George E. Washington Elementary

Supplemental Student Handbook 2013-2014

Home of the Eagles

“Going the Extra mile

Without making Excuses School ”

Dr. Maurice A. Brown, Principal Nicole S. Kendrick, Assistant Principal

G. E. Washington Elementary School

Administration

Dr. Maurice A. Brown, Principal

Nicole S. Kendrick, Assistant Principal

Guidance Department

Kwesi Franco, Counselor

Telephone Listings

Front Office ..................................................................... (706) 553-3951

Fax .................................................................................. (706) 553-2744

Mission

At George E. Washington Elementary, we are Going the Extra mile Without making Excuses by ensuring that All faculty

and staff members make a conscious effort to do whatever it takes to nurture and educate the “whole” child.

Vision

We commit ourselves to the achievement and success of all students without making excuses.

Beliefs

We believe that an effective and efficient school day begins with how we greet all of our students individually each morning when they enter the building. We believe that by establishing meaningful and trustworthy relationships with all of our students, we can and will bring out the very best in each child who attends G.E. Washington Elementary.

We believe, as professional educators, that if we do our very best without making excuses, all student academic performances and behaviors will exceed expectations. We believe, as professional educators, we must meet all students where they are and prepare them for where they are going in the future. We believe that with the help and support of parents, stakeholders, and the local community, we will make an incredible impact on the performance of all students.

Values

Motivate the students by making learning fun

Accept change by being flexible & supportive

while encouraging others to do so.

Be reflective educators that continue to learn

and grow professionally.

Encourage positive home and community

participation in the total learning process.

Provide multiple opportunities for the students

to learn.

Set high expectations & provide the means for

reaching them.

Provide a safe environment that fosters teaching.

Welcome to George E. Washington School-Home of the Eagles!

“Going the Extra mile Without making Excuses School”

“Making a Difference not Excuses!”

Principal‟s Message

Dear GEWES Family,

Welcome back George E. Washington Elementary! I am so blessed and excited to begin my 3rd year as

your principal and I am expecting even greater results this school year! First, I want to thank each and

every one of you for all of your hard work, support, and prayers! We have made great strides here at

George E. Washington and I ask that each and everyone continue to provide your great support!

I definitely would like to give a “SUPER” special thanks to all of our faculty and staff for all of the hard

work and dedication they have shown throughout the years. Each faculty and staff member always go

the extra mile each and every day to ensure effective and productive learning is conducted on a daily

basis.

Thank you to my wonderful and loving parents again for your support and for sending us the best

children Meriwether County has to offer. I ask that you please continue to support us this year as we

move forward and continue to grow as a school, a family and a community.

We are extremely excited about the return of our GREAT student body, both those returning to GEWES

and those new to the GEWES family. Students, you are the reason that we are all so dedicated and

committed to success.

My prayer is this year be the year to remember! Our expectations for this year are so great and we look

forward to providing your child with the best educational experience possible! We look forward to

sharing these great expectations with you and your child this school year! So let us all “get in the

trenches” and “dig in deep” and prepare for great accomplishments!

Remember as our motto states:

"Going the Extra Mile Without Making Excuses!”

Maurice A. Brown, Ph.D

Principal

2013-2014 George E. Washington Elementary SCHOOL CALENDAR

Calendar

August 2-7 Pre-planning August 6 Registration Day/Open House 8-6 PM August 8 1st Day of School August 22 BST Meeting August 22 1st School Dance (3-5 PM)-Cost $2 August 26 Believe Fundraiser Begins

August 30 Fall Pictures, Emergency & Sub Plans Due

September 2 Labor Day-NO SCHOOL September 9-16 Book Fair September 12 PTSO @ 6 PM September 13 Grandparents Luncheon September 17 Donut Fundraiser Starts September 19 School Dance (3-5PM)-Cost $2

September 27 Fall Festival Tickets Go On Sale October 4 Kick-off “Pink Fridays” (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) October 7 Aspire Fundraiser Begins October 10 Honor‟s Day-PTSO @ 6 PM October 11 1st Quarter Ends October 14 & 15 Fall Break Begins October 16 2nd Quarter Begins

October 17 Breast Cancer Luncheon October 17 School Dance (3-5 PM)-Cost $2 October 25 Fall Festival October 31 Book Character Parade in Cafeteria November 1 Canned-Food Drive Kick Off November 8 Real Men Read November 13 Progress Reports Go Home/PTSO November 14 Thanksgiving Luncheon

