Student Handbook
Click on the link below for easy access to these pages.
STATEMENT
My child and I have received a copy of the North Stewart Elementary Student Handbook. This handbook includes rules, regulations, and policies for the 2006-2007 school year. We understand that our child is expected to read and become thoroughly familiar with these rules, regulations, and policies. We understand that our child is subject to the rules and punishments that it provides.
_____________________________
Signature of Parent/Date
_____________________________
Signature of Student/Date
_____________________________
Homeroom Teacher
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN TO SCHOOL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
North
Stewart Elementary School
Excellence in Education
Debbie
Grasty, Principal
Eileen
Smith, Assistant Principal
Student
Handbook
Grades
PreK-5
2201 Hwy.
79
Big
Phone:
(931) 232-5505
Fax:
(931) 232-8139
TO ALL
STUDENTS
We are delighted to welcome
you to North Stewart Elementary School.
This handbook is published so that all students will have a ready
reference to information regarding the policies at
MISSON STATEMENT
At:
North
Stewart
Students,
Staff, and Parents
Expect
Academic and Social Success
VISION
FOR NSE
The vision for North
Stewart Elementary School is to enable each child to become a productive member
of society, a life-long learner, and possess a positive attitude toward self and
others.
SCHOOL
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
Main Office
232-5505
Cafeteria
232-4188
Board of Education
232-5176
Stewart
The Center
232-5351
Stewart
VISITORS
In an effort to maintain a
safe and orderly environment at North Stewart Elementary, it is important that
all parents and visitors abide by the following guidelines.
These guidelines were written by the Advisory Committee and agreed upon
by the faculty, staff and PTO representatives.
Please remember, these guidelines are in place for the safety of YOUR
child.
1.
Every visitor must report directly to the office upon entering the
building and sign in to receive a visitor pass.
2.
All students must be dismissed from the office.
3.
In an effort to foster independence, please allow your child to walk to
their classroom (gym or cafeteria) by themselves.
4.
If you wish to visit your child’s classroom, discuss your child’s
progress or behavior, please make an appointment with the teacher.
This appointment will be scheduled during the teachers planning time.
5.
Please do not leave cars unattended in the car rider line.
(Area between parking lot and front entrance)
6.
The rear entrance is for busses and employees only.
7.
If you would like to be a volunteer at NSE, please let your child’s
teacher know. Teacher must turn in
a volunteer schedule to the office.
DISTRICT
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Holidays
Discretionary Days
(No School)
(No School for students)
September 5
Labor Day
August 2
October 3-7th
Fall Break
November 4
November 11
Veteran’s Day
May 24
November 23-25th
Thanksgiving
Dec. 19 – Jan. 2
Christmas
Staff Development
January 13
(No
School for Students)
January 16
MLK
August 1
February 20
President’s Day
February 21
April 2- April 9
Spring Break
Parent-Teacher Conference
Abbreviated
Days
September 6 (No students
present) 1PM – 7 PM
August 3 Registration Day
November 10 (NSES and DES
only)
December 16 Christmas Holiday begins
January 12 (SCHS and SCMS
only)
May 27 Last Day of School
March 22 (No students
present) 1PM – 7 PM
Graduation:
May 27
TCAP TEST WINDOW April 23-
May 4
Title I
School-wide Program
North Stewart Elementary School is a Title I school-wide school. Effective school-wide programs are about ensuring high levels of academic success for all students. A school-wide program is built on reform strategies rather than separate, add-on services. The focus of a school-wide program is to implement research based programs that improve instruction in every aspect of the students’ school experience. Opportunities are provided for all children to meet the state’s proficient and advanced levels of student performance. Instruction is provided by highly qualified professional staff that have been trained. Professional development opportunities which focus on researched best practices are provided for teachers, educational assistants, and other staff. School-wide programs have flexibility in the use of federal funds and allows for shared decision making. The Title I school-wide program at North Stewart Elementary fosters both equity and excellence. If you have questions concerning the Title I program or would like to view the Title I Consolidated Application, please contact the local Board of Education at 232.5176.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
Information
North Stewart Elementary envisions ALL children and youth receiving exemplary educational services from exceptionally prepared educators. We will work hard to bridge the gap between research and practice by empowering our school, educators, administrators, and families to implement research-based, best and promising educational practices with all school-aged children. In so doing, we hope to facilitate a merger of general, vocational, and special education services into a unified, seamless system of education serving ALL students with equity and excellence.
In 2004 we began working on a School Wide Plan for Positive Behavior Support that addressed the behavior of all students at NSE. The initial goal was to identify the behaviors that we thought were most important. This process involved a team of parents, students, teachers, community members, and administrators. The rules identified for NSE were-Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Prepared. Classroom teachers then worked with students to decide what it would look like or sound like to be Respectful in the classroom, hallway, bathroom, cafeteria, bus, playground or gym. The same process was used for teaching students to be respectful and prepared for class. Using research based techniques provided by the LRE for LIFE Project now Ed Excellence teachers taught students the desired behaviors for each of these school locations.
School Wide Positive Behavior Support is embedded in every
aspect of our school program. LRE
for Life is an acronym for Least Restrictive Environment for Living, Inclusion,
Friendship, and Employment. It
denotes that the ultimate task of schools is to prepare its students to live as
valued, contributing, democratic citizens with meaningful relationships and
satisfying careers. The project has
provided our school with data driven professional development and technical
assistance that have paved the way for developing our discipline plan and
establishing a positive school climate.
