Student Handbook
August 2011
Dear Parents and Students,
Thank you so much for the encouragement you have given me and the confidence you have placed in me during the past three years. I consider working as your principal a pleasure and privilege. Every day is an adventure, and I continue to consider myself a “work in progress.”
We are very fortunate to have the wonderful staff and teachers that are committed to doing their best everyday to ensure that your children receive the best education possible in a safe and caring environment.
Throughout the new school year, we will continue to get to know each other better. You can be certain that I have foremost in my mind the welfare of each and every student here at Doyle Elementary School. In addition to that, I fully understand how difficult it is to be a dedicated teacher. Twenty three years in the classroom taught me that.
Besides that I shall never forget the joy parents feel as their young ones achieve, mature, and succeed. Nor will I forget the pain of their stumbles and falls along the way.
So again this school year, I offer you and our students my years as a teacher in the classroom, more years as a parent, and a willingness to do what we can together to ensure that your child has every opportunity to take advantage of the possibilities that lie ahead in elementary school.
We have several changes this year with our faculty and staff, and we are certain that our school will continue to be the friendly inviting place that always has our student’s best interest at heart.
Please take this handbook and read it carefully so that you will be familiar with the school’s policies and procedures. This information will be of great value to you and will help us keep our school operating at its best. The faculty, staff, and I want our students to have a quality education. We ask your cooperation in working toward our goal of excellence.
Sincerely,
Brenda Knox,
Principal
Doyle Elementary School
School Year 2010-2011
174 W. Gooseneck Road
Doyle, TN 38559
931-657-2287
White County Schools
Mrs. Sandra Crouch, Director of Schools
Schedule of Doyle School Day
Morning
7:00 Students admitted to Gym
7:15 Breakfast Begins
7:45 Pre-K Students arrive
7:45 Students dismissed to classrooms
8:00 Classes Begin, Pre-K breakfast
Afternoon
2:30 Pre-K Picked up
3:00 School Dismissed
Love of teaching is second only
To the love of learning.
-anonymous
Doyle Elementary School Faculty
2011-2012
Ø
Faculty
Ø Sabrina Miller Pre-Kindergarten
Ø Ruth Broyles Kindergarten
Ø Lauren Phifer Kindergarten
Ø Stephanie Isbill 1st Grade
Ø Lindsey Porter 1st Grade
Ø Betty Johnson 2nd Grade
Ø Cindi Vickers 2nd Grade
Ø Pat Blevins 3rdGrade
Ø Martha Casey 3rd Grade
Ø Myra Conley 3rd Grade
Ø Donna Clark 4th Grade
Ø Andrea Neill 4th Grade
Ø Kim Savage 5th Grade
Ø Andrea Simpson 5th Grade
Ø Shelia Lynn Resource
Ø Amanda Flatt Title 1 Teacher
Ø Janice Heikkenen Art
Lisa Wilson Guidance
Ø Teri Wall Librarian
Ø Jessica Mitchell P. E.
Ø Joy Moore Speech
Ø Brad Norris Music
2011-2012
· Secretary
o Tracy Bray
· Educational Assistants
o Barbara Anderson
o Mindi Barlow
o Terrie Dukes
o Lori Howard
o Michelle Kirby
· Custodians
o Leesia Baker
o Kerry Young
· Cafeteria Manager
o Rhonda Simmons
· Cafeteria Personnel
o Sonya Dukes
o Dina Roberts
o Lois Gentry
White County School's 2011-2012 Calendar
August 6 Back to School Celebration 8-10 A.M. Ag Complex
August 11 Student Registration 8:00 – 9:30 A.M.
August 15 First Full Day of School
August 18 County Wide Open House 3:15 – 6:15 PM
September 5 Labor Day (Schools Closed)
September 30 K – 12 Report Cards
October 11 WCHS Parent/Teacher Conference 3:15 – 6:15 P.M.
October 14, 17 Fall Break
October 20 WCMS Parent/Teacher Conference 3:15 – 6:15 P.M.
November 15 K – 12 Report Cards
November 21 PreK -5th Parent/Teacher Conference 3:15 – 6:15 P.M.
November 23, 24, 25 Thanksgiving Holidays (Schools Closed)
December 6-8 End of Course Exams - WCHS
December 16 Semester Test Day
Christmas parties in elementary classrooms 2:00 P.M.
January 3 Schools Re-open
January 6 K – 12 Report Cards
January 16 Martin Luther King Day (Schools Closed)
February 1 Writing Assessment – Grades 5, 8, & 11
February 20 President’s Day (Schools Closed)
February 28 K – 12 Report Cards
March 6 PreK -5th Parent/Teacher Conference 3:15 – 6:15 P.M.
