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2016-2017
Kate Shepard Elementary
Parent and Student Handbook
“Kids, the Heart of the Issue”
Kate Shepard Elementary School 3980 B-Burma Road Mobile, AL 36695
(251)221-1645 Fax (251)221-1646
Kay Smith, Principal
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Welcome From the Principal
Welcome to Kate Shepard Elementary School. We look forward to an exciting
and rewarding school year partnering with you to make sure your child is
successfully prepared for their next step in their educational career.
Kate Shepard Elementary School, one of Mobile’s best kept secrets, has a
tradition of excellence. The faculty and staff of Kate Shepard pride themselves
with providing the best possible educational opportunities for all students. Our
concern for students is genuine because kids are the heart of the issue. We
attempt to make learning fun and a life-long process for 21st Century students.
Our students’ success is a testament of the quality of instruction in which they
receive.
Kate Shepard Elementary School has a long-standing reputation of being
one of the best schools in Mobile County. Everyone associated with Shepard
Elementary has great cause for pride. Our staff and students experience many
academic, as well as, personal successes. Once entering these halls of learning,
a student’s life is never the same and they forever become a member of the Kate
Shepard family. We pride ourselves on offering each child a quality education
that meets their unique learning styles. We proudly boast of our supportive family
members and awesome parent involvement.
We are constantly enhancing our academic program to meet the needs
of a diverse student body and 21st Century learners. We attempt to educate the
whole child by providing enriching and rewarding experiences. It is our goal that
we prepare each child academically and socially and instill the need to be
focused on becoming college and career ready upon graduation.
We want you to be proud of your school, take good care of it, and feel free
to make suggestions for improving it. We are pleased that you are a member of
this school. We hope you will enjoy your school year and be an active participant.
As your principal, I count it a privilege and blessing to be able to serve you and
your child and become a valued part of your family and our community.
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Kate Shepard Elementary School
Mission Statement
The mission of Kate Shepard Elementary School is to educate all students by
providing rigorous, educational opportunities that emphasize high standards and
continuous improvement to prepare them to compete in a global society.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to create a challenging learning environment that encourages high
expectations for success through the development of appropriate differentiated
instruction that allows for individual differences and learning styles. All learners are
encouraged to be self-sufficient, responsible, cooperative and caring members of our
community.
Philosophy
“Kids…The Heart of the Issue”
We Believe:
Respect for each individual is fundamental to teaching and learning.
All children can learn given the appropriate time, high quality instruction,
and access to resources.
Students must have an opportunity for high quality education in the least
restrictive environment necessary to realize their potential.
Students benefit academically in a safe, supportive and stimulating
environment.
Students’ learning, attendance, and behavior improve when they are
actively engaged in meaningful work in a caring environment.
Education is a shared responsibility. It is a partnership of home, school and
community working together.
An effective balance and interdependence must exist among the written
curriculum, classroom instruction, and assessment for and of learning.
High standards and expectations must be maintained through a system of
accountability for all students, staff and schools.
Quality faculty and staff that creates a caring relationship with students
are essential to school excellence.
It is vital to create and support a school environment in which all children
and adults feel valued, respected, trusted and an important part of the
school.
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Enrollment Requirements
Children enrolling for the first time or transferring must present a certified birth
certificate, original social security card, original Alabama record of immunizations, two
proofs of residence (utility bill, driver’s license, apartment lease, etc.). A certified
immunization card must be obtained from the Health Department or your family doctor.
If these documents are not presented at registration, the parent/guardian is given thirty
days to fulfill this requirement. Otherwise, the child is not legally enrolled and must be
sent home until all records are in order.
Withdrawing and Transfer of Records
When moving and when possible, notify the school one week in advance of the
date of your move. If possible, provide the name and address of the new school so
that your child’s records can be transferred. All books and materials must be returned
to the school before your departure.