November 21 School Dance (3-5 PM)-Cost $2 November 25-29 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS December 12 PTSO/Honor‟s Day/Christmas Play @ 6 PM December 19 Faculty and Staff Holiday Celebration December 20 End 2nd 9 weeks & 1st Semester December 23-Jan.5 Christmas Holidays January 6 Return From Christmas 3rd 9 Weeks Begins / Begin 2nd Semester

January 10 Report Cards Go Home/ PTSO @ 6 PM

January 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday-NO SCHOOL January 23 School Dance (3-5 PM)-Cost $2 January 27- Feb.6 Coke-Cola Fundraiser January 30 Prince and Princess Ball February 13 Black History Program/PTSO @ 6 PM February 18 Presidents‟ Day Holiday-NO SCHOOL

March 4 School Council @ 5 PM March 7 Dr. Suess„s Day / Read Across America March 11-13 9 Weeks Exams March 13 End 3rd 9 Weeks March 13 Honor‟s Day/PTSO March 14 NO SCHOOL March 18 4th 9 Weeks Begin

March 20 School Dance (3-5 PM)-Cost $2 March 20 Report Cards March 21 George E. Washington Celebration

April 1-5 Spring Holidays

April 9-15 CRCT Testing

April 16-18 Make-up Testing

April 22-25 (MOCK) CRCT April 23 Progress Reports Go Home

April 23 Administrative Assistants‟ Day April 24 School Dance (3-5 PM)-Cost $2 May 1 Career Day May 2 School Nurses‟ Day Observed May 5-9 Teacher Appreciation Week May 8 Pre-K Cook-Out May 9 Field Day (9-11)

May 9, 12 & 13 9 Weeks Exams & Yearly Post-Assessments May 14 Award Day Ceremonies

K-2 (9 AM), 3- 4 (1 PM) 5th

(6 PM) May 15 Last Day of School May 16 & 19 Post-planning days

**Tentative dates subject to change

REPORTING PERIODS

Progress Reports Issued

1st nine weeks………………………………………………………………. September 6

2nd nine weeks………………………………………………......................... November 15 3

rd nine weeks………………………………………………………………….. February 7

4th nine weeks………………………………………………..…….……………….. April 25

End of Grading Periods

1st nine weeks…………………………………………………....…………….. October 11

2nd

nine weeks……………………………………………………………..... December 20 3

rd nine weeks……………………………………………..….………………….. March 14

4th nine weeks…………………………………………………….………............... May 10

Report Cards Issued for Washington Elementary Schools

1

st nine weeks .................................................................................. October 18

2nd

nine weeks ................................................................................. January 10 3

rd nine weeks ..................................................................................... March 21

4th nine weeks ........................................................................................ May 19

DAILY SCHEDULE

7:30-7:45 Breakfast 7:45-8:00 Morning Work, Attendance, Misc. 2:45 Dismissal

***No check-outs after 2:00PM ACCEPTABLE USE INTERNET POLICY The Meriwether County Board of Education has adopted an acceptable use policy governing the use of computers and

electronic media in our school system. This policy is included at the end of this handbook for your use. Each student and

faculty member must have an Acceptable Use Form on file in the library before he/she is allowed to access the internet at

school, for any reason. Please sign and return, whether you grant permission for your child to utilize the internet or

not.

BEHAVIOR PLAN The George E. Washington Elementary School faculty and staff strongly believe that in order for learning and achievement to

occur, there must be safety, order and discipline. In order to be proactive in creating this environment that is conducive to

learning, we have employed the following:

(Defining of behavioral expectations) George E. Washington Elementary School Student Code of Conduct. I, as a proud student of Washington Elementary School, will…

Be respectful of myself and everyone else

Be responsible for my own actions and behavior

Be cooperative and maintain a positive attitude

Even though I will try to adhere to this code at all times, I understand that it especially applies when I am:

On school ground and on the way to and from school

At any school activity, function or event

At or near the bus stops waiting for transportation to or from school

(Teaching/modeling of behavioral expectations) Because students need to not only hear the rules, but also see them, teachers will explain and model the Behavioral

Expectations to students, make sure they understand the high expectations that we hold for them, and answer any questions

concerning the plan and/or consequences related to the plan. Teachers will make sure that students understand that:

Being respectful means raising your hand when you want to speak or get help.

