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Tate Elementary School
P. O. Box 268
5630 Highway 53 East
Tate, GA 30177
Phone 706-253-1860 Fax 706-253-1865
Deb Longshore, Ed.D. Destini Shope, M.Ed.
Principal Assistant Principal/LSS
Dear TES Families and Students,
Welcome to the 2013-14 school year at Tate Elementary! We are
delighted that you are here and look forward to a wonderful time together
this year. As always, our primary goal is to partner with your family to
provide the best possible learning experience for your child.
Our Student-Family Handbook is just one of the many ways we
communicate with you. This handbook, along with the Pickens County Student Code of Conduct, is designed to help students and their families
become familiar with the school and system policies, procedures, and rules.
To assist you in planning for the year, we have included a monthly calendar
with dates of important, informative, and fun school activities. Also, look for
a class newsletter from your child’s teacher and the monthly school
newsletter (printed on bright yellow paper) that will provide you with
additional information about events and activities at our school.
The teachers and staff at Tate Elementary are eager and excited
about collaborating with you and your child in addressing any questions or
concerns that you might have throughout the school year. We believe that
honest, open communication between students, teachers, students’ families,
and administrators is the essential key to a positive school experience. You
are always welcome to phone me or ask a staff member if you have any
questions about anything here at Tate.
Sincerely,
Dr. Deb Longshore
TES Student & Parent Handbook 2
Table of Contents
Introduction
BOE Information 3 System Coordinators 4
TES Mission Statement &
Beliefs 5
Accreditation 6
After School Program 6
Arrival & Departure Procedures 6
Attendance Zone Policy 9
Awards/Honors 9
Behavioral Expectations 9
Bus Rules 10
Classroom Parties 10
Clinic/Health Services 11
Code of Conduct 11
Counseling Services 12
Custodial/Legal Information 12
Dress Code 12
Drills/Emergency Plans 13
Fire Drills
Lock-down Drills
Tornado Drills
Severe Weather
Procedures
ESEA (Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965) 14
FERPA 15
Field Trips 16
Flexible Learning Program 16
Flower/Balloon Deliveries 16
Food Services Program 16
Gifted Program 18
Grading 18
Homework 19
Local School Council 19
Lost & Found 19
Media Center 20
Mentoring Program 20
Non-Discrimination Policy 20
Parent Resource Center 20
Parent-Teacher Conferences 21
Parent-Teacher Organization 21
Phones & Electronic Devices 21
Report Cards & Progress Reports 21
Response to Intervention (RTI) 22
School Improvement 22
School Visitors 23
Special Education 23
Student Birthdays 24
Student Directory Information 24
Student Insurance 24
Telephone Use 24
Updating emergency
phone info
Title I Funding Notification 25
Toys, Electronic Devices, Etc. 25
TES Student & Parent Handbook 3
Pickens County Schools
“Graduation and Beyond for All”
100 D. B. Carroll St. Jasper, GA 30143
Phone: 706-253-1700 Fax: 706-253-1705
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Lula Mae Perry
Pickens County Schools Board of Education Members
Mrs. Wendy Lowe, Chair
Mr. Byron Long, Vice-Chair
Mrs. Peggy Andrews
Mr. Mike Cowart
Dr. Dan Fincher
Tate Elementary Website
http://tateele.pickens.k12.ga.us
Pickens County Schools Website
www.pickenscountyschools.org
TES Student & Parent Handbook 4
Pickens County Schools System Coordinators
Title VI Coordinator Dr. Lisa Galloway 706-253-1700
Title IX Coordinator Dr. Lisa Galloway 706-253-1700
Section 504 Coordinator Dr. Lonnie Dikowski 706-253-1700
ADA Coordinator Dr. Lisa Galloway 706-253-1700
Title IX Coordinator for Tate Elementary is the Principal.
Phone Numbers for Pickens County Schools
Harmony Elementary -706-253-1840
Hill City Elementary – 706-253-1880
Jasper Elementary – 706-253-1730
Tate Elementary - 706-253-1860
Jasper Middle– 706-253-1760
Pickens County Middle – 706-253-1830
Pickens High – 706-253-1800
TES Student & Parent Handbook 5
Tate Elementary School
Our Mission Statement
Teaching All To achieve Excellence
Our Beliefs
We believe our school’s first priority is to promote a safe and
positive learning environment.
We believe Tate’s faculty, staff, families, and community share
the responsibility of advancing the success of our students.
