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2017 – 2018Parent / Student HandbookGETWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2795 GETWELL ROADMEMPHIS, TN 38118

(901) 416-0267

Mr. Dorsey E. Hopson, II, Esq., SuperintendentMs. Tracie Thomas, Instructional Leadership Director

Dr. Trina M. Holly, PrincipalMs. Erika Williams, PLC Coach

Strive for your personal best.Obey school rules.Achieve your goals.Respect yourself, others, and the environment.

This planner belongs to:

Name_________________________________ Homeroom________

Getwell Elementary

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRINCIPAL

GETWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

August 1, 2017

Dear Parents and Families of Getwell Elementary School,

On behalf of the administration, faculty, and staff of Getwell Elementary School, I am fortunate to welcome all new and returning students to a compassionate and responsive atmosphere that offers powerful learning experiences to meet individual student needs. Our entire school community works together to provide a warm, supportive, and nurturing environment that encourages a culture of teaching and learning. We are grateful to have been selected as your partner in your child’s flight towards academic excellence.

This Student-Parent Handbook outlines policies and procedures for Getwell families. Regulations and expectations contained in the handbook have been adopted to ensure the smooth and fair operation of our school. Also included within this Handbook is the School Discipline Plan that focuses on increasing respect and responsibility among students. This plan outlines rules, logical consequences, and special programs that teach students self-respect, as well as, respect for others. All students are expected to be responsible and accountable for their own behavior throughout the entire school and off-campus events. Please read the handbook carefully and share all relevant information with your child.

We look forward to you joining us on this mission to develop the highest levels of academic proficiency and personal character in all students. While in pursuit of our vision, students, parents, community and school personnel will work together to conquer any challenges encountered.

Sincerely,

Trina M. Holly, Ed.D.Principal

Getwell Elementary School Handbook, page 1

Dr. Trina M. HollyPrincipal

[email protected]

Table of Contents

PagePrincipal’s Message 1Overall Goal 4Belief Statement 4Our Mission 4Our Vision 4School Mascot 4School Colors 4School Motto 4School History 5Report Card Periods and Attendance Periods 5Shelby County Schools Academic Calendar 6

I. Introduction 7

II. Enrollment Procedures 7Age Requirement 7Health Requirements 8Class Assignment 8

III. Student Absence and Illness 8Attendance 8Chronic Illnesses 9Accidents and Illness 9Medication 9Truancy 9Make Up Work 9Withdrawal 9

IV. School Opening and Closing Procedures 10Arrival and Dismissal 10Traffic Before and After School 10Inclement Weather 11

V. General Information 11School Uniforms 11Payments 11Lunch Program 11Textbooks, Library Books, etc. 12Supplies 12Bus Riders 12Lost and Found 12Party Policy 12Telephone 13Cell Phones 13Fire, Tornado, and Earthquake Drills 13


VI. School Visitors and Volunteers 13Visitors 13School Volunteers 13Parent Teacher Organization 14

VII. Evaluation of Pupil Progress 14 Grading System 14Homework 14Grade Reporting 14Parent Conferences 15Curricular Activities 15Orff Music 15Computer Lab 15Library 15Physical Education 16

Art 16

VIII. School Rules 16Getwell’s School-wide Rules 16Fight Free School 16

IX. Student Discipline 17Getwell 7-Step Behavioral Response 18Changing Classes/Restroom Breaks 18Hall Passes 18Assemblies 18Field Trips 18Personal Appearance of Students 18Rights of Parents and Students 19Celebrations 19


Overall Goal

Our overall goal is to create a school environment that enables all children to succeed and demonstrate high levels of achievement.

Our Beliefs

Daily attendance is essential for learning. Children are valued and respected as unique individuals. High expectations increase individual student performance. Students should be encouraged to set goals for themselves and work toward reaching

them. A wide variety of research based teaching strategies and data driven assessment

techniques accommodate a diverse population with multiple learning styles, and provide challenges that are conducive to academic achievement.

A safe, nurturing learning environment and positive school climate are essential components in promoting respect for self and others.

The integration of technology is essential for students’ development of the skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing society.

Our students must be actively engaged in their education in order to learn, produce quality work, and become critical thinkers and problem solvers.

Collaboration among teachers, administrators, parents, and the community is essential for the continuous growth and effectiveness of our school.