Being respectful means using a person’s name when you talk to him or her.

Being responsible means knowing and following classroom and school rules on a

daily basis.

Being responsible means to be on time.

Being cooperativel means to be prepared with assignments and materials.

Being cooperativel means to follow and respond appropriately to adult direction

Washington Elementary Eagles…

Safety

Organization

Attitude

R espect and Responsibility

…to ACHIEVE success!

Classroom Rules 1. Be respectful and courteous to everyone.

2. Follow directions.

3. Stay in your seat unless otherwise directed.

4. Raise your hand before talking. 5. Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself.

6. Respect staff members, students and school

property at all times.

Hallway Rules 1. Respect the learning environment.

2. Line up and walk on the right-hand side of the

hall.

3. Keep hands to your side. 4. Use inside voice.

Restroom Rules 1. Respect others‟ privacy.

2. Respect school property and keep it clean.

3. No horseplay or loud noise.

4. Wait your turn.

5. Report problems to adults.

Cafeteria Rules 1. Stay in your seat at all times.

2. Raise your hand if you need assistance. 3. Be polite and use good manners.

4. Talk quietly to your neighbor.

5. Make sure the area around you is clean when you

leave.

6. Leave all food in the cafeteria.

(Acknowledging appropriate behaviors) Grade levels/teachers will develop their own positive discipline plan as a part of their classroom management style.

However, the universal expectations of courtesy, respect, manners, transition procedures, and behaviors will be set school-

wide from the first day of school. After defining, teaching and modeling appropriate behaviors, we will regularly

acknowledge those students who exhibit these positive behaviors. We will do so through verbal acknowledgment and

encouragement from teachers, staff, and administrators.

(Correcting Inappropriate behaviors) Although we have a positive approach to behavior, students do occasionally violate our behavioral expectations. These

violations cause disruption to the instruction and education of all students, and will therefore; not be tolerated. These cases

will be dealt with at the classroom and/or administrative level according to the guidelines below.

*Classroom consequences for inappropriate behaviors: (not all inclusive)

Verbal warnings Referral to counselor Time out (with team or buddy teacher) Student conference Loss of privileges Time out (in SSR) Isolation w/activity during Brain Break Parent phone call Note in Agenda Afterschool detention Alternative Action Plan writing

*There are occasions when a student will be sent to directly to administration. These serious offenses may include, but are not limited to:

Stealing Extreme Disrespect Fighting

Inflicting bodily harm Inappropriate Language

Any form of Sexual Harassment

Inappropriate Touching Threatening Behavior Terroristic Threats Bullying Possession of a weapon Physical Aggression with Authority

Parents will be notified immediately concerning the matter, and may be asked to pick up their child. A mandatory conference with an administrator may be scheduled. These students may be suspended for a number of days depending on the severity of the offense and the number of times the student has been to the office, at the discretion of the administrator. A Meriwether County School Resource Officer (SRO) may be contacted

CEREMONIES

Honor programs and awards ceremonies will be held to recognize student achievement, citizenship, and attendance. In accordance with system policy, each student will be afforded the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Students participating in the recitation of the pledge will be expected to stand, face the flag, and recite the pledge in unison. Students not participating may (a) stand and refrain from reciting the pledge; or (b) remain seated.

POLICIES:

CELL PHONES Students are not permitted to have cell phones visible or to use them during the school day. If students have cell phones visible for any reason, they will be confiscated and returned ONLY to a parent, at the discretion of administration.

CELEBRATIONS/PARTIES Class celebrations are permitted each year for occasions/holidays as announced by administration. Birthday celebrations will be celebrated only during designated lunch times. Teachers are responsible for making parents aware that they have at least 30 minutes before a child’s lunch time to bring items in to eat and if that time frame is not adhered to then they would have to wait until the next school day to administer items. Cup cakes, cookies and juice drinks (Capri Suns, Kool-Aid Coolers etc.) and water will be the only treats allowed. No ice cream or individually wrapped candy will be allowed as this causes eating problems in the classrooms and more work for our custodians. No sodas and/or soft drinks of any kind will be allowed. No other food items will be allowed during this time of celebration. This includes but not limited to (pizza, wings, chips, dips etc). No toys of any kind or goodie bags will be allowed. All teachers should recognize their students’ birthdays; however, we do not give information regarding student’s addresses or telephone numbers to parents for private party invitations. If personal party invitations are given they must be given out to the whole class. Also, unless you are picking your child up that day, please be do not send flowers, balloons or any other items that can be broken, damaged, or destroyed. If you decide to send these items please be prepared to pick your child up from school because they will not be allowed to ride the bus with them. If these items are sent to school they will be kept in the front office until the end of the school day and the child will be allowed to pick them up upon departure to the car rider area.