We believe that by committing to continuous improvement, our
school will enable students to become confident, self-directed,
and persistent learners.
We believe in educating our students while holding high
expectations for their performance.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 6
Accreditation – Tate Elementary School is accredited by the Georgia School
Standards Commission and by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools.
After School Program – Our school provides a school-based after school
care program coordinated by Eric Norris and Denise Salter with the
assistance of Mrs. Hazel Wehunt. To take advantage of the After School
Program, parents are invited to visit the school office to complete the
necessary paperwork and pay fees. Hours for the After School Program are
2:30 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. The daily fee of $7.00
includes a snack. Fees are to be prepaid or paid daily.
Please be aware that students who are not picked up by 6:00 P.M. will be
charged a minimum additional fee of $5.00 and then an additional $1.00 per
minute after 6:00 p.m. Students who are not picked up by 2:40 will be placed
in after school care and there will be a $7.00 charge. In addition, students
who are not met at their bus stop and are brought back to school will be
placed in after school care and there will be a $7.00 charge.
Arrival & Departure Procedures – Our school doors open at 7:10 A.M. and
students are welcome to arrive at that time. Breakfast will be served from
7:10 A.M. until 7:35 A.M. Students who desire to eat breakfast at school are
to go directly to the cafeteria upon their arrival at school. Students who do
not choose to have breakfast at school will go directly to the auditorium.
Tardy – Students who are not seated in their homeroom class by 7:45
A.M. are considered “late” and must report to the office for a “late
pass”. If a student is late and does not report to the office for a
“late pass”, the student will be sent back to the office to obtain one.
Excessive tardiness is an unacceptable practice that can negatively
influence a child’s education. Excessive tardiness may also result in a
referral to the Pickens County Board of Education’s Attendance
Support Team.
Dismissal – All students are dismissed at 2:30 P.M. each day. The
students will follow standard “going home” instructions as given by
parents or guardians. Any changes made in transportation plans must
be made in writing or via a phone call to the office.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 7
The office staff will accept phone calls regarding changes in the
student’s “going home” instructions until 1:00 P.M. each day. This
will enable our office staff to see that your child receives your
requested changes in his/her “going home” instructions.
Students may not be checked out between 2:00 and 2:30.
Staff members will not honor a child’s verbal changes to establish “going
home” plans without verification from a parent or guardian. Bus drop-off
changes require the approval of the transportation department. If students
wish to go home with one another, they must be car riders and both parents
must send in a written note.
Early Check-Out Procedures – Parents, guardians, or others who wish
to check out a student early (before 2:00) are to follow these
procedures:
o Go to the office, and upon presentation of a photo ID, “sign
out” the student on the Student Sign-Out sheet.
o Office personnel will then call the child to the office.
o Parents, guardians, or others who are checking out a student
are not to go directly to a student’s classroom for early check-
out.
o Students who leave before 11:15 A.M. will be counted
absent for the entire day.
Attendance – According to Georgia compulsory education law and the Pickens
County Board of Education policy, students may be excused for the following
reasons:
1. Personal illness or attendance in school that endangers a student’s
health or the health of others.
2. A serious illness or death in a student’s immediate family
necessitating absence from school.
3. A court order or an order by a governmental agency mandating
absence from school.
4. The observance of religious holidays, necessitating absence from
school.
5. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student
health or safety.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 8
6. A scheduled medical, dental, or eye examination of the student.
7. Visiting with a parent or legal guardian who is in the military service in
the armed forces and has been called to duty or who is on leave from
overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support post. For
this, the student may be excused for a maximum of 5 days per school
year.
Absences – Students who are absent from school must submit a note
from home or parents/guardians may fax a note to 706-253-1865 or
email Sandy Boling at sandyboling@pickenscountyschools.org within
five (5) school days of the student’s absence to be considered an
excused absence,
The note is to contain the following information: student’s name,
date(s) of absence(s), and the reason for the absence(s).
If a student has excessive absences, early check-outs, and/or late
check-ins, the student and/or the parent/guardian may be referred to
Shelley Cantrell, Pickens County Schools Attendance Officer.
Parents/guardians of referred students will be required to attend an
attendance support team meeting and may be offered a student
attendance contract which requires all absences to have a medical
excuse or be excused by the school nurse or have a direct referral to
truancy court. Violation of the attendance contract will result in a
referral to the judicial truancy court system. By Georgia law, students
who have five (5) or more unexcused absences are considered to be
truant. Each additional day’s absence from school is considered to a
violation. Non-school related activities and vacations/trips are
considered unexcused.