Medications
The school does not supply aspirin nor administer non-prescribed medication. If
your child needs medication either periodically or on a regular schedule, the school
nurse must receive written permission from the physician stating the dosage and times
medication is to be administered. Medication must be in its original container labeled
by the pharmacy. A medication permission form should be secured from First Aid,
completed and returned to First Aid before we can issue your child medication.
Medicine must be brought to school by an adult and not the student.
Sickness and Accidents
If your child should become sick at school, every effort will be made to contact
you. In case of an accident, first aid will be administered. The school does not have
the facilities to keep a sick child in the health room for an extended period of time.
Please make sure that your home, business, and emergency phone numbers are
current so that we can reach you.
If you are called by the nurse due to your child having symptoms which can be
contagious, you must make arrangements to pick your child up immediately. This
Mobile County Public School System condition prevents the spread of illness. Any child
having a temperature of 100 degrees or higher must be sent home. Your child must be
fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. You will not be notified every time your
child visits the first aid room. You will be notified if it is determined by the school nurse
and /or the principal that the event is serious enough for the parent to be called. We
will avoid interrupting you at your job unless absolutely necessary.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS and GUIDELINES
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ATTENDANCE
Remember that the school is responsible for teaching your child. But schools
cannot do their job if your child is absent. A child who is absent misses a day of learning
that might never be replaced. You can help by making school a top priority. By building
a habit of daily attendance, you will help your child see that school is important. School
begins at 8:00 a.m. and dismisses at 3:00 p.m. Students may enter the school building
at 7:30 a.m. They may NOT enter before 7:30 a.m.
Attendance will be used in determining whether a child will be placed on honor
roll or participate in any extracurricular activities.
Absences
~Regular attendance and punctuality are required of every student.
~Absent students must present a written excuse from the parent or guardian
within three school days after returning to school.
~ A student who is consistently absent will also participate in the Early Warning
Truancy Program.
~Written statements or excuses will not be accepted after 3 days and will be
marked as an unexcused absence.
Tardies
~Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. will be marked tardy.
~When tardy, parents must escort the student to the office. The office will issue a
tardy pass.
~Any student who is tardy to school ten or more times will be referred to the
Attendance Officer and/or Juvenile Court, whichever is relevant.
~ REFER TO THE MOBILE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS SYSTEM STUDENT CODE OF
CONDUCT FOR OTHER GUIDELINES.
Early Dismissal
~No student is permitted to leave school during school hours without verification
from the parent or guardian by the office staff.
~Early dismissals will be permitted only if a parent or the person identified in
writing by the parent will come into the school and officially sign the student out.
~Parents or persons listed on the emergency contact must present identification
every time a child receives an early dismissal. Parents are encouraged to make
all medical and dental appointments after school hours in order for children to
receive maximum instructional time.
~Early dismissals are not permitted after 2:30 p.m. Too many early dismissals may
affect your child’s grade. Office of Civil Rights (OCR) prohibits multiple early
dismissals for special education students on a full day schedule.
Any changes in how your child goes home must be in writing. A telephone call is
unacceptable. Please place in writing. Deliver in person or send by your child in writing.
FAX: 221-1646. Students may not ride a different bus home with a friend. Parents will
need to make arrangements to have the students picked up in carpool.
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Lanes 1 and 2 (closest to the school) will be used for arrival and dismissal. The third lane
is reserved for emergencies.
We require that all students enter/exit their cars using the middle lane.
No student should exit their car from the third lane.
Morning Arrival
Children will enter through the front doors from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. After 8:00
a.m. students must be escorted through the front door and signed in by an
adult.
Afternoon Dismissal
At 2:50 the 1st bell will ring. All bus riders will exit the building using the front doors
of the 100 and 200 halls.
Busses and vans that arrive before the 2:50 p.m. bell will enter the driveway in
front of the school.
All buses and vans that enter after 2:50 p.m. must follow the flow of traffic around
the back of the school.
At 3:00 the last bell will ring. All car riders will exit the building using the gym doors.
