Beruflich Dokumente
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1175 NEW HOPE ROAD DALTON, GEORGIA 30720 706-673-3180 www.whitfield.k12.ga.us/nhe Parent/Student Handbook 2013-2014 Dear Parents, The faculty and staff of New Hope Elementary School wish to welcome you to a new school year. We are looking forward to getting to know you and working with you and your child. Thank you for entrusting your childs care to us. We are going to do our best to provide the highest qu ality education possible. To help make this a good year for all concerned, we need your help in making sure that your child knows and understands what is expected of him/her. Please read the information in this handbook and discuss with your child the importance of the items which pertain to him/her. When you have finished reading the handbook, sign the appropriate sheet on the back and return it to school. Thank you for your support and cooperation. We encourage you to come and visit our school frequently and we sincerely hope you will become an active participant in your childs education. Sincerely,
NON-DISCRIMINATORY STATEMENT
No person shall, on the basis of sex, race, national origin or handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity under the direction of the local educational agency.
HANDBOOK AMENDMENT
The handbook may be amended as deemed necessary by the administration and staff in the best interest of the students. Changes will be provided in oral or written form at any time during the school year.
It is the policy of the Whitfield County School District that racial, sexual, or other forms of harassment or discrimination are strictly forbidden. Any student, employee, applicant for employment, parent or other individual who believes he or she has been subjected to harassment or discrimination by other students or employees of the school district based upon his or her race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or sex should promptly report the same to the principal of their school or the appropriate coordinator, who will implement the boards discriminatory com plaints or harassment procedures. The Title VI and Title IX Coordinator is Mrs. Wanda Phillips. Section 504 and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator is Ms. Sarah Hoskins. Students may also report harassment or discrimination to their school counselor. Students and employees will not be subjected to retaliation for reporting such harassment or discrimination. A copy of the discriminatory complaint procedure of the Whitfield County School District (GAAA/JAA) is located in the school district policy manual, which is available in either the school office or the central office, or on the web site at www.whitfield.k12.ga.us State law prohibits discrimination based on gender in athletic programs of local school systems (Equity in Sports Act, O.C.G.A. 20-2-315). Students are hereby notified that the Whitfield County School System does not discriminate on the basis of gender in its athletic programs. The sports equity coordinator for the school system is: Mrs. Judy Gilreath, 1306 S. Thornton Avenue, P.O. Box 2167, Dalton, Georgia, 30722-2167, 706-278-8070. Inquiries or complaints concerning sports equity in the school system may be submitted to the sports equity coordinator.
Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) 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 affiliations or beliefs of the student or students parent; 2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or students 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 exam 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. Whitfield County Schools 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. Whitfield County Schools will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Whitfield County Schools will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Whitfield County Schools will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. 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 U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-5920
PPRA Model Notice and Consent/Opt-Out for Specific Activities (LEAs should adopt the following model form as appropriate) The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. 1232h, requires Whitfield County Schools to notify you and obtain consent or allow you to opt your child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas (protected information surveys): 1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or students parent; 2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or students 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. This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes (marketing surveys), and certain physical exams and screenings. Following is a schedule of activities requiring parental notice and consent or opt-out for the upcoming school year. This list is not exhaustive and, for surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, the Whitfield County Schools will provide parents, within a reasonable period of time prior to the administration of the surveys and activities, notification of the surveys and activities and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out, as well as an opportunity to review the surveys. (Please note that this notice and consent/opt-out transfers from parents to any student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.)
You may opt out of the following: use of the internet, release of the student picture, release of directory information.
New Hope Elementary is a School-wide Title I School According to the U.S. Department of Education the purpose of Title 1 funding, is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high quality education and reach, at minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments. The basic principles of Title 1 state that schools with large concentrations o f lowincome students will receive supplemental funds to assist in meeting students educational goals. Low-income students are determined by the number of students enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program. For an entire school to qualify for Title 1 funds, at least 40% of students must enroll in the free and reduced lunch program. Title 1 funds aim to bridge the gap between low-income students and other students. Educators at Title I schools are required to be highly qualified. A Highly Qualified Teacher in Georgia must: 1. Have a bachelors degree from an accredited institution; 2. Have a valid teaching certificate; 3. Have evidence of specialized training in the field(s) they are teaching; 4. Have a teaching assignment in the fields they hold a certification. Parents/guardians have the right to request information concerning the qualifications of a teacher or paraprofessional who works with their child. No Child Left Behind states that parents have the right to request the following: 1. if the teacher has met state licensing requirements for the grade level and subjects in which they are providing instruction; 2. if the teacher is teaching under an emergency status (waiver); 3. the type of college degree major of the teacher and the field of discipline for any graduate degree; and/or 4. if your child is receiving Title I services from paraprofessionals and, his/her qualifications. You may contact the principal, Carla Maret at (706) 673-3180 with any questions or requests.
New Hope Elementary School-wide Title I Parent Involvement Policy 2013-2014 (FY14)
The New Hope Elementary Parent Involvement Policy is jointly developed and agreed upon by a committee that includes parents and staff, and it is not limited to teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators. The School-wide Title I Plan will be evaluated and updated periodically to meet the changing needs of parents and the school. During the first week of each new school year, all parents will receive the most current version of the Parent Involvement Policy and Compact. 1. Annual Meeting New Hope will convene an annual meeting in the fall to inform parents of the schools participation i n the School-wide Title I Plan, to explain the Title I Plan as well as the Parent Involvement Policy and its requirements, inform parents of their right to be involved, discuss the compact, and provide an opportunity for parents to serve on the School-wide Title I Committee. Notifications of parent meetings will be sent home. 2. Meeting Options The school will survey parents for convenient meeting times and offer such choices of options as morning, afternoon, or evening to ensure that all parents have the opportunity to be involved in the meeting. Childcare services may be offered at selected meetings and will be provided if a parent survey indicates the need exists. Parent Involvement The School-wide Title I Parent Committee will be involved in organized, ongoing, and timely planning, which includes the reviewing and improvement of the programs (including the Parent Involvement Policy and Compact). Committee parents will be invited to all committee meetings to ensure opportunities for involvement. Parents will be invited to contribute to an end of the year assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Providing Parent Information The school will provide parents of all students with timely information either by conferences, meetings, Parent Link phone tree, web sites, or literature concerning: A. Title I Programs B. results of annual school review, including school performance profiles C. individual student assessment results and interpretation of those results D. a description and explanation of the school curriculum and required standards E. the assessments used to measure student progress and the proficiency levels the students are expected to meet F. opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions, share experiences, and participate in appropriate decision making G. timely responses to parent suggestions through oral or written communication with the parents. H. if the Parent Involvement Policy or compact is unsatisfactory to the parents, parent comments will be made available to the LEA.