March 9, 12 Spring Break (Schools Closed)
March 15 WCHS Parent/Teacher Conference 3:15 – 6:15 P.M.
March 20 State ACT Exam - WCHS
March 22 WCMS Parent/Teacher Conference 3:15 – 6:15 P.M.
April 5 Dismiss at 9:30 A.M. Easter Break
April 6, 9 Easter Break (Schools Closed)
April 17 K – 12 Report Cards
April 26, 27, 30, May 1 TCAP Testing (Grades 3 – 8)
May 1 – 3 End of Course Exams - WCHS
May 22 Last Day of School (Dismiss at 9:30 AM)
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
We believe...
· That as teachers we use researched-based strategies and assessment data to drive instruction.
· That each child has the ability to learn and develop into contributing members of their communities.
· Each child must have encouragement from both parents and teachers.
· That each student must be provided a safe and secure environment in which they can learn.
· That each student should have respect for all people to better enable him or her to become a useful member of society.
· That there must be a positive learning environment in which students can develop a positive self-concept.
· That each student must accept responsibility for completing all assignments and behaving in an appropriate manner.
· That there must be a positive working relationship between parents and the school in order for each child to achieve the above mentioned beliefs.
GOALS and OBJECTIVES
Each of the following goals must relate to the individual student’s natural abilities, acquired proficiencies, needs, and interests.
I. GOAL: To become competent in basic skills.
OBJECTIVES: Students should:
1. Acquire effective skills in thinking, communication, and computation.
2. Acquire skills in problem solving in the decision making process.
II. GOAL: To develop a positive self-image and gain self-confidence.
OBJECTIVES: Students should:
1. Experience success.
2. Learn to deal with failure.
3. Understand the need for balanced nutrition, personal hygiene and physical exercise.
4. Develop an appreciation for the arts and explore their own potential for creativity.
III. GOAL: To demonstrate adequate self-control, good citizenship, and
sense of responsibility.
OBJECTIVES: Students should:
1. Understand the need for order, discipline, and accept responsibility for
their own behavior.
2. Acquire positive personal values.
3. Respect and care for personal, public, and school property.
IV. GOAL: To accept and appreciate differences among people and be able
to adapt to change.
OBJECTIVES: Students should:
1. Acquire knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the heritage,
customs, and geography of their nation and world.
2. Understand and value cultural and individual similarities and differences
in people.
3. Be able to hear varied opinions (those with which they may not agree) and maintain politeness to others.
School System
Parent
Information
Brochure
Mrs. Sandra Crouch, Director of Schools
Phone (931) 836-2229
The White County School System is committed to providing the best education possible for each student. We realize that parents play a vital role in the accomplishment of this mission, so we encourage their involvement and strive to keep them informed of their rights.
· White County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, religion, or handicap in the provision of educational opportunities, activities, or other administered programs.
· A parental involvement policy and parent-teacher-student compact will be distributed to parents by each Title I school. A copy of each document may also be obtained by contacting the school office. In schools eligible for Title I funds, a written parental involvement policy will be developed jointly with and distributed to parents of children participating in Title I programs. Each Title I school will also hold at least one annual meeting for parents to inform them of the school’s participation in programs funded under the No Child Left Behind Act. All elementary schools in
· Parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of classroom teachers who instruct their children. If students are provided services by paraprofessionals, parents may also request information regarding the qualifications of paraprofessionals. Teacher certifications can be found by accessing the Tennessee Department of Education Teacher Licensing Web site (www.state.tn.us/education/lic.home.htm) or by contacting the school principal or the school system’s federal projects director.
· Parent must receive notification if their child has been assigned or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.
- Parents of a student identified as having limited English proficiency (ELL-English Language Learner) must be notified in a timely manner of the child’s participation in the ELL program, details of the program, right to waive participation, and specific information on the child’s level of English proficiency.
- Parents will be notified of their child’s eligibility for service in migrant, homeless, or Limited English Proficiency programs.
- Parents must be informed of an involved in violence and drug prevention efforts including program content and activities. Parents may request in writing their child’s exemption from participation in such activities.
- Parents will be notified regarding their rights before any third-party surveys are distributed to students.
- Schools in which at least 40% of the children are from low-income families have school-wide program authority under which schools may consolidate funds from federal, state, and local sources to upgrade the entire educational program of the school.
- Parents of secondary school students have a right to request that their child’s name, address, and telephone number not be released to a military recruiter without their prior written consent. Requests should be addressed to the Federal Projects Director at address shown on brochure.