Parents may NOT walk up and get a child from the gym or the car line!!!
Walkers – Students must walk during all weather conditions unless there is a school
closing due to inclement weather or heavy rain and lightning is occurring.
Transportation changes will not be granted over the phone due to violations of the
MCPSS policy. If severe weather or heavy rain is occurring at dismissal, students will not
be sent off campus. A parent will need to pick them up from campus.
Please refer to the Arrival and Dismissal diagram included in the handbook.
COMPLIANCE MEASURES
The Uniform Policy is a state law which the Mobile County Public Schools System
has adopted. Disciplinary action will be taken to enforce compliance with the policy.
Students who do not comply with policy may be denied entrance/admission until such
time as they are in compliance, in accordance with the intent of the State Legislature.
Dress Code
The uniform colors are uniform khaki pants, skirt, jumper or short with a uniform red polo
style shirt. NO white shirts allowed except the Peter Pan collar shirt worn with the plaid
uniforms.
Shoes: Solid white or black tennis shoes (only).
MANDATORY UNIFORM AND DRESS CODE POLICY
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL POLICY
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Socks: Students can only wear white socks above the ankle. NO colored socks or
tights!
Belts: Boys and Girls are to wear a brown or black belt. (If pants with belt loops, a belt
must be worn.)
Shirts: Long or short sleeve red polo style shirt. (NO LOGO) Students may wear red
turtleneck shirts in the winter.
Pants: Solid Khaki (must be uniform pants only no Cargo or Capri pants).
Shorts/skorts: Solid Khaki (must be uniform shorts only no Cargo shorts).
Skirts: Solid Khaki or plaid (must be uniform skirt only).
Jumpers: Solid Khaki or plaid (must be uniform jumper only).
Jackets: Red Kate Shepard (Optional) or red jacket (See the jacket directive which
follows.) Sweater: Red sweaters and sweatshirts are allowed.
Outerwear
Children are allowed to wear various outerwear attire traveling to and from
school and outside the building. Once in the building the jacket should be removed.
Outerwear may not be worn inside the building.
Kate Shepard Pride Day
Our school colors are red and khaki and our mascot is an Indian Brave. We
would like every student to wear his or her Kate Shepard T-shirt every Friday of the year.
If you do not have a T-shirt, please wear a solid red shirt, with your khaki bottom. (T-shirts
are on sale each morning in the office.) Any Kate Shepard T-Shirt is allowed to be worn
on spirit day.
Parent Notice: Students are not allowed to wear shorts or skorts after November 1st. Students
may begin wearing shorts or skorts April 1st.
Students are expected to dress and groom themselves so that teachers and fellow students
will respond to them in a positive manner. Grooming is an indication of respect for one’s self
as well as other people.
-Clothing which is neat and clean.
-Practice of good hygiene. (Hands and face washed, deodorant, and
teeth brushed.)
-Clean hair, combed and appropriately styled.
-A nurse’s investigation will be conducted and DHR possibly contacted if
evidence of neglect with a students’ hygiene is suspected.
Note: Parents may be contacted if your child’s hair style is a nontraditional fad and is
deemed distracting to the academic environment.
Dress Code Restrictions The following dress or grooming is specifically restricted. It causes
distractions during the instructional day.
1. Short-shorts, skirts or tight clothing (shorts and skirts should be mid-
thigh length)
2. Hats or caps inside the building, unless for medical reason (doctor’s
statement required).
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3. Earrings that are large and distracting.
4. Any jewelry other than small post or hoop earrings worn by females.
5. Hair writing and/or lettering in the hair, odd hair color, or Mohawks or
any other distracting or offensive haircuts.
6. Anything/attire which disrupts the orderly operation of the school.
Contact with Teachers
Teachers can be contacted by sending a note to the teacher or by calling the
school office at (251)221-1645. The office FAX is (251)221-1646. Another means of
contacting the teacher is through the school’s Website: www.kateshepard.com. During
class time, phone messages are taken in the office and placed in the teacher’s mailbox.
