedures

Students:

1. Students will prepare for dismissal at 2:55.
2. Students will line up at the 3:00 bell and the teacher will escort and seat the class at their designated dismissal area. Students will remain seated until their transportation arrives and all conversations will be allowed in a low voice only.
3. All students riding a daycare van or bus will be picked up at 2:55 from the front porch (MuDear, Mount Zion, Mr. Allen, Vashti, Georgia Pines, Reading Rainbow, Douglas Alumni, YMCA, and Resource Center). They will sit in their designated area, facing the driveway until their transportation arrives.
4. Walkers who are waiting for siblings from MacIntryre or Thomasville High will wait on the front porch in their designated area until their sibling(s) arrive.
5. Students in grades 1 – 3, and siblings who are K, 4 and 5 grades, will be picked up from the rear of the school. They are to wait quietly in the back lobby/first grade wing and listen for their names to be called.
6. Students in Kindergarten, 4^th and 5^th grades that do not belong to a specific group will be picked up from the front porch. They will sit in their designated area, facing the driveway until their ride arrives.
7. Students are not allowed back into the building unless accompanied by an adult.

Assembly Procedures

Students:

1. Students will follow hallway procedures when transitioning to and from the cafeteria or gymnasium.

2. Students will enter the cafeteria or gymnasium quietly and be seated.

3. When in the cafeteria, students will sit at their designated section.

4. Students will be dismissed by sections.

Media Center Procedures

Students:

1. Students will enter the Media Center quietly.
2. Students will return books to the depository if needed.
3. Students will follow the Media Specialist’s procedures.
4. Students will use low voices at all times.

Fire Drill Procedures

Students:

1. Students will line up quietly when instructed to do so.
2. Students will exit the room quickly and calmly.
3. Students will remain in line and walk to the designated exit.
4. The last student in line will be responsible for closing the classroom door.
5. Students will walk to their designated area and remain facing away from the building until they receive permission from their teacher to turn around. The last student will lead the line back into the building when the “all clear” signal is given.

In-School Suspension (ISS)

Students:

1. Students will follow the school’s core rules.

2. Students will sit in assigned seat and remain there until otherwise directed.

3. Students will not be permitted to leave the ISS center.

4. Students will complete “Better Choice” form while in ISS.

5. Students will complete all assignments given by teachers.

6. Students will not talk or sleep while in ISS.

7. Students will raise their hand for assistance.

8. Students will eat lunch in the ISS center.

9. Students will use the restroom only during scheduled restroom breaks.

10. Students who are absent for any reason will report to the ISS center upon returning to school.

Expectations of All Students

1. Accept responsibility for personal choices
2. Follow all school rules
3. Come to school prepared with the appropriate materials such as homework, notebooks, agenda books, etc.
4. Be respectful and polite to themselves, staff members, and your peers. Show appreciation for diversity and differences in schools.
5. Be respectful of school property
6. Use good manners.
7. Walk and talk only with teacher permission (lunchroom, hallway)
8. Keep their hands, feet and object to themselves.
9. Leave gum, candy, toys and other unacceptable items at home.
10. Attend school regularly and come to school on time.
11. Exhibit school pride.
12. Keep our school safe and clean
13. Demonstrate efficient work habits and remain on –task.
14. Be active participants in the learning process.
15. Report to school officials any illegal activity involving drugs and/or weapons.
16. Follow district and school board policies pertaining to behavior at school and during school functions.
17. Conduct in a matter, which is conductive to learning, and in a manner, which does not interfere with the teacher’s right to teach or other students’ right to learn.
18. Comply immediately with any staff member’s request to obey school rules.
19. Strive for excellence. Do your best
20. Behave and follow guidelines and procedures both before and after school.

Parent Responsibilities

1. Parents are expected to teach and model respect and responsibility at home.

2. Parents are expected to cooperate fully with teachers, principals, and other school staff members and to encourage their children to do the same. Parents are expected to provide the school with up-to-date phone numbers in case contacting a parent becomes necessary. They are expected to provide changes of address, and to notify teachers of persons authorized to pick up their children.

3. Parents are expected to encourage their children to follow all school rules

4. Parents are expected to support the school’s rules and consequences

5. Parents are expected to require their children to be punctual and to attend school daily.

6. Parents are encouraged to accept responsibility for providing children with requested supplies and materials

7. Parents are expected to supply their children with a time and a place to study.

8. Parents are expected to monitor their child’s bedtime.

9. Parents are expected to participate in parent-teacher conferences as requested.

10. Parents are expected to encourage their children to behave responsibility during school, extra-curricular activities, and after-school functions.

11. Parents are expected to follow-through at home, based on suggestions from school officials that are in the best interest of their children.

12. Parents should adhere to the school ‘time line’, e.g., not dropping children’s not picking students up too late, and not removing students from school unless necessary, especially during the last thirty minutes of the school day.

13. Parents are expected to become meaningfully involved in their children’s school experience (monitoring homework, study time, attending school functions, etc.). Parents should make sure all homework and projects are returned to school.

14. Parents are expected to sign and return all required school correspondence in a timely fashion. Progress reports and report cards should be signed by parents and returned to the homeroom teachers.

15. Parents are expected to sign and return the “Parent-School Handbook Agreement”.

16. Parents are expected to conference with school officials prior to a student’s suspension from school. Note: Failure to attend the conference may result in the student not being allowed to return to school until a parent conference is held. In this case, parents are not complying with the intent of state law and may be subject to legal consequences. Upon returning to school, the student will sign a behavior contract with the principal and teacher before returning to class. A copy of the contract will be sent to the parent.

17. Parents/guardians assume legal responsibility for the behavior of their children as determined by law and community practice.