Our school is a place where students and teachers want to be.
By creating such a nurturing and caring environment, children feel safe
and our teachers work hard to meet not only the academic needs of the students
but their basic needs as well.
Food, shelter, clothing and medical needs cannot be ignored.
By working with government agencies as well as private organizations,
Ed Excellence has given our school the tools we need to collect data from many sources to make informed decisions about school practices and policies. We devote a tremendous amount of time and effort to disaggregating this data. Our teachers use this information to make changes in their teaching strategies to increase test scores. But more importantly, they identify personal areas of strengths and share these with their colleagues.
Extensive collaboration between the administration, both general and special educators and parents is very important. This communication is imperative for improving comprehensive literacy instruction for all students within inclusive classrooms. By implementing data based instruction that allows the teacher to individualize general education, struggling learners that would normally be “left behind” develop a sense of belonging and a desire to learn. We continually celebrate their accomplishments throughout the year. Research shows that if you want to maintain a behavior or result, you must celebrate the accomplishments. These celebrations encourage higher student achievement.
.
NSES
Positive Behavior Support Ticket Trade
2011-2012
Tickets are given to students as a reward for positive behavior.
They are given by the faculty, staff, and bus drivers.
Bus drivers distribute Bus Bucks which may be exchanged in the school
office for a Good Behavior Bus Safety Pencil.
The name of students who receive bus bucks are announced on the intercom
each morning.
Students are
expected to follow the three rules: Be Prepared, Be Respectful, and Be
Responsible. The school wide
expectations for these three rules are taught at the beginning of each school
year. Booster training occurs as
needed depending on the areas showing most problems.
Students collect and save tickets to exchange for prizes.
Ticket trade occurs at the discretion of each teacher.
Students may exchange tickets for these items:
Movie—50 tickets
Ice cream—50 tickets
Ticket cart ranges
from 10 tickets to 100 tickets
Pencil
Stickers
Binders
Calendars
Posters
Homework Passes or
Outside Time—25 or 50 tickets
SCHOOL
PTO
The objective of the PTO is
to promote the welfare of all children through a working partnership among the
parents, educators, and the community at large.
We encourage everyone, parents and community members alike, who are
concerned about the welfare of children, to use the PTO as a vehicle for
becoming involved in education.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 P.M. in the school
library.
ATTENDANCE
ABSENCE
Parents must notify the
school when a student is absent.
This can be done by phone or sending a written note.
Students are responsible for making up missed assignments when absent.
Missed assignments will result in an Incomplete on the report card.
Work must be made up within five school days.
After this time, an Incomplete will be recorded as a failure.
T.C.A 49-6-3001- Every parent, guardian, other person residing within the
state of Tennessee, having control or charge of any child or children between
the ages of six (6) and seventeen (17) years, both inclusive *, shall cause such
child or children to attend public or non-public school, and in event of failure
to do so, shall be subject to the penalties hereinafter provided.
* The meaning of the word “inclusive” is that the child must attend
school from six (6) until eighteen (18) years old.
ATTENDANCE REPORTS
REQUIRED BY LAW
T.C.A 49-6-3007- It shall be the duty of the principal or teacher of
every public and non-public school to report promptly to the superintendent of
schools, or his designated representative, the names of all children who have
withdrawn from school, or who have been absent five (5) days (this means
a total of five (5) consecutive days) without adequate excuse
Such superintendent shall thereupon serve, or cause to be served,
upon the parent, guardian, or other person in
The superintendent of any local school system, after written notice to
the parent or guardian of a child,
shall report any child who habitually and unlawfully absents himself from
school to the appropriate judge having juvenile jurisdiction in
that county, the child to be
dealt with in such manner as the judge may determine to be for the best interest
of the child.
PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS
T.C.A 49-6-3009-Any parent, guardian, or other person who has control of
a child, or children, and who shall violate the provisions of this part commits
a Class C misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be subject to a maximum
30 days incarceration and a fine not to exceed $50 plus court costs.
Each day’s unlawful absence shall constitute a separate misdemeanor.
Recognizing that absenteeism is a hindrance to efficient education of
students and that punctuality and regularity of attendance affect the progress
of a student at school, the Stewart County Board of Education has adopted the
following attendance policy. The
parents/guardian or other person having charge and control of a child is held
responsible for the child’s regular school attendance.
A student’s absence is
determined to be “excused” or “unexcused” and is based on the following
information:
EXCUSED ABSENCES
1.
The student’s personal illness or hospitalization. A physician’s
statement or parent conference may be required at any time should the Principal
or the Director of Attendance deem it necessary.
If the illness or the hospitalization is to exceed ten (10) consecutive
days, the parent/guardian should apply for homebound instruction.
2.
An illness or incapacitating condition of a family member which requires
the temporary help of a student. (A physician’s statement may be required.
3.
A death in the immediate family. (family includes parent, stepparent,
guardian, grandparent, brother, sister, stepbrother/sister, aunt and uncle.)
4.
Recognized religious holidays/events.
Parents and guardians are requested to inform the school principal prior
to a student being absent from school for religious holidays/events.
5.
Required court appearances.
A student may be excused from school attendance for required court appearances.