A conference can also be set up at any time by sending a note or calling the school
office. The faculty is on duty from 7:45-3:30. Teachers can meet with parents before
school, after school, or during their planning period, dependent on their schedule. We
do not release staff members’ telephone numbers. However, we will take your number
and have the staff contact you.
Please remember that a teacher’s first duty is to teach. Other than during the
teacher’s planning period, teachers cannot meet with parents for a conference during
the regular classroom (teaching) hours. Therefore, please do not expect a drop in
conference or phone call during the instructional day. This situation puts the teacher in
an awkward position and is unfair to the students in the class. We encourage you to
meet with your child’s teacher throughout the school year and keep the lines of
communication open. Sharing your child’s strengths, areas of concern, health
information, and special interests will benefit both your child and the teacher. Also, check
your teacher’s webpage for classroom information.
Conferences will be held after the first quarter unless there are pertinent concerns.
School Visitors
The Mobile County Public School System has implemented a visitor
identification system. The primary purpose for these regulations is to
ensure the safety of all students and staff. These rules apply to all persons,
other than teachers and pupils enrolled in the school, who may come to
the school for any reason during the school day.
All visitors must enter through the front door (only).
All visitors must report to the school office. Visitors are expected to
sign the visitors’ log and receive a visitor’s pass before visit.
The school designed visitor’s identification name tag or badge must
be visibly displayed while at the school at all times.
Any person on school property who has not registered with the
school office is illegally on school property and will be asked to
identify himself/herself properly or to leave the school grounds. If the
visitor refuses to leave the school grounds or creates any
disturbance, the principal has the authority to request aid from a
Law Enforcement Agency.
We appreciate your cooperation in implementing these safety guidelines.
What can I
do to help
my child?
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Daily School Schedule
6:30 a.m. Morning Extended Day Begins
All students arriving early and NOT enrolled in the Extended Day will be
placed in the Extended Day Program at the parent’s expense ($15
drop in rate).
7:30 a.m. First Bell – Students sit by classrooms
Minimal Teachers on Duty
7:45 a.m. Students enter classrooms/breakfast begins
Student will eat breakfast in the classrooms at 7:45
8:00 a.m. Breakfast Ends
8:00 a.m. Tardy Bell
8:05 a.m. Announcements/School Begins
2:45 p.m. Regional School Dismissal
2:50 p.m. Walkers, Pre-K and Extended Day Students Dismissed
3:00 p.m. Car, Van and Bus Riders Dismissed
Homework
Meaningful and realistic homework will be assigned Monday thru Thursday. The
amount of homework varies with each grade level. Homework is designed to provide
necessary reinforcement for concepts and skills taught during the day.
The value of homework, in addition to reinforcement, is the experience it gives the
student to work on his/her own. Therefore, students are expected to do the homework
independently. Taking assignments home, completing the work, and remembering to
return the work on time are all important processes in developing responsibility.
Kate Shepard Elementary School observes the discipline policies set forth in the Mobile County
Public Schools Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. The Student Handbook and Code of
Conduct is distributed at the beginning of each school year or upon enrollment in the school and
are always available on our website and in the Parenting Room, library and classrooms.
DAILY PROCEDURES
KATE SHEPARD DISCIPLINE PLAN
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Kate Shepard School-wide Rules 1. Always think before I act.
2. Respecting self, all adults and others.
3. Listen to adults and follow directions.
4. Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.
