2016-2017  

Kindergarten Handbook

 

CLASS of 2029

Sullivan County Class of 2029  Dear  Families,    Welcome!  We  are  very  proud  of  our  school  district  and  look  forward  to  starting  this  educational  journey  with  you.    We  are  excited  that  our  partnership  will  set  your  child  on  the  course  to  lifelong  success  as  learners  and  citizens.    Sullivan  County  Schools  take  great  pride  in  caring  for  the  whole  child.  We  believe  that  all  children  are  capable  of  tremendous  growth  and  deserve  to  be  set  on  a  path  toward  a  bright  future.        Please  take  a  moment  to  review  the  information  contained  in  this  handbook.      You  will  find  the  following:  

• Required  documents  and  immunizations  • School  health  policies  • A  list  of  schools,  principals,  and  phone  numbers  • 2016-‐2017  Sullivan  County  Master  Calendar  • Simple  Strategies  for  Creating  Strong  Readers  

 Our  goal  is  to  make  this  first  educational  step  a  positive  experience  for  your  child  by  working  together.    Your  encouragement  and  assistance  at  home  is  critical  to  this  endeavor.    Your  child  is  about  to  embark  on  a  most  exciting  adventure.  We  are  so  glad  you  chose  us!    With  best  regards,  

 Evelyn  Rafalowski  Director  of  Schools    

 

Required Documents and Immunizations

 The  State  of  Tennessee  and  Sullivan  County  Schools  require  the  following  documents  for  all  children  entering  kindergarten:    

• Birth  certificate  with  the  state  seal  (official  copy)  • Immunizations  and  up-‐to-‐date  physical  recorded  on  official  Tennessee  form    • Child’s  social  security  number  (card)  • Proof  of  residence  

 Your  child  must  be  five  years  of  age  on  or  before  August  15,  2016.    Note:    The  official  Tennessee  form  that  documents  a  child’s  immunizations  and  physical  is  obtained  and  signed  by  the  child’s  physician  or  health  care  provider.    A  child  cannot  remain  at  school  if  immunizations  are  not  up  to  date.        The  following  immunizations  are  required:    

• Diphtheria-‐Tetanus-‐Pertussis  (DTaP,  or  DT  if  appropriate)  • Hepatitis  B  (HBV)  • Measles,  Mumps,  Rubella  (2  doses  of  each,  usually  given  together  as  MMR)  • Poliomyelitis  (IPV  or  OPV)  –  final  dose  on  or  after  the  4th  birthday  now  required  • Varicella  (2  doses  or  history  of  disease):  Previously  only  one  dose  was  required  

(July  1,  2010)  • Hepatitis  A  –  total  of  two  doses,  spaced  at  least  six  months  apart  (July  1,  2011)  

                         

 

School Health Policies  Healthy  children  learn  better!    This  is  our  basic  idea  behind  a  coordinated  approach  to  school  health.  Keep  in  mind  the  following:    *All  kindergarten  students  will  have  a  vision  and  hearing  screening  at  the  beginning  of  the  school  year.  *Screenings  occur  during  the  school  year  regarding  weight,  blood  pressure,  and  body  mass  for  kindergarten  students.  *Medicine  Policy  requires  written  authorization  by  the  parent  or  guardian  on  appropriate  SCDE  form  and  will  be  administered  by  a  designated  adult  in  each  school.    For  more  information,  contact  School  Health  Services  at  354-‐1000.    

What  about  your  child’s  nutrition?  The  Sullivan  County  Child  Nutrition  Program  serves  all  students.    Menus  are  available  online  at  www.sullivank12.net  or  at  individual  schools.    Accounts  are  set  up  for  each  child,  and  deposits  may  be  made  online  or  at  individual  schools.    Breakfast  and  lunch  are  available  to  qualifying  students  at  free  or  reduced  costs.    Applications  may  be  picked  up  at  your  child’s  school  or  downloaded  online.  For  more  information,  contact  Lisa  Holt,  School  Nutrition  Coordinator,  at  354-‐1015.    

Need  more  information  about  attendance?  Attendance  is  required  for  kindergarten  students.    For  an  excused  absence,  a  parent  or  physician  note  is  required.    Excessive  absences,  tardies,  or  early  dismissals  are  referred  to  Student  Services  at  354-‐1000.    

Need  information  about  Special  Education  services?  If  you  feel  your  child  might  need  special  education  services,  please  contact  our  Special  Education  Department  at  354-‐1000.        

           

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS      Blountville  Elementary   Bluff  City  Elementary     Central  Heights  Elementary  PreK-‐5         PreK-‐5       PreK-‐5  Dr.  Becky  Olinger         Cathy  Nester       Jeff  Hickam  Principal       Principal       Principal  (423)  354-‐1650     (423)  354-‐1825     (423)  354-‐1575        Emmett  Elementary     Holston  Elementary     Indian  Springs  Elementary  PreK-‐5         PreK-‐5         K-‐5  Deborah  Stevenson     Dr.  Lesley  Fleenor     Mitch  Cox  Principal       Principal       Principal  (423)  354-‐1865     (423)  354-‐1550     (423)  354-‐1685        Mary  Hughes  Elementary   Miller  Perry  Elementary   Rock  Springs  Elementary  K-‐8         K-‐5         PreK-‐5  Alesia  Dinsmore     Dr.  Angela  Baker     Dr.  Joshua  Davis  Principal       Principal       Principal  (423)  354-‐1835     (423)  354-‐1760     (423)  354-‐1380        Ketron  Elementary     Sullivan  Gardens     Weaver  Elementary  PreK-‐5         K-‐8         K-‐5  Wendell  Smith       Dr.  Darrell  Moore     Randy  Gentry  Principal       Principal       Principal  (423)  354-‐1710     (423)  354-‐1770     (423)  354-‐1853      

                 

Dr.  Robin  McClellan  Supervisor  of  Elementary  Education  

(423)  354-‐1000    

Sullivan County Lunch Fees    Cost  of  Lunch               $2.25  per  day–  Elementary    Cost  of  Reduced  Lunch           .40  per  day    Cost  of  Breakfast             $1.75  per  day–Elementary    Cost  of  Reduced  Breakfast           .30  per  day    Extra  Milk               .60  each        The above listed prices are for 2015-2016 and may be adjusted up slightly for 2016-2017. All students at the following schools receive free breakfast and lunch: Blountville Elementary Central Heights Elementary Emmett Elementary Ketron Elementary Weaver Elementary

Field  Trips  –  You  will  be  notified  as  to  the  cost  before  each  trip.    School  insurance  will  be  available.    You  will  be  notified  of  the  options  and  cost.      

   

SULLIVAN  COUNTY  MASTER  CALENDAR          

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs, Educational Partnerships and Family Involvement Unit, Reading Tips for Parents, Washington, D.C., 2003.