Spring Hill
Elementary School
Handbook 2007-2008
Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year at Spring Hill Elementary School!
We have many exciting things planned. We encourage you to take an active part in your child’s education. I hope you will visit our web site from time to time at www.mauryk12.org/SpringHillElementary/index.htm
You can also get information from our radio station on the AM dial at AM1670 (You must be near our school to hear this radio transmission.)
It is very important that you take time to go over this year’s handbook. It contains information vital to the success of each student at Spring Hill Elementary.
The information contained in this handbook is subject to change.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact us.
John Goodloe
Principal
The kindergarten program is a full-day program. Students must be five years of age on or before September 30 th of the current school year to enter kindergarten. Each child will be screened at staggered times during the first two weeks of school. No student will be enrolled in kindergarten without a Birth Certificate, Health Certificate, Social Security Card, and Immunization Record (green card). Legal immunizations are those required for a child to attend school.
Additional information for all of kindergarten is contained in a special handbook designed specifically for children and parents of kindergarten students of Spring Hill Elementary.
All medications must be brought to school by an adult parent/guardian or childcare provider. No medication will be accepted from a student. All medications brought onto school property must be taken to the school office.
Long-term prescription medication (in excess of two weeks) may be administered at school if both parent/guardian and physician have completed an Administration of Medication Request form. Medications must arrive in an appropriate container labeled by the pharmacy. All long-term medication must be renewed at the beginning of each year. Any change in medication or dosage during the school year requires new documentation, (Administration of Medication Request Form).
Short-term prescription medication (up to two weeks) will only be given if absolutely necessary. Only antibiotics prescribed for 4 doses a day will be given at school. In the event medication must be given during school hours, it must be brought in by a parent or guardian in the pharmacy labeled container with a dosage spoon or cup if needed. A Request for Administration of Short Term Medications MUST be filled out before any medication can be administered.
Over-the-counter or non-prescription medication may be given at school with the written permission of the parent/guardian. An Administration of Non-Prescription Medication Request form MUST be completed. All non-prescription medication must be brought to school in an unopened manufacturer’s original labeled container with ingredients listed and the child’s name affixed to the container by an adult.
If your child should have a contagious health condition such as chicken pox, strep infection, pink eye, a cold with fever, head lice, ringworm, impetigo, etc., please treat the condition and keep the child at home until the condition is no longer contagious. If your child has been running a fever, he/she may return to school after he/she has been fever free for 24 hours.
The first bell rings at 8:00 a.m. The instructional day begins at 8:15 a.m. Children are considered tardy after the 8:15 a.m. bell. A PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST COME INTO THE OFFICE AND SIGN IN CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT AT SCHOOL IN TIME TO BE IN THEIR CLASSROOM BY 8:15 a.m. Being on time is important both to your child and the other children in his/her class. Children who come to school late disrupt the beginning of the day for the students and teacher in their classroom, as well as run the chance of missing something important. NO CHILD WILL BE SIGNED OUT FOR EARLY DISMISSAL AFTER 2:40 P.M.
Attendance is crucial to the successful academic progress of children. Absences from school should be explained in writing by the parent or guardian. Doctor’s excuses should be sent in when available. Students are expected to be in attendance the entire school day. Instructional time is reduced when parents request early dismissal. Please do not ask us to interrupt your child’s classroom for dismissal unless they have an appointment or emergency that cannot be scheduled outside the normal school day.
Disciplinary Action for Excessive Tardies or Unexcused Check-Outs
Maury County Schools Attendance Policy
The Maury County Board of Education believes that attendance is a key factor in student achievement. Therefore, all students are expected to be present each day school is in session unless they are prevented from attending school due to one of the following:
It shall be the duty of the principal or teacher of every public school to report promptly to the Director of Schools, or his/her designated representative, the names of all children who have withdrawn from school or who have been absent five (5) days (this means an aggregate of five (5) days during the school year and not necessarily five (5) consecutive days).
The attendance supervisor shall oversee the entire attendance program, which shall include-
The principal shall be responsible for ensuring that:
STUDENTS ABSENT FROM SCHOOL SHOULD BRING A NOTE FROM HOME INDICATING THE DATE/DATES THE STUDENT WAS ABSENT AND THE REASON FOR THE ABSENCE. FOR VERIFICATION PURPOSES YOU MUST SEND IN A NOTE EVEN IF YOU CALLED TO SAY YOUR CHILD IS OUT OF SCHOOL. PLEASE PRESENT DOCTOR’S EXCUSES WHEN YOUR CHILD HAS VISITED THE DOCTOR.
Truancy is defined as an absence for an entire school day, a major portion of the school day or the major portion of any class, study hall, or activity during the school day for which the student is scheduled.