5. Complete all assignments.
6. Walk quietly in the building.
7. Be RESPECTFUL, Be RESPONSIBLE, Be RESOURCEFUL
Consequences for Discipline Infractions When infractions occur, Kate Shepard may implement the progressive discipline procedure
detailed below. (Tiers may be skipped based on the seriousness of the offense)
TIER 1 - Universal/School-wide Strategies Implement classroom discipline procedure
Verbal/nonverbal warning
Redirect/discuss expected behavior
Structured Time-out
TIER 2- Targeted Strategies Office Referral
Develop Behavior Modification Plan
Counselor Referral
In-School Suspension
TIER 3- Individualized Strategies Out of School Suspension
Expulsion
Bus Transportation Bus transportation service is provided on a home-to-school and school-to-home
basis for designated students. The students enrolled in special education are transported
by bus or another approved mode of transportation.
Bus transportation services are a privilege not a right for typical students provided
for neighborhoods or areas for one or more of the following reasons:
Bus Rules
1. Students are to stay seated, in their assigned seat at all times.
2. Students are to use quiet voices when talking.
3. Students are not to touch other students or their belongings.
4. Students are to obey the bus driver at all times.
5. No food or drinks are allowed on the bus.
6. Students are to wait at the appointed bus stop in a safe and orderly manner.
7. Students are to be silent when bus stops for any reason.
Note: These rules must be followed by all students. Disciplinary actions will be taken by
the bus drivers and the Principal if these rules are not followed.
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Consequences for Infractions of Bus Rules
First Offense: Student will receive a letter of warning to be signed by parent and returned
the following day.
Second Offense: Student will receive a second warning and/or bus suspension. Parents
will be contacted by phone or letter to alert them to the consequences of further
infractions.
Third Offense: Student will be removed from the bus for a minimum of 3 days.
Depending on the infraction, students can be removed from the bus on the first or second
offense.
Bus transportation is a privilege NOT a requirement. If student causes repeated disruptions
on the bus and/or is deemed to create an unsafe situation for others, bus privileges may
be revoked for the remainder of the year.
Note: Students will not ride the bus if they live out of district.
Parents of bus students should secure a bus schedule from the office. Should you have
bus schedule problems, notify the principal and/or Transportation Department (221-
5260).
Field Trip Policy
Field trips are an outgrowth of units of study and are directed toward
achievement of specific educational objectives. All children participating in a field trip
MUST have written parent permission. Children not participating in a field trip are
expected to attend school on the day of the field trip. Another classroom teacher or
substitute teacher will implement instruction.
Student Expectations
1. Students will stay with their class throughout the field trip.
2. Students will remain with their chaperones at all times.
3. Students will wear uniforms.
4. Students will show respect to all supervising adults and presenters
5. Students will follow all other system and school policies and
procedures.
Chaperone Expectations
1. Chaperones will supervise all students in their charge throughout
the field trip.
2. Chaperones will report to the teacher any student who deviates
from the expectations.
3. Chaperones will conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at
all times (i.e. no smoking, no use of inappropriate or abusive
language, etc.)
4. Chaperones will dress using the employees’ dress code.
5. Chaperones will not bring other students/children on the field trip.
Note: The Principal maintains the right to deny any individual the privilege of attending
a field trip based on reports of violations of the student or chaperone expectations.
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System-wide Testing in Mobile County Public Schools
In the Mobile County Public Schools, students are tested in order to determine the
level of school work they are capable of producing and to determine what they have
already learned. The tests also help to determine where students need additional
assistance.
Students in grades three through five are administered the ACT Aspire. This test
determines the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) of a school in reading, mathematics,
language arts, science and writing, and attendance by subgroups. All students are
required to participate in the ACT Aspire state test.
Other Tests Given in Mobile County Public Schools
The Mobile County Public School System has management systems in reading and
mathematics which are individualized, diagnostic programs. Throughout the year, most
teachers use tests published by book companies in conjunction with the textbooks used
in the classrooms. Tests designed by MCPSS and teachers are also used to measure how
well students have learned specific subject matter. Students who demonstrate special
needs are sometimes tested by school personnel in order to determine how best to meet
their needs. When a student is identified for individual, specialized testing, parental
permission is obtained. A state mandated test for grades kindergarten through second
grades is Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. Intervention can be determined
before reading failure begins. DIBELS assessments are administered three times a year, at
the beginning, the middle (January), and the end, given during the spring of the year.