Make-up Work – It is the student’s responsibility to turn in make-up
work when she/he is absent from school. The student will have five (5)
school days to complete make-up work and return it to her/his
teacher(s).
Parents should contact the school before 9:00 a.m. if they plan to pick
up assignments their child is missing while absent from school. Work
will be available after 3:00 p.m and may be picked up in the front
office.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 9
Attendance Zone Policy – The Pickens County Board of Education has
established geographic attendance zones for elementary and middle school
students. Students are required to attend the grade-appropriate school in
the attendance zone in which he/she resides. Attendance zones shall remain as established until modified by the Pickens County Board of Education. The Board, based on student enrollment, anticipated growth, transportation requirements, traffic patterns and congestion, classroom space availability, and educational program needs, will approve attendance zones annually. Legal ref.: O.C.G.A. 20-2-293 (b)
Awards/Honors
Honor Roll – In grades 3-5, Honor Roll is achieved each grading period by
earning report card grades which reflect all A’s and B’s.
Principal’s List – In grades 3-5, Principal’s List is achieved each grading
period by earning report card grades which reflect all A’s.
Perfect/Super Perfect Attendance – Perfect/Super Perfect Attendance
awards will be distributed each grading period for grades K-5. To receive
the Super Perfect Attendance award students may not have any absences,
tardies, or early checkouts during that grading period. To receive a Perfect
Attendance award students must have no absences, but may have tardies or
early checkouts. It should be noted that any student that has received
attendance letters due to tardies or checkouts may not receive a Perfect
Attendance award.
Students in Grades 1 – 5 will receive their awards at grade-level awards
assemblies at the end of the nine-week grading period. Please check the
monthly school newsletter, the school website, or our Facebook page for
dates and times of these assemblies.
Behavioral Expectations – Our staff believes all children can choose to
behave appropriately. Any student behaviors which prevent our teachers
from teaching, keep other students from learning, or endanger the safety or
well-being of other students or staff will not be tolerated. Students will
understand the school wide behavioral and educational expectations as
TES Student & Parent Handbook 10
addressed in the Pickens County Board Code of Student Conduct Manual.
This manual will serve as the guiding force for our behavioral expectations.
At Tate Elementary, we believe parent involvement is essential for
encouraging appropriate student behavior.
Staff members are primarily responsible for maintaining and monitoring the
behavioral expectations both inside and outside the classrooms. If a
student chooses to continue to ignore our expectations, he/she will be
referred to the Principal, Assistant Principal, or Counselor. A referral to
either of these will result in one or more of the following consequences
dependent upon the severity of the student’s actions:
Warning
Parent Notification
Time Out
Loss of a Privilege
Recess Detention
In-School Suspension
Student/Parent Conference
Out-of-School Suspension
Removal from Classroom
Campus/Community Service Assignment
Outside Agency Referral
Other Consequences by School Administration
Bus Rules –All discipline issues on buses will follow the Pickens County Board Code of Conduct. Continued violations of the bus rules will result in
referral to a school administrator. Repeated offenses on the bus could
result in total suspension from the bus.
In accordance with Pickens County Schools transportation policy bus riders
will be allowed one (1) pick up spot in the morning and one (1) drop off spot in
the afternoon. Please note that the policy now states that students may
not ride the bus home with other students nor may students ride a bus
other than their regularly assigned bus.
Classroom Parties – The following holidays/events will be celebrated with
classroom parties – Christmas and End of the School Year.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 11
Parents/guardians will be contacted by individual teachers for party
assistance or treats.
Clinic and Health Services – The health and well-being of your child is very
important to us. A child who is sick with fever, nausea, or illness should
not attend school. When a child becomes ill at school, the school nurse will
evaluate the seriousness of the symptoms and contact parent or guardian.
If a serious illness or injury occurs, the school nurse will contact the parent
or guardian immediately and, in some cases, contact the Emergency Medical
Services.
A student is not to return to school until fever, diarrhea and/or vomiting
have stopped for a full 24-hour period without the aid of medication.
Prescribed antibiotic medications for communicable diseases are to be given
for 24 hours prior to the child returning to school.
A medical form will be sent home at the beginning of each school year to
obtain medical information and update our records for medical care.