Our Mission

Our mission is to develop highest levels of academic proficiency and personal character in all students.

Our Vision

Getwell Elementary School will be an exemplary, student focused educational society that has an exceptional staff, focused programs, and inspiring atmosphere where excellence is achieved, solid character is exhibited, hopes and dreams are fostered and responsible productive citizens are developed.

School Mascot: Exemplary EaglesSchool Colors: Blue and White

School Motto: The Sky’s the Limit for Academic Excellence


Getwell School History

Getwell Elementary School is a Title 1, public and urban school located in Southeast Memphis at 2795 Getwell Road. Getwell Elementary School was opened in 2001 with over 900 students. In the past ten years, the community surrounding Getwell has seen a reduction in population, thus resulting in a decline in student enrollment. Today, Getwell Elementary School provides educational services to approximately 422 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Getwell Elementary has been accredited since 2003.

Report Card and Attendance Periods2017 – 2018 School Year

Report Card and Progress Report Periods

Report Card

Period

Report Card Period Begins

Progress Report Period

Ends

Progress Report Issued

Report Card Period Ends

Report Card Issued

Days in Period

1st 9 Weeks

August 7 Monday

September 6 Wednesday

September 13 Wednesday

October 6 Friday

October 25 Wednesday

44

2nd 9 Weeks

October 16 Monday

November 15 Wednesday

November 20 Wednesday

December 20Thursday

January 10 Wednesday

44

Semester 883rd 9

WeeksJanuary 8 Monday

February 7 Wednesday

February 14 Wednesday

March 9 Friday

March 28 Wednesday

44

4th 9 Weeks

March 19 Monday

April 18 Wednesday

April 25 Wednesday

May 24Thursday

Mailed 48

Semester 92Year 180


2017- 2018 Shelby County Schools Academic Calendar

September 4 Labor Day (No School)

September 14 Parent-Teacher Conferences(4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

October 6 End of 1st Quarter

October 9-13 Fall Break (No School)

October 16 2nd Quarter Begins

November 10 Veteran's Day (No School)

November 22-24 Thanksgiving Holiday (No School)

December 21 Winter Break Begins for Students

January 8 Return from Winter Break – First Day of 2nd Semester/3rd Quarter Begins

January 15 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (No School)

February 15 Parent Conferences (4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

March 9 3rd Quarter Ends

March 12-16 Spring Break (No School)

March 19 4th Quarter Begins

March 30 Spring Holiday (No School)

May 24 4th Quarter Ends/Last Day of School(1/2 Day for Students)


I. IntroductionThe purpose of this handbook is to provide students with knowledge of policies and procedures of the Shelby County School System as they relate to Getwell Elementary.

It is the intent of the faculty and administration that each student becomes familiar with the information provided in the handbook. It will be of great value in helping the student adjust in our school and become an integral part of the Getwell Family.

After reading this handbook, please feel free to contact the school at 901-416-0267 if additional information or assistance is desired.

II. Enrollment Procedures (See Policy #6002)The parent or guardian of a child entering pre-school, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, or who has not been previously enrolled in another school within the district must furnish the following information:

1. Birth Certificate2. Proof of recent physical examination3. A new official Tennessee Certificate of Immunization displaying proof of the current

immunization status.4. Social Security Number5. Proof of residence in school district -- The parent/guardian of every student will be

required to provide two (2) of the following items showing the parent/guardian’sname and address, to prove residency: Real Estate Tax receipt, Mortgage Statement or Deed, Most recent Memphis Light Gas and Water bill or municipal water bill, Driver’s License, Rental Contract, Public Assistance/Benefits documents, and lease information.

Age Requirement

A child must be five (5) years of age on or before August 15 to be admitted to kindergarten. Parents/legal guardians/custodians are encouraged to enroll students who are of legal age in kindergarten at the beginning of the school year. Students who have not been enrolled previously in kindergarten will not be accepted after the first thirty (30) days of the school year. Students who have been enrolled previously in an approved kindergarten will be accepted at any time. A child must be six (6) years of age on or before September 30 of the current school term to be admitted to the first grade. All children entering the first grade must have attended an approved kindergarten.