(Verification from appropriate authorities must be provided.)
6.
Agricultural activities of the immediate household in which the student
is residing.
7.
Other emergency or unusual extenuating circumstances beyond the control
of the student. These must be
approved by the school personnel.
Students and parents have
the right to appeal any attendance matter to the attendance review committee.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Absences for reasons other
than those stated above may be for reasonable cause but are considered to be
“unexcused” for official school record keeping and attendance purposes.
GRADES
K-8
All absences will be marked
unexcused unless the school receives a communication from the parent.
The school will only mark 10 absences excused with communication from the
parent. After that, every absence
will be marked unexcused unless the school receives a doctor’s note or if there
are other extenuating circumstances (i.e. death in the family).
A student with unexcused absences in excess of 10 days each year may be
referred to the Truancy Review Board.
The attendance of students
who have not reached the age of six (6) shall be satisfactory.
Unsatisfactory attendance that is not supported by an adequate excuse may
result in the suspension of a student for an indefinite period of time.
SCHOOL RELATED
ACTIVITIES
Off-campus and/or
out-of-school activities shall be counted as attendance only when school
directed, with prior approval of the Principal.
APPEALS PROCESS
Students/guardians have the
right to appeal any attendance matter to an attendance review committee.
PROCEDURES FOR ABSENCES
A guardian must notify the
school by phone or note of the student’s absenteeism the day of the absence or
before 8:00 a.m. of the day he/she returns to school.
PROCEDURES FOR TARDINESS
When arriving late for
school, the student should be accompanied by the parent/guardian or have a note
or phone call from the parent/guardian
prior to the student’s arrival explaining the student’s tardiness
PROCEDURES FOR EARLY
DISMISSAL
Students shall not be
permitted to leave school premises during the school day without request of the
parent/guardian and the approval of the principal.
ALL EARLY DISMISSALS MUST TAKE
PLACE BEFORE
IMPLEMENTATION OF ATTENDANCE POLICY
(ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND MIDDLE SCHOOL)
1.
Parent notification after a total of twelve (12) absences (excused or
unexcused), documented by letter or phone call.
2.
Students notification between 10 and 15 absences by principal or his/her
designee (date documented).
3.
Attendance Supervisor notified of unverified absences for further action.
4.
Call or mail letters to parents to discuss their child’s absences.
REPORTING
PROCEDURE FOR UNEXCUSED
ABSENCES
(SYSTEM-WIDE)
1.
If and/or when a student commits his/her fifth (5th) unexcused absence, a
letter will be sent to the parents or guardian.
2.
If a student continues to miss school without adequate excuse after five
(5) unexcused absences, that student’s name and the facts of such unlawful
absences will be reported to the juvenile authorities.
3. Parents or guardian will
be re-notified by the superintendent or his/her designee after each successive
five (5) day period of unexcused absences.
LEGAL REFERENCES:
1. T.C.A 49-6-3001
2. T.C.A 49-6-3007
3. T.C.A 49-6-3009
4. T.C.A 49-6-3041
5. T.C.A 49-6-3017
6. Attendance Accounting
Procedural Manual, Minimum Standards and Guidelines, State Department of
Education.
DEFINITIONS
Absent:
A student is not in attendance in regularly scheduled classes at the
school where he/she attends.
Present:
A student is in attendance in regularly scheduled classes where he/she
attends.
Early Dismissal:
A student leaving a class or school early before the end of the school
day.
Attendance Review
Committee: A building level
committee to review extenuating circumstances which would adequately explain a
student’s excessive absence from school and/or class.
The Attendance Review Committee is composed of the superintendent or
designee, attendance supervisor, principal or designee, guidance counselor, and
a classroom teacher.
Tardy: Entering class or
school after the designated time.
TARDINESS
School begins at
Tardy and Early Dismissal Policy
Instructional time is very important to a student’s academic potential.
Therefore, excessive tardiness and early dismissals have a negative
impact upon a student’s success in school.
Recognizing this, the following policy will be implemented.
The actions listed
below will apply for unexcused tardies and/or unexcused early dismissals
incurred during each grading period:
Grades K-8:
9 weeks grading period
Grades K-8:
5 unexcused tardies and/ or unexcused early dismissals- send parent/legal
guardian a copy of the tardy and early dismissal policy along with the number of
tardies and/ or early dismissals
10 unexcused tardies and/ or unexcused early dismissals-meeting with
parent/legal guardian
Failure of
parent/legal guardian to correct tardiness and/ or early dismissal problems may
result in a referral to the Truancy Review Board.
TRUANCY REVIEW BOARD
The Stewart County Truancy
Board is a body of concerned citizens who recognize the necessity of regular
school attendance. This is a joint
effort by the school, juvenile court, law enforcement, and community health
agencies. This mission and purpose
of the Truancy Review Board is to:
1. Insure compliance with
compulsory attendance laws and Board of Education policies.
2. Send a generalized
message to truancy population that compulsory attendance laws will be enforced.
3. Advise and educate
parents of their rights and responsibilities.
4. Reduce amount of dropouts
and retention rates due to non-attendance.
5. Decrease time of
Attendance Supervisor for prosecuting cases in court.
As of August, 1999, this
board will meet as needed at the Stewart County Board of Education.
Referrals to the Truancy Review Board will be based on students who have
demonstrated a history of truancy.