- Federal law affords parents and students less than 18 years of age certain rights with respect to educational records. School Board Policy relating to student privacy and parental access to information is available in the School Board Policy Manual located at each school and at the central office. Notification of Rights and Release of Directory Information under FERPA 9Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) will also be conducted through local media announcements.
- Parents will have access to system and school report cards as developed by the State Department of Education (usually available in late fall of each year) through the web site (www.state.tn.us/education) or at the school and/or system office. Results will also be publicized through local media.
- Parents must receive information on the achievement level of their child on each of the state academic assessments as soon as is practicably possible after the test is taken. The child’s school will distribute assessment results.
- Parents have access to district and school information and reports through the media (local newspaper and radio), the System/School Report Cards available on the State Department of Education website (www.state.tn.us), or at the school or system’s administrative offices.
- Parents may visit the State Department of Education web site (www.state.tn.us) or visit the school to access a description of the Tennessee Curriculum Standards, assessment information, and proficiency levels students are expected to meet.
- Parents must be notified if their child is enrolled in a school identified for improvement, corrective action, or restructuring. Currently no school in
White County
- If a school fails to make adequate yearly progress, parents will be informed regarding the availability of school choice options and supplemental education services.
- Under the Tennessee State Board of Education’s Unsafe School Choice Policy, any public school student who is the victim of a violent crime as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 40-38-111 (g), or the attempt to commit one of these offenses as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 30-12-101, shall be provided an opportunity to transfer to another grade-level appropriate school within the district.
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to-
- Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U. S. Department of Education (ED)
1. Political affiliation or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
- Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of-
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
- Inspect, upon request and before administration or use-
1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.
White County School System has developed and adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. White County School System will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement:
- Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution.
- Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
- Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.
Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that White County School System, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, White County School System may disclose appropriately designated “directory information: without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the White County School System to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include:
- A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
- The annual yearbook;
- Honor roll or other recognition lists;
- Graduation programs, and
- Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local education agencies (LEA's) receiving assistance un the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories-name, addresses and telephone listings- unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.[1]
If you do not want White County School System to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by September 15, 2011. White County School System has designated the following information as directory information.
-Student’s name -Dates of attendance
-Address -Grade level
-Telephone listing -Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
-Electronic mail address -Weight and height of members of athletic teams
-Photograph -Degrees, honors, and awards received
-Date and place of birth -The most recent educational agency or institution attended
-Major field of study
Notification of Rights under FERPA
For
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students’) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
- The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the School principal (or appropriate school official), clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent of eligible student of the decision and advise them or their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorized disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board, a person or company with whom the School h as contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, o therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the
School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U. S. Department of Education
White
Family Involvement Policy
The White County Board of Education is committed to providing a quality education for every child in the district and endorses the concept that families and school personnel must work together to improve the quality of education for all students. When schools and families form strong partnerships, all children’s potential for academic success improves significantly. Research has shown that when families and community stakeholders support education, the following student results are evident: improved attendance, increased motivation and better self-esteem, higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates; decreased usage of drugs and alcohol, fewer instances of violent behavior, and fewer suspensions from school. The White County School System will follow all requirements of the Title I regulations including involvement of parents in all aspects (planning, implementation, and evaluation) of the district’s family engagement program. The LEA will exert effort to identify the desires of families and will act responsibly when considering those desires.
Through surveys, meetings, and/or personal consultation, this plan has been developed with and agreed upon by families of participating students. This plan will be reviewed annually and updated as needed and will be distributed to families by schools each school year through handbooks, annual meetings, etc. If the LEA plan is not satisfactory to the parents of participating students, the school district will submit any parent comments with the plan when the school district submits the plan to the State Department of Education. Each school has its own family involvement plan that also will be reviewed annually and will be distributed to families at the beginning of the school year.
The LEA will provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist schools in planning and implementing effective family involvement programs and in building schools’ and families’ capacity for strong family involvement. Support may include funding, materials and other resources, staff development, and family training.
The LEA will assist in coordinating and integrating family involvement with other programs including Head Start, Even Start, Pre-Kindergarten, Adult Basic Education, and Homeless Education. The types of coordination provided include provision of information to families about each program and information to each agency pertaining to family involvement programs/activities. Space for meetings and computer labs for training will also be provided.
Through family meetings and/or surveys, the LEA will conduct an annual evaluation of the family involvement program to (1) determine the effectiveness of the program in increasing the participation of families, (2) identify barriers to greater participation by families in such involvement activities, and (3) design strategies for school improvement and revision of family involvement plans if necessary.
Not less than 1% of the LEA’s Title I allocation shall be reserved to carry out family involvement activities. Through surveys, questionnaires, and/or meetings, families of participating students will be involved in the decisions regarding the allocation of these funds.