Any transfer student legally enrolled as a first grade student in another state who will be six (6) years of age no later than December 31 of the current school year, making application for admission, shall be eligible for enrollment in the Shelby County Schools. Any child legally enrolled in an approved kindergarten in another state during the preceding school year and who could have enrolled in the first grade in that state in the current school year, making application for admission, shall be eligible for enrollment in the first grade in the Shelby County Schools provided he/she is six (6) years of age on or before December 31 of the current year.


Health Requirements

Under law, all students entering school for the first time are required to have a complete physical examination within 12 months prior to the enrollment. This applies to kindergarten, first grade, and other pupils for whom there is no health record. Results of the physical examination are to be given to the school for inclusion with the student’s records.

Class Assignment

The principal makes student assignments to classrooms.

III. Student Absence and Illness

Attendance

All children are expected to be in attendance and on time each day. Please refer to School Board Policy #6014 for details concerning attendance. Student absences/tardies shall be excused only for the following reasons: 1. Illness or hospitalization of student. The District may require a parent conference and/or physician verification to justify absences after the accumulation of ten (10) days of absence during a school year. Notes must be date specific and will be required for subsequent absences beyond ten (10) days. 2. Death or serious illness within the student's immediate family. 3. When the student is officially representing the school in a school sponsored activity. 4. Special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by persons of their faith. 5. Legal court summons not as a result of the student's misconduct. 6. Extenuating circumstances over which the student has no control as approved by the principal. 7. Reasons associated with a student's parent, custodian or other person with legal custody or control of the student is a member of the United States Armed Forces, including a member of a state National Guard or a Reserve component called to federal active duty. A written statement within two (2) school days of the student's return to school shall be required from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for each absence. If absences become excessive, a doctor’s note may be required to document absences due to illness.

Tardies and early checkouts are monitored in the same manner as attendance. STUDENTS MUST BE IN THEIR ROOMS BY 9:15 a.m., OR THEY WILL BE MARKED TARDY. If your child arrives at school after 9:15 a.m., for any reason, please write a note explaining the reason and bring your child to check in with the office before reporting to his/her class. If a child is tardy three times, a warning letter will be sent home. If a child is tardy five more times, a parent conference will be held. Additional excessive tardies may result in referral to the district’s Student Attendance Review Board (SARB).


Chronic Illnesses

Teachers and office personnel should be made aware of chronic illnesses such as asthma, rheumatic fever, diabetes, allergies, and etc. Definite written instructions are for office files, should an emergency arise.

Accidents and Illness

If a student is injured or becomes ill at school, parents will be notified immediately. If the parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact listed on the registration form will be the next notified. Please be sure to update any changes in numbers on the registration form as the year progresses. Remember, seriously ill students cannot be kept at school.

Medication

If a child is to be given medication in school, all medication must be brought to the office by the parent (not the child), with the written directions from the physician, which indicate the frequency and dosage of the prescribed medication. The medicine must be in the original container prepared by the pharmacist. Bring only enough medication to school for a TWO WEEK period. At the time the medication is brought to school, a written authorization must be filled out and signed by the parent before the medication can be taken. Medication can only be dispensed through the office. For further details see Policy #6043.

Truancy

Unauthorized absence is considered truancy. A student who has excessive tardies or a student who fails to attend a class may be subject to disciplinary action. See Policy #6016 for further details concerning absences without adequate excuse.

Make-Up Work

Students shall be permitted the opportunity to make up all work and classroom tests missed as a result of an excused or unexcused absence. All work and tests for unexcused absences should be made up as soon as possible, but no later than a week after the student returns to school.

Withdrawal

Legitimate reasons for withdrawal include the following:

1. Withdrawal to enroll in another school system2. Withdrawal for health reasons, certified by a licensed practicing physician3. Expulsion from school


IV. School Opening and Closing Procedures

Arrival and Dismissal

The official school hours are 9:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Students may begin entering the building through the main entrance at 9:00 a.m. Students should enter the building and hallways quietly and proceed to their classrooms, walking on the right side of the hallway. Breakfast will be served in the classroom from 9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Morning meetings begin at 9:15 a.m., thus if a student wishes to eat breakfast, he/she must be in class by 9:10 a.m. to receive breakfast. Bus, daycare, and car riders will be escorted to designated areas for dismissal. Walkers will be escorted to the front of the building at 4:15 p.m. Adult supervision of students after school is from 4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Students should be completely off campus by 4:30 p.m. unless they participate in Getwell After-Care or school tutoring.