(For more information, please contact Marian Page at 232-5176.)
LEAVING THE BUILDING
EARLY
Parents may pick up students early by coming to
the office prior to
EMERGENCY
CLOSING OF SCHOOL
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL.
Information regarding emergency closing of schools will be announced over
the radio (103.5 The Froggy) and WSM channel 4.
Unless teachers are told otherwise, students will follow the parent’s
directions that are on the Early Dismissal Forms filled out at the
beginning of the year.
SCHOOL REACH PROGRAM
Parents will be notified by
the automated School Reach Phone System.
The automated system will call the numbers listed by parents on your
child’s registration information.
BUILDING
RULES
1.
Pre-K students must be accompanied to their classrooms by a parent or
guardian.
2.
Students may enter the building after
7:15 a.m.
There will be no supervision prior to
7:15.
3.
All students will be dismissed through the office.
Parents are not to go to the classrooms unless they have cleared it
through the office prior to the visit and are wearing a visitor’s pass.
4.
Chewing gum is prohibited.
5.
Obscene or vulgar language will not be tolerated at North Stewart
Elementary.
6.
No student may ride motorbikes or bicycles on campus, nor should they be
on the playground after school hours.
7.
Radios, electronic games, toys, etc. or other items that could cause
disruptions are not to be brought to school.
The teachers may collect any items that cause a disruption to the
learning process. These items must
be picked up by the parents.
8.
During assemblies, courtesy should always be shown to our guest.
Entering and leaving the assemblies is to be done quietly and orderly.
The appearance of someone on the stage or at the microphone is the
automatic sign for silence.
9.
Soliciting and/or sales by individuals or non school groups is not
permitted. School clubs and
organizations must secure permission from the principal to sell items of any
type at a school sponsored activity.
10.
A note is required from the parents if their child is riding a different
bus that day, getting off the bus at a
different location, being picked up by anyone other than the people on the
child’s emergency card, or being picked up by a parent after school when the
child usually rides the bus home.
11.
Parents must notify the school before 1:30 to request the
change of a student’s bus number for that afternoon.
This ensures enough time to notify the student of the bus change before
the dismissal of school.
CARE OF
SCHOOL PROPERTY
1.
Individual students, except for those who have waivers, shall be
responsible for purchasing workbooks
when workbooks are required by the teacher.
2.
Students are responsible for the proper care of all books, supplies,
furniture, and equipment supplied by the school.
Students who deface school property or do other damage to school property
or equipment will be required to pay for the damage done or replace the item.
All damages to books, equipment, or school property must be paid before
the student can receive his/her final report card.
DRESS
ITEMS AND GROOMING
Student’s dress and
grooming must not disrupt the educational process, interfere with the
maintenance of a positive teaching/learning climate, or compromise reasonable
standards of health, safety, and decency. The
wearing of clothing, hair arrangements, or other personal adornments clearly
intended to be disruptive or to interfere with the regular operation of school
are prohibited. Also, the dress or
appearance must not interfere with the rights of others.
The following attire is prohibited:
1.
Head coverings of any kind, including but not limited to scarves,
bandannas, masks, kerchiefs, caps, or hoods.
Hair rollers are not to be worn in the building.
2.
Footwear which marks/damages floors.
3.
Sunglasses
4.
Spiked or studded attire or accessories.
5.
Attire or accessories which portray disruptive writing or pictures.
6.
Attire or accessories which depict logos or emblems that encourage the
use of drugs, tobacco products, or alcoholic beverage.
7.
Clothing depicting any words or symbols, including those with double
meanings that could in any way be construed as sensual, sexual, violent,
obscene, or with inappropriate language.
8.
Shirts and/or blouses, which reveal the abdomen, chest, back, or
undergarments. (Any tops that
reveal the abdomen when the arms are raised above the head are not appropriate.)
9.
See through clothing, white undergarment type T-shirts, biker shorts, and
clothes with excessive tears or holes.
10.
Shorts, mini skirts, or dresses which reveal the upper thigh or
undergarments. (These should reach
the fingertips when arms are at sides.)
11.
Clothing or jewelry that is obscene, profane, provocative, or contains
inflammatory words or pictures.
12.
Clothing or accessories displaying words or pictures that is offensive
based on race or gender or that harasses, threatens, intimidates, or demeans an
individual or groups of individuals because of sex, color, race, religion,
handicap, or national origin.
13.
Clothing, apparel, tattoos, accessories, jewelry or “colors” that are
specifically intended to identify one as a member of a gang which is associated
with criminal activities.
14.
Pants that sag. The pants
are to be sized appropriately and fit at the waist so that underwear is not
revealed. Oversized pants with
large pockets will not be allowed.
15.
Piercing of body parts that might pose a safety hazard.
16.
Large duffel bags will not be allowed to be used for book bags.
17.
Sleepwear is not to be worn to school.
LUNCH
1.
Lunch money for the entire week is due on the first day of each week.
Lunches are available for $1.40 and breakfast cost .75 cents per day.
Students should use good table manners at all times during their lunch
period.
2.
Throwing food will not be tolerated.
3.
Food, snacks, drinks, straws, etc. may not be taken from the cafeteria.
4.
Students are not allowed to bring carbonated beverages (coke,
sprite, etc.).
Students should talk in a
normal conversational tone. If the
noise level becomes too high, the monitors on duty may take away the privilege
to talk.