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5. School Improvement Plan will be made available to the Local Education Agency (LEA), parents, and the local community upon request. 6. Provide Assistance New Hope will provide all parents with information to facilitate understanding in the following areas: A. National Education Goals B. states academic content and student performance standards C. school improvement process, if applicable D. components of a school-wide program E. state and local assessments F. requirements of Title I parent involvement G. ways parents can monitor their childrens progress and work with educators to improve student performance H. ways parents can participate in decisions relating to the education of their children I. Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) program for grade levels participating
J. CCRPI results/school report card K. Other resources and programs that are available to eligible children 7. Materials and Training Opportunities The school will provide appropriate and feasible materials and training determined by parent input and surveys. Examples are as follows: A. literacy and technology training, instructional strategies training and hands-on activities and materials to help parents work with their children to improve academic achievement B. involve parents in professional learning opportunities to improve the effectiveness of such training, i.e. reading and math strategies, classroom management, etc.
At the time, our school does not offer any site-based adult training. However, adult high school programs and High School Equivalency Diploma Test (GED) programs are available through our school system and local businesses. Local television stations broadcast GED preparation programs. Parents who desire this training will be given the appropriate information. 8. Equal Partners Opportunities will be made to educate staff in the value and utilization of contributions given by parents. Furthermore, New Hope Elementary will work as equal partners to implement and coordinate parent led programs, such as Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), Parent Volunteering, Family Nights, etc. 9. Coordination With Other Parent Programs Parent Involvement programs and activities will be coordinated and integrated with Head Start and local area public or state preschool programs and agencies to the extent appropriate and feasible. At this time, preschool agencies contact the school prior to kindergarten registration with information concerning potential students. The school then arranges tours, screens for kindergarten readiness during spring registration, and schedules kindergarten orientation. 10. Community/Business Partners Realizing the value of outside resources, New Hope Elementary will develop appropriate partnerships for involvement and activities with businesses, service organizations, and the community. 11. Parent Resources When reasonable funding is available, the school may provide the following opportunities to parents when high interest is sufficient: A. literacy training B. local parental involvement activities C. training for parents to enhance involvement of other parents D. adopting and implementing of a model designed to improve parental involvement E. may have Title I representative to serve on the district-wide parent advisory council F. providing other reasonable support for parental involvement activities as parents request G. Parent Resource Center This resource center was established during the 2003-2004 school year and has been built upon thereafter. Parents will be notified and encouraged to use this resource throughout the school year to meet the educational needs of their children. 12. Primary Language New Hope will send information concerning school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities to the homes of all students in the language used in the home, to the extent practicable. Information may include pertinent documents provided by the LEA, i.e. attendance, immunizations, course requirements, school profiles, etc. 13. Communication Adaption The school will provide, to the extent practicable, full opportunities for the participation of Limited English Proficient parents, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children. This may include providing information and school reports under Section 1111 in a language and form the parents understand.
Revised 6/3/2010
Reviewed 5/2/2012
We will provide an optimistic environment where students are nurtured and engaged in meaningful, challenging work that will prepare them for an ever changing world.
System Vision
We envision a responsive school district that is focused on students and that is valued and respected by the community.
Notice of Rights of Students and Parents Under Section 504 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly referred to as "Section 504," is a nondiscrimination statute enacted by the United States Congress. The purpose of Section 504 is to prohibit discrimination and to assure that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non-disabled students. For more information regarding Section 504, or if you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact your local systems Section 504 Coordinator at the following address: Sarah Hoskins 201 East Tyler St. Dalton, GA 30721 706-278-8070 The implementing regulations for Section 504 as set out in 34 CFR Part 104 provide parents and/or students with the following rights: 1. Your child has the right to an appropriate education designed to meet his or her individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students. 34 CFR 104.33. 2. Your child has the right to free educational services except for those fees that are imposed on non-disabled students or their parents. Insurers and similar third parties who provide services not operated by or provided by the recipient are not relieved from an otherwise valid obligation to provide or pay for services provided to a disabled student. 34 CFR 104.33. 3. Your child has a right to participate in an educational setting (academic and nonacademic) with non-disabled students to the maximum extent appropriate to his or her needs. 3CFR 104.34. 4. Your child has a right to facilities, services, and activities that are comparable to those provided for non-disabled students. 34 CFR 104.34. 5. Your child has a right to an evaluation prior to a Section 504 determination of eligibility. 3 CFR 104.35. 6. You have the right to not consent to the school systems request to evaluate your child. 34 CFR 104.35. 7. You have the right to ensure that evaluation procedures, which may include testing, conform to the requirements of 34 CFR 104.35.