18. Parents are expected to be aware of the contents of their child’s book bag at all times.

19. Parents are expected to sign and return the “transportation release agreement” to the teacher that allows their child to be transported on field trips.

20. If parents experience a problem with a teacher or staff member, they should avoid criticizing school officials in front of their children. Instead they should make an appointment and speak with the appropriate adult.

21. Parents are expected to sign-in and receive an appropriate pass before visiting classrooms. (No exceptions). Parents should not interrupt instruction.

22. Parents are expected to call the school secretary to schedule a conference with the student’s teacher when needed. Drop in conferences take away academic time and therefore, are discouraged.

23. When visiting the school, parents should avoid public acts of discipline. PRIVATE DISCIPLINE, PUBLIC PRAISE.

24. Parents are expected to dress appropriately when on the school grounds.

25. Parents are expected to comply with Thomasville City School District guidelines pertaining to immunization records and other required documents.

26. Parents are expected to monitor student dress and reinforce the dress code of Scott.

Dress Code

During the school day, the primary focus of the student should be to learn. Some clothes that are suitable for wear outside of school are not suitable for wear at school. The age and gender of the child and what is considered to be developmentally appropriate will be considered in the enforcement of the dress code. The administration reserves the right to amend or modify the dress code to ensure safety or improve the atmosphere for learning.

1. No bare midriffs, tank tops, halter tops (one shoulder out, tube tops) no low or plunging necklines, spaghetti straps, loose fitting sleeveless tops that do not cover foundation garments.

2. All blouses/shirts should be tucked in for boys.

3. No sagging pants or shorts, no low waist pants, low rider pants, pants/shorts with holes.

4. No overly short dresses or shorts (must come to the fingertip of the middle finger when the arms are down at the student’s side.)

5. Earrings are to be worn only in the ears.

6. Clothing depicting disruptive words, violence, vulgarity, drugs, alcohol, or disrespect for others will not be allowed.

7. Hats, scarves, headbands, doo-rags, bandanas, or other head coverings are not allowed.

Students are expected to wear appropriate footwear for all school activities.

School Day Attendance

Starting Time: 8:00

Dismissal: 3:00

Students are not to be left on the school campus before 7:45 or after 3:30 p.m. Once students arrive on campus in the morning. Students much vacate the campus as soon as possible after the 3:05 bell rings, unless they are in an activity supervised by a teacher.

Tardy to School: Any student arriving at school following the 8:05 bell is considered tardy and will need to check in at the office. Any student who is on school property but not in his or her assigned classroom or other authorized area following the bell will be considered tardy to school.

Excused Tardy: A tardy resulting from events beyond a student’s control, such as an accident, road closed due to an accident, area power outage, or other excuses determined by the Principal or designee as acceptable. Documentation is required to excuse a tardy.

Unexcused Tardy: Incidents including over-sleeping, heavy traffic, errands, delays at a train crossing, or similar excuses determined by the Principal or designee as unacceptable are unexcused. Documentation will not obligate the Principal or designee to excuse an unexcused tardy.

Early Checkout: Early checkout is defined as leaving school prior to the end of instruction time and/or the end of the official school.

Excused: Early checkouts for emergency, illness, or other reasons that the Principal deems necessary or reasonable. Documentation is required to excuse early dismissal. Records will be kept at the school to document the number of days a student misses due to early checkouts. Excessive incidents of unexcused early checkout may result in disciplinary action or referral to the SST as the Principal deems necessary.

Unexcused Tardies and Early Checkouts:

• Students accumulating three (3) days of unexcused tardies to school will receive a referral to the Principal or Principal’s designee for disciplinary or other appropriate action.

• At the school system’s discretion, students establishing a pattern of early checkouts may be referred to the Principal or Principal’s designee for disciplinary or other appropriate action.

• Student leaving early or arriving late to class may be counted absent from the class or classes missed if they are not present more than 15 minutes of the entire instructional period.

Consequences and Penalties for Unexcused Tardies/Early Checkouts

The Principal or Principal’s designee may assign consequences and penalties for unexcused tardies and/or early checkouts that may include, but are not limited to the following:

Third Tardy: Written notification from teacher to notify parent(s), guardian(s) or other person(s) having control or charge of the student of possible consequences for continued tardies.

Fourth to Ninth Tardies:

Referral(s) to principal or the Principal’s designee for Disciplinary consequences, counselor’s referral or other appropriate action.

Ten or More Tardies: Ten or more tardies may result in immediate referral to support agencies are the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), law enforcement, Juvenile Court, Family and/or Youth Connections, and other external agencies.

Compulsory Attendance

Students below the age of 16 years are required to by Georgia law to attend school except for occasions of personal illness, death in the family or religious holidays. The Director of Student Services will investigate extended absences or unusual patterns of absences.

Excuses for Absences

Students who have been absent must bring a note from a parent or legal guardian on the day they return to school. Excused absences are those for personal illness, death in the family or recognized religious holidays. If a student has an excused absence, missed assignments much be made up and credit will be given for academic work. If a student is out for more than two days, the parent should contact the school and request assignments be sent to the office to be picked up at the end of the school day. Students who have excessive absences will be reported to the system attendance officer for appropriate action.

Illness

If a child becomes ill during the day, the nurse or office will contact the parent. The parent, or designated adult, must sign in the office for the child to leave school. The is a school nurse available at the school.

Signing Out

If a student has to leave school for an appointment, a note should be sent for the teacher and the office. The parent, or designated adult, must sign in the office for the child to leave school. If the student returns to school, she/he must report to the office for the time to be recorded.

Student Admission

All students must enroll at the Thomasville City Board of Education where they must present a current, adequate certificate of immunization on Georgia Form #3032, a certified copy of their birth certificate, Georgia Form #3300 which shows they have passed a current dental, vision, and hearing screening, a Social Security Card, and documentation of legal guardianship (if applicable).