BUS
Bus service is an extension
of the classroom. Student behavior
on a bus is to be consistent with the established standards for classroom
behavior. All reasonable directions
given by the driver are to be followed.
Students brought to the office for inappropriate behavior will be given a
warning, ISS, or, depending on the infraction, may lose bus privileges for a
minimum of 5 days. A student
wishing to ride a bus other than his/her own must bring a note from the parent
to the classroom teacher. The note
must be signed by the office staff and given to the bus driver by the student.
(THE SCHOOL MUST BE NOTIFIED PRIOR TO 1:30 P.M.
IF A STUDENT WILL BE RIDING A DIFFERENT
BUS.)
SCHOOL
BUS RULES & REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS
1.
To insure safety, everyone is under the supervision of the bus driver on
the bus. Passengers must respond
promptly to instructions given by the bus driver including seating assignments.
2.
The bus is an extension of the classroom and all rules of behavior for
students as specified by School Board Policy and the School Handbook Manual are
applicable.
3.
Food, drink, and candy on the bus are prohibited except in unusual
circumstances as specified by the bus driver or Supervisor of Transportation.
4.
Animals, oversized objects (including balloons), and glass containers are
not permitted. Flammable items are
not to be on the bus including cigarette lighters or matches.
5.
Passengers must observe conduct similar to that in the classroom.
Ordinary conversation is permitted.
Horseplay, unruly behavior, abusive, obscene language or gestures are not
acceptable.
6.
Keep aisles and step-off platform clear at all times.
7.
The student should never extend any portion of the body outside bus
windows. Objects are not to be
thrown from the bus.
8.
Students are to sit in the seats.
Students should not attempt to move about while the bus is in motion but
remain seated until the bus stops.
9.
Damage to the bus must be paid for by the student/guardian.
Bus service will not be provided until this is done or arrangements are
made.
10.
Regular pickup time schedules must be observed by the student.
11.
Students must wait at the proper stop and never stand in the road.
12.
Students are to wait for the drivers signal before crossing the road to
board the bus. Students are to
cross well in front of the bus.
13.
Observe driver's instructions when loading or unloading.
14.
Drivers will not unload passengers at places other than the regular stops
near their home or at school without proper authorization from the parent and
school officials.
15.
Failure to follow regulations, procedures, or bus driver directions may
result in suspension from bus service.
16.
Parents/guardians should never board a bus to talk to the driver.
Any issue or problem should be addressed at the school.
--SAFETY
IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY--
LATE
PICKUP/BUS DROP OFF
We continue to have a
problem with some parents, not taking responsibility to ensure that their child
is picked up from school in a timely manner or there is no one at home to care
for children when the school bus drops them off in the afternoon.
Upon review of the problem, the following actions have been deemed to be
appropriate in response to the problem and shall be implemented.
The principal shall make
notice in the student handbook that this problem exists, what constitutes this
problem, and the possible consequences of violating this policy.
This shall serve as a first notice.
FIRST OFFENSE: Upon the
first offense of a child being left after school without prior arrangement with
the school, the principal or the principal’s designee shall make verbal contact
with the parent(s) of said child to indicate that this problem has occurred.
The principal will attempt to seek remedy of future situations with the
help of the parent(s). The
conversation shall be documented.
SECOND OFFENSE: In the event
that a second offense occurs, the principal shall send a letter to the parent(s)
of said child indicating an apparent continuing problem exists and outline
possible consequences of further action of this type.
The letter shall invite the parent(s) to discuss a remedy to prevent
further action. The letter and any
response shall be documented.
THIRD OFFENSE: Should a
third offense occur, a letter requiring the child’s parent(s) to attend a
mandatory meeting shall be sent to the child’s parent(s).
The purpose of this meeting is to review the last two offenses and to
explain that this will be the last offense before court action.
This will allow the child’s parent(s) to explain the circumstances of the
offense. Actions and conversations
relating to this offense shall be documented.
FOURTH OFFENSE: In the event that
a fourth offense occurs, the principal or the principal’s designee shall contact
the court with documentation of prior actions taken to discuss filing charges
for dependent child neglect.
The principal, after a
review of the facts of each individual case, has the option of escalating or
de-escalating the response to each offense.
If the facts of an individual case, after review, should lead a
reasonable person to believe that the case is more serious or less serious in
nature, then the principal may defer to any action deemed appropriate from the
options above and clearly document why such action has been taken in lieu of the
prescribed order of steps. The
principal may seek the assistance of local law enforcement when deemed
necessary.
CONDUCT
ITEMS
Students are expected to conform to the rules and regulations of the
school system. Below is a
non-inclusive list of behaviors deemed inappropriate for the school environment.
These behaviors may result in disciplinary actions..
These actions are at the discretion of the Principal and Assistant
Principal. Repeat offenses will
result in more severe punishment.
1.
Absent from class without permission
2.
Alcohol or drug distribution
3.
Alcohol or drug possession
4.
Alcohol or drug use/influence
5.
Arson
6.
Assault/Battery
7.
Behavior inappropriate outside class
8.
Bomb threat
9.