Doyle Elementary School
Parent Involvement Policy
The intent and purpose of the Parent Involvement Policy is to create a positive working relationship between parents and the school in order for each child to achieve to his/her full potential. To the extent possible, we will provide full opportunities for participation of parents with limited English proficiency or parents with disabilities. The school will convene an annual meeting, and will offer a flexible number of meetings that involve parents in the review and improvements of Title I programs. An introduction and explanation of the Title I program will be presented at the annual meeting and also included as a part of an annual Title I Parent Survey.
The policy is developed through the Parent Involvement Committee, consisting of faculty, parents, and staff of Doyle Elementary School. The committee will be involved in the decisions regarding the allocations of funds allotted for parental involvement, with the purpose of targeting areas to help educate parents in ways to work with educators to improve the performance of their children.
Educators at Doyle Elementary School assume the responsibility to use researched-based strategies and assessment data to drive instruction. The school will provide to the parents the results of the annual school report card. Individual student academic assessment results will be provided, as well as proficiency levels that students are expected to meet.
The Parent-Student-Teacher Compact is designed to encourage parents to be responsible for supporting children's learning by encouraging regular attendance, making sure homework is completed, monitoring television/movie viewing, and having an ongoing communication with the teacher and school.
This plan will be reviewed and updated annually and will be distributed to families at the beginning of each school year.
School Security Act
Under state law, personal searches may be conducted if the principal has a reasonable suspicion that a student has in his/her possession a prohibited item or substance.
The search shall be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in the light of the age and sex of the student as well as the nature of the infraction alleged to have been committed.
The search law now applies to visitors to the campus as well as to students, but not to teachers; and it authorizes searches of vehicles and containers or packages brought onto school grounds. Students and visitors may be subjected to search by metal detectors. Trained dogs may be used to search places and things but not people.
Zero Tolerance
In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment free of drugs, drug paraphernalia, violence and dangerous weapons, any student who engages in the following behaviors will be subject to suspension for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The superintendent shall have the authority to modify this suspension requirement on a case-by-case basis. Zero tolerance acts are as follows:
1) Students who bring or possess drugs, drug paraphernalia or a dangerous weapon on a school bus, onto school property or to any school event or activity.
2) Any student who while on a school bus, on school property or while attending any school event or activity: is under the influence of a drug; or possesses a drug, drug paraphernalia or dangerous weapon; or assaults or threatens to assault a teacher, student or other person.
Transfer Option for Students Victimized By Violent Crime at School
Under the Tennessee State Board of Education’s Unsafe School Choice Policy, any public school student who is the victim of a violent crime as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 40-38-111 (g), or the attempt to commit one of these offenses as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 30-12-101, shall be provided an opportunity to transfer to another grade-level appropriate school within the district.
Additional information regarding this option may be obtained by contacting Cindy Langford at (931) 836-2229.
Anti-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the White County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability in its educational programs or employment policies as required by Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX (1972 Educational Amendments), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Inquiries or complaints regarding compliance with Title VI, Title IX, or the Americans with Disability Act should be directed to:
Title VI and Title IX Coordinator for
White County School System
Kemberly Marcum
And/or
Lesley D. Farmer, ESQ, Director
Office of Civil Rights
Tennessee Department of Education
And/or
The Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
PO Box 204B, 04-3010
Atlanta, GA 30301-2048
Inquiries or complaints regarding Section 504 should be directed to:
Section 504 Coordinator for White County School System
David Copeland
And/or
Tiffany Baker Cox, ESQ, Director
Office of Civil Rights
Tennessee Department of Education
And/or
The Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
PO Box 204B, 04-3010
Atlanta, GA 30301-2048
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Tennessee Chapter of Children's Advocacy Centers, 1266 Foster Ave., Nashville, TN 37210
Upper Cumberland Children's Advocacy Center, 30 East 1st St., Cookeville, TN
38501-2504
Child advocacy Center for 31st District, 1350 Sparta St., McMinnville, TN
38501-1728
White County Board of Education/Testing Programs
H-32/Issued Date 12-9-10
The Board shall provide for a system-wide testing program which shall be periodically reviewed and evaluated. The purposes of the program shall be to:
1. Assist in promoting accountability;
2. Determine the progress of students;
3. Assess the effectiveness of the instructional program and student learning;
4. Aid in counseling and guiding students in planning future education and other endeavors;
5. Analyze the improvements needed in a given instructional area;
6. Assist in the screening of students with learning difficulties; 1, 2
7. Assist in placing students in remedial programs;
8. Provide information for college entrance and placement; and
9. Assist in educational research by providing data.
The director of schools shall be responsible for planning and implementing the program, which includes:
1. Determining specific purposes for each test;
2. Selecting the appropriate test to be given;
3. Establishing procedures for administering tests;
4. Making provision for interpreting and disseminating the results;
5. Maintaining testing information in a consistent and confidential manner; and
6. Ensuring that results are obtained as quickly as possible, especially when placement in a special learning program might be necessary.