Students participating in school-sponsored activities, whether on or off campus, shall not be counted absent. In order to qualify as “school-sponsored” the activity must be school planned, school directed and teacher supervised. Mass exodus, early dismissal or late arrival of all students or a segment of students shall not be permitted for any reason except for emergencies such as inclement weather or other unavoidable situations unless instruction time is made up in full.
Work missed may be made up under school policies except for out-of-school suspensions and willful violation of attendance policies. Within three (3) calendar days of returning to school, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher concerning work missed. The work will be made up according to school guidelines.
WHEN A CHILD IS ABSENT AND WORK IS REQUESTED, SPRING HILL ELEMENTARY TEACHERS WILL TRY TO GET HOMEWORK READY FOR A PARENT TO PICK UP WHEN A CHILD IS ABSENT UPON THE REQUEST OF THIS WORK. REQUEST FOR MISSED WORK MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO 10:00 a.m. AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP BETWEEN 3:00 p.m. AND 3:30 p.m.
Any administrative decision regarding attendance may be appealed initially to the Director of Schools and ultimately to the Board of Education. The appeal shall be made in writing to the Director of Schools within five (5) school days following the action or report of action, whichever is later.
Student attendance records shall be given the same level of confidentiality as other student records. Only authorized school officials may have access to student records for legitimate educational purposes without the consent of the student or parent/guardian. Courts may order and/or subpoena attendance records.
Spring Hill Elementary School requires that a responsible person (parent/guardian) must come to the office to sign out students who leave during the day. Parents should make every attempt to limit the number of times they must take a child out of school prior to dismissal time.
FOR OUR STUDENTS’ SAFETY, PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION MAY BE REQUESTED OF ANY PERSON PICKING UP ANY STUDENT AND MUST BE SHOWN IF REQUESTED BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL BEFORE A STUDENT MAY BE RELEASED. ALL PEOPLE WISHING TO PICK UP A CHILD MUST BE ON THE “APPROVED LIST” FILLED OUT BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. THIS “APPROVED LIST” MAY BE CHANGED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN MAKING REQUEST IN PERSON AT THE SCHOOL OFFICE.
Parent Volunteers and Visitors
Spring Hill Elementary School welcomes parent volunteers and visitors. ONCE YOU ENTER THE BUILDING, PLEASE REPORT TO THE OFFICE, SIGN IN AND OBTAIN A VISITOR’S BADGE. WHEN YOU LEAVE, SIGN OUT AND TURN IN THE BADGE. This is a mandatory procedure consistent throughout the Maury County School system that has
been implemented for the safety of our children. Visitors to our school will not be permitted to visit any classroom without the prior consent of the teacher.This rule is designed to make sure that classroom interruptions are kept to a minimum. This rule is especially important at the beginning of the school day. This is time that our teachers use to make their final preparations for the school day. If you are visiting one area or volunteering, please do not go and visit your child’s teacher. Teachers require time to prepare for conferences. If you are talking to your child’s teacher during an unplanned time, then chances are you are interrupting the class’s instructional time.
Bus room supervision begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.Parents who bring children to school mayleave them after 7:30 a.m. Students must be picked up by 3:30 p.m.
If there is a change to the usual method of transportation, a note must be sent to your child’s teacher. Please go over these changes with the child before he/she comes to school, and be sure the child’s teacher knows about them. For safety reasons we do not accept changes to a student’s transportation over the phone. Changes may be made in person, by an authorized adult.
Students are not allowed to change the bus they go home on or change the drop off/pick up point without written permission by both school personnel and the transportation department.
For car riders, there will only be a single line delivery and pick up. For the safety of students who are brought to school, double-parking for the purpose of letting them out or picking them up is not allowed. When entering the car rider line please be ready for your child to exit the car. This is not the time to write notes to teachers or any other activity that would prevent your child from immediately exiting the car. Pull up to the far end of the line, even if there are no other cars behind you. This keeps the line moving at a steady pace. Do not break line and go around another car even if your car is loaded and ready to go. Parents entering the building to pick up children at the end of the school day must wait in the front hall for dismissal. Please do not pick your child up early unless there is an emergency or unless he/she has an appointment.
Our bus drivers are responsible for getting students to and from school safely, and we will do everything possible to support them in their job. Students are to get on the bus, sit down and stay seated until they arrive at school or home. Students are to obey all bus rules.
The following discipline plan will be in force for all students.
1st offense: Administrative Conference, Parent
Contact, Bus Probation
2nd offense: Bus Suspension 3 Days
3rd offense: Bus Suspension 5 Days
4th offense: Bus Suspension 10 Days
5th offense: Bus Suspension 20 Days or
remainder of the Semester
Severe problems, such as fighting, will result in immediate suspension from the bus for 20 days.
There will be no exceptions. It is the students’ responsibility to act appropriately on the bus.
Students may enter the building beginning at 7:30 a.m.