COMMUNICATION Home/school relationships are a vital part of any educational program. Communication including written notes, agendas, telephone calls, and parent conferences is encouraged. Throughout the year; however, teachers are expected to make at least 5 telephone contacts to various parents per week. Teachers will vary the contacts so that all parents will eventually receive a phone call. Every child’s parent should receive at least one phone call before progress reports and another before report cards. (1 phone call every 4 ½ weeks; twice per 9 weeks) Each grade level will send home a weekly newsletter. If you do not receive the newsletter, please contact your child’s teacher. Additionally, you will receive a school-wide “Eagle Eye” Newsletter every grading period. To communicate your child’s academic and work habits progress toward meeting the standards, you will receive a Standards-Based Progress Report halfway through each 9-week grading period. At the end of each grading period, you will receive a Report Card. Both the Progress Report and Report Cards will be distributed during our evening PTSO/SOTM celebration to allow teachers and parents to discuss the reports. The dates are included above.

EARLY DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS

In order for a student to leave school prior to the regular dismissal time, he/she must be checked out by a parent/guardian in the office. If anyone other than a parent/guardian is to pick up a child, please bring a note giving the name and relationship of the person picking up the child and a working phone number for us to call and verify(if that person does not appear in our system as an authorized pick-up). We prefer the parent send the note to school with your child. The note should be given to the teacher at the beginning of the day and will be sent to the office for verification. Office personnel will request that students be dismissed from class at the time they are checked out.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES In the event of an emergency, that requires an evacuation, please do not call or come to the school. We have a Safety Team who will ensure the safety of your child. Although we truly understand your concerns, in times of crisis, we need as few distractions as possible in order for us to get our students to safety. Once student and staff

safety is secured, we will begin to notify parents of dismissal procedures and locations when necessary. Thank you so much for your understanding and support in this area.

FIELD TRIPS

We believe that curriculum related field trips enhance the instructional content and is critical to enhance the students’ exposure to the content and contribute to making our students well-rounded. Each team is expected to take at least two educational field trip, and parents will receive advance notice of the trip, the topic of study, and the cost of each trip. Field trips are to be planned for our students. Transportation for field trips shall be restricted to school vehicles or those belonging to a commercial carrier contracted by the district, or a private vehicle for which an approved certificate of insurance is on file. Proper supervision will be provided on all field trips. Parent chaperones are welcome, when requested and will also have responsibilities to our students and their safety. Therefore, parents will not be allowed to bring additional children/people who might distract them from those responsibilities. Permission slips are required to be completed in order for students to participate in field trips. Teachers will distribute them at least 2 weeks prior to the trip. Please sign and return them by the deadlines. Students nor teachers will be allowed to call home for permission to attend a field trip on the day of the trip.

HOMEWORK Homework will be used to strengthen student academic performance and provide students opportunities to practice skills taught during classroom instruction. It is our policy that students are given some practice skills to work on at home each night; Monday through Thursday. It is each child’s responsibility to write his/her homework in the Agenda provided. Also, please check the weekly newsletter for homework assignments.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT(attached)

VISITORS All visitors are required to report directly to the office. Visitors are asked to check-in and receive a visitor's badge from the automated check-in system, and must sign out in the same manner, prior to leaving the building. Persons desiring to observe classes must have prior approval from the principal or assistant principal. We like to ensure that each guest feels welcome!

ZERO TOLERANCE Meriwether County School System has a Zero Tolerance Policy for bullying, weapons, drugs, alcohol, and crime. (Please see agenda for written policy)

SERVICES:

FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM The Meriwether County Board of Education operates a food service program in compliance with state and federal guidelines. Students or faculty/staff members who do not wish to eat the school-provided meal may bring lunch from home. All students must eat their lunches in the cafeteria. The Director of School Food Services shall publish the cost of full-priced lunches annually. All students receive free lunch. However, students who do not wish to eat the school lunch should NOT be forced to take the lunch or beverage or to eat it. If a child chooses to get a lunch, any portions not eaten MUST be discarded by the student. Students bringing lunches are encouraged to bring nutritious foods. Soft drinks are not allowed for lunches or snacks. NO OUTSIDE COMPETITIVE FOODS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE CAFETERIA.