Georgia Department of Education Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent February 13, 2011
8. You have the right to ensure that the school system will consider information from a variety of sources as appropriate, which may include aptitude and achievement tests, grades, teacher recommendations and observations, physical conditions, social or cultural background, medical records, and parental recommendations. 34 CFR 104.35. 9. You have the right to ensure that placement decisions are made by a group of persons, including persons knowledgeable about your child, the meaning of the evaluation data, the placement options, and the legal requirements for least restrictive environment and comparable facilities. 34 CFR 104.35. 10. If your child is eligible under Section 504, your child has a right to periodic reevaluations, including prior to any subsequent significant change of placement. 34 CFR 104.35. 11. You have the right to notice prior to any actions by the school system regarding the identification, evaluation, or placement of your child. 34 CFR 104.36 . 12. You have the right to examine your childs educational records. 34 CFR 104.36. 13. You have the right to an impartial hearing with respect to the school systems actions regarding your child's identification, evaluation, or educational placement, with opportunity for parental participation in the hearing and representation by an attorney. 34 CFR 104.36. 14. You have the right to receive a copy of this notice and a copy of the school systems impartial hearing procedure upon request. 34 CFR 104.36. 15. If you disagree with the decision of the impartial hearing officer (school board members and other district employees are not considered impartial hearing officers), you have a right to a review of that decision according to the school systems impartial hearing procedure. 34 CFR 104.36. 16. You have the right to, at any time, file a complaint with the United States Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights
Georgia Department of Education Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent February 13, 2011
New Hope Elementary School Faculty and Staff 2013-2014 Administration/Office Carla Maret-Principal Patricia Lamb-Assistant Principal Teresa Brown-Counselor Joyce Wilson-Secretary/Bookkeeper Jeanette Rogers-Data Clerk/Receptionist Kindergarten Cortney Buckelew Bethina Bryson Tim Defore Misty Hulsey Tama Ledford* 2nd Grade Jerrilynne Gardner Trish Linder* Mendy Mashburn Tracy Phelps 4th grade Shan Bishop Paige Buckner Ginger Gray* Brittany Sewell EIP/ESOL Chantel Kirk -EIP/Coordinator Ann Sullivan-EIP Denise Langford-EIP/Reading Recovery Linda Minter EIP/Reading Recovery Renee Griffin ESOL Denise Ziegler ESOL Kelly Bettis- ESOL Other Lisa Brooker Gifted Phyllis Thompson - Gifted Kelley Johnston - Media Specialist Stacy Pardee - Physical Education Jeff Roueche - Music
*Grade Level Leads
1st Grade Angie Allison* Stacy Beason Lynn Bridges Nancy Cleghorn Priscilla Collins 3rd Grade Alison Adams* Katie Brock Kristy Guice Sara Pennington Jonathan Rose 5th Grade Kathy Ford Beth Jennings* Tara Whitworth Gita Brown Special Education Melanie Penson-Resource Donna Richards - Resource Ashley Smith- MI/MO Self-contained Tracy Rollins-Speech*
Paraprofessionals Julie Brock-Kindergarten (Ledford) Sherrie Dean Physical Education Mary Rolen - Kindergarten (Defore) Cindy Beilling - Kindergarten (Bryson) Jan Palmer - Special Education Regina Schultz - Kindergarten (Buckelew) Kinma Gowan Kindergarten (Hulsey) Monica Warren - First Grade Amy McClure Special Education Media Clerk Nancy Sarkowski School Nurse Renee Smith Custodians Southern Management Cafeteria Staff Terrie Pendergrass - Manager Elaine Hill - Cashier Angela Norton MaryAnn Carroll Carolyn Dills Tanis Watlington Bus Drivers Lisa Creswell Tequita Hilton Vevyan McCarver Tina Maciejewski Melba Spruell Patricia Cantrell
AFTER-SCHOOL CARE
Students in grades K-5 may stay in the After-School Care Program until 6:00 p.m. There is a charge per day, per child, determined by the Whitfield Co Board of Education. Students are supervised in an educational setting. They are provided an opportunity for help with their lessons. Each student is provided a snack daily. The After-School Care desk will be located in the cafeteria/gym foyer. Students must be picked up by 6:00 P.M. There will be four early release days designated for professional learning and/or parent conferences. If students are not picked up within 10 minutes after dismissal, they will need to attend the After School Child Care Program at the cost of $5.00. No After-School Care Program will be provided on Friday, December 20th and Friday, May 23rd.
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Students who are picked up prior to 2:15 must be checked out in the office. Again, a REMINDER, no student check-outs are allowed after 2:15 PM due to loading buses and preparing for dismissal. Parents arriving after 2:15 will have to report to car rider line.
ATTENDANCE
Students must be prompt and regular in attendance if satisfactory work is to be accomplished. Regular attendance and promptness are two important work ethics of a successful individual. Any student arriving after 7:45 A.M. is tardy. Students should be in the classroom and seated by 7:40 A.M. A combination of (5) five unexcused tardies or unexcused checkouts will be considered one unexcused absence as determined by the Whitfield County Board of Education Attendance Policy. See the Whitfield County Attendance Policy. A student shall be considered absent if he/she leaves before 11:00 A.M. Parents arriving to pick up children before dismissal are required to come to the school office to sign out the student.
If your child must be absent, please try to inform the office in the morning by telephone. In order for a students absence to be excused, the teacher must receive a written note from you at the time your child returns to school.
A student becoming ill at school should inform the teacher. If necessary, parents will be contacted. It is extremely important to have a telephone number on the registration card so that we can reach you in the case of an emergency. If you do not have a telephone, please use the number of a close friend, relative, or neighbor. Students are responsible for making up work missed due to absences. It is the students responsibility to do so within a reasonable time. For extended absences, the classroom teacher should be contacted for assignments and arrangements made to pick up materials and books. Excessive absences will be reported to the attendance officer. For each day missed, a note explaining the absence must be brought to school on the following day and given to the classroom teacher. Chronic absenteeism is defined by more than 5 absences in a nine week grading period, or more than 15 unexcused absences for the school year.