STAR is required at the beginning, middle and the end of each school year. Mobile
County Public School System mandates Common Formative Assessments (CFA). CFAs
are grade level specific.
Grading Procedures
The school year is divided into four quarters of approximately nine weeks each.
Progress reports will be sent the fourth and eighth weeks of each quarter and report cards
will be issued at the end of the quarter.
Parents may check their child’s grades using InformationNow, (I-Now…see
registrar for student password). Using your child’s assigned Pin, you can access the INow
Computer System. New students will be given a PIN once enrolled.
1st-5th Grades receive a letter grade in reading, mathematics, science, social studies,
and language arts. The grading system in this program is:
A= Excellent (90 - 100 %)
B= Good (89 - 80%)
C= Average (79 - 70%)
D= Poor (69 - 60%)
E= Not Meeting Grade Level Standards (59 - 0%)
Awards/Recognition
Honor Roll:
Each quarter special recognition is given to those students making the A-Honor
Roll (Principal’s Honor Roll), A-B Honor Roll, Effort Honor Roll, and Perfect Attendance.
These students are recognized during an Honor’s Program. The criteria for participating
in the Honors Program are:
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~A Honor Roll: Student must make an A in all content areas and receive
satisfactory in conduct and work-study, including PE.
~A/B Honor Roll: Student must make an A or B in all content areas and receive
satisfactory in conduct, work study and homework(average).
~Effort Honor Roll: Any student who tries or puts forth his/her best effort, as
determined by the teacher, and has satisfactory in conduct, work-study and
homework.
Note: Students who earned A or B in all content areas but received a letter grade of N or
U in conduct, work-study or PE will not receive Honor Roll.
Perfect Attendance:
In order to receive a certificate for perfect attendance students must be present all days
during the quarter and have no more than two tardies or early dismissals. According to
state guidelines, if a student leaves school prior to being in attendance at least one half
of the school day, they are considered absent.
Elementary School Promotion/Retention Policy
The following shall govern promotion and retention of students in grades K-5:
1. Academic requirements for promotion will be limited to reading and mathematics.
2. A passing grade for reading and mathematics will be considered 60% (D).
3. The decision for retention will be determined after gathering input and documentation
from all teachers with direct contact with the student, the school counselor, and the
school administrator. The final decision is an administrative decision.
4. If your child attends summer school, the final promotion decision will be determined
by the Principal.
Nutrition Program
The public school system serves your child well-balanced, nutritional breakfasts
and lunches daily. Some children may be eligible to receive reduced prices or free
lunches. Application forms are distributed to all students during registration, along
with a letter to the parents. The information you provide on the application is
confidential and will be available only to the certifying official(s). The application
information is used to determine eligibility. Applications may be submitted at any
time during the year. A new application must be completed each school year. You
only have to complete one application per family. In addition to regular menus, a
la carte items are available. All meals are served with milk and juice. Menus are
published monthly on the school website. Any changes to the menu are due to a lack
of shipment and will be posted on website if time permits. Students are not allowed to
leave the school to go home for lunch unless they have gotten an early dismissal. Lunches
from fast food restaurants brought in by parents during lunch time are not allowed. If
student lunches are brought from outside, they must be in plain wrappers. No soft drinks
or glass bottles are allowed. The school could be fined if there is a violation.
All students will receive free breakfast and lunch. Additional servings of certain
foods and milk will be available for a charge.
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Snacks
Children are permitted to purchase a snack for $.50 daily and ice-cream for $1.00.
This money must be given to the teacher prior to 8:20 a.m. Students may bring a healthy
snack from home to eat during their snack time. Candy bars, high sugar items and sodas
are not allowed.
Snack is a privilege and is not required. It is at the teacher’s discretion.