State-mandated student testing programs shall be undertaken in accordance with procedures published by the State Department of Education.3
In addition to such achievement, competency or end-of-course tests as required by the Board and the State Board of Education,3 students must attain a minimum score on the required gateway exams. Students will have additional opportunities to retake any of the gateway tests in which the minimum score was not obtained and students shall be provided remediation through before or after school tutoring and/or summer school.
Student scores on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program’s grades three through eight (3-8) shall comprise fifteen (15%) percent of the student’s final grade in the spring semester in the subject areas of mathematics, reading/language arts, science and social studies.4
Other tests may be given as requested by students, teachers or parents when approved by the principal.
Any test directly concerned with measuring student ability or achievement through individual or group psychological or sociometric tests shall not be administered by or with the knowledge of any employee of the system without first obtaining written consent of the parents or guardians.
Results of all group tests shall be recorded on the students’ permanent records and shall be made available to appropriate personnel in accordance with established procedures.5
ACADMEICS
Homework
Home study is a necessary part of each student’s educational program. Each student is expected to spend some time at home studying in addition to scheduled class instruction.
Parents can help improve their child’s performance and assist in completing homework assignments in several ways. Some ideas are:
1) Support the teachers at
2) Provide a good environment for the student to complete homework. There should be plenty of room and time to study. In addition, a proper study atmosphere should be quiet and free from distractions such as television.
3) Offer encouragement.
4) Be interested in your child’s work, but do not do the assignment for the child.
Students can help to improve their home study habits. Students should:
1) Be sure that homework assignments are clearly understood. Ask your teacher for help if you are unsure of an assignment.
2) Develop the habit of doing homework at the same time and place each day.
3) Have all materials and supplies at hand before beginning to work.
4) Do not put off completing homework assignments until the last minute.
Grading System
Report cards noting the child’s progress and/or performance in the classroom are sent home every six weeks. Report cards will be issued on the fifth school day following the end of each six-week grading period. The parent or guardian must sign the report card and return it to the school by the student. Conferences may be requested concerning student reports.
The evaluation of student achievement is one of the most important functions of the teacher. Our grading system is as follows:
93-100 A Outstanding
85-92 B Above Average
75-84 C Average
70-74 D Below Average
0-69 F Unsatisfactory
An “I” on the report card denotes the grade as incomplete and must be made up before the next grading period.
Art, Music, and PE classes will be graded satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U).
We are working on a more detailed county wide grading policy. Kindergarten-2nd grade students will receive Standard -Based Grade Cards.
Honor Roll
To make the “A” Honor Roll, a student must earn A’s in all academic subjects. To make the “A/B” Honor Roll, a student must earn an A or B in all academic subjects.
Attendance
Absences
The scholastic achievement attained by any student is directly related to his/her pattern of attendance. Parents, it is extremely important that your child be present every day possible. White County schools expect every child of school age to be in attendance, and on time, each day school is in session unless prevented by an excused absence. White County Schools has a 95 percent attendance guideline. If a student fails to meet this standard then the student will be referred to the Supervisor of Attendance for White County.
Absences shall be classified as excused or unexcused as determined by the principal or his/her designee. Excused absences shall include:
- Personal illness
- Death in the family
- Religious observances
- Circumstances which in the judgment of the principal create emergencies over which the student has no control.
Absences will be excused by a doctor’s note or a hand written note by the parent. The school will only accept 5 parent notes per year as excused. After five parent notes, only a doctor’s note will be excused. Excuse notes from parents should clearly state the reason that the student has been absent or tardy. When a student accumulates 5 unexcused absences an attendance letter is sent to the parents and the Supervisor of Attendance. If more unexcused absences continue, the parent may be called to a conference with the principal. When 10 unexcused absences are reached, a second letter is sent to the parents by the Supervisor of Attendance and parents may be called to a meeting with the Attendance and Discipline Committee. If unexcused absences continue then a referral will be made to the court. State law, TCA 49-6-3009, states that a parent or guardian whose child violates the mandatory attendance law commits a Class C misdemeanor and will be subject to 30 days incarceration and a $50 fine for each unexcused day.
All missed class work or tests for excused absences may be made up provided the student makes the request immediately upon returning to school. Class work must be made up in a reasonable amount of time based upon the number of days absent. Principal and teacher will determine whether class work can be made up when absence is unexcused.