In Elementary and Middle schools, students may have up to 10 days of absences excused with a parent note; parents have 5 days from the time of the students return to school to turn in a parent note for absences Students shall be counted present when they are serving as pages of the Georgia General Assembly and/or while representing the school in an activity approved by the school and/or Board of Education. Students in foster care shall be counted present when they attend court proceedings relating to their foster care. A student whose parent or legal guardian is in military service in the U. S. armed forces or National Guard, and such parent has been called to duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting will be granted up to 5 days of excused absences per school year to visit with his or her parent prior to the parent's deployment or during the parent's leave. Individual students who have emergencies to arise that necessitate their absence from school for a portion of the school day must have been present for one half of the instructional day in order to be included in attendance counts. An unlawful (unexcused) absence is one not permitted under the Compulsory School Attendance Law (20-2-690) and policies of the Whitfield County School Board. A combination of (5) five unexcused tardies or unexcused early checkouts will be considered one unexcused absence for perfect attendance purposes. The above reasons also apply to late check-ins and early checkouts. If a student has excessive absences or tardies, the school social worker may refer the student and parent(s) to the Department of Family and Children Services, Truancy Treatment Team or the appropriate court when sufficient legal causes for these absences or tardies do not exist. Corrective measures may be taken against the student and/or parent(s). The student must be present for at least l/2 of the high school class period to be considered present for the class. The student and/or parent/guardian may request the school principal or designee to review the case if there are extenuating circumstances. Upon denial, it can be appealed to the Superintendent or the Superintendents designee. (According to the State Board of Education rules, a student is truant who during the school calendar year has more than five unexcused absences.) Beginning the 2005-2006 school year the school will be contacting you in writing when your child has 5, 10 and 15 total absences. Parents may be requested to attend an Attendance Review Team meeting when students reach 5 unexcused or 10 total absences. Parents who do not attend the Attendance Review meeting will be referred to the school social worker. Parents may also be asked to provide a written physicians note to excuse future absences due to illness. Upon review of the students attendance, the social worker may refer the student and family on to the community Truancy Treatment Team, the Department of Family and Children Services or the Whitfield County Juvenile or Magistrate Court. Students, ages 15-17, will lose their drivers permit or license and/or may lose credit following 10 unexcused absences in a school year.
Georgia Compulsory School Attendance Law CODE SECTION --20-2-690-1. (a) Every parent, guardian, or other person residing within this state having control or charge of any child or children between their sixth and sixteenth birthdays shall enroll and send such child or children to a public school, a private school, or a home study program that meets the requirements for a public school, a private school, or a home study program; (b) Any parent, guardian, or other person residing in this state who has control or charge of a child or children and who shall violate this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $100.00 or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both, at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction. Each days absence from school in violati on of this part shall constitute a separate offense.
If the weather becomes severe during the school day and school is to be dismissed early, an announcement will be made in advance of the dismissal time. We also will use the Blackboard Connect phone tree system to notify you of any school cancellations.
BREAKFAST PROCEDURES
Breakfast is served daily. Breakfast is free for all students and $1.40 for adults. Students paying by the day will pay as they go through the line. Checks should be made payable to Whitfield County School System. Any student wishing to eat breakfast in the cafeteria needs to arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. After that, the student may receive a grab and go breakfast.
BOOKBAGS
No rolling bookbags are allowed in the building due to safety reasons.
BUS CONCERNS
All concerns regarding buses (routing, bus stops, drivers, etc.), except for student discipline issues, should be addressed to the Parent Hot Line at 706-537-3638. Bus discipline concerns may be addressed to the assistant principal or principal.
BUS RULES
1. Students will be loaded and unloaded at their usual stop unless a note from the parents signed by the principal or office personnel is presented to the driver. If there is a late change in afternoon plans for your child, you must call the school office no later than 1:30 in order to get the message to your child. No changes will be taken after that time. All bus notes must go through the office for approval before it is presented to the driver. 2. Students should enter the bus, find a passenger seat, and remain seated with hands and feet out of the aisle, until time to unload. 3. Students may talk quietly unless instructed otherwise by the driver. 4. All noise should stop at all railroad crossings and other dangerous locations.
No physical contact, profanity, loud noise, saving seats, or disrespect are allowed at any time. Objects should not be thrown inside or outside the bus. No part of a students body should ever be outside the bus window. Childrens clothing needs to be secure to avoid accidents. Long jacket or sweatshirt drawstrings, backpack straps, long scarves or other loose clothing are especially dangerous. Please help us keep your child safe by monitoring loose clothing. 9. While waiting for the bus in the mornings, students should stand off the street. 10. Students must follow all guidelines presented in the Whitfield County Schools Transportation brochure. 11. Students are prohibited from eating or drinking while riding the bus due to safety. 5. 6. 7. 8.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE
Please notify the teacher and school office of any change of address or telephone number as soon as possible. School messages will come through Blackboard Connect; a correct telephone number is necessary for you to receive these messages.
CHEWING GUM
Students are not allowed to chew gum at school unless it is a special school event.
CITIZENSHIP
It is each students responsibility to display qualities of good citizenship. Your best conduct is expected in the halls, in the cafeteria, on the playground, in the classroom, or if leaving school grounds. New Hope Elementary teachers want students to become good citizens. Expect teachers to remind you of your mistakes. They will give special emphasis to honesty and courtesy. Obedience to law, respect to our countrys flag, appreciation of the Const itution of the United States,
respect for parents and home, and recognition of the dignity and necessity of honest labor are characteristics desired and expected of our students.
CLASSROOM RULES
Each teacher will establish and enforce individual classroom rules. Students will be made aware of rules and consequences at the beginning of the school year. Students are expected to follow classroom rules as well as general school rules.