Please be aware that the safety of your child is at risk each time he/she is left unsupervised before and/or after school. In accordance with Policy #6067, parents are responsible for ensuring supervision of their children during non-school hours both before and after school, except for school-sponsored events and district transportation to and from school. It is the responsibility of parents and day care buses to pick students up no later than 4:30 p.m. each day. Make sure your child knows how he/she is to go home each day. Students should know or always have written phone numbers of responsible adults. Make sure correct/updated phone numbers are on file in the office.

The ending of the school day is essential for review of the day’s activities, instructions on homework, and the preparation for the next school day. Thus, we ask you to remain outside the school building should you arrive early to pick up your child to avoid distractions during closeout activities. Also, it is vital that parents remain in their cars so cars can be moved if the situation requires. There will be no early dismissals between 3:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. unless there is an emergency. Please contact the office in emergency situations.

To preserve teaching and learning time for students within the school, the District strongly discourages the release of students during the school day. However, when unexpected, emergency and/or extenuating circumstances exist, students may be released according to Policy #6060 administrative rules and regulations. Doctor and dental appointments should be scheduled after school hours. If this is not possible, please do not check your child out before 12:45 p.m. This keeps your child from losing credit for a day’s attendance. Parents must check students out of the school through the office. To insure student safety, office personnel will not release any student to individuals who are not identified on the official registration forms. See Policy #6060 for further details on notification of dismissal.

Traffic Before and After School

Your child’s safety is #1 with us! Please help us ensure a safe and orderly dismissal by following these procedures:

If your child has been designated as a walker, refrain from picking up on campus by car unless you have notified the office and arranged for pick-up in the car rider area. Pick up walkers from the designated walker pick up areas.

Cars are to enter the south drive (next to Wendy’s). Cars are to utilize the left lanes. Daycare vans will utilize the right lane.


During morning arrival, load and unload children only after you have parked at thecurb. Do not double park to load or unload children.

If you let your children out across the street from the school, require them to go to the corner and cross with the crossing guard. Do not allow your child (even if accompanied by an adult) to cross in the middle of the street.

Honk only to prevent an accident. Please adhere to no parking areas. Big brothers and sisters picking up students should meet in the designated pick up area.

Inclement Weather

Parents and students should have a plan in case of dismissal due to inclement weather. In order to be aware of parents’ intentions before the weather occurs, the school has provided a form for parents to indicate how their children will get home. Please make sure that this information stays current. Notify the school of contact information changes.

V. General Information

School Uniforms

According to research in education, school uniforms reduce gang influence, decrease families’ clothing expenditures, and help mitigate potentially divisive cultural and economic differences. Throughout the country, the adoption of school uniforms has helped students develop pride and a strong sense of school affiliation. In addition, school uniforms provide protection against gangs and identification with gang clothing.

Students may wear tan, navy blue, or black pants, skirt, or jumper and a white long sleeve or short sleeve shirt with a collar (polo or dress style). Approved shirt colors are white, light blue, navy blue or gold. Sleeveless tops are not acceptable. Jeans, tight-fitting or baggy pants are not acceptable. If belts are worn, they must be fitted at the waist. Shoes must not be higher than 1 ½ inches high. If sandals are worn, they must have a heel strap. Shirttails are to be tucked. See SCS Policy #6021 for further details concerning the district dress code.

Payments

The school only accepts cash.

Lunch Program

All students receive free lunch for the 2016-17 school year.


Textbooks, Library Books, etc.

Textbooks and library books are on loan to students attending Shelby County Schools. Parents and students are responsible for all textbooks and library books issued during the school year. Parents are required to read and sign textbook statements with an agreement to pay for lost or damaged books issued each school year.

Supplies

Because Getwell Elementary is a community of stakeholders, all classroom supplies will be shared as community supplies. Please do not label or mark supplies with student’s names. Each teacher will collect and distribute supplies in a community fashion throughout the year.

Bus Riders

Students who are assigned to ride a school bus or day care bus will be sent home on that bus unless the homeroom teacher is notified by the parent in writing. The note must specify that the child will be picked up that day or for how many days and by whom. School bus riders must always wear bus passes.