Medication, whether prescription or over the counter, should not be sent
to school with a child. Adults are required to hand deliver all
medications. The medication must be in the original container with the
child’s name and instructions printed clearly. Permission from the
parent/guardian must be signed allowing school personnel to administer the
medications. Should a student require intensive medical care while at school,
the school nurse will contact the parents for specific information and
instructions.
Head Lice - The Pickens County Board of Education maintains a no nit policy.
Staff members check for possible infestation on an as-needed basis.
Parents (guardians) will be contacted to pick up the child if nits or lice are
found. Students may not ride the bus or return to school until all nits and
lice are removed. Our school nurse will provide cleaning and removal
information for parents. The child is to be checked by the school nurse
before returning to class.
Code of Conduct – Each student in Pickens County Schools will be issued a
Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct covers rules for student behavior,
dress, as well as consequences for failure to comply. Parents/guardians are
TES Student & Parent Handbook 12
encouraged to carefully review this document with their child. All
parent/guardians must sign a form indicating that they have received a copy
of the Code of Conduct.
Counselor – Our school counselor, Dr. Michelle Stangline (“Dr. S.” as she is
known by the students), is available to provide individual or small group
counseling to students. In addition, she conducts classroom guidance lessons
on a regular schedule. Dr. S. may also assist parents in obtaining needed
school and/or community services.
Custodial/Legal Information – Parents/legal guardians are responsible for
providing office personnel with a certified/court-filed copy of any legal
documents involving the custodial care of his/her child. The lack of legal
documentation and any resulting conflicts may require local law enforcement
involvement. Should there be a change in custodial/legal information
regarding your child, please inform the school office as soon as possible.
Dress Code - Each student, staff member, and parent/guardian is
expected to observe a code of personal conduct, dress, and appearance
that in no way interferes with nor disrupts the educational opportunities
of others. Policies and regulations are made and enforced to assure the
efficient operation of the school. We will operate with a specific dress code.
In doing so, we appeal to students and their parents/guardians to use good
judgment and to avoid extremes in dress and personal appearance.
Tank tops and spaghetti straps are allowed for students in Kindergarten
– 2nd grade only (per Pickens County Schools Code of Conduct).
Clothing and personal appearance shall be such that it does not disrupt
the classroom atmosphere, become unusually distractive, or violate
health and safety rules of the school. All dress and grooming shall
conform to rules relating to health and safety. The current local board
policy or rules regarding acceptable dress in Pickens County Schools is
located in the Student Code of Conduct. A copy of this book is provided to
parents and students at the beginning of the school year or when they enroll
in school.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 13
Please note that students may not wear removable hair dye or permanent dye that is an unnatural color. Also, students are not to wear removable tattoos to school. If these are visible they will be removed by the school nurse. Parents/guardians will be called to bring a change of clothes if a student is
not appropriately dressed by definitions as stated in the Pickens County
Code of Conduct.
Drills and Emergency Plans – Parents or guardians are required to provide
the school with any changes in address, phone numbers, and/or emergency
contact information. It is essential that our office staff be able to reach
you should an emergency occur.
“Fire Drills” will be held each month. Students will be instructed in fire drill
procedures prior to the first drill:
1. At the sound of the fire alarm signal, all instruction will cease and
students/staff will exit the building to assigned areas on campus. The
assigned areas are posted on the emergency evacuation map located in
each classroom.
2. Teachers and staff members will care for and monitor the students
during the drill. At the sound of a re-entry signal, teachers and staff
members will lead the students back into the building and instruction
will resume.
3. Parents will be notified if an actual fire emergency exists.
“Lockdown Drills” will be conducted several times throughout the year.
Students will be instructed in the lockdown procedures prior to the first
drill.
“Tornado Drills” will be conducted in the spring of each year, as
recommended by the Civil Defense procedures. Instructions for the tornado
drill will be provided prior to the first drill.
Severe Weather Procedures – During the school year, if it is necessary to
either dismiss or cancel school due to severe weather, the following radio
and television stations will inform parents and students:
TES Student & Parent Handbook 14
WYYZ 1490AM ETC Channel 3 WLJA 93.5 FM WSB Channel 2
WSB 98.5 FM
BOE Information Line 706-253-1710
Parents will also receive a phone call from our school system’s
communication system informing them if school is to be cancelled.
Elementary and Secondary Education Act – In compliance with the
requirements of the national Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the
Pickens County Board of Education reminds parents that they may request
information about the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher(s).
The following information may be requested:
Whether or not 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.
Whether or not the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other
provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification
criteria have been waived.
The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by
the teacher.