COUNSELOR
Full-time counseling services are available at New Hope Elementary. Students and parents are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss matters of concern. In addition to individual conferences and small group sessions, guidance classes will be provided at each grade level throughout the school year.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Students and parents should read the Whitfield County Schools Discipline Code. New Hope Elementary School students will follow the system discipline code. The system handbook explains all rules. Students who behave will earn positive recognition. If a student chooses to break rules, a form of the following behavior management system may be used: 1st time: Name on board warning 2nd time: One check - loss of break time 3rd time: Two checks - possible classroom isolation 4th time: Three checks - note to parent or call to parent 5th time: Four checks - conference with the assistant principal or principal 6th time: Five checks - call to parents 7th time: Six checks - Conference with teacher, principal, parents, and student
DRESS CODE
The Whitfield County Board of Education believes that an appropriate dress code will support a safe school environment that is conducive to learning. A committee of board members, administrators, teachers, parents, and students will review this student dress code each year. The Board of Education intends for this dress code to continually adapt to changing styles, reflecting the needs and opinions of our schools and our community. SECTION A: ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS FOR PROPER ATTIRE 1. SHIRTS/BLOUSES (All colors and color combinations are acceptable.) Styles - all styles which conform to rules concerning fit Fabric - all except sheer, see-through, and unlined lace, etc. Fit o Sized appropriately, fitted modestly, (no cleavage showing), must have sleeves o Buttoned properly
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Long enough to cover midriff at all times (no skin showing at midriff)
SKIRTS/DRESSES/JUMPERS (all colors and color combinations) Length no shorter than knee length when standing Fabric all except sheer, see-through, and unlined lace, etc. Fit o Sized appropriately, fitted modestly, (no cleavage showing), must have sleeves o Skirts properly fitted and secured at the waist o Jumpers must be worn with blouse meeting the dress code. o No splits above the knee in skirts or dresses PANTS/SLACKS/SHORTS Styles dress, chino, denim (jeans), cargo, sweatpants, etc. (no overalls, pajama pants, or lounge wear) Fabric all except sheer, see-through, unlined lace, etc. Fit o Sized appropriately (no baggy or over-sized pant legs) o Shorts at the knee when standing o Shorts may be dress, chino, denim (jeans), or cargo. Gym, athletic, and basketball shorts are acceptable. (must be at least knee length) o All styles fitted and secured at the waist SHOES/BOOTS Must be properly fastened (tied, buckled, laced, etc.) Flip flops are acceptable. No shoes with wheels SWEATERS/JACKETS/OUTERWEAR All dress code rules will apply to sweaters/jackets/outerwear when worn inside the school building. Hoodies must fit appropriately and not be oversized.
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SECTION B: INAPPROPRIATE DRESS The following fads, styles, types of clothing, accessories, and appearances are deemed inappropriate: If clothing is worn with rips, holes, tears (above the knee), the holes must be permanently patched with fabric meeting dress code standards. Underwear, leggings or shorts under pants with holes do not meet dress code requirements. Baggy and oversized clothing Pajamas or lounge wear Clinging, revealing, immodest, form-fitting Clothing or tattoos with writings, numbers, pictures, graphics, monograms, symbols or drawings, that promotes; o Gang/cult memberships or activity o Trademarks, slogans, or advertising advocating the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, drug paraphernalia, or other unlawful activity o Discrimination based upon cultural, religious, racial or sexual orientations Clothing or jewelry deemed a safety risk or unlawful (see Discipline Code) Pants, skirts, coats, or clothing of any kind touching the ground Hair of any color or style disruptive to the learning environment Headwear (caps, scarves, bandanas, sunglasses, etc.) at anytime inside the building Any objects in pierced body parts other than the ear. Spikes, gauges, etc. are not allowed. Gloves inside the building Writing on rear of pants or shorts The administrators decision will stand as to the accepted judgment in the preceding examples of inappropriate dress. SECTION C: ADHERENCE TO THE DRESS CODE During the first five days of attendance within the school year, a student in violation will be asked to correct the infractions. Enforcement as to the progressive discipline procedures in the Student Discipline Code will begin on the sixth school day for any student. No student shall be considered to be out of compliance with this policy in the following instances: When the students parent/guardian has secured an exemption from the policy as set forth in the procedures outlined in the exemptions section below When the student wears a button, armband, or other accessory to exercise the right of freedom of expression, unless the button, armband, or other accessory is related to gangs, gang membership, or gang activity When the student wears a uniform of a nationally recognized youth organization such as Boy Scouts or the Girl Scouts on regular meeting days When a student is wearing an approved form of dress for a school sponsored activity When the school administration waives the dress code policy for physical education classes or any class where the dress code is not conducive to the learning environment When the school administration waives the dress code policy for school spirit wear (clothing that is affiliated with school clubs, organizations, athletics, etc) SECTION D: EXEMPTIONS In order to qualify for an exemption, the following procedure must be followed: 1. Request by email (wanda_phillips@whitfield.k12.ga.us), or in person from the school an Application For Exemption Form. 2. Complete the application in full and submit it to the designated administrator at the students school. 3. Meet with the designated school administrator to discuss the reasons and goals of the policy and the objection to the policy. 4. Receive formal approval/disapproval by the designated district administrator.
FIELD TRIPS
All field trips are educational in nature and are extensions of the classrooms. Donations may be requested to help defray costs, but at no time will a child be denied the opportunity to make a field trip due to the lack of a donation. Parents will be notified in advance of a field trip. Each child is expected to attend field trips. Students should ride the bus to and from a field trip. If the parent is driving and wants their own child to ride in the car with them, the parent may come to the office and officially check their child out from school. Having done this, their child may ride with them. Other children may not ride with anyone other than their own parent who has checked them out. *Parents are not allowed to ride the bus, they should provide their own transportation. Parents may or may not have the option of attending a field trip due to space limitations and event requirements.
Evaluation/Assessment Information: All referrals for consideration are accepted in the spring of each school year. schools eligibility team meets.
Qualifications: The Georgia and Whitfield County Schools eligibility criteria for placement in the ALPHA program include meeting three of the four criteria in the areas of mental ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation. More qualification information may be obtained at each school or at the WCS Central Office. Transfers/Reciprocity: Any student who meets the state eligibility criteria for gifted education services shall be considered eligible to receive gifted education services in any school system within the state. However, a student transferring from one school system to another within the state shall meet the criteria for continuation of gifted services established by the local board of education of the receiving school system. There is no mandated reciprocity between states. Program Description In grades K-12, the gifted program utilizes a variety of instructional models designed to maximize the potential benefits for each individual child. Emphasis is placed on curriculum, enrichment, and acceleration. Grades K-5 In the elementary grades, the resource/pull-out model is utilized. With the pull-out model, the students meet with the gifted program teacher for a portion of the school day/week (schedules may vary from school to school). The ALPHA program consists of enrichment units that extend the regular curriculum.
HEADLICE
Parents are asked to check their childs head for lice or nits on a regular basis. Children will not be sent home from school because of non-viable nits. They will be asked to go home due to live bugs. Chronic and/or severe cases will be referred to the Whitfield County Health Department. The Health Department does charge for services and medicine. Only one absence will be excused for lice treatment. The rest will be unexcused. The school system still holds parents accountable for treating and clearing the child, but we will try to prevent the child from missing additional school after the initial detection and treatment.