Tardiness
A tardy student is one who reports to school after the school day has begun at 8:00 A.M. or checks out of school before 3:00 P.M. If a student is tardy, a parent or guardian must accompany the student to the office to sign the student in. Tardies are excused only for illness or with a physician’s note. Chronic tardies will be considered an attendance problem. For Truancy purposes, time missed from school will be calculated and considered part of the student’s attendance record. Students will be referred to the Supervisor of Attendance and possible court referral for excessive tardiness.
Withdrawals
If a student is to be withdrawn from school, the parents or guardians must notify school officials as soon as possible. Records will be transferred to the student’s new school by mail upon a request for the records from the new school. Before leaving Doyle Elementary all textbooks must be returned and any charges from the cafeteria or office must be paid.
Early Check Out From School
Students will be allowed to leave school for the same reasons that excused absences are granted. A parent or guardian must check the student out by signing the checkout sheet in the office. A student may be allowed to leave early with someone other than a parent or guardian if that person’s name is on the student information sheet in the office. Students will not be allowed to leave unless the adult’s name is on the student’s check out list.
Arrival and Dismissal
Classes begin promptly at 8:00 A.M. each day. For those who ride with parents of guardians, we ask that they arrive no earlier than 7:00 A.M. The gym will not be opened until a teacher arrives for bus duty. Adult supervision will begin at 7:00 A.M.
Ø Upon arrival all students (Except Pre-K) must report to the gym – whether arriving by bus or other vehicle, and remain there until they are dismissed for breakfast or their classroom.
Ø Students who ride the bus will report to the gym at 3:10 P.M. and remain there until their bus arrives.
Ø If you are picking up your child, please do so at the side door facing
Ø
Student Schedule
No Student Should Arrive Before 7:00 am. Any student arriving before 7:00am or left late will be charged for before school and after school child care.
7:00 A.M. Students admitted to gym 2:30 P.M. Pre-K pick-up
7:15 A.M. Breakfast 2:55 P.M. Parent pick-up
7:45 A.M. Pre-K students arrive 3:00 P.M. School dismissed
7:45 A.M. Students dismissed to classroom
8:00 A.M. Classes begin, Pre-K Breakfast
Bus Riders
Students are assigned to ride buses that will pick them up and drop them off in close proximity to their homes.
- Students who come to school on the bus should return home on the same bus unless they have a note from the parents written to the driver and the principal.
- Riding the bus is a privilege. Improper conduct on the bus will result in that privilege being denied.
- Bus students are to go immediately to the busses or bus waiting area as soon as they are dismissed from school in the afternoon.
- There are outlined rules of conduct posted on each bus and must be followed.
- All students on the bus are under the authority of the bus driver and must obey his/her rules.
- Students who misbehave on the bus are referred to the principal who may suspend the student from bus privileges for a period of time.
- When loading your bus after school, DO NOT RUN TO THE BUS LINE OR TO THE BUS; OBEY THE TEACHER ON BUS DUTY.
If parents need information concerning bus drivers and bus routes, please call the Transportation Superintendant at the bus garage (836-8075).
Drop-off/Pick up Instructions
Morning Drop-Off:
Ø Children shall be dropped off at the first gym door until 7:45. If a parent needs to speak to school personnel, they must report to the front office.. We only want one access into the school building. (Please do not block the driveway.)
Ø Children arriving after 8:00am shall enter the school building by use of the front door . They will report to the front office not the classroom. The front office will issue a tardy slip.
(NOTE: Parents should realize that excessive tardies will constitute an attendance problem.)
Parent Pickup:
Ø All side doors will be locked. If parents need to visit school staff, they will report to front office by use of the front doors. Parents and visitors will not be in the hallways with out visitor tags. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR Ø If a child needs to be picked up before 2:55 pm, parents need to report to the front office by way of the front door. The front office will call the child’s room and the teacher will send them to the office.
Ø Parents will pick up children at the side door facing Ø One teacher will stand outside and radio inside to have the children sent out as their ride arrives. It will not be necessary for parents to leave their vehicles.
Ø The child must have a note from the parent or legal guardian to ride with anyone else.
Ø At bus riders will report to the gymnasium.
Medicines
School Board Policy J-41 states the following:
No school official or teacher will routinely dispense medication to students except in unique situations in which a child’s health is dependent upon emergency medical aid. If under exceptional circumstances a child is required to take oral medication during school hours and the parent cannot be at school to administer the medication, only the principal or the principal’s designee will administer the medication in compliance with the following regulations:
Written instructions signed by the parent will be required and will include:
1. Child’s name 5. Time to be administered
2. Name of medication 6. Dosage
3. Purpose of medication 7. Possible side effects
4. Name of physician 8. Termination date for administering
School personnel will not administer other oral medication, such as aspirin, to students under any circumstances.