PARENT RESOURCE ROOM Parents are a huge contributor to student success and achievement. To assist our parents with various needs, we offer a variety of parent resources in our Parent Resource Room, located in our library. Please come by any day during regular school hours to access the internet, use the computer, read and pick up resources and activities. Stop by the front office to sign-in.

LOST AND FOUND If your child loses items at school, please first contact your child’s teacher. Next, contact the front office to schedule a time to come by and check our lost and found. Items that remain unclaimed for more than a month will be housed in the “old gym”, and accepted as donations.

WEBSITE Please take time to visit our website. We take pride in keeping our students, parents, sponsors, and community informed of our events and accomplishments. You will find resources to help enhance your child’s education, as well as view photos from our events throughout the year, access our handbooks, policies, etc. To access our site, go to the Meriwether Schools site, click on schools, and then George E. Washington Elementary. (www.mcssga.org)

“Our Healthy Eagles”

George E. Washington Elementary Wellness Plan

Rationale Although research reveals the facts, common sense also tells us there is a direct link between student

success and achievement and student health. At George E. Washington Elementary, we are willing to

work to cultivate the healthy minds, bodies, and hearts of our students; and we have developed “Our

Healthy Eagles” as our school-wide health and wellness plan for our staff, students, and community.

Healthy eating and activity are essential for students to achieve academically, physically, mentally, and

to enjoy a life of good health and well-being. “Our Healthy Eagles” promotes healthy weight and

eating habits, which may also reduce the risk for many chronic diseases, including childhood obesity,

Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. George E. Washington has a responsibility to help students,

staff, parents, and our community learn, establish, and maintain lifelong, healthy eating and activity

patterns. Well-planned and effectively implemented school nutrition and fitness programs have been

shown to enhance students' overall health, as well as their behavior and academic achievement in school.

Staff and parent wellness is an integral part of a “Our Healthy Eagles”, because we are daily role models

for healthy behaviors. We are committed to becoming better role models for our students.

Goal The George E. Washington Elementary School family will equip our students, staff, and parents with the

tools needed to make nutritious food choices and enjoyable physical activity choices for a lifetime. We

encourage and expect our staff members to model healthy eating habits and physical activity as a

valuable part of daily life. We will provide several activities and events throughout the year to promote

this endeavor. Students and parents will be given the opportunity to contribute to “Our Healthy Eagles”

health and wellness plan, as well as activities to implement during the school year.

Strategies

Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program(FFVP):

George E. Washington Elementary School is a grateful recipient of the Federal Fresh Fruit & Vegetable

Grant, which provides our students a fresh fruit or vegetable snack daily. We use the curriculum and

facts that accompany the snack to teach our students about the various fruits and vegetables and their

role in healthy eating habits. We will use our student production of WENN closed-circuit broadcast to

relay this information.

George E. Washington's Commitment to Physical Activity

George E. Washington Elementary School will:

-provide physical education for students Kindergarten through Grade 5, according to state guidelines.

-incorporate numerous school related activities that promote healthy eating habits and physical activity.

Commitment to Comprehensive Health Education George E. Washington Elementary School will:

-provide Kindergarten through Grade 5 health education, as defined by state guidelines.

Commitment to Marketing a Healthy School Environment George E. Washington Elementary School will:

-provide positive, motivating messages, both verbal and non-verbal, about healthy lifestyle practices

throughout the school setting. All school personnel will help reinforce these positive messages.

-involve students and parents in planning for a healthy school environment. Students will be asked for

input and feedback through the use of student surveys.

-promote healthy eating, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles to students, parents, teachers,

administrators, and the community at school events (e.g., school registration, parent-teacher

conferences, PTSO meetings, open houses, health fairs, teacher in-services, staff celebrations, and other

events).

-eliminate advertising and other materials on the school campus that promote foods of minimal nutrition

value.

-distribute newsletters that promote healthy lifestyles and provide tips and resources. Eliminate the sale

of high sugar, low nutrition snacks during school day.

George E. Washington Elementary School Parent Involvement Policy

Mission: George E. Washington Elementary School recognizes the important contributions parents make to the education of their children. Our school is committed to offering parents appropriate opportunities to participate in the educational process

with their children. We encourage and reward parental involvement, and have established an expectation of parental

involvement for our parents.