Withdrawing from School

The established procedures for withdrawing from school are as follows:

1. Notify the school office the day of withdrawal.
2. Return all textbooks and other material.
3. Return all library books.
4. Clear lunch charges.
5. Parents must sign in the office a “Release of Information” for records to be forwarded. Or, parents may sign at the new school upon enrollment.

Hospital/Homebound

If a student is likely to be absent from school for 10 days or more as a result of surgery or a non-communicable disease, she/he may be eligible to participate in the Hospital. Homebound Program. The parents/legal guardian should inform the school as soon as possible.

School Insurance

Students will receive information about school insurance the first week of school. The parent communicates directly with the insurance company. Parents must indicate the type of coverage wanted when application and payments are made.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Code of Conduct is effective during the following times and in the

following places:

§ At school or on school property at any time: Off school grounds at any school activity, functions or events and while traveling to and from such events;

§ On vehicles provided for student transportation by the school system.

Rule 1A-Disruption and Interference with School - No student shall:

(a) occupy any school building, gymnasium, school grounds, properties or part thereof with intent to deprive others of its use;

(b) block the entrance or exit of any school building, property, corridor

or room thereof so as to deprive others access thereto;

© set fire to or otherwise damage any school building or property;

(d) discharge, display or otherwise threateningly use any firearms, explosives or other weapons on school premises;

(e) prevent the convening or continued functioning of any school, class, activity, lawful meeting or assembly on school campus;

(f) prevent students from attending a class or school activity;

(g) except under the direct instruction of the principal, block normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a school campus or adjacent grounds;

(h) continuously and intentionally make noise or act in any other manner so as to interfere seriously with the teacher’s ability to conduct his/her class;

(i) in any other manner, by the use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct, intentionally cause the disruption of any lawful mission, process or function;

(j) refuse to identify himself/herself upon request of any teacher;

(k) activate a fire alarm under false pretense.

Rule 2A-Damage, Destruction or Theft of School Property - A student shall not damage, destroy, dispose of or steal school property.

Rule 3A-Damage, Destruction or Theft of Private Property - A student shall not damage, destroy, dispose of or steal private property, either on the school grounds or during a school activity, function or event off school grounds.

Rule 4A-Assault and/or Battery of a Student - A student shall not cause physical injury to or behave in such a way as could reasonably be expected to cause physical injury to any student or make oral or written threatening, harassing, or intimidating remarks or symbolic gestures toward any student, which threatens the safety or well-being of that student or have the likelihood of provoking a fight. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) on any school grounds during and immediately before and immediately after school hours;

(b) on any school ground or at any other time when the school is being used by a school group,

(c) ©off the school grounds at any school activity, function or event,

(d) en route to and from school,

(e) oral threat/intimidation,

(f) written threat,

(g) symbolic gestures,

(h) bullying,

(i) insult,

(j) use of vulgar or profane language directed towards another student,

(k) ethnic slur,

(l) racial slur,

(m) sexual slur,

(n) religious slur,

(o) harassment,

(p) sexual harassment,

(q) disrespectful conduct, and

(r) arguing.

Rule 5A-Weapons and Dangerous Instruments - A student shall not possess, handle, or transmit any object that reasonably can be considered a dangerous weapon, or use any object in such a manner which reasonably might be expected to cause injury to another person:

(a) on any school grounds during and immediately before and immediately after school hours,

(b) on any school ground or at any other time when the school is being used by a school group,

(c) off the school grounds at any school activity, function or event,

(d) en route to and from school.

Rule 6A-Narcotics, Alcoholic Beverages, and Stimulant Drugs - A student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind:

(a) on any school grounds during and immediately before and immediately after school hours,

(b) on any school ground or at any other time when the school is being used by a school group,

(c) off the school grounds at any school activity, function or event,

(d) en route to and from school.

Appropriate use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician shall not be considered a violation of this rule.

Rule 7A-Disregard of Directions/Commands or Uncooperative Behavior - A student shall not fail to c comply with lawful directions (verbal and written) or commands of any principal, teacher, student teacher, substitute teacher, teacher aide, school bus driver, or other person in a position of authority within the school system when:

(a) on any school grounds during and immediately before and immediately after school hours,

(b) on any school ground or at any other time when the school is being used by a school group,

(c) off the school grounds at any school activity, function or event,

(d) en route to and from school.

Rule 8A-Disrespect Toward School Authorities - A student shall not behave with disrespect toward any principal, assistant principal, teacher, student teacher, substitute teacher, paraprofessional, school bus driver, or other person in a position of authority with the school system.

Rule 9A-Unexcused Absences - A student shall not be absent from school or from any class or other required school function during required school hours except for illness, religious holidays, death in the family, or other providential cause, except with written permission of the teachers, principal or other duly authorized school official.

Rule 10A-Dress & Grooming - A student shall not dress, groom, or wear emblems, insignias, badges, or other symbols where the effect thereof is to distract unreasonably the attention of other students or otherwise to cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school. The principal or other duly authorized school official shall determine whether any particular mode of dress, apparel, grooming or use of emblems, insignias, badges, or other symbols results in such interference or disruption as to violate this rule.

Rule 11A-Extortion - A student shall not communicate a threat to another student with the intention of extorting anything of value or any advantage or benefit for himself/herself or another person.

Rule 12A-Forgery - A student shall not sign the name of any person or any fictitious person to any document, which is to be submitted to any school official with the intention of gaining any benefit or advantage for the student signing the document or for any other student.

Rule 13A-Vulgar and/or Profane Language - A student shall not use vulgar and/or profane language/materials (this includes written verbal or non-verbal expressions and possession of pornography in any form) on school property or in the vicinity thereof.