The medication (prescription and non-prescription) must be delivered to the office in person by the parent or guardian of the student unless the medication must be retained by the student for immediate administration (i.e. students with asthma).
Non-prescription medication may be administered only with the written request and permission of a parent or guardian. The medication will be administered in accordance with label directions or written instructions from the student’s physician.
The school will make every effort to inform the parents of any accident or illness occurring at school that may need care or observation at home.
Head Lice
School Board policy is that any child found with head lice must be taken home and cannot return to school without a note from the Health Department, your doctor, the school nurse, or nurse’s assistant stating that the child has been treated and is free of lice. This note should be turned in to the child’s classroom teacher.
Textbooks
Textbooks are property of the Board of Education and shall be returned at the end of the school year, upon completion of the course, or upon withdrawal from a course or school.
In cases where the book is lost or damaged to the extent it is no longer useable, a student will be charged full replacement cost of the book.
If, after hearing the student’s explanation and other investigation as necessary, the principal determines that there has been willful loss or damage of the textbook, he shall assess the appropriate fine and notify the parents in writing. The principal may waive the assessment of fines when in his judgment the student is the victim of uncontrollable circumstances, and not responsible for the damages.
LOST OR DAMAGE TEXTBOOKS
Charges for all
New Book……………………...Full Price
Good Condition………………..One half the list price
Fair Condition………………….One third the list price
Poor Condition…………………One fourth the list price
Unnecessary wear or books unnecessarily marked or defaced will be assessed according to the condition of the book when issued. When pages are torn out or damaged or the cover is torn off, the principal will determine whether the book is still useable. If the book is considered no longer useable, the student will be charged for the book.
School Supplies
At the beginning of each school year, students will be given a list of supplies they will need and also the amount of money needed to purchase workbooks. Workbook fees should be paid as soon as possible after enrollment. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch will not be required to purchase work books, the White County School System will provide them.
Students should have school supplies such as paper, pencil, notebooks, etc., and anything that is required by their teacher. In order to promote good study habits and keep children on task, the following items are not considered school supplies and are not allowed at school:
Electronic games of any kind Cell Phones DS Nintendo Palm Pilots Movie Viewers CD Players
Any similar item not on this list.
These items will be confiscated and the parents will be notified.
Dress Code
Students are expected to dress neatly, comfortably, and in good taste at all times. Cleanliness and good personal hygiene should be practiced. The following rules should be observed when choosing appropriate school attire.
1. Girls may wear dresses, skirts, or shorts of acceptable length, jeans, or slacks.
2. Boys may wear jeans, slacks, or shorts of acceptable length.
Acceptable length will be defined as the end of one’s finger tips when the student puts their arms down to their sides.
3. Tube tops, halters, tank tops, and other revealing clothing are not permitted.
4. Clothing exhibiting alcohol, tobacco, profanity or exhibiting poor taste is prohibited.
5. Excessively baggy pants will NOT be allowed. Boys should wear a belt if pants will not at the waist.
6. Caps or hats may not be worn in the building.
7. Clothing should not have holes above the knees.
8. No roller backpacks.
9. Shoes should be comfortable and only tennis shoes will be allowed in the gym during P.E. time. Flip flops will not be allowed; these are a safety hazard in school and on the playground.
10. Unnatural hair color is prohibited; students will be sent home until hair color is removed.
11. Earrings are permitted as long as they do not cause a distraction – the classroom teacher and the principal will make this determination. Other body piercing will not be allowed.
CODE OF CONDUCT
One of the most important life lessons taught should be discipline. It is necessary that children learn to develop self-discipline in order to further their learning. We ask that you discuss with your children the importance of and need for good behavior and a good attitude while at school.
Conduct Rules
Students are expected to:
1) Follow rules at all times.
2) Respond to directions of teachers and staff at all times.
3) Conduct themselves properly in the hall ( running, shouting, pushing will not be permitted)
4) Be courteous and respectful to fellow students, faculty and staff.
5) Be at school by until 3:00 p.m. Parents, this is your job. Students, who are continually late, fall behind and suffer in their academics. It is important to be on time!
6) Care for the school campus, inside and outside the building.
7) Cooperate and get along well with others.
8) Fighting, wrestling, or any rough physical contact games are not permitted.
9) Use proper language at all times. Curse words or unkind remarks to or about other students, parents, teachers, or personnel are not permitted.
10) Do not bring these items to school; radios, cassette or CD players, MP3 players, cell phones, valuable personnel items, electronic games, trading cards, or toys of any kind.