HOMEWORK
Each student may have some homework each night Monday through Thursday. The amount of homework should vary according to grade levels. Kindergarten and First Grade should be approximately 15 minutes. Second and Third Grades should be approximately 30 minutes. Fourth and Fifth Grades should be 45 minutes. Uncompleted class work is often considered additional homework if designated by the teacher.
INSURANCE
Optional school insurance insures students for accidents that might occur at school. Twentyfour hour coverage is also available and is well worth the low cost. Students will be given insurance information during the first week of school. Insurance is available only at the beginning of the school year.
INTERNET
All students have access to the internet. Acceptable use and internet safety guidelines are available on the Whitfield County Schools website at www.whitfield.k12.ga.us. Parents may request a written copy of these guidelines by contacting the school. The school district cannot provide an absolute assurance that students will be prevented from accessing inappropriate materials or sending and receiving objectionable communications but the district will ensure that all practical precautions will be taken to keep students safe from illegal and/or inappropriate material. Students are instructed in acceptable use and internet safety and their internet use is monitored as closely as possible. If a parent does not wish their child to be allowed on the internet, they must notify the school principal in writing within the first week of each school term. WHITFIELD COUNTY SCHOOLS Internet Appropriate Use Regulations
The School District will enforce the following administrative procedures. Although some specific examples of prohibited uses by students are stated, they are intended as illustrations only and do not purport to be all-inclusive list of inappropriate behaviors. Failure to comply with these administrative procedures shall be deemed grounds for revocation of privileges, potential disciplinary and/or appropriate legal action. TERMS AND CONDITIONS I. ACCEPTABLE USE Access to the school's Internet is provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school system's educational mission and goals. Parents shall be required to sign the Internet Access Agreement form allowing their students to access the Internet. All students shall also be required to sign said form affirming that they have read and understand the administrative procedure on "Student Internet and Appropriate Use" and understand the consequences for the violation of said administrative procedure. II. PRIVILEGES The use of the school system's Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use may result in the cancellation of those privileges. The Superintendent or designee(s) shall make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated these procedures and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time. III. UNACCEPTABLE USE The user is responsible for all his/her actions and activities involving the network. Examples of prohibited conduct include but are not limited to the following: A. Accessing materials or communications that are: 1. Damaging to another's reputation, 2. Abusive, 3. Obscene, 4. Sexually oriented,
5. Threatening, 6. Contrary to the school's policy on harassment, 7. Harassing, or 8. Illegal; B. Sending or posting materials or communications that are: 1. Damaging to another's reputation, 2. Abusive, 3. Obscene, 4. Sexually oriented, 5. Threatening, 6. Harassing, 7. Illegal, or 8. Contrary to the school's policy on harassment; C. Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts or transmitting any material in violation of U.S. and State regulation; D. Copying or downloading copyrighted material on any system connected to the School System's hardware/software without the owner's permission. Only the owner(s) or individuals specifically authorized by the owner(s) may copy or download copyrighted material to the system; E. Copying or downloading copyrighted material for the student's own use without the owner's permission. Students may redistribute copyrighted programs only with the owner's permission. Such permission must be specified in the document or must be obtained directly from the owner in accordance with applicable copyright laws, Board policy and administrative procedures; F. Using the network for private financial or commercial gain; G. Wastefully using resources; H. Utilizing any software having the purpose of damaging the school unit's system or other user's system; I. Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities; J. Invading the privacy of individuals; K. Using another user's account or password; L. Posting material authorized or created by another without his/her consent; M. Posting anonymous messages; N. Using the network for commercial or private advertising; O. Forging of electronic mail messages; P. Attempting to read, delete, copy or modify the electronic mail of other system users and deliberately interfering with the ability of other system users to send/receive electronic mail; Q. Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked; and R. Using the network in a fashion inconsistent with directions from teachers and other staff and generally accepted network etiquette. IV. STAFF SUPERVISION Staff members should become familiar with this procedure and should enforce the rules concerning appropriate use when their duties include supervision of students using the Internet. When in the course of their duties staff members become aware of student violation of this policy, they should correct the student and address the matter in accordance with this procedure and the Board of Education's general disciplinary policies and procedures.
V. COMPENSATION The student and/or the student's parent(s)/legal guardian(s) shall be responsible for compensating the school system for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the school system relating to or arising out of any student violation of these procedures. VI. SECURITY Network security is a high priority. If the student identifies or perceives a security problem or a breech of these responsibilities on the Internet, the user must immediately notify the principal, his/her designee OR other appropriate staff. The student must not demonstrate the problem to other student users. VII. VANDALISM Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy the school unit's equipment or materials, data of another student, the Internet network, or agency. This includes but is not limited to the uploading or creation of computer viruses. VIII. TELEPHONE CHARGES The Board of Education assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees including but not limited to long distance charges, per minute surcharges and/or equipment or line costs. IX. NETWORK ETIQUETTE The user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include but are not limited to the following. A. Be polite. Do not become abusive in messages to others. B. Use appropriate language. Do not swear or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. C. Do not reveal the personal addresses or telephone numbers of students. D. Recognize that electronic mail (E-mail) is not private. People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities. E. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users. F. Consider all communications and information accessible via the network to be private property.
LUNCH/BREAKFAST PROCEDURES
School lunch and breakfast are served daily. Lunch and breakfast money can be brought to the cafeteria before school each day. Students paying by the day will pay as they go through the line. Lunch money must be paid separately from ice cream, supplies, etc. Checks should be made payable to Whitfield County School System. If a student forgets his lunch money he/she may charge it in the cafeteria. *Students will not be allowed to have more than 3 charges at any time. If charges are not paid in a timely manner nor a lunch sent from home, Whitfield County Schools have the discretion of providing an alternate lunch. Applications for free and reduced price lunches will be sent home to all parents. Meal applications are available in the office, if the family status changes during the year. Menus will be sent home each month. Students are encouraged to eat school prepared meals. Delivering lunches to students during the school day is discouraged. If your child prefers a home-prepared lunch, please have the child bring the lunch to school with him/her in the morning.