Kindergarten and first grade parents are responsible for meeting or designating someone appropriate to meet their K-1 child at the bus stop every day. Any K-1 student who has no one at their bus stop in the PM to accept them will be returned to the school at the conclusion of the route.

Outstanding behavior is expected from our bus riders. Negative behaviors while waiting on and riding the bus are subject to disciplinary action.

Lost and Found

A “lost and found” is located in the main office. Lost articles may be claimed by proper identification. It is a good idea to clearly mark items with the owner’s name so itemscan be returned without delay. This also discourages unauthorized borrowing. Items not reclaimed may be donated to charities at the end of each nine week period.

Party Policy

As we maintain specific guidelines for a structured learning environment, we are most concerned about maintaining learning our priority. We have set the following party policies for grades Pre-K through grade 5. Class parties are permitted around winter break and on the last day of school. Birthday parties are not allowed; however, parents may send pre-packed snacks to school for a class celebration on the child’s birthday. The snacks will be given to students just prior to dismissal (3:50 p.m.).


Telephone

Telephones are located throughout the building. Students must have permission from an adult to make a phone call. Urgent messages will be delivered to students. Students will not be called from class to receive telephone calls.

Cell Phones

Therefore, all students are banned from possessing any type of phone or personal communication device that is turned on or in visible/audible use at any time during the regular school day (Policy #6024). Students who wish to carry a cell phone with them to and from school must keep the device turned off and stored in the student's assigned cubby hole during the entire school day. The school is not responsible for the loss or theft of cell phones.

Fire, Tornado, Earthquake Drills, and Emergency Drills

Drills are necessary for the safety of the students, staff, and faculty. Everyone should know the specific directions for reaching a point of safety from wherever he/she may be in the building. There should be no talking during drills so that directions can be quickly and accurately followed. Specific information for drills is posted in each room.

VI. School Visitor and Volunteers

Visitors

For the protection of the student, all visitors must report to the office and sign in using a state issued ID upon entering the building. For example, if a student forgets, his/her lunch, the parent should take the lunch to the office, not to the classroom, so that the entire class will not be interrupted.

School Volunteers

There are many valuable resources available to classrooms through the use of volunteers. Each volunteer must complete a Volunteer Information Form. The form can only be accessed online at any school location. Criminal background checks are required for volunteers that work alone with children. They must also sign a statement that they have never been convicted or accused of any crime against a minor. Volunteers cannot perform any duties while SCS awaits the results of the background check (Policy #4053). All volunteers are expected to sign in and out of the School Visitors’ Log and The Raptor System maintained in the office.

Volunteers serving as chaperones shall be required to submit to and receive favorable results from background checks that shall be conducted in accordance with Board policy (Policy #6004). Only volunteer chaperones approved for the school field trip will be permitted to participate in the scheduled activity.


Parent Teacher Organization

The PTO encourages families to help their children, their school, and their community by becoming a member of the PTO. The dues are $5.00 for a single parent membership.

VII. Evaluation of Pupil Progress

Grading System

The pre-kindergarten and kindergarten report cards show progress toward the statestandards. The grade level standards are set by the state and indicate what a studentshould know and be able to do. Students are evaluated based on their progress towardmeeting benchmarks for each standard. This is indicated by symbols expressingmastery or non-mastery for each skill. Additionally, the letter grades “E”, “G”, “S”, “N”, or“U” will be used to express basic grading for art, music, world languages, andphysical education (P.E.).

Academic GradesThe basic grading system for knowledge/subject area is expressed below except for first (1st) grade science, social studies classes, prek-5 art, music, and P.E. which will be expressed by the letter grades “E”, “G”, “S”, “N”, or “U”.

Academics Conduct

Excellent A 93 - 100 Excellent EGood B 85 – 92 Good GAverage C 75 – 84 Satisfactory SLow Average D 70 – 74 Needs Improvement NFailure F Below 70 Unsatisfactory UIncomplete I Not a final grade

Homework

The purpose of homework is to promote mastery of skills and concepts taught during classroom instruction. It is the student’s responsibility to recognize that homework is their responsibility; to complete, and submit homework assignments on time; and to request help with homework if needed.