Rule 14A-Attempts - A student shall not attempt to violate any of the substantive rules contained herein.

Rule 15A-Encouraging Others to Violate Rules - A student shall not encourage, urge or counsel others to violate any of the substantive rules contained herein.

Rule 16A-Smoking and/or Tobacco Products - Smoking is not permitted for any student. The use, possession, distribution, transmission, solicitation and sale of tobacco products or tobacco paraphernalia on school property, at school functions, on school buses, or at extracurricular/co-curricular activities are prohibited is prohibited. Tobacco products are, but are not limited to cigarettes, dip, snuff, matches, tobacco-related pipes, lighters, and/or tobacco rolling paper.

Rule 17A-Electronic Pagers and Communication Devices - Possession of an electronic communication device is permitted but should not be visible, heard or used during the school day or inside the school building.

Rule 18A-Extracurricular Activities During Suspension - Students who have been suspended from school will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities or to attend any school-sponsored events during the period of suspension. The Board of Education may also place on probation a student who is re-admitted to school following suspension or expulsion. The terms of probation will be determined on an individual basis.

Rule 19A-Sexual Harassment - Sexual Harassment of one student to another or from a student to an adult is prohibited. It is a violation of state and federal law for any person to sexually harass any other person. Sexual harassment is defined as...unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of sexual or sexually oriented nature by anyone, including students.

Rule 20A-Gang Related Activity - A student shall not participate in any gang-related activity.

Rule 21A-Sexual Misconduct - A student shall not engage in physical sexual activity on school property or at school sponsored events. A student shall not be in possession of any sexually oriented device or material.

Rule 22A-Discriminatory Behavior - Any behavior based on a student’s race, national origin, sex or disability that is unwelcome, unwanted, and/or uninvited by the recipient is prohibited, including verbal or non-verbal taunting, or physical contact.

Rule 23A-Bullying

A student shall not bully another student or school employee. Bullying is defined as:

(1) Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; or

(2) Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.

Rule 24A-Repeated Violations/Misbehavior/Chronic Disciplinary Problem Students

Students who chronically disrupt or repeatedly violate other school rules may be charged with repeated violations of school rules or misbehavior. This rule applies after remediation attempts, including the development and implementation of a student disciplinary and behavioral corrective plan. The student and parent must be notified in advance that further violations will lead to a RULE 24A charge pending a disciplinary tribunal hearing which may result in long-term suspension or expulsion.

Scott Elementary School

Discipline with Unity Plan

The discipline with unity progressive discipline plan is divided into 3 levels. Each level represents progressively more serious misbehavior and consequences. The degree of disciplinary action will be in proportion to the severity of the misbehavior. In determining the level of seriousness of the misbehavior and the level of discipline behavior, a number of factors must be considered.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Student disciplinary history
• Degree of premeditation, impulse, or self-defense
• Age and/or disability
• Strength of evidence
• Cooperation/remorse

Level I

Level I discipline is used for minor infractions such as chewing gum, talking, toys, getting out of a seat, etc. These behaviors should NEVER be referred to the office for discipline. Students who exhibit these behaviors will be dealt with in the classroom according to the classroom discipline plan.

Professional staff members may utilize any of the techniques appropriate to the situation, but not limited to the following:

• Nonverbal cues
• Verbal cues
• Time Out in the classroom
• Loss of recess
• Participation in specific instruction of desired character trait
• Student writes/draws a behavior plan
• Student conference
• Parent contact
• Isolation
• Loss of privilege(s)
• Parent/Teacher conference
• Isolation during lunch

Level II

Level II discipline is any moderate infraction such as flagrant disrespect, open defiance, stealing, severe classroom disruptions, etc. These behaviors may or may not be referred to the administrator, depending on the severity, frequency, and developmental level and age of the child. Students guilty of Level II offense may receive any of the following discipline management techniques.

Professional staff members may utilize any of the discipline management techniques appropriate for the situation, including but not limited to the following:

• Student conference with teacher
• Isolation in the classroom
• Participation in cleaning/repair of vandalized property
• Parent contact
• Time Out outside of classroom
• Informal conference with an administrator
• Parent/Teacher/Student conference
• Restriction from recess, parties, field trips, special assemblies/activities, etc…
• Any other disciplinary technique that positively promotes the Student Code of Conduct and desired character trait(s)
• Student writes/draws a behavior plan

The administrator may utilize any of the above discipline management techniques, and/or may employ:

• Conference and parent contact by telephone and mail
• Assignment to short term Time Out
• Partial day ISS with a Character Improvement Activity completed
• Full day ISS – Character Improvement Activity (3 times maximum – Review Team follows)
• Student participation in development of a review plan with parent/guardian, teacher, S.R.O., and /or administrator will be held following 4^th ISS referral.
• Student participation in development of a review plan with parent/guardian, teacher, S.R.O., and/or administrator after 5^th office referral.
• Participation in the cleaning/repair of any damage caused to the school-related environment.
• Financial restitution for the repair of any damage caused to the school-related environment
• Suspension from school up to 3 days
• Any other disciplinary technique that positively promotes the Student Code of Conduct and desired character trait(s)

Level III

Level III discipline offenses are serious acts of misconduct. These may include repeated related misbehaviors; serious disruptions of the school environment: Threats to health, safety, or property; and other acts of serious misconduct. Level III offenses must be reported to the administrator. Offenses that threaten the health, safety, or well-being of others may result in immediate suspension of the student from the school and/or school-sponsored activities up to five school days, pending disciplinary investigation of the allegations. Student and parent/guardian participation in a conference with the administrator is a required element of all discipline actions in this category, even if such conference has previously occurred. Initiation of discipline actions in the category, even if such conference had previously occurred. Initiation of necessary behavior support services should be given, if not already provided.