Lost and Found
Please put your child’s first and last name on clothing, lunch boxes, money
envelopes, and any other items that your child brings to school. Belongings with names
can be returned to the owner. Unfortunately, we cannot assume responsibility for lost
money or items. All unclaimed items are kept in a Lost and Found area. Please check
Lost and Found periodically. Items that are not claimed by the end of the school year
will be donated to a charitable organization. Please encourage your child to be careful
with their belongings.
Newsletters
A school-wide newsletter will be sent home and posted on the school website
monthly to keep parents informed about school-wide news. Individual teachers will also
send home newsletters bi-weekly. Also, teachers post their newsletters or homework
sheets on the website: http://shepard.mce.schoolinsites.com. Please check this site
weekly.
The P.T.A may send home newsletters concerning special programs, meetings,
and topics of interest for all parents. Other newsletters may include Title I news.
Parent Activities
The goal of the Parent Teacher Association (P.T.A.) is to serve as a support to the
educational program of Kate Shepard Elementary School. The monies that are
generated by the P.T.A. are used to enhance the school’s programs. Please support our
school by joining and being an active member of Kate Shepard’s PTA!
School Closings
In the event of hazardous weather conditions, an official decision will be made for
all Mobile County Schools. That decision will be broadcast on local radio and television
stations no later than 6:00 a.m. If weather conditions become hazardous during the
school day and the decision is made for an early dismissal, an announcement will be
broadcast on local radio, television stations, and the school system website.
We would like to maintain an open telephone line. Therefore, we ask that you
refrain from calling during this period. Please make sure your child knows what to do in
case of an emergency closing of the school. We recommend that you go to the Kate
Shepard website to sign up for e-mail and text alerts.
Miscellaneous
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Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices
Cellular phones and electronic devices such as iPods, mp3 players, videogames,
etc. are not permitted at school unless being used in conjunction with BYOD. The school
is not liable for these items if they are lost or stolen and will not replace them. They are
only to be used under the instruction of a teacher. If out without permission or being used
inappropriately, they will be removed and held by the principal until a parent picks them
up.
Going Home with a Friend
If your child is going home with a friend, please send a note to the teacher stating
with whom your child is going home with and the car pool driver. Please be aware, only
those students who are legally transported by bus will be allowed to ride the bus before
and after school. Due to space, students may not ride the bus home with another child.
Birthday Parties
There will not be any student birthday party celebrations during instructional time.
However, feel free to send a small store bought snack (no sheet cakes, cookies are
preferred) and juice or water (no sodas). It may be eaten during snack time scheduled
by the teacher. Parents may request permission from the classroom teacher to attend.
Balloons and gifts will not be permitted. Students are not allowed to wear money
pinned to their attire at any time.
There are only two specific activity/celebration times in MCPSS school year; before
Christmas Break and at the end of the school year. These activities are planned by the
classroom teacher and/or a Room Mother. Information may be sent home prior to the
activity dates.
School Supplies
It is very important that your child be equipped with all needed supplies to make
their school year a great success. Kate Shepard does sell pencils. We will have a school
store beginning in September. School supplies will be sold at a reasonable price. It is the
responsibility of the parent to make sure your child has needed supplies all year. Supplies
that are consumable will need to be replaced possibly quarterly but at least at mid
semester. Teachers always welcome donations of extra supplies from parents. The school
activity supply fee is $25 for the school year.
Transfer Students
While we are happy we are a “school of choice” for many of our students, we
expect that all students on transfer will uphold the expectations set forth in our school
handbook and experience success while at Kate Shepard. Please note that a student’s
transfer will be revoked or denied due to attendance and/or discipline issues.
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Parent Signature Page
Please sign and return this page to your child’s teacher immediately!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cut, Sign and Return
I have read and discussed the Parent/Student Handbook with my
child. We agree to follow the policies set forth by the Mobile
County Schools System and Kate Shepard Elementary School.
_______________________ ______________________
Parent Signature Student Signature