Food items brought from home to be consumed in the school cafeteria must be in appropriate containers. Home prepared or commercial breakfast foods should be eaten prior to arrival at school. Lunch food items purchased commercially or prepared at home should be in a plain, nondescript paper bag or a lunch box. Glass containers are not allowed. If a child is allergic to milk, juice will be substituted, provided there is a letter from a doctor. The prices for school year 2013-14 are as follows: Breakfast: Students: Free Adults: $1.60 Extra Milk: $.50 Lunch: Elementary Paid Students: $1.90 Adults: $2.85 All Reduced Students: $.40 If you have any questions please feel free to call Angie Brown at 706-876-3947. *Procedures for Chronic Charges* Whitfield County has a policy of three charges. In order to have consistency across the school system the following procedures will be followed for over three charges.
1. Cashier will send timely notice of three charges, and keep a copy for documentation. 2. If there is no response, cashier will follow with a phone call, documenting date, time and the name of the person with whom they spoke. 3. If the child continues to charge and there is no response, the account will be turned over to the principal or their designee for a phone call and/or a letter. 4. Children with more than five charges will be asked to call their parents to bring lunch money to the school if the parent has not sent a lunch or money for the day. 5. Children will not be allowed to purchase ice cream with snack money if they have chronic charges. Cashier will inform teachers who has chronic charges. 6. Alternate lunch will be provided after five charges and the above attempts have been made. This will consist of peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a carton of milk. 7. If the parent does not send money for lunch or a home prepared meal, the school social worker or outreach worker will then be notified. 8. Middle school students with charges will be denied the privilege of attending special school events such as school dances until all charges are paid. 9. High school students with charges will not be allowed to exempt finals until all charges are paid. 10. No charges after the second Friday in May. 11. No checks accepted two weeks before the end of school. 12. All students withdrawing from school must sign out with the lunchroom to make sure they do not leave owing charges. Cashier (or manager) signs the sheet indicating they have checked out with the lunchroom.
MEDIA CENTER
The Media Center is the central hub of the school. Books, audio and video tapes, newspapers, periodicals, computer software, and other related media materials are readily available to teachers and students. The Media Center is open daily from 7:30 A.M. to 2:10 P.M. Each student must have a signed damage/loss agreement form on file before checking out any books. Materials are accessible for subject related projects. The Media Specialist is available to assist teachers and students. Students may come individually with a pass from their teacher and the
teacher will schedule a weekly time to bring his/her whole class so that they may have an opportunity to select their books. Books are checked out for a one week period. A student must return his/her book before checking out additional books. Damaged or lost books must be paid for before other books may be checked out. The fee should be paid directly to the Media Center. All books are to be returned before Christmas vacation, Spring Break, and two weeks before school ends for the year. There are additional resources available to students such as computers and encyclopedias. The classroom teacher arranges time for student use of these resources. The Media Rules are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. Be courteous. Take proper care of materials and return them on time. Walk and talk softly Follow instructions.
MEDICATION
All students needing to take medication at school must have a medication form on file. All prescription medication must be in its original container and brought to the homeroom teacher or to the office. Medicine will only be given as instructed by a doctor. Over-the-counter medications should be sent in the original container with complete written instructions.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
A minimum of two conferences are to be held during the school year. Your child's teacher will notify you when to schedule the conferences. Parents, it is important that you communicate with your child's teacher, so feel free to schedule additional conferences as needed.
PARKING
Parents may only park in the parking lot at the front entrance of the building after 7:50 AM and before 2:15 PM. Otherwise you must park in the parking lot at the rear entrance during drop-off or pick-up times. THERE WILL BE NO PARKING IN THE EMERGENCY LANE (ALONG THE CURB) AT THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. We have parking available for visitors throughout the day due to staff parking in the back.
PARTIES
Elementary schools are limited in the number of celebrations which can be held during the school year. These celebrations are limited to the seasonal occasions of Fall, Christmas, Valentines Day, and the end of school. When appropriate, teachers will notify you of specific dates/times of these activities. The teacher will notify you of specific dates/times of these activities. Parties are limited to the last thirty (30) minutes of the school day. The presence of younger, pre-school children is discouraged. Parents may wish to send one item for the class to enjoy. Please advise the teacher ahead of time if you plan to send a treat. Invitations to personal, private parties are not allowed to be distributed to students.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
By Georgia Standards, Physical Education is a required class and students should be prepared to participate with tennis shoes, proper clothing, etc. If a student is unable to participate due to illness or medical reasons, he/she must bring a note from home or a doctor and give it to the homeroom teacher. The homeroom teacher will give it to the physical education teacher.
PICTURES
School pictures are made twice each year at New Hope Elementary, in the fall and in the spring. Information about individual and group pictures will be sent home before pictures are made to give details and prices. Purchase of the pictures is not required.
PLAYGROUND RULES
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. No throwing of any objects, including swings. No standing on swings. Only one person per swing. One person on slide steps at a time. No climbing slide; use steps. No pushing or play fighting. Rocks and other loose playground objects should not be handled.
Because it is so important that students be exposed to books at an early age, and because they take great pride in owning books, teachers may offer the parents an opportunity to purchase materials for use in the home. Troll Book Clubs and Weekly Reader Books are examples of such materials. You are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. However, these materials are not part of the classroom instruction and are not required by the school. All text materials required for instruction will be provided by the school. If you decide to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase materials for the home, please make all checks payable to the book club. At least twice a year the media center sponsors a book fair. Again, this is an opportunity to purchase materials and books to be used in the home. Parents and students may browse through and purchase a book if desired. No checks will be accepted during the book fairs.