• Students guilty of Level III offense may receive any of the discipline management techniques appropriate for the situation as determined by the administrator or designee, including, but not limited to the following:
• Restrictions from recess, parties, field trips, special assembly/activities, etc.
• Full day(s) assignment to ISS
• Suspension from school up to 5 days (10 days if investigation pending)
• Juvenile petition signed by teacher or administrator
• Financial restitution for the repair of any damage caused by the school-related environment
• Tribunal
• Expulsion

Student Recognition

All teachers will be strongly encouraged to recognize at least one student per month for some achievement.

Scott Elementary School will develop an on-going committee for student recognition. The following student recognitions will occur at the end of every nine-weeks in the Terrific Kids assembly during the school year:

Honor Roll: * All A’s

* All A’s and B’s

Super Scottie: One student per class weekly with 1 or less infraction gets school-wide recognition.

Top Scottie: Recognized quarterly:

1. Teamwork (Is helpful, cooperative, willing)

2. Behavior

3. *Academic (highest average)

Terrific Kid: Student picked from Super Scottie pool.

Attendance: Perfect

An End-of-the-Year Terrific Kid Assembly will also include:

Yearly Honor Roll All A’s

All A’s and B’s

Yearly Perfect Attendance

Special Areas “Super Scottie”

*Conduct Grade will not be factored into Honor Roll and Academic for Top Scottie.

Scott Elementary School Core Rules

B = Be Respectful of myself, my school, and others.

A = Always follow directions the first time given.

R = Raise my hand before I walk or talk.

K = Keep my hands, feet and objects to myself.

S = Store all unacceptable items at home.

Behavior Tracking

Teachers will use the following “Behavior Tracking” system. This system enables teachers to keep a record of individual students’ behavior; therefore, it can be used as the basis for administering positive consequences (student recognition) and negative consequences. Components include the following:

a) All faculty and staff will use the “Give Me Five” signal as a school wide management tool.

b) Every teacher will be provided an “Orange Neon Clipboard”.

c) On the face of the clipboard will be a Weekly Conduct Chart with a class roster.(see sample on page 28).

d) Special Area teachers will also use the “Neon Clipboard Behavior Tracking System” to record student disruptions. The class clipboard will accompany classes to Special Areas/lunchroom.

e) The Neon Clipboard Behavior Tracking Chart will be used to record disruptive student behavior anywhere in the building, on school grounds, and on school buses.

f) The Weekly Conduct Chart will serve as documentation for Tier 1 Interventions. Teachers are expected to keep this documentation.

School Pictures

Individual student pictures will be made in the fall and in the spring. Class pictures will also be taken in the spring. The administration will determine the exceptions for picture retakes.

Report Cards

Mid-nine weeks reports will be sent home each grading period. Report cards are sent home at the end of each nine weeks. Report cards indicate the progress the child had made during the grading period.

The grading system for Scott Elementary School is as follows:

Kindergarten – Checklist of skills

Grades 1-2 Grades 3-5

S – Satisfactory A = 90-100

N – Needs Improvement B = 80-89

U – Unsatisfactory C = 70-79

F = Below 70

Grades of Unsatisfactory (U) or below 70 are considered failing grades.

For the 2008-2009 school year, third grade students who do not pass the reading on the state Criterion Referenced Competency Test, and fifth graders who do not pass the reading or math will be given additional instruction during the summer and will take another state assessment test. If that test is not passed, the student will be retained in the third grade or in the fifth. Parents and guardians have the right to make an appeal to this decision.

Conferences

Parents are cordially invited and urged to confer with their child’s teachers concerning his/her progress in school. Parents are asked to call the school to make an appointment to meet with the teachers. School-wide Parent/Teacher Conference Early Release days will be held twice a year.

Visitors

Any visitor to the school or school grounds must report to the office. All visitors must report to the office before they visit any classroom.

Students are not allowed to have visitors during school hours.

Student Information Sheet

All students will receive a student information sheet to be completed the first week of school. This must be on file and must include a phone number where the parent or guardian may be reached at all times. This is very important in case there are any emergencies in which your child may be involved.

Change of Name & Address

A change of address, phone number, or name should be reported to the school secretary. Important letters are sent from the school on the basis of addresses in the office. Phone calls are made to parents in the event of any emergency. It is important that information regarding addresses and phone numbers is current and accurate.

Supplies

Students in the Thomasville City Schools do not pay a supply fee, and the amount of supplies furnished to students will be limited. School spirit items are available for sale in the office. These include pencils, notebooks and erasers.

Medication

Any medication brought to the school by students must be referred to the school office. The teacher or a school nurse will assist in the student’s self-administration of prescribed medication provided the parent completes the appropriate form. Forms may be obtained at the school office or in the nurse’s office. Students who bring medication to school and do not check it in at the office will be subject to disciplinary action.

Media Center

The Media Center is open during school days from 8:00 to 3:00. Students may not be allowed to check out a book if a fine is due.

P.E. Information

On P.E. days, students are required to wear rubber soles for safety. Sleats, sandals, cowboy boots, etc… will not be allowed. Girls wearing dresses should wear a paro of shorts underneath. A written excuse is needed if your child cannot participate. Please send a Doctor’s excuse if time away from P.E class exceeds 3 days. Parents of students who cannot participate in strenuous activities should schedule a conference with the PE teacher. Alternative activities will be provided.

Safety

Parents should not block driveways while waiting to pick up students. Please obey the loading and unloading signs adjacent to the school. Instruct your child where to meet you each day, and if needed, have a special arrangement about rainy days. DO NOT ASK YOUR CHILD TO RUN ACROSS A DRIVEWAY TO MEET YOU. This can be very dangerous, and we do not allow students to cross the driveways. Also, children who walk to school should be encouraged to go straight home in the afternoons.