Policy Development: This policy is developed and reviewed at open meetings of the Parent Involvement Committee, which

consists of the PTSO Executive Board and the School Council.

Notification: This policy is published annually in the George E. Washington Elementary School‟s Staff and Student/Parent

Handbooks that parents, students and staff members receive at the beginning of each school year. This policy is also

published on our school‟s website.

Parent Involvement Goals:

1. Host an annual Title I Open House for parents, within the first three weeks of the start of the school year, to review the curriculum and instructional programs offered at each grade level.

2. Invite parents to attend grade-level events conducted by the PTSO throughout the school year.

3. Provide each parent a summary document of the Georgia Performance Standards for their child‟s grade level.

4. Send home a copy of the standards for each grading period.

5. Provide parents with a copy of a progress report eight (8) times a year with conferences offered every 4 ½ weeks.

6. Notify and invite parents to attend policy development meetings in which Title I policy issues, including

parent involvement, will be discussed. Meetings will be offered at various times to make them

convenient for parents to attend. 7. Host a “Family Day @ George E”

8. Conduct a parent survey, at least once per year to identify areas of concern and opportunity and present

findings at a regular PTSO meeting. 9. Provide parents information about the state testing program, at least twice during the school year.

10. Provide parents access to student online assessments and study guides to provide support and practice in

skills needed for the state testing program. 11. Solicit parent volunteers at the beginning of the school year to offer parents the opportunity to volunteer

in their areas of expertise.

12. Provide parents a quarterly newsletter that includes ideas for helping their children at home. The

newsletter will also be posted on the school‟s website. 13. Maintain an open door policy that allows parents to observe in their child‟s classroom without prior

notice.

14. Inform parents that they may request parent-teacher conferences (in person or by phone, note, agenda note) any time.

15. Distribute classroom-based newsletters with homework assignments to parents, weekly.

16. Notify parents if their child‟s teacher is not a “highly qualified” (HQ) teacher as defined by the Professional Standards Commission.

17. Notify parents that they may request the qualifications of the teacher(s) and/or paraprofessional(s) serving

their children.

18. Distribute Parent-School Compact (see copy attached) to all parents once per year. 19. Collaborate with local preschool providers and host an annual Spring Kindergarten Transition Orientation

and activities that highlight parent involvement opportunities.

George E. Washington Elementary School Title I Parent Involvement Plan

Parent involvement is a key element in the academic success of students. The purpose of the Parent Involvement

Policy is two-fold. The first is to establish the Title I guidelines. The second is to outline programs for enhancing

parent involvement. The Title I Parent Involvement Policy was developed by the parents, Parent Involvement

Committee (PTSO Executive board, the School Council, and administrators ), at George E. Washington Elementary School. The policy is reviewed by the Parent Involvement Committee yearly and revised, as needed.

In order to foster a positive relationship between parents and our school, we conduct

informational meetings throughout the school year, such as:

Title I Open House

Eagle Takeoff Parent Orientation Night (to review procedures and curriculum)

Parent-Teacher Conferences -Fall and Spring/Report Cards and 4 ½ week progress report conferences, others as

needed)

TYLER Parent Information System access Family Math/Science Night

Family Reading Night

Family Curriculum Night Parent Resource Room

Faculty, students, parents volleyball games

Canned Food Drives for less fortunate families

Family Day @ George E

Parent Appreciation Social Expo Night

Fine Arts Show

During Grade Level Parent Orientation Night, teachers will explain the following:

Curriculum (Georgia Performance Standards)

Assessments (Formative & Summative, and CRCT)

Universal Screeners

Expected proficiency levels

List of grade level state standards for each subject

Discipline policy and behavior management program

Homework expectations, supplies

Field trips

School, grade level, and classroom procedures

Enhancing communication between school and home is an important goal of the Title I program. In order to inform parents of school events, the school provides:

Eagle Eye Newsletter; school website and teacher webpages; local television,

radio, and newspaper announcements; notices posted on the “411” News Board outside the office entrance; notices posted on the School Council Message Board

on the front lawn; weekly classroom newsletters; Eagle Agendas, notes, telephone calls, and/or e-mails from

teachers. When necessary and possible, information is provided in English and in Spanish. In addition, parent-

teacher conferences are conducted throughout the school year (one required in the Fall and one required in the Spring, and additional conferences every 4 ½ weeks, and as needed).