RECORDS
School records are maintained in the school office. These records contain progress reports, test scores, and other data. These records are confidential. Parents may see these records at a scheduled parent-teacher conference. A written request is required before records are sent to another school or other agency.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are issued every nine weeks. The report cards should be signed by the parent or guardian and returned to the teacher the following day. A progress report will be sent home every four and half weeks to inform parents of the academic progress before the report cards go home at the end of the nine week grading period.
make an oral report of the act to any teacher, counselor, or administrator at his/her school. For more details, please see the Student Discipline brochure. Georgia HB 1321 addresses the issue of falsifying reports of alleged inappropriate behavior by teachers or school personnel stating it is an offense falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting, or erroneously reporting information regarding instances of alleged behavior by a teacher, administrator, or other school employee toward a student.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
Parents are kept informed of their childs progress. Communicating with parents develops a rapport that enhances the learning process of students. Our communication process involves: Telephone calls or personal notes sent when a need arises. E-mail is also utilized when available. Report cards sent home usually 5 days after the close of each nine weeks grading period. Progress report sent home in the middle of the nine week grading period to inform parents of academic progress. Time scheduled for each parent to come to a conference with their childs teacher on , October 20, March 16, and during the month of May (date(s) to be announced). Additional conferences will be arranged as the need arises. Classroom newsletter sent home weekly/monthly School newsletters sent home monthly/bi-monthly
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SCHOOL DAY
School begins at 7:40 A.M. and ends at 2:30 P.M. The school doors are opened at 7:00 A.M. Parents must not drop off children prior to 7:00 A.M. as they will be unsupervised. Parents will NOT be allowed to check out students after 2:15 PM due to loading buses and preparing for dismissal.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Paper, pencils, and erasers, are available for purchase from the school vending machines when available.
TARDIES
School starts at 7:40 A.M. and it is important that students be on time. If a student is tardy he/she should have a note explaining why. Frequent tardies will be treated the same as chronic absences. Students should be in the building, in their classroom, and seated by 7:40 AM. Excessive tardies are reported to the assistant principal and social worker for contacting parents.
TELEPHONE
The school telephone number is 706-673-3180. If parents need to call their childs teacher, they are encouraged to call him/her at a time when classes are not in session or after 2:30. Students should ask to use the telephone only in case of an emergency. Permission must be granted by the classroom teacher. Arrangements for after-school activities should be made before coming to school in the morning.
TESTING
Kindergarten Kindergarten Assessment Testing Fall and Spring (GKIDS) AIMS Web Benchmarks (Three times a year) MAP Benchmarks (Three times a year) Criterion Referenced Testing Spring (CRCT) MAP Benchmarks (Three times a year) Group Screening (Mental abilities)- Winter (GoGAT) MAP Benchmarks (Three times a year) Criterion Referenced Testing Spring (CRCT) State Writing Exam MAP Benchmarks (Three times a year) Criterion Referenced Testing Spring (CRCT)
Grades 5
*In accordance with Georgia State Law, third graders must meet expectations in reading to be promoted to fourth grade. Fifth grade students are expected to meet expectations in reading and math to be promoted to the sixth grade.
TEXTBOOKS
Any textbooks or library books checked out or issued to your child are the property of the Whitfield County Schools. They should be used with care and returned in good condition. Students are responsible for books which are lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair.
TOBACCO
The use of tobacco in any form is not permitted by anyone anywhere on the campus of any Whitfield County School.
TRAFFIC POLICY
Please help us keep your children safe by following these rules: Please drop off and pick up students at the back of the school, entering the drive from Rauschenberg Road. Morning drop-off begins at 7:00 AM. Please do not bring your child to school prior to 7:00 AM as no one is on duty and the doors are not unlocked. Students should not be dropped off in the front parking lot prior to 7:40. Parents wishing to walk their children in needs to park in the back parking lot prior to 7:40. After 7:40, students may be dropped off at the front door. Please remember, school begins @ 7:40. If you drop off your child before 7:30 AM, traffic is not a problem. This earlier arrival also gives your child time to walk to class, put up their book bags, and settle in prior to morning announcements at 7:40 AM, your child needs time to get to class before 7:40 AM. Students planning to eat breakfast must arrive no later than 7:30 AM. Students are considered tardy if not present in the classroom at 7:45 AM. Family members picking up students in the car rider line should display in the car window a pickup card with the students name on it. If you need additional cards, please send a letter to your childs teacher requesting cards. Please pull up close to the posts where the teachers are on duty. In the afternoons, you will be assigned a particular post (#1 through #5) to park beside. Never go around someone parked in front of you. The line must proceed at the same time. Parents must come in the building and pick up students who are not picked up by 2:50 PM. Please load and unload quickly, our goal is to move cars in and out as quickly as possible. If you realize you need to give your child lunch money or have some other task, please park in our parking area so you will not hold up the traffic flow. After 7:45 AM, students must go to the office to pick up a tardy slip. Please come by the office to checkout students. No check-outs will be allowed after 2:10 PM due to loading buses and preparing for dismissal. Our top priority is child safety. These measures are established to keep all our students safe coming to and leaving school grounds.
Please help us to maintain safety for all children by following this policy. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me at the school. Thanks in advance for helping us to keep our students safe. Thank you in advance for following these procedures to ensure everyones safety.
VALUABLES
Please send only necessary money to school with your child. Please put the money in an envelope and mark on the envelope exactly what the money is for; children often forget. Other money, toys, athletic equipment, electronic games, CD players, MP3 players, tape players, and expensive items should be left at home. The school cannot be responsible for damage to or loss of such items.
VISITORS
All people who are not employed at New Hope Elementary School are SCHOOL VISITORS. Visitors should check in at the school office and obtain a vi sitors pass. No one will be admitted into a classroom without a pass or badge. Classroom visitation should be cleared with the teacher and principal prior to the visit.
VOLUNTEERS
Parents and grandparents are urged to volunteer their services. Parents may serve in a capacity that they feel most suited or where there is the greatest need. Volunteers should check in at the school office in order to be assigned and in order to have their service recorded by the volunteer coordinator. This service is greatly appreciated; the result of this service is reflected in student progress. We have volunteer training and a volunteer center.
WEAPONS
It is unlawful for any person to carry, possess or have under control any weapon at the school building, at any school function on school property, on a bus, or other transportation furnished by the school.
WITHDRAWAL
The procedure for a student to withdraw is as follows: The school and teacher are notified. All school property must be returned and moneys due the school must be paid. A withdrawal form is filled out by the classroom teacher and signed by the Media Center and the office.
Records will be forwarded by mail upon request of the school where the student has
transferred.