Bicycles

A bicycle rack is provided for the parking of bikes. Students are encouraged to have a bicycle lock for security purposes.

Homework

The Thomasville City School System recognizes carefully planned homework can be of considerable educational value. There are four general reasons for the assignment of homework:

1. To make up work because of absence
2. To meet the need for extra study or drill in an area where a pupil is having considerable difficulty
3. To do work that can be done more effectively at home than at school
4. To assist a pupil in acquiring progressively better home study techniques and some ability for independent work.

Students are expected to complete all homework assignments and to turn them in on time. When students are absent, parents may phone the school and request that assignments to be sent to the office to be picked up at the end of the school day.

Study Time

Encourage good study habits at home by providing a suitable time and place for your child to review the day’s activities or complete home assignments each day. If there is no homework, please encourage a fifteen minute reading period for your child.

Statewide Testing

Iowa Test of Basic Skills (Grade 3 & 5) September 15-19

State Writing Assessment (Grade 5) March 4

GA Criterion Referenced Test (CRCT) (Grades 1-5) April 21 – May 1

Textbooks and Library Books

Textbooks and library books are very expensive. Students are expected to cover and properly care for their textbooks. The student must pay for lost or damaged textbooks or library books. Fines for damaged or lost books are based on the current replacement cost. The average cost of hard library books is twelve to fifteen dollars.

SERVICES FOR OUR CHILDREN

Student Achievement Pyramid of Interventions:

The Student Achievement Pyramid of Interventions represents the process of continually implementing “progress monitoring” and then providing layers of more and more intensive interventions so that students can be successful and progress in their learning. There are four tiers of intervention. Tier 1 is Standards based classroom learning. This is effective instruction that should be happening in all classrooms for all students. Tier 2 is Needs Based Instruction/Learning. This tier describes pre-planned interventions that should be in place for students who are not being sufficiently successful or adequately challenged with Tier 1 interventions alone. These interventions are layered in addition to the Tier 1 instruction that is provided. Tier 3 is Student support team driven instruction/learning. This provides an additional layer of analysis and interventions. The Student Support Team (SST) meets to discuss students who are still not provided the instructional experiences to meet their needs. During this process, the team analyzes the specific needs of the individual student. The team includes the student’s teachers, other personnel, and parents to determine the issues that need to be addressed for the student. Tier 4 is Specially designed instruction/learning and is developed specifically for students who meet the eligibility criteria for special program placement. Tier 4 provides instruction that is targeted and specialized to meet students’ needs. This would include formal Gifted Education services for students who qualify. It may include special education and related services for eligible students. Tier 4 does not represent a location for services, but indicates a layer of interventions that may be provided in the general education class or in a separate setting.

Special Education Services

These services (Tier 4) serve all exceptionalities including intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, emotional/behavior disorders, hearing impaired/deaf, vision impaired/blind, orthopedically impaired, other health impaired, autistic, and speech/language impaired. Services are available for students ages 3 through their 21^st birthday. Students may need special education services for part of the day or for the whole day based on their needs. Individual Education Programs (IEPs) are developed by a team that consists of the parent, the special education teacher, the regular education teacher, and a representative from the local education agency (Thomasville City Schools). The IEP is reviewed annually to determine if the child is making progress and if he/she continues to meet eligibility for these services.

Psychological Services

There are two full time psychologists employed by the Thomasville City Schools. Psychologists provide direct consultation concerning student learning and behavioral or emotional difficulties, assist with the Pyramid of Interventions, assist in determining eligibility for special education and gifted programs, and also develop in-service programs for the professional staff.

Counseling

The counselor works with individual students, small groups and large groups. Topics such as study habits, responsibility, self esteem, handling conflicts, motivation, organizational skills and friendships are covered. The Rainbow’s program, which comes under the counseling umbrella, provides small group interactive sessions for students who have experienced a crisis such as divorce, death, and abuse.

Gifted Services

These services (Tier 4) are provided for students who have met Gifted eligibility in accordance with state of Georgia rules and regulations. Services are available for students in kindergarten through 12^th grade. At the kindergarten and first grade level, students are served collaboratively. The school system feels strongly that these students should remain in the regular education setting to develop the strong foundation in basic reading and math skills. At the second through fifth grade level, services are provided in a resource setting as well as collaboration in the regular education classroom. At the middle and high school, services are provided in a resource setting, an advanced content class, and/or collaboration. All services are in accordance with state approved service models taught by certified gifted instructors and are designed to meet students’ gifted needs.

504 Plans

Students who have a disability that significantly impacts learning but does not require special education services may qualify for a 504 plan. A team that can include the parent, teachers, guidance counselor and building administrator collaboratively develops this plan. Accommodations are developed to ensure that a child is not discriminated against due to a disability.

Early Intervention Program (EIP)

Students who fail the reading or math sections of the CRCT (Criterion Referenced Test) and students identified by teachers as needing extra academic assistance qualify for additional instructional help with an EIP teacher.

Parent Volunteers

Our school appreciates the assistance of the parent volunteers who provide support and services to all areas in the school classrooms, media center, and office. You may phone the school office if you wish to sign up. If you have the time, we have a job for you.

Parents are also involved in classrooms as room mothers (fathers) and assistants. If you are interested in serving your child’s class in this way, please let the teacher know. Room parents assist with special events, parties, field trips, etc.

School Council

The School Council is representative of our school community and is comprised of the principal, two teachers, two parents, and two business representatives. Its function is to advise the school on issues that are relative to school improvement and success.

Special Events

Several times during the school year your child will bring home notices of special events such as Open House, Art Week, Field Day or other important information. Please read these notices carefully so that you may actively participate in the school’s functions. A form will be sent home at the beginning of school for parental signature giving permission for your child to participate in field trips or special programs.