1st offense: Taken and returned to student at the end of the day.
2nd offense: Taken and only returned to parent
3rd offense: Taken and parent must see Principal or Director of Schools to have item returned.
11) Never bring knives or any other weapons to school. These will be confiscated.
12) Do not leave school premises without permission from the office. All students leaving early or coming late must be checked out or signed in by parents or guardians.
Discipline Procedures
For violation of school rules, the consequences may be the following:
For minor infractions (such as classroom disturbances, tardiness, cheating, failure to do assignments, etc.):
1) Counseling the student
2) Restricting activities
3) Requiring special assignments
4) Time out (removal of student temporarily from classroom)
5) Behavior modification activities
6) Denial of class privileges
For infractions whose frequency or seriousness disrupts the learning climate of the school (such as continuation of items in the above, disruptive classroom behavior, truancy, etc.):
1) In-school suspension
2) Detention after school
3) Suspension from school sponsored activities
4) Suspension from riding the bus
5) Corporal punishment
For infractions that are directed against persons or property (such as fighting, vandalism, stealing, etc.):
1) Temporary removal from class
2) In-school suspension
3) Detention after school
4) Corporal punishment
5) Out-of-school suspension
For infractions that result in violence to another person or property or which pose a direct threat to the safety to others in the school (such as assault/battery, etc.):
1) Out-of-school suspension
2) Expulsion
3) Other action by the Board of Education
NOTE: Corporal punishment will be used only after other methods have been used and are unsuccessful. If parents object to the use of corporal punishment, such objections must be made in advance, in writing, to the principal of the school. The principal may suspend a pupil whose parents object to the use of corporal punishment when and if it is deemed necessary by the principal.
ADDITIONAL CLASSES & SERVICES
Physical Education
Each child is required to participate in physical education unless a doctor’s statement can be furnished. Students must participate in physical education activities in order to maintain an acceptable grade. Students also need to wear tennis shoes on the scheduled days that the Physical Education teacher will be at school.
Library
All K-5th grade students will attend library classes. Books may be checked out for a period of time determined by the librarian. Students are encouraged to use the library to check out books and as a place to study. Excessive talking and play is not allowed since it could distract others. Students should be careful to not damage textbooks or library books. Should either textbooks or library books be damaged, parents will be responsible for the cost to repair or replace the damaged items.
Art
All K-5th grade students will attend Art Classes. Students are expected to obey class rules and aprticiapte in all activities. Effort and participation are necessary to achieve an acceptable grade in Art Class.
Guidance
A guidance counselor holds classes for our students each week. The counselor is also available for counseling individual students when necessary.
Speech
A Speech teacher is available each week for therapy and consultation for any student at Doyle Elementary School.
Title 1 Reading and Math
During the school hours many of our children will receive individual and small group instruction specifically designed to assist them with their reading and math. This program is available for Kindergarten through fifth grade students. It is our goal that all children read on grade level by the time they are in the 3rd grade.
Resource Program
This program is designed to help those students who have difficulty with certain academic areas. The students receive individual and small group instruction to assist them with their specific and unique needs. The regular classroom teacher and the special education teacher work together to assure each student progresses according to his/her ability.
OTHER AREAS
Recess
Recess is a time for free play and exercise. If your child needs to stay in during recess, please send a note to his/her teacher. Three consecutive days is the maximum length of time a child will be excused from recess without a doctor’s statement.
Telephone
Students are allowed to use the school telephone only in case of an emergency. Teachers must give written permission before sending a student to the office to use the phone. In order to minimize classroom interruptions, students should only be called at school for emergency reasons.
Insurance
School accident insurance will be offered at the beginning of each school year. Contact the school office for more information.
Visitors
All visitors must report to the school office upon entering the school building. This includes meeting your child for lunch. Parents are welcome to visit our school at any time, but we must make sure that everyone in our building is accounted for at all times. Please, to avoid interrupting classroom instruction, make an appointment when possible.
Cafeteria
Student meal accounts are kept on a computer and students may take money to the cafeteria between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. Please keep all accounts (breakfast, lunch, and milk) current. The cafeteria personnel will send home charge slips every week to remind parents of any outstanding debts.
White County Board of Education
Sandra Crouch 136 Baker Street
Director Sparta, TN 38583
To: Parents, Teachers, and Employees
From: White County Board of Education
Date: July 2011
An inspection of White County Schools has been completed in compliance with AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.) The results of the inspection are on file at the Board of Education Office. The report may be viewed during office hours.
A school copy is available at each school.
Sandra Crouch
Director of Schools
[1] These laws are “Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110), the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation’s armed forces.