Whether or not the child is provided services by a paraprofessional,
and if so, the qualifications of the paraprofessional.
Parents may request this information by contacting the principal.
Any individual, organization or agency (“complainant”) may file a complaint
with the Georgia Department of Education (“Department”) if that individual,
organization or agency believes and alleges that a local educational agency
(“LEA”), the state educational agency (“SEA”), or an agency or consortium of
agencies is violating a Federal statute or regulation that applies to a program
under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The complaint
must allege a violation that occurred not more than one (1) year prior to the
date that the complaint is received, unless a longer period is reasonable
because the violation is considered systemic or ongoing. For more
information please visit www.pickenscountyschools.org or call Sherry Martin,
Federal Programs Director, at 706-253-1700.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 15
FERPA
The Pickens County School District has designated the following information
as directory information:
1). Student’s name, address and telephone number.
2). Student’s date and place of birth.
3). Student’s participation in official school clubs and sports.
4). Weight and height of student if he/she is a member of an athletic
team.
5). Dates of attendance at the Pickens County School System schools.
6). Awards received during the time enrolled in Pickens County School
System.
Unless you, as a parent/guardian or eligible student, request otherwise, this
information may be disclosed to the public upon request. You have the right
to refuse to allow all or any part of the above information to be designated
as directory information and to be disclosed to the public upon request.
If you wish to exercise this right, you must notify Deb Longshore, Principal,
Tate Elementary School @ 706-253-1860 in writing within 10 days after
enrollment date.
FERPA EDUCATION RECORDS NOTICE The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords parents and students
over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student’s education
records. These rights are: (1) The right to inspect and review the student’s
education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request
for access. (2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s
education records that the parent or eligible student believes are
inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy
rights under FERPA. (3)The right to privacy of personally identifiable
information in the student’s education records, except to the extent that
FERPA authorizes disclosure. (4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S.
Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply
with the requirements of FERPA. For guidelines and procedures on these
rights please contact Deb Longshore, Principal,Tate Elementary School @
706-253-1860.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 16
Field Trips – Field trips are considered an extension to the instructional day
and will be curriculum-based. Parents may be asked to serve as chaperones
for field trips. Transportation policies do not allow anyone other than
students or staff members to ride the school bus on field trips.
Flexible Learning Program
Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, the Georgia Department of
Education received a waiver from the Federal Department of Education and
will transition the method of accountability from Adequate Yearly Progress
(AYP) to the College and Career Readiness Performance Index. Pickens
County Schools have met all standards of performance under the new state
accountability system and has no schools that fall under the Reward,
Priority, Focus, or Alert designations.
Flower/Balloon Deliveries – To minimize disruption of the academic
environment, flowers and/or balloons may not be delivered to school. Food Services Program – Your support of the School Nutrition Program is
greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
the cafeteria manager, Gina Pyles, @ 706-253-1860. The Tate Elementary
School Food Service Staff serves two meals each day - breakfast and lunch.
Breakfast: Breakfast will be served from 7:10 – 7:35 A.M. each morning.
Menus for breakfast are published in advance and usually consist of a choice
of items, such as cold cereal and milk or a hot entrée, both served with
fruit, juice or milk.
Lunch: Hot lunches will be served on a daily schedule allowing the students
thirty minutes for lunch. A monthly menu will be published and sent home
with students in advance. School lunches consist of a multiple choice buffet
style menu with two entrées, a variety of fruit and salads and milk. Peanut
butter and jelly sandwiches are offered each day. Students must pick up at
least three food items, but may choose all of the following: one entrée, two
fruits, and/or vegetable selections, bread, dessert and cold milk.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 17
The food trays remain the prices listed below no matter how many food
items are selected:
Student Breakfast: $1.25
Student Reduced Breakfast: $ .30
Student Lunch: $1.75
Student Reduced Lunch: $ .40
Extra Milk: $ .50
Payments – Please send your student’s meal payments in an envelope with the
following information on the outside of the envelope:
Student Name and account number
Teacher/Grade
Total Amount Enclosed
Parents may send lunch money at any time. The total amount sent will be
applied to your child’s account to be used for breakfast and/or lunch and
their meal costs will be deducted. Change will not be returned. Checks are
to be made payable to Tate Elementary School Cafeteria.
Parents are encouraged to pay by the week or month. When your child’s
account reflects a zero balance, he/she will be allowed to charge up to a
maximum of $10.00. When the $10.00 charge allowance is met, your child
will receive an alternate lunch until the charge amount is paid and the
student account replenished.