Tuition/Fees/Admission Costs

Resident students are not charged tuition or fees as a condition of enrollment or full participation in any instructional program, nor are resident students required to provide materials or equipment. No child will be denied the opportunity to participate when assistance with admissions is solicited and funds are not provided. Please let the teacher or principal know if you need monetary assistance.

Internet Use

Students and parents are required to sign a letter of agreement for children to use school-based Internet resources. Parents are expected to discuss with their child acceptable standards for on-line behavior.

No Child Left Behind Law

In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statue, the Thomasville City Board of Education informs parents that they may request information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher(s). The following information may be requested:

1) whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional standards commission requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;

2) whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived;

3) the college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher;

4) whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.

If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s qualification, please contact the principal.

Food Service/Fees

To encourage good nutrition, a well-balanced meal is offered daily. Menus are distributed to students each month.

Regular prices: Breakfast $.50 Lunch $.80

Reduced prices: Breakfast $.20 Lunch $.20

Adult breakfast is $1.75, and adult lunches are $2.50

Please assist the Cafeteria Manager by paying for meals by the week or month.

Regular Monthly Fees: Reduced Monthly Fees:

Month Breakfast Lunch Breakfast Lunch

August $9.50 $15.20 $3.80 $3.80

September $10.00 $16.00 $4.00 $4.00

October $ 8.00 $12.80 $3.20 $3.20

November $ 9.50 $15.20 $3.80 $3.80

December $ 5.50 $8.80 $2.20 $2.20

January $10.00 $16.00 $4.00 $4.00

February $10.00 $16.00 $4.00 $4.00

March $ 10.00 $16.00 $4.00 $4.00

April $ 8.00 $12.80 $3.20 $3.20

May $ 9.50 $15.20 $3.80 $3.80

Cafeteria Notes

The Cafeteria Manager appreciates your cooperation in sending a WRITTEN RESERVATION when you wish to join your child for lunch as she needs this information early in the day.

If your child arrives after 7:50, breakfast will not be available.

Cafeteria Rules

1. Remain seated during lunch.

2. Talk quietly at your table.

3. No soft drinks, glass containers nor extra snacks/candy may be brought.

4. No sharing food.

5. Books/magazines are not to be brought to lunch.

6. Students having a Doctor’s note requesting the child not to drink milk will receive juice or water.

7. It is a school policy not to have fast foods brought in for students. Parents are requested not to deliver fast food lunches.

Emergency Drills

Fire drills and disaster drills are practiced throughout the year. In case of a fire, the signal to evacuate the building is a continuous sounding of the bell. The signal for a tornado warning is short blasts of the bell.

An evacuation plan for each room to follow is posted near the doors. In case of a fire alarm, students leave the building through the exit designated for each room. In case of a tornado warning, students are to walk into the hall, sit against the wall, and cover their heads.

Asbestos Abatement Plan

A copy of the school’s current AHERA Management Plan and AHERA Reinspection form is on file and available for public view in the principal’s office.

Classroom Parties

Classroom parties at school are limited to two per year, one at Christmas

and one at Valentine’s Day. This is a system-wide school board policy. Because the administrator and teachers are accountable for classroom instructional time, we will not be hosting birthday parties in the classrooms. You may send a cookie or cupcake to be eaten at the beginning of recess. Please do not bring any other food items such as drinks, chips, etc. Also, please do not send party invitations to school to be distributed. Thank you for helping us to be consistent with these expectations.

Lost and Found

Any lost article found at school is taken to the lost and found area. Clothing is one of the main items that is not claimed. Write your child’s name in sweaters, jackets, caps and lunchboxes for identification in case these items become misplaced. Articles remaining at the end of the school year are donated to a local charity.

School-wide Expectations

Please help your child remember not to bring nail polish, perfumes, colognes, scented lotions, etc. to be used at school. Many children and adults are allergic to these scents.

School-wide procedures are in place. During transitioning times, students will walk to the right of the halls without talking. Through our character education curriculum, students will learn that it is inappropriate to give “put-downs” to classmates, to bully, to use inappropriate language, to hit, to be disrespectful to peers and adults. The counselor and classroom teacher teach character traits which will be expected for each child to use during the school day.

Searching Students

Student Interrogations and Searches Policy JCAB

Any student may be searched with a duly issued warrant. Any student may be searched without a warrant where there is reasonable suspicion and s circumstances make it impractical to secure a warrant. (Example: Where a student is obviously under the influence of drugs, or where school officials have reasonably reliable reports or reasonable suspicion that the student possesses drugs and/or dangerous weapons and the student could get away if the authorities delayed to get a warrant.)

Other conditions under which school authorities would be acting properly in searching a student or his possessions without a warrant are:

a. if the student has consented;

b. if the contraband item is in plain view;

c. if the evidence or contraband is discovered while responding to an emergency;

d. if the official has reasonable suspicion to believe the individual is armed and dangerous; and

e. in all other circumstances where the school official acts to protect the life and property and health of students, teachers, or other individuals.

Suspension/Probation

Students who have been suspended from school will not be allowed during the period of suspension to participate in any extra-curricular activities or to attend any school sponsored events.

The Board of Education may also place on probation a student who is readmitted to school following suspension or expulsion, and the terms of probation will be determined on an individual basis.

Student Rights

A policy manual of the Thomasville City Board of Education listing student rights in disciplinary matters is available in all schools. The Student Discipline Policy includes the right to notification of parents and hearing appeals.

Parent Concerns

The Thomasville Board of Education has a policy for the proper channeling of concerns, questions or problems a student or parents might have involving personnel, instruction, discipline, learning materials or other school matters. Each concern or problem is a personal matter and must be settled on an individual basis. Any concern should come from a parent or guardian about his/her own child.