7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. |
Students Report to Bus Room |
8:00 a.m. |
Go Directly to Class |
8:15 a.m. |
School Day Begins |
8:15 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. |
Classes |
10:25 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
Classes break for lunch |
12:30 p.m. to 3:05 p.m. |
Classes |
3:05 p.m. |
Car Riders leave for car line |
3:09 p.m. |
Early Bus riders leave for bus |
3:15 p.m. |
Walkers and late bus rider dismissed |
NOTE: School faculty and staff are on duty until 3:30 p.m. It is very important that you pick up your children prior to 3:30 p.m.
It is the policy of the Maury County School System to provide a free and appropriate public education to all handicapped students within its jurisdiction.
Students who are handicapped consistent with the definitions set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 will be identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate instruction and education service. Persons who are handicapped should contact the 504 Coordinator.
Mary Carter, Section 504, Title II and Title IX Coordinator
Maury County Board of Education
501 West 8 th Street
Columbia, TN 38401
931-388-8403 ext. 114/136/142
Prices are subject to change.
Breakfast |
Price |
A La Carte |
Price |
Students |
$1.20 |
Entrees |
$1.75 |
Adults |
$1.60 |
French Fries |
$ .75 |
Reduced |
$ .30 |
Fruit, Vegetable |
$ .75 |
|
|
Small Salad |
$ .75 |
Lunch |
Price |
Deserts |
$ .50 |
Students |
$1.85 |
Tea |
$ .50 |
Visitors |
$3.00 |
Milk |
$ .30 |
Child Visitor |
$2.50 |
4 ounce Juice |
$ .30 |
Reduced |
$ .40 |
Chips/Snacks |
$ .50 |
Teachers |
$2.50 |
Crackers |
$ .10 |
Extra Milk |
$ .30 |
Extra Ketchup |
2/$.05 |
2 nd Plate |
$2.20 |
Rolls |
$ .20 |
There will be no charging of a la carte items or snacks. The money will have to be in your child’s account or with him/her when coming through the line. (Juice and milk are only covered for lunch, for free and reduced students.)
Students will be permitted to bring their lunches from home and to purchase beverages and incidental items at school. Students and visitors will not be permitted to have breakfast or lunch purchased from an outside food service facilities (i.e. McDonalds, Sonic) to be consumed in the cafeteria. Glass containers are not allowed in the cafeteria.
Parents and students are not allowed in the food preparation area of the cafeteria. Only food service employees are allowed in the food service area.
Students may charge meals using the following guidelines:
Any money sent to school must be placed in an envelope marked with the following information.
Money collected for field trips or other school events is not refundable. Students who move to another school in Maury County may request the cafeteria manager transfer the remaining lunch money into the lunch account at the new school. Students moving out of Maury County may request a refund check from the school if the amount is less than $10.00. If the remaining lunch money is more than $10.00 the request for a refund must be made to the Maury County Schools Food Service Department at 381-8029.
The staff and faculty of SHES set high standards for the behavior of students. Our assumption is that parents expect their children to behave in an appropriate and respectful manner in school as well as at home. While in school, students are expected to show the same appropriate and respectful behavior when interacting with faculty, staff, custodial staff, and peers. Every student is expected to behave respectfully toward all school personnel. Students are reminded that any teacher or staff member has the authority and responsibility to correct unruly individuals at any time.
Range of Disciplinary Action
Student Conferences
Parent Contact
Parent Conference
Detention
In-school suspension (as budget allows)
Out of school suspension
Expulsion
Saturday School (as budget allows)
Note: Please refer to the Behavior and Discipline Policy of the Maury County Board of Ed for complete details of behavior and discipline policies.
SHES students are required to follow the dress code as set forth by the Maury County School Board. The policy is as follows:
The Board recognizes the effect which student dress and grooming have upon student behavior and commitment to learning. It further recognizes the role of parents in assisting their children in making appropriate choices regarding clothing, accessories, and personal appearance. In order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning and prepare students for working environments, the Board shall require that all students, grades K-12, exercise good taste with regard to their personal appearance. Attire considered disruptive or a risk to health or safety is not appropriate.
At the time this handbook went to press Maury County Board of Education was considering changes to the County Wide dress code. Therefore, we have chosen to leave it out of our handbook. All students will receive the dress code as a separate handout at the beginning of the school year.
Maury County’s dress code can be viewed by visiting the Board of Education’s website at www.mauryk12.org. Please refer to board policy 6.310 for further details.
All students will wear clothing appropriate for participation in physical education class on their assigned day for PE. This policy shall include appropriate shoes for PE class.
Report cards go out every nine weeks. There will be a $1.00 charge for lost or additional report cards.