Bus regulation violation
10. Cheating
12. Conduct unbecoming a
student
11. Classroom disruption
13. Disobedience
Assault/Battery
14. Display of affection
15. Disrespect towards a
teacher
16. Dress code violation
17. Extortion
18. Failure to complete
discipline assignment
19. Failure to do
assignments
20. Failure to report to
office
21. False fire alarm
activation
22. Fighting with intent to
harm
23. Food throwing
24. Forged note
25. Gambling
26. Gum
27. Hazing
28. Horseplay
29. Knife possession
30. Language (or message)
vulgar
31. Leaving class without
permission
32. Leaving school without
permission
33. Lying
34. Racial harassment
35. Sexual harassment
36. Stealing
37. Tardy to class
38. Theft, sale or poss. of
stolen property
39. Threats made against
others (both written and verbal)
40. Tobacco
items/para./poss.
41. Vandalism
42. Weapons
poss./use/transfer
Some of the behaviors above
fall under zero tolerance. Zero
tolerance acts are as follows:
1.
Students who bring or unlawfully possess a drug or a dangerous weapon
onto a school bus, on to school property or to any school event or activity.
2.
Any student who while on a school bus, on school property or while
attending any school event or activity:
(a) unlawfully possesses a drug or dangerous weapon
(b) commits battery on a
teacher or other employee of the school
BULLYING/INTIMIDATION
Students
shall be provided a safe learning environment. It shall be a violation for any
student to bully, intimidate
or create
a hostile educational environment for another student. Bullying and intimidation
are defined as either
physically harming a student or damaging his/her property, or knowingly placing
the student in reasonable fear of
such, or
creating a hostile educational environment. This includes conduct taking place
on school grounds, at any
school-sponsored activity, on school-provided transportation, or at any official
school bus stop immediately before
boarding
and immediately following de-boarding.
Alleged
victims of the above-referenced offenses shall report these incidents
immediately to a teacher, counselor or
building
administrator. Any allegation shall
be fully investigated by a complaint manager.
The
privacy and anonymity of all parties and witnesses to complaints will be
respected. However, because an
individual’s need for confidentiality must be balanced with obligations to
cooperate with police investigations or
legal
proceedings, to provide due process to the accused, to conduct a thorough
investigation or to take necessary
action to
resolve a complaint the identity of parties and witnesses may be disclosed in
appropriate circumstances to
individuals with a need to know.
DISCIPLINARY OPTIONS
In school Suspension -
The principal or assistant principal
may institute an in-school suspension for discipline purposes.
The student will be placed in a physical setting where there will be
appropriate supervision by a designated professional person.
Any disruption by the student in this setting will result in the student
being sent home. Most In School Suspension time is served during student recess
or activity periods such as art or library.
Removing a student from an academic class is a last resort.
However, it is sometimes necessary to protect the other students from
loss of instruction time.
Early/After School
Detention - Students may be detained
before or after the school day as a means of disciplinary action.
The student will be given at least one day of notice before detention.
Parents will receive written notice before detention takes place.
Students in detention will be under the supervision of staff members.
Detention will not exceed one hour before or after the official start or
closing of the school day but may be administered several days in succession.
Teachers must have the approval of the Principal or Assistant Principal
before detaining the student.
Out-of School Suspension
- Any Principal or Assistant
Principal may suspend any student from attendance at school or any
school-related activity on or off campus or from attendance at specified class
or classes, or riding a school bus, without suspending such student from
attendance at school for good and sufficient reasons.
Student Complaints and
Grievances - Student complaints and
grievances shall first be made to the teacher, then to the Principal.
If not resolved, the matter may then be appealed to the Superintendent
and ultimately to the Board.
Scale-
Report cards will be sent home four times a year on a nine week grading period
for Grades K-5. Report cards go
home five days following the end of the grading period.
Parents must sign and
return the cards to the classroom teacher.
Progress reports will be sent home at 3 and 6 week intervals between
report cards. Please sign progress reports and send them back immediately.
Teachers will also send
home progress reports that are to be signed and returned.
Grades K-5
90-100
A (outstanding)
80- 89
B (above average)
73- 79
C (average)
70- 72
D (below average)
Below 70
F (unacceptable)
PARENT- SCHOOL
COMMUNICATION
Parent-Teacher conferences
are held twice a year, in the month of October and the month of March.
Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher if the need
arises anytime throughout the school year.
Parents may call the office to schedule a conference.
Grades 1-5 use Agenda
books. These Agenda books are daily
planners that the student will use to write down homework assignments and test
date information. It is a daily
communication tool between teachers, students and parents.
HEALTH
SERVICES
Medication -
Students are not permitted to bring prescription
or non-prescription drugs to school.
State Law requires that all
medication be brought to school by a responsible adult and should be in its
original new sealed bottle if over the counter or the original prescription
bottle. Medicine (including over
the counter) is not to be in the possession of a student at any time except for
emergency medication which must first be checked in through the school nurse.
Forms must be completed by the parent and/or physician in order for any
medication to be administered to the student
Excuses from PE class -
TN State law requires all children to
participate in physical education.
North Stewart Elementary does not require a physical education uniform.
Students may be excused from PE for the following reasons:
1.
Note from parent or guardian indicating a one-day minor illness or
condition that would not
allow the student to
participate.
2.
Note from Doctor.
3.
Religious exemptions signed by an ordained clergyman.
Students
who do not take PE will not participate in recess as well.
Immunizations -
All students enrolling in the State of
Tennessee must have their immunizations up to date.