Step 1. Make an appointment with the teacher. The parent or guardian and usually the student should talk with the teacher. Most questions, concerns or problems can be answered at this level. If a solution is not found, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2. Make an appointment with the principal. The principal will decide whether or not the teacher will attend this meeting. If a solution is not found, proceed with Step 3.

Step 3. Make an appointment with the superintendent. Discuss the concern with the superintendent, who will decide whether or not the principal will attend this meeting. If a solution is not found, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4. Request that the superintendent place the matter on the Board of Education Agenda. The Board recognizes the right of any member of the community to petition the Board for review of a problem as long as the parent has already made every effort to resolve the problem at each step.

Parents’ Liability

Under House Bill 1450, passed by the 1982 Georgia General Assembly, “parents and guardians of minor children will be liable for their willful or malicious damage to school property up to $5,000 plus court costs.”

Bus Policy

All students riding a public school bus for any reason must comply with the following conduct of students during school hours and at school related functions, in a manner that is appropriate to the age of the student:

(1) Verbal assault of teachers, administrators, and other school personnel;

(2) Physical assault or battery of teachers, administrators, and other school

personnel;

(3) Disrespectful conduct toward teachers, administrators, and other school

personnel;

(4) Verbal assault or battery of other students;

(5) Physical assault or battery of other students;

(6) Disrespectful conduct toward other students; and

(7) Verbal assault of, physical assault or battery of, and disrespectful

conduct toward persons attending school related functions.

The specific provisions shall include but not be limited to:

(A) Students shall be prohibited from acts of physical violence as defined by Code Section 20-3-751.6, bullying as defined by subsection (a) of Code Section 20-3-751.4, physical assault or battery of other persons on the school bus, verbal assault of other persons on the school bus, disrespectful conduct toward the school bus driver or other persons on the school bus, and other unruly behavior;

(B) Students shall be prohibited from using any electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, including but not limited to cell phones; pagers, audible radios, tape or compact disc players without headphones;

or any other electronic device in a manner that might interfere with the school bus communications equipment or the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus; and

© Students shall be prohibited from using mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective devises in a manner that might interfere with the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.

(D) If a student is found to have engaged in physical acts of violence as defined by Code Section 20-3-751.6, the student shall be subject to the penalties set forth in such Code section. If a student is found to have engaged in bullying as defined by subsection (a) of Code Section 20-3-751.4 or in physical assault or battery of another person on the school bus, the local school board policy shall require a meeting of the parent or guardian of the student and appropriate school district officials to form a school bus behavior contract for the student. Such contract shall provide for progressive age-appropriate discipline, penalties, and restrictions for student misconduct on the bus. Contract provision may include but shall not be limited to assigned seating, ongoing parental involvement, and suspension from riding the bus. This subsection is not to be construed to limit the instances when a school code of conduct or local board of education may require use of a student bus behavior contract.

ANNUAL NOTICE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY

AND EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) AND THE PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA)

FERPA gives parents, guardians, and students 18 years of age and older certain rights concerning school records. These rights are listed below.

1. As a parent or guardian you have a right to review your child’s school records, and those persons 18 years and older have a right to review their school records. To review the records, you should give the principal a written request listing the records that you wish to see. The principal must allow you to see the records within 45 days from receiving your request.

2. As a parent or guardian you have the right to request changes in your child’s school records if you believe the records to be inaccurate, misleading, or that they violate your privacy rights. If you are a student age 18 years or older, you may also request changes in your record if you believe the records to be inaccurate, misleading, or they violate your privacy rights. To change school records, you must notify the school principal in writing which information you wish changed and why you think it should be changed. If the principal agrees with the request, the records will be changed. If the principal disagrees with the request, a hearing may be requested with the Superintendent.

3. Some of the information in your child’s school records are not confidential and may be released without your consent. This information is known as “directory information.” Directory information includes the following:

• full legal name, address, and telephone listing

• the image or likeness in pictures, videotape, film, or other

medium

• dates of attendance

• major field of study

• participation in officially recognized sports and activities

• height and weight of athletic team members

• degrees and awards received

• most recent educational institution attended

• subsequent educational institution attended

• academic work intended for publication or display

4. Military recruiters and institutions of higher education are entitled under

federal law to a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of high

school students unless you object to such release.

5. Both parents have a right to see the school records of their child unless

there is a certified copy of a court order on file at the school that

specifically denies the right to access school records. Copies of school

records are available and the school has an option to charge a minimal

copying fee. If you have any questions about these rights, please contact

the school office.

PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:

•Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)–

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;

2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;

3. Sex behavior or attitudes;

4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior

5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;

6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;

7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or

8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

•Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –

1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;

2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and

3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

•Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –

1. Protected information surveys of students;

2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for

any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and

3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

These rights transfer to from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

Parent Handbook Acknowledgement

In order to provide the most effective communication to parents regarding activities and/or resources for your child, various types of information is presented in an annual student handbook. Our desire is to involve parents in the education of their children. We want parents to understand the daily activities of the school and the expected behavior for their children while they are at school, attending a school function or are in route to a school related function.

Your signature below indicates that you have reviewed the student handbook and understand its contents. Please sign the form below and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher. If you have any questions, please contact the school for an appointment with the principal.

Homeroom Teacher_________________

Student’s Name____________________

Parent Signature____________________

Date__________________________

Passive Permission Form

Please check the appropriate blank if you DO NOT want your child to participate in the following activities:

_________Any school clubs and organizations as outlined in the handbook

_________Any school field trip

_________Any school survey

NONDISCLOSURE OF STUDENT INFORMATION AND SURVEY PARTICIPATION FORM

If you do not want information released, or if you do not want your child to participate in surveys, please complete this form and return to the principal.