No alternate meal will be provided for breakfast. Charge letters will be sent
home as needed.
Parents may also choose to use MyPaymentsPlus.com to pay for student
meals on-line. Payments may be made to your student’s meal account quickly
and securely.
Applications for Free or Reduced priced meals are sent home during the
first week of school. These forms are also available in the school office at
any time. If a student qualified for free or reduced lunch during a previous
school year, the parent must reapply within the first 30 days of each school
year to continue to qualify for services. Only one form per family needs to
be completed.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 18
Sack lunches – Students may elect to bring a packed lunch from home. Milk
may be purchased in the school cafeteria. It is encouraged that lunches
brought from home be nutritious and in containers easily opened by your
child. Be sure that your child’s name is clearly printed on his/her lunchbox
or sack. Soft drinks or other carbonated beverages are not allowed in sack
lunches. Students may purchase a milk in the cafeteria.
Lunch Visitation – Parents are welcome to have lunch with their children.
Parents and guardians must check in and obtain a visitor’s badge at the
front office before going to the cafeteria. In order to maintain the
privacy of other children in the cafeteria, a visitor table will be provided in
the cafeteria. This table will be reserved for students and their lunch
visitors. Please be aware that soft drinks or other carbonated beverages are not allowed in the cafeteria.
Gifted Program – Services will be provided to students who qualify upon
special testing for this program. Students may be recommended for testing
by test score indicators, teachers, administrators, or parents.
Grading – All grades on progress reports and report cards will be numeric,
with the exception of Kindergarten, First and Second Grade Social Studies
and Science, Art, Music, and Physical Education.
Grades 1-5 All subjects in Kindergarten;
Physical Education, Art,
Music; Science and Social
Studies in Grades 1-2
A (90-100) P (Pass)
B (80-89) F (Fail)
C (70-79)
F (Below 70)
Pass/Fail: Students in Grades 1-2 will earn a grade of “Pass” or “Fail” in
Science and Social Studies. “Pass” indicates the student’s work is at or above
70. “Fail” indicates the student’s work is below 70.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 19
Homework – The use of homework and reading practice is endorsed and
encouraged to promote student learning. Students develop self-discipline
and responsibility by setting aside time after school hours to complete
homework assignments. The purpose of homework includes increasing
student achievement, involved the student’s parents/guardians in the
learning process, and encouraging self-directed, independent learning.
Assigning quality homework offers students opportunities for enrichment,
practice of basic skills, and extension of instructional objectives.
Following is a guideline for the amount of time that should be spent on
homework each night:
Kindergarten 5-10 minutes
First Grade 10-20 minutes
Second Grade 15-30 minutes
Third Grade 30-40 minutes
Fourth Grade 40-50 minutes
Fifth Grade 50-60 minutes
If your student is spending longer than this on a regular basis, please talk
with the teacher. It could be that unfinished class work assignments may be
extending the time your child spends doing homework.
Local School Council – The LSC was established by Georgia law to “bring
communities and schools closer together in the spirit of cooperation to solve
difficult education problems, improve academic achievement, provide support
for teachers and administrators, and bring parents into the school-based
decision-making process…to provide advice, recommendations, and assistance
and represent the community of parents and business.” Elections will be held
in the spring to select members of this council. The Local School Council
replaces LSAC. Parents will still have a forum for their questions and for
learning about school programs through parent representatives on LSC.
Meetings will be announced and are open to the public. A parent will lead and
moderate the group.
Lost & Found – Found items of clothing and lunch boxes will be collected in a
designated lost and found location. Items such as jewelry, car keys, etc. are
given to the office. Unclaimed items are donated to charity on a quarterly
basis.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 20
All items worn or brought to school by your child should be labeled with your
child’s name so that lost articles can be returned to the owner.
Media Center – Students will have an opportunity to visit the media center
each day with the flexible schedule available. Students are encouraged to
visit the Media Center and check out books. Media Center personnel will
provide assistance and guidance for students wishing to check out books or
conduct research. Students using the media center must remember to be
courteous and use a quiet voice at all times when visiting the media center.
Students are also expected to follow media center procedures and policies.
Parents are responsible for the replacement costs of lost or damaged
textbooks or library books issued to their child.
Mentoring Program – We are very fortunate to have the Optimist Club
Mentors of Pickens County working with students in our school. These
mentors meet with their mentees once each week. If you would like your
child to have a mentor, please contact Michelle Stangline, our counselor.