Shot records can be taken to the Stewart County Health Department.
They will in turn give the student a “green card” which is proof of
immunizations.
STUDENT HEALTH SCREENING NOTIFICATION
As
required by the Tennessee Department of Education, Vision, Hearing, Blood
Pressure and Body Mass Index Screening will be provided for students in grades
K, 2, 4. Dental Screening is also
provided. These are usually
conducted in September or October and results indicate the need for a more
thorough medical evaluation will be mailed to parents.
Great care will be taken
to ensure each student's right to privacy.
These screenings do not
qualify as an examination and parents are encouraged to make sure your child has
annual medical check-ups as well as bi-annual dental check-ups.
Any questions regarding
this free service or a request to have your child excluded from any part of the
screening may be directed to the school nurse.
DRUG AND
ALCOHOL TESTING
Any student while on a
school bus, on school property or while attending any school event or activity,
who acts in an abnormal manner sufficient to cause reasonable suspicion that
he/she has violated this policy concerning alcohol and drugs, will be required
to submit to an alcohol and/or a controlled substance test upon the approval and
written referral of the school principal.
A REFUSAL
TO SUBMIT TO REQUIRED TESTING WILL BE TREATED AS A POSITIVE TEST RESULT.
ZERO
TOLERANCE BEHAVIOR
In order to ensure a safe
and secure learning environment free of drugs, violence and dangerous weapons,
any student who engages in the following behaviors will be subject to suspension
for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year.
The
superintendent shall have
the authority to modify this suspension requirement on a case by case basis.
Zero-tolerance acts are as follows:
1.
Students who bring or unlawfully possess alcohol, a narcotic or stimulant
drug, prescription drug, any other controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, or
a dangerous weapon on to a school bus, on to school property or to any school
event or activity on or off campus.
2.
Any student who while on a school bus, on school property or while
attending any school event or activity:
a. Uses, possesses,
purchases, sells or manufactures alcohol or illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia;
or
b. Is under the influence of
alcohol or illegal drugs; or
c. Possesses a dangerous
weapon; or
d.
commits battery or assaults or threatens to assault a teacher or other
staff member
Request for Meetings
It is the desire of the Stewart County School
System to provide parents with opportunities to request meetings, to formulate
suggestions, and to participate in decisions relating to the education of their
children. If you would like to request a meeting with the administration of your
child’s school or with your child’s teacher please contact the school
administration and a meeting will be scheduled.
North Stewart Elementary School –
931-232-5505
Principal: Debbie Grasty
debbiegrasty@stewart.k12.tn.us
Getting Involved in the
Schools’ Planning Processes
Advisory Committee
North Stewart
Elementary has a School Advisory Council consisting of representatives from each
grade level, support staff and parents.
If you have a concern, please place a written and signed letter stating
the problem and place it in the black mailbox found in the office at NSES.
The Advisory Council meets on a monthly basis or as needed based on
requests.
School Improvement Planning Teams
School improvement is a continuous process
utilized in
Each school develops or updates a School
Improvement Plan every year. If you would like to be a part of your child’s
School Improvement Planning Team, please contact the school’s administration.
.
EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
It is the policy of Stewart
County School System not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national
origin, creed, age, marital status or disability in its educational programs,
activities or employment policies as required by Title VI and VII of the 1964
Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, and Section 504
of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
It is also the policy of
the district that the curriculum materials utilized reflect the cultural and
racial diversity present in the
pluralistic society.
Inquiries regarding
compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and Section 504 may be directed
to:
Stewart
County Central Office
232-5176
Dr. Phillip
Wallace, Director of Schools
Leta Joiner,
Title VI
Marian Page,
Title VII and Section 504
Tracy Watson, Title IX
The Stewart County Board of
Education provides services for all eligible students under IDEA, Part B and
Section 504. If you know of a child
who may be in need of services due to a disability please contact the Stewart
County Board of Education at 232-5176.
North Stewart Elementary
uses the State of Tennessee Curriculum Standards and The Blueprint for Learning
as the basis for instruction. This
information can be accessed from our school website at
www.stewartcountyschools.net\nes.
ESL PROGRAM POLICY
The English as a Second
Language (ESL) Program Policy is designed to set minimum standards for Tennessee
school districts in providing services to non-English language background (NELB)
students who are also limited English proficient (LEP).
These students are referred to as English Language Learners (ELLS).
States, districts and
schools are required to provide specialized programs for LEP students to comply
with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1965 and T.C.A 4-21-90.
This ESL policy has two purposes.
First, it establishes the minimum required compliance components for
implementing effective educational programs for ELLS.
The ESL contact person for Stewart County Schools is Judy Cherry.
FEDERAL
PROGRAMS
The federal government
provides funds for the following programs within a school system:
Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, Title V, Migrant and Homeless.
Title I -
Both elementary schools meet the criteria to be
Title I School Wide schools. Criteria is based on the number of students
receiving free and reduced lunches.
Every student is considered a Title I student in a school wide school.
The purpose of Title I is to work with students who are at-risk of
failing.
Title II – Federal funds provide staff development opportunities
for teachers in areas of science and math.
Title IV
– Federal funds are provided to ensure a safe
and drug free environment. These
funds are used for programs such as DARE, GREAT, etc.
Title V
– Federal funds are used for staff development opportunities as well as parent
trainings and supplies used
through the Center.