Grade Reporting

Progress Report

Progress reports for all students shall include grades through the fourth week and will be issued during the fifth week of a nine week period, unless calendar constraints dictate that they be issued early in the sixth week. Progress reports may reflect commendation of a student or information indicating that a student is not being successful. If a student is not successful in any subject by the


time the progress report is issued, the report shall indicate to parents that the student needs to improve.

Nine-Week Grades and Average

Nine-week grades are to be calculated based on the above grading criteria and documented student performance and must include documentation of all of the grading criteria.

Parent Conferences

We invite and urge parents to consult with their teachers or the principal for help with problems. Please send a note or call the school to arrange for a conference time. Teachers are happy to arrange meetings before or after regular school hours, as well as, during planning periods. Teachers cannot be interrupted during class time for impromptu conferences. However, parents and family are welcome to visit and observe after receiving permission through the office.

Although the district has designated, September 14, 2017, and February 15, 2018, as required parent-teacher conference dates, we encourage parents to schedule a conference whenever deemed necessary in addition to the designated times. Teachers will gladly schedule specific times.

Curricular Activities

Getwell encourages a variety of activities in the curriculum to keep our children challenged. We are proud to be able to offer many exciting alternative events to include all children. Curricular activities offered weekly are as follows:

Orff Music

Music instruction is offered to students in kindergarten through fifth grades. The Orff technique involves body movement, singing, and playing musical instruments.

Computer Lab

The computer lab is available for use by students in kindergarten through fifth grades. During this time, students will not only use the computers to receive individualized instruction in reading and math skills, but also will complete projects that will both develop skills in using Microsoft Office tools and demonstrate concepts learned.

Library

Library is offered weekly for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. During this time, students are taught research, library reference skills, and means to determine the meaning and application of different types of media.


Physical Education

A quality physical education program is offered weekly for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It includes a balance of health-related physical fitness, motor-skills, content knowledge, and personal and social development activities.

Art

Art is offered weekly for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. During this time, students are taught the fundamentals of visual arts.

VIII. School Rules

School Discipline Plan

Getwell’s School-wide Rules

1. Be respectful.2. Be responsible.3. Be ready.

Fight Free School

DEFINING A FIGHTOur goal at Getwell is to have students come to school and feel safe and secure. A fight is when two or more persons engage in physical altercations such as hitting, kicking, shoving, pushing, or pulling hair. We will work together to create a fight free school where no fights or verbal put-downs will be tolerated.

WHAT IS A FIGHT FREE SCHOOL?

A school where the principal, staff, students, and parents set a goal to create a Fight Free Environment

A school where Fight-Free behavior is promoted, recognized and encouraged through daily praise, recognition, and role modeling

A school where Fight-Free behavior is discussed, taught, and practiced A school where students become aware of the alternative methods of dealing with anger

and conflict

DEFINITIONS

FIGHT: Two people are involved/infringing upon the rights of others by physically attacking another person


HERO: Person who chooses to remain Fight Free and not respond to a physical or verbal altercation.REPEAT OFFENDER: One who tries to interact with others in an inappropriate manner on a continuing basis. This might be manifested in a physical or verbal display of behavior.REWARDS: Can be administered to individuals or groups of students who choose to remain Fight-Free. The rewards can be school-wide, involve grade levels, single classrooms, or may even be administered on an individual basis. The awards may be given by any person or persons.

IMPLEMENTATION

Each class will create a flag representing their fight free pledge. This flag will be posted as a part of the school wide fight free flag when each class remains fight free. If a class member engages in a fight, their class flag will be removed from the school wide fight free flag a full class day.

Fight Free Celebrations

Fight free days will be celebrated. School-wide celebrations will occur after a determined period of days that a fight does not take place.

IX. Student Discipline

One of the most important lessons that education teaches is discipline. While discipline does not appear as a subject, it underlies the whole educational structure. Discipline is the training that develops self-control, character, orderliness, and efficiency. It is the key to good conduct and proper consideration for other people. Parents are urged to take time to discuss the importance of and need for good behavior and a good attitude while at school. Fighting, disrespect toward others, obscene language, or possession of instruments classified as weapons will not be tolerated. Students who break these rules continuously will be sent to the office and handled accordingly. If student persists in breaking school rules, his/her parents will be asked to work with the school staff in resolving his/her behavioral problems.