Various accountability measures are in place to ensure the needs of students are addressed.

The Parent-School Compact outlines the responsibilities of parents,

students, and the school. The Georgia Educators and Meriwether County Code of Conduct and Discipline Procedures make parents and students aware of acceptable behaviors and

the consequences of violating these expectations. Regular progress reports and

report cards provide information to help parents monitor their children‟s academic

progress. Information about academic progress may also be accessed through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Parents are encouraged to meet with teachers to

address specific concerns and areas of need.

Materials, activities, and training for teachers will be provided through:

Professional development workshops on best practices in Standards-Based Instruction

Weekly grade level cluster collaboration meetings

Monthly subject area team collaboration meetings

Teacher library in Media Center

Volunteer for special projects

Opportunities to mentor a child

Individual or small group professional learning

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

PTO School Council Executive meetings

School Council meetings

PTO Business meetings

Fundraisers

Grandparents‟ Day

Field trips

The George E. Washington Elementary School Title I Parent Involvement Policy will be updated annually and

made available for review by parents, faculty, and staff. A Parent/Student Handbook will also be provided for parents and students. A needs assessment will be conducted each year via parent/student survey to determine

which areas need to be addressed.

George E. Washington Elementary School

School-Parent-Student Compact

2013-2014

A compact is a voluntary agreement between groups. The agreement explains the responsibilities of the groups. The overall goal is to improve student achievement and increase parental involvement. Please read, discuss with your child, sign and return to school with your child on the next school day. George E. Washington Elementary School will: Send home graded papers on Monday or Tuesday of each week. Send home a grade level Newsletter that contains homework, weekly. Enforce school and classroom expectations fairly and consistently. Provide an environment conducive to learning. Come to class prepared to teach each day. Maintain open lines of communication with student and family(at least two phone contacts per 9 weeks). Show that I care about all students. Provide an environment that allows for positive communication between the teachers, parents, and

students. Seek ways to involve parents/family members in the school program.

As a parent, I ____________________________________________________ will: Provide the school with updated working phone numbers and current addresses to be used in case of

emergency. Check my child’s planner daily, and sign at least once per week and as requested. Check my child’s book bag on a daily basis to see of the school has sent information. See that homework is completed daily. Have high expectations of my child. Communicate and work with teachers and school staff. Make sure that my child to attends school and be on time, daily. Read or have someone read to my child at least 30 minutes each night. Help my child meet his/her responsibilities in this compact. Attend scheduled parent-teacher conferences and other school events such as PTSO. Hold my child accountable to follow school and classroom expectations as well as bus rules.

As a student, I_____________________________________________________ will: Give my family all information sent home from the school. Complete class work each day and return completed homework assignments. Respect and cooperate with other students and adults. Follow the school and classroom expectations. Follow the bus rules. Help keep the school safe and clean. Read to someone or have someone read to me for at least 30 minutes each night. Keep up with planner and make sure parents see it daily. Respect school property.

George E. Washington Elementary School Going the Extra mile Without making Excuses School”

Parent and Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form

Corporal Punishment Acknowledgement Form

August 8, 2013

Dear Parents and Students:

Welcome to a new and exciting year at the George E. Washington Elementary School. We are happy and proud to provide at

NO COST to you a beautiful agenda to help your child stay organized and to provide constant communication and feedback

to you. In the front of the agenda is the 2013-2014 Student Handbook and attached is a Supplemental Handbook, which both

contain the expectations, rules and procedures of Washington Elementary School. Please read and discuss the handbook with

your child, sign this acknowledgement form, and return it to your child‟s teacher by August 16.

This handbook/agenda is a requirement for every class, and will be vital to your child‟s success. Every child must have one

ALL year long. If your child loses his/her agenda you must pay $5 to purchase another.

Student Name (print):____________________________________

Student Signature: X_______________________________

Parent Signature: X____________________________________

Corporal Punishment Statement

I understand that Meriwether County uses corporal punishment as an intervention for discipline. At Washington Elementary

School, corporal punishment will not be administered in place of ISS, OSS, or M.I.S.T interventions. If you DO wish for

administration to administer corporal punishment to your child you MUST write a letter of request and consent

and send it to school to be kept on file in the office. We will not accept request or permission over the phone to administer

corporal punishment.

Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to having a “SUPER FANTASTIC” year!!!

Administration