At the present time,
Stewart County does not meet the criteria to receive funds for Migrant and
Homeless students. However, if you
have questions about these programs or those mentioned above or you know of a
migrant or homeless child in our community please contact the Board Office at
232-5176.
No Child Left Behind
It is the intent of
No Child Left Behind, a federal mandate by President George W. Bush, that every
teacher be “highly qualified”. All teachers are fully endorsed in the area they
teach. If you have questions
concerning your child’s teacher, please contact the school.
If a teacher who is not “highly
qualified” is employed for over four weeks, parents will be notified in writing.
Parents also have the right to request that their child’s name, address and telephone number not be released to a military recruiter without prior written consent.
Family Resource Center
The purpose of the
The
The
The
Family
Resource Services
Head Start Programs
Community Health Fair
Reading Readiness Resources
Student Health Fair
Mentoring Programs
CPR/First Aid Classes
Resources for After-School Tutoring
Parent Checkout Library
Make n' Take Workshops
Referrals to Medical and Social Services
Transfer Option for
Students Victimized by Violent Crime at School
Under the Tennessee
State Board of Education’s Unsafe School Choice Policy, any public school
student who is the victim of a violent crime as defined under Tennessee Code
Annotated 40-38-111 (g), or the attempt to commit one of these offenses as
defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 30-12-101, shall be provided an
opportunity to transfer to another grade-level appropriate school within the
district.
Additional
information regarding this option may be obtained by contacting Marian Page at
931.232.5176.
PARENT/FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL SCHOOLS
The school district shall
be governed by the statutory definition of parent involvement as cited in the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), and shall carry out programs,
activities and procedures in accordance with this definition.
The Board shall implement
the following as required by federal and state legislation:
·
The school
district will put into operation activities and procedures for the involvement
of parents in all of its schools.
Those programs, activities and procedures will be planned and operated with
meaningful consultation with parents.
If the school district’s
TCSPP is not satisfactory to the parents, the school district shall submit any
parent comments with the plan when the school district submits the plan to the
State Department of Education.
Parental/Family Involvement Policy
The Stewart County Board
has adopted a Parent/Family Involvement Policy.
The following policy will be used to create Family and Community
Engagement Plans for each of the three schools in
Please contact the Stewart
County Board of Education at 931-232-5176 or email
letajoiner@stewart.k12.tn.us
or tracywatson@stewart.k12.tn.us.
For more information visit stewartcountyschools.net and click on any of
the individual schools.
Parents have the
right to request that their child's name, address and telephone number not to be
released to a military recruiter.
North Stewart Elementary
Family and Community Engagement Plan 2011-2012
1. Communication
· Grades -- Think Wave, progress reports, newsletters, report cards and school website
· Attendance -- report cards, attendance letters, Truancy Review Board, Awards Ceremony, incentive parties, newspaper recognition
· Discipline -- parent phone calls, letter home, referral forms, office communication, discipline contract, Positive Behavior Support Ticket Program
· Program/Activities – afterschool tutoring(EXCEL Program), scouts, Jr. Pro Activities, awards ceremonies, school newspaper, Family Resource, Coordinated School Health Program and 4-H.
· Test Data -- Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program,(TCAP) Information pamphlets, Accelerated Reading/Accelerated Math, Standard Testing Assessment Reading (STAR), school website and Think Gate
· Homework -- agendas, home communication letters, homework contract
II. Parent Involvement
· Parent Teacher Organization, Tennessee School Improvement Plan (TSIP) Committee, Advisory Committee
· Activities -- field trips, Spring Festival, March Book Boogie, Read Across America Day, Math-A-Thon, classroom celebrations, dances, Grandparents Day, and Chillerween
III. Community Involvement
·
Read Across
IV. Discipline
· Discipline Policy, Discipline Committee, LRE
V. Barriers to Involvement
· Time – parents work during school hours
· Money – Rural community, Not enough, $6,000 per student expenditure
· Education Level –
41% Graduate from High School
22% College Degree
5.1% Graduate Degree
7.8% Below High School Level
Homework is
an important part of your child’s school experience.
Supporting good work habits requires a joint effort.
While not doing your child’s homework for them, please provide necessary
assistance and a positive, supportive attitude when your child is completing
assigned tasks according to instructions from the teacher.
The
following are the established daily homework time guidelines for students who
attend North Stewart Elementary School:
Kindergarten
and 1st Grades: Monday-Thursday 15-20 minutes daily
2nd
Grade: Monday-Thursday 20-30 minutes daily
3rd
and 4th Grade: Monday-Thursday 35-45 minutes daily
5th
Grade: Monday-Thursday 50-60 minutes daily
The above
guidelines are suggested times.
Please take into consideration the rate of time at which your child works.
If your child will be absent for two or more days, please call the school
before
Homework brings the school and home closer
together. As the school and home share the responsibility for education in the
years ahead, cooperation between home and school is
even more imperative to develop a sound a sensible educational program at North
Stewart Elementary for each and every student.
North Stewart Faculty
North Stewart Elementary School
Debbie Grasty, Principal Eileen Smith, Vice-Principal 2201 Hwy 79 Big Phone: (931) 232-5505 Fax: (931) 232-8139
I have read the homework policy.
I have also discussed the policy with my child.
___________________
_________________
parent signature
student name
___________________
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