Non-Discrimination Policy – It is the policy of the Pickens County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), sex (Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972 and Title II of the Carl D. Perkins
Vocational Act of 1984), or handicap (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973) in education programs, activities and employment procedures. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title II, Title VI, Title IX, or Section
504 may be directed to the Pickens County Board of Education, 100 D. B.
Carroll Street, Jasper, GA 30143, 706-253-1700; or to the Director of Civil
Rights, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington DC.
Any student or parent who believes that the policy statement regarding title II, VI, IX or Section 504 has been violated should contact the building administrator immediately. Parent Resource Center - A Parent Resource Center is maintained by our
school and our Title I Program. It is located in the school’s foyer to provide
parents information on a wide variety of subjects supporting student
success. Additional resources may be available through our school counselor,
Michelle Stangline.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 21
Parent Teacher Conferences – Communication is encouraged between school
and home. Parent conferences may be arranged by calling the school office
706-253-1860, or by writing or contacting the teacher directly. Teachers
can usually email or speak to parents at some point during the school day.
Teachers will not be available to conduct parent/teacher conferences nor
accept calls during instructional time.
Parent Teacher Organization –This organization brings parents, teachers,
administrators and other staff members together to work and communicate
as partners in providing resources to enhance the quality of education of our
school. All parents and school staff members are invited to become
members and be actively involved in the PTO sponsored activities. The
proceeds from these activities will be used to purchase items or services
needed by our students and our school. PTO’s website is http://tatepto.org/
Throughout the year, PTO sponsors activities and events for students and
their families. Fall Festival and Pastries for Parents are just a few of these.
2013-14 PTO leadership is provided by Co-Chairs – Lynne & Jeff Dodson,
Jennifer & Trent Cluley, Co-Vice Chairs, Treasurer – Julie Edwards,
Secretary – Linda Travis, Volunteer Coordinators – Teresa Green & Jessica
Reedy, and Fund Raising – Mike Gibbons.
Phones and Other Electronic Devices – Students are discouraged from
bringing cell phones or other electronic devices to school. However, any
student that brings a phone or electronic device to school must adhere to
the following guidelines: During school hours – 7:45 – 2:30 – the phone
and/or electronic device must remain in the child’s book bag and be turned
off.
Report Cards and Progress Reports
Report Cards - Report cards will be sent home each nine (9) weeks on
Oct. 17, Jan. 14, March 27, and May 30. Parent/teacher conferences
are encouraged at any time but are especially important for parents
of students earning failing grades.
Progress Reports – Progress Reports will be sent home at the mid-
point (4 ½ weeks) of each grading period as a communication tool for
TES Student & Parent Handbook 22
students and parents. Dates for progress reports are Sept. 5, Nov. 13,
Feb. 6, and April 30.
Response-To-Intervention (RTI) Response-to-Intervention is a process
which includes the provision of systematic, research-based instruction and
interventions and/or enrichment for students. Designed as an intervention to
prevent long-term academic failure and/or to provide opportunity for
enrichment, RTI is primarily considered a general education service but may
also be implemented in special education settings. A school-wide RTI
instructional block – “DIVE Teams” (Differentiation is Very Effective) is
scheduled from 7:45 – 8:15 each day.
School Improvement - The purpose of the Georgia Division of School
Improvement is to design and implement a coherent and sustained statewide
system of support and process for improvement. In addition, the division
provides districts and schools in Georgia with tools and resources, as well as
intensive support and professional learning for all schools, including those
with significant student achievement issues. The division also collaborates
with other departments within the Georgia Department of Education and
other external agencies such as the Regional Educational Service Agencies,
the Georgia Learning Resources System, and colleges and universities to
provide support for all Georgia schools and districts.
School Improvement Responsibilities for Building Leaders
Establish a school-based leadership team comprised of
administrators, instructional coaches, teachers, and support staff
Guide the development, revision, and implementation of a school
improvement plan based on data
Student Achievement
Demographic
Process
Perception
Monitor and support implementation of
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards
Professional learning offered by the GaDOE
School improvement plan
Short-term action plans
Individual student progress
TES Student & Parent Handbook 23
School Improvement Responsibilities for Teachers
Implement strategies, practices, and new knowledge from professional
learning
Implement agreed upon strategies that support the school
improvement plan
Monitor student progress toward meeting the Common Core Georgia
Performance Standards through diagnostic, formative benchmark, and
summative assessments
Engage in job-embedded professional learning (e.g., collaborative
planning, collaborative analysis of student work, learning team
meetings, etc.)