Please refer to board policy for promotion and retention. (See Board Policy 4.704)
Parent-teacher conferences can be scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday after school. The teacher or the parents may initiate conferences. Parents who wish to schedule an appointment should send a note to the teacher and arrange a time that will not interfere with the instructional day.
We urge parents to communicate with teachers and administrative staff to help ensure a positive learning climate. It is recommended that notes be written in the student agenda to teachers. The agenda is required for all students, and therefore, it makes a uniform place for teachers to look for notes concerning students.
Policy JHD of the Maury County Board of Education indicates that social events should not materially interfere with scholastic work. Three (3) parties are permitted. Fall Festival, Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Room mothers, under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher, will give parties.
Invitations to parties not sponsored by Maury County Schools or Spring Hill Elementary shall not be given out at school. Please make these arrangements outside the school.
There will be a charge of $15.00 for all returned checks. Payment for returned checks is expected in cash and is expected promptly. No personal checks will be accepted from any household after two (2) returned checks are received that school year.
Spring Hill Elementary School PTA
The Parent Teacher Association is vital to the success of Spring Hill Elementary. Please support their activities as generously as possible. Your time is a very valuable resource and is greatly appreciated.
We would like to thank the Spring Hill Elementary Parent Teacher Association for its support of our school.
Student Concerns, Complaints and Grievances – Board Policy 6.304
Decisions made by school personnel, such as aides, teachers, or assistant principals, which students believe are unfair or in violation of pertinent policies of the Board or individual school rules may be appealed to the school principal or a designated representative. To appeal, students will contact the principal’s office in their school and provide their name, the issue and the reason for their appeal on a printed form available at the school office within two days. The appeal will usually be decided confidentially and promptly, preferably within five (5) days.
However, if the principal does not make a decision within five (5) school days following the date of complaint, students or parents may appeal at that time by contacting the director of schools/designee at the central office. The information provided should include the student’s name, the school and a description of the problem.
An investigation and decision will be made within five (5) school days and communicated to the school principal and student by telephone. A written copy of the decision also will be sent to the student and the principal.
Discrimination/Harassment Grievance Procedures
Filing a Complaint – Any student of this school district who wishes to file a discrimination/harassment grievance against another student or an employee of the district may file a written or oral (recorded, if possible) complaint with the complaint manager. Students may also report an allegation of discrimination/harassment to any teacher or other adult employed in the school who shall inform a complaint manager of the allegation. The complaint should include the following information:
Identity of the alleged victim and person accused;
Location, date, time and circumstances surrounding the alleged incident;
Description of what happened;
Identity of witnesses;
And any other evidence available.
Investigation – Within twenty-four hours of receiving the student’s complaint, the complaint manager shall notify the complaining student’s parent/guardian and the principal who shall inform the Director of Schools. The parent/guardian shall be given notice of the right to attend an interview of the student in a non-intimidating environment in order to elicit full disclosure of the student’s allegations. This interview shall take place within five (5) days from the time the complaint was first made. If no parent/guardian attends the interview, another adult, mutually agreed upon by the student and the complaint manager, shall attend and may serve as the student’s advocate. After a complete investigation, if the allegations are substantiated, immediate and appropriate corrective or disciplinary action shall be initiated. The complaint and the identity of the complainant will not be disclosed except (1) as required by law or this policy; or (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint; or (3) as authorized by the complainant . A school representative will meet with the complainant regarding the findings, and whether corrective measures and/or disciplinary action were taken. The investigation and response to the complaint will be completed within thirty (30) school days. Copies of the report will be sent to the parent or student, principal, Federal Rights Coordinator and the Director of Schools. One copy shall be kept in the complaint manager’s file for one (1) year beyond the student’s eighteenth (18 th) birthday. The Director of Schools shall keep the Board informed of all complaints.
Decision and Appeal – If the complainant is not in agreement with the findings of fact as reported by the complaint manager, an appeal may be made, within five (5) work days to the Director
of Schools. The Director of Schools will review the investigation, make any corrective action deemed necessary and provide a written response to the complainant. If the complainant is not in an agreement with the Director of Schools’ findings of fact, appeal may be made to the Board of Education within five (5) work days. The Board shall, within thirty (30) days from the date the appeal was received, review the investigation and the actions of the Director of Schools and may support, amend or overturn the actions based upon review and report their decision in writing to the complainant.
Appointing Complaint Managers
The Director of Schools shall appoint at least two complaint managers, one of each gender. The Federal Rights Coordinator may serve as a complaint manager. The Director of Schools shall announce the names, addresses and telephone numbers of current complaint managers.
This policy shall be published in the parent/student handbook distributed annually to every student. Building administrators are responsible for educating and training their respective staff and students as to the definition and recognition of discrimination/harassment.
Spring Hill Elementary does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, disability or any other unlawful area in the operation of its educational programs and in personnel administration.
Updated 7/18/2007