It is the responsibility of each student to operate as a responsible citizen. The Shelby County Schools (SCS) establish the policies governing student conduct. Students are expected to observe these policies as well as school rules, policies, and procedures. The administration and faculty enforce these policies as well as the observance of SCS Code of Conduct. The SCS Student Code of Conduct Handbook enables a student to learn about expectations for good behavior and the intervention and disciplinary actions that may be taken following misbehavior. The examples of offenses listed in the Student Code of Conduct Handbook are not the only acts that may result in disciplinary action. Any act that disrupts learning and threatens the order and safety of students and the school environment will be considered for disciplinary action.

Greater detail on SCS policies, rules and regulations that set standards for student behavior is available on the SCS web site (http://www.scsk12.org/uf/StudentServices/PDFs/Student-Parent-Handbook_13-14.pdf). The Student Code of Conduct applies to all Shelby County Schools students at all times whenever a student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities.


Getwell 7-Step Behavioral Response

1. Redirection2. Student Conference and Reflection3. Time-out (In and Out of Classroom)4. Communication to Parent/Guardian5. Referral to School Counselor6. Referral to Principal7. Administrative Review and Action Plan

Changing Classes/Restroom Breaks

Students will change classes as a group accompanied by their teacher. Student will exchange classes in a single file line always staying to the right side of the hallway. Students are expected to do this in a non-disruptive manner. Running, scuffling, playing, and talking will be not tolerated. Hallways are “ZERO ZONES” for talking.

Hall Passes

Students are NOT permitted in the hall during class periods unless they are accompanied by a teacher or have a hall pass in their possession.

Assemblies

Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and courteous manner during each program. Applause should be generous when appropriate. Whistling, stomping of feet, shouting out, booing and constantly talking will not be tolerated.

Field Trips

Students attending any field trip sponsored by the school must submit a signed parental permission slip before participating in the activity. Permission slips must be filed with the principal five (5) days before the field trip. Telephone calls for field trip permission will not be accepted.

Students presenting academic or behavioral issues may have field trip or extracurricular participation opportunities limited or curtailed unless the trip or activity is a required component of the classroom curriculum. Decisions to limit participation based upon behavioral concerns will be jointly made by parent/guardian, the teacher, and an administrator. Decisions to limit participation based upon academic issues will be made by the teacher and an administrator.

Personal Appearance of Students

As outlined in the School Discipline Plan, special celebrations days will be held in which students will not wear uniforms. Notice of the right to participate in a no uniform celebration will be given to parents in advance. Personal appearance or attire that is distracting in nature is detrimental to the school program and will not be tolerated. This would include shorts, halter-tops, tank tops


and bare midriffs. Shorts must measure no more than five inches above the knees. Ripped jeans and T-shirts with suggestive wording are not to be worn.

Rights of Parents and Students

The Shelby County Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, handicap/disability, or sex (including pregnant or parenting status) in its programs and activities. No student shall be denied equal access to, or participation in, any school sponsored class, activity, or honors program on the basis of the above.

Students and their parents/guardians who believe they have been discriminated against have the right to express concern. The following steps should be used in resolving issues:

1. Make an appointment with teacher (416 – 0267).2. Make an appointment to see the principal (416 – 0267).3. Make an appointment to see the Zone Parent Liaison (416 – 7386).

Suspensions for more than 10 days may be appealed (Policy #6026).

Celebrations

Golden Garbage Can

The Golden Garbage Can will be awarded on a weekly basis to the class who has the cleanest room for the week. Custodial workers will evaluate the classrooms.

Honors Programs

Principal’s List, Honor Roll, Citizenship, and Perfect Attendance awards will be issued to recognize students who have met required standards and criteria during the nine weeks grading periods. To receive an award for perfect attendance, students must not have excessive absences, tardies, or early dismissals.

Tier Celebrations

Students are invited to participate in celebrations when they make progress moving into a higher academic or behavioral group.

Student of the Month

Teachers select a student each month as Student of the Month. The students are spotlighted over the intercom and their pictures and profiles are displayed on the wall near their classroom. Students are also recognized during the Honors Program.

Caught Being Good

Students are individually praised and issued a “Caught you Being Good” ticket when they are caught utilizing good decision-making skills. Students are then invited to a celebration.


principal’s message - shelby county schools · web view2017 – 2018parent / student handbook...

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