Participate in data team meetings and use the information from
meetings to adjust instruction.
Use technology to engage students in learning
Our School Improvement Team members are:
Amanda Neighbors Kindergarten
Brittany Gaddis First Grade
Wanda Farist Second Grade
Lisa Barnett Third Grade
Michele Moore Fourth Grade
Renee LeMieux Fifth Grade
Holly Moranos Paraprofessional
Mallory Childers Special Education
Destini Shope Learning Support Specialist
Deb Longshore Principal
School Visitors - All parents and visitors are to enter the school through
the main entrance and report to the school office to sign in and receive a
visitor’s pass before going to any classroom or other area of the school. If
parents would like to schedule a conference with a teacher, they are to call
the school and leave a message for the teacher or send the teacher a note
or an email.
Special Education – In compliance with PL94-142, Tate Elementary provides
the appropriate services for students who qualify for Special Education. The
following disabilities are served at our school: Learning Disabilities, Behavior
TES Student & Parent Handbook 24
Disabilities, Mild to Moderate Mental Disabilities, Speech/Language
Impaired, Hearing Impaired, and Visually Impaired. Inclusionary teaching
strategies and resource strategies are utilized to provide the most
appropriate education services for students.
Special Education Records – IDEA (34 CFR 300.566) requires each local
school system to maintain documentation of confidentiality requirements for
those having access to special education records. Therefore, all requests,
including those made by parents or other agencies requesting special
education records, must be made through the Pickens County Schools Special
Education Department at the district office.
Student Birthdays – Student birthdays will be announced during morning
announcements. The student’s family may bring special snacks for the
student’s classmates to the office and the teacher will be notified. The
snacks will be given to the children during recess. Student birthday party
invitations may not be distributed at school.
Student Directory Information – Parents not desiring their child to be
identified in the school yearbook, Pickens County newspaper, or any other
publication, are required to make this request in writing within the first ten
days of enrollment. This request must be signed by a parent or legal
guardian and will remain on file for the school year.
Student Insurance – Student accident insurance is available for purchase at
the beginning of each school year. Two plans are available: School coverage
only and 24 hour coverage.
Telephone Use – Telephones are not generally available for student use. We
will discourage your child from calling you unless absolutely necessary. We
emphasize the importance of making arrangements for after school
activities or appointments before your child leaves in the morning. When
you call the school with a message for your child, we will do our best to see
that it is delivered. Classroom instruction will not be interrupted for
messages unless it is an emergency.
TES Student & Parent Handbook 25
Should your home, work, or cell phone number change during the year,
please let the school office know the new number(s). It is critical that
we have current phone numbers should an emergency occur.
Title I Funding Notification - Money is provided by the federal government
to support student academic achievement. Tate Elementary School is
currently a school-wide Title I school and must specify how Title I funds are
to be spent. At TES, Title I funds are expended to support student
achievement and learning through our half-time Learning Support Specialist,
Destini Shope. Title I funds are also used to help provide additional support
for our students in the areas of reading, math, and language arts instruction
in our computer lab. Remaining Title I funds are used to purchase
supplemental reading, writing, and math, and science materials and to provide
staff training to maximize student learning.
Any individual, organization, or agency may file a complaint with the Georgia
Department of Education if that individual, organization, or agency believes
and alleges that the local board of education (LEA), the state educational
agency (SEA), or an agency or consortium of agencies is violating a Federal
statue or regulation that applies to a program under the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The complaint must allege a violation that
occurred not more than one (1) year prior to the date that the complaint is
received, unless a longer period is reasonable because the violation is
considered systemic or ongoing. For more information, please visit
www.pickenscountyschools.org or contact Deb Longshore, Principal, Tate
Elementary School at 706-253-1860.
Toys, Electronic Devices, Etc. – Students may not bring toys to school
without prior approval of the teacher. This includes, but is not limited to,
footballs, basketballs, dolls and stuffed animals, toy cars, electronic devices
or games, etc. These items will be taken to the office and a parent will be
able to pick them up. The only exception to this is if a child is staying in the
After School Program. These students may bring toys from home, but the
toys must be kept in the backpack at all times during school hours. Failure to
follow these guidelines will result in the items being taken to the office for
parents to pick up.
The school is not responsible for lost toys, electronic devices, games or cell phones if they are lost, broken, or stolen.
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