2008-2009
2008-2009
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
Marian Page, Assistant Principal
Student Handbook
Grades K-5
2201 Hwy. 79
Big Rock, TN 37023
Phone: (931) 232-5505
Fax: (931) 232-8139
TO ALL STUDENTS
On behalf of the staff, 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 North Stewart Elementary School. We are looking forward to an exciting and productive year.
MISSION STATEMENT
The North Stewart Elementary School mission 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 County High School 232-5179
Dover Elementary 232-5442
The Center 232-5351
Stewart County Middle School 232-9112
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 4 Labor Day August 1 (K-8)
October 13 Fall Break August 4 (K-12)
November 13 Veterans Day May 23 (K-12)
November 22-24 Thanksgiving Break May 24 (9-12)
December 18-Jan. 2 Winter Break
January 15 MLK Day Staff Development
February 19 President’s Day (No School for Students)
April 2-9 Spring Break August 2
November 20
November 21
March 29
March 30
Parent – Teacher Conference Abbreviated Days
October 12 (No School For Students) August 3 Registration Day
1:00 pm –7:00 pm December 15 Begin Winter Break
March 15 (School In Session) May 25 Last Day of School
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 Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
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.
TENNESSEE COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE LAW
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 Tennessee in parental relation to such children unlawfully absent from school written notice that attendance of such children at schools is required.
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.
STEWART COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ATTENDANCE POLICY
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.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
GRADES K-5
In order to meet the requirements for promotion, a student in the Stewart County School System must have an approved record of attendance. An approved record of attendance is considered to be 90% or above. A student with unexcused absences in excess of 10% or (18 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.
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)
. 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 renotified 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 8:00 a.m. for all grades. Unless you are in your classroom at the time scheduled, you are tardy. Tardy students must get an admittance slip from the office. Early dismissals and tardies will reflect on a students permanent attendance record.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
In order to meet the requirements for promotion, a student in the Stewart County School System must have an approved record of attendance. An approved record of attendance is considered to be 90% or above. A student with unexcused absences in excess of 10% or (18 days) each year may be referred 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 be in effect and will meet once a month, as needed, on Wednesday mornings at the Stewart County Court House. Referrals to the Truancy Review Board will be based on students who have demonstrated a history of truancy. (For more information, please contact Judy Cherry at 232-5176.)
LEAVING THE BUILDING EARLY
Parents may pick up students early by coming to the office prior to 2:30. After 2:30, parents must go to the parent pick-up line. ONLY THOSE LISTED ON THE EMERGENCY CARD WILL BE ALLOWED TO OBTAIN AN EARLY DISMISSAL FOR A STUDENT.
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. You may also dial 232-4000 for school closings. 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.
BUILDING RULES
1. Students may enter the building after 7:15 a.m. There will be no supervision prior to 7:15.
2. 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.
3. Chewing gum is prohibited.
4. Obscene or vulgar language will not be tolerated at North Stewart Elementary.
5. No student may ride motorbikes or bicycles on campus, nor should they be on the playground after school hours.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. At ball games stay off the court. Do not boo, kick, or stomp the bleachers, and do not throw objects. Students are expected to stay in the gym. Students who cannot follow these rules will not be allowed to attend North Stewart Elementary ball games.
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 2:00 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.
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, cut-off pants and shirts, 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.
Many of the wrestling shirts depict violence, sex, and satanic cults. Some of them are worn by various gangs and extremist groups to represent their presence in our schools. Examples include Degeneration X, Austin 3:16, etc. Please help us make our school safer for our children by not allowing your children to wear clothing promoting these unacceptable behaviors.
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 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 2:00 IF A STUDENT WILL BE RIDING A DIFFERENT BUS.)
BUS RULES & REGULATIONS
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.
LATE PICKUP/BUS DROP OFF
A continuing problem has persisted, primarily with those students enrolled in the Stewart County Elementary schools, whereas some parents are 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 delivers them home 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 with disciplinary points assessed. These actions and points 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
11. Classroom disruption
12. Conduct unbecoming a student
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 for protection
23. Fighting with intent to harm
24. Food throwing
25. Forged note
26. Gambling
27. Gum
28. Hazing
29. Horseplay
30. Knife possession
31. Language (or message) vulgar
32. Leaving class without permission
33. Leaving school without permission
34. Lying
35. Racial harassment
36. Sexual harassment
37. Stealing
38. Tardy to class
39. Theft, sale or poss. of stolen property
40. Threats made against others (both written and verbal)
41. Tobacco items/para./poss.
42. Vandalism
43. 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
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.
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.
Saturday School Detention - Saturday School Detention as assigned by principal. 7:30-11:00
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.
Each year the state of Tennessee issues Report Cards for all schools in the state. Schools receive Value Added grades which measure student progress within a grade and subject area. They reflect a school's progress within a grade and subject area. They reflect a school's progress or gains throughout the year. This diagnostic tool is designed to improve educational opportunities for students at various achievement levels. These grades are based on three year averages of TCAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) data. North Stewart Elementary received the following Value Added Report Card grades in 2005.
Subject Grade Status
Math A Exceptional
Reading A Exceptional
Science A Exceptional
Social Studies A Exceptional
The letter grade "A" indicates that the students at North Stewart Elementary made significantly more progress in this subject than students in the average school in Tennessee.
Schools also receive Report Card grades for Academic Achievement. These grades represent a schools performance against a predetermined set of standards which are established based on the curriculum. These grades are based on a three year average. North Stewart Elementary received the following academic Achievement Grades on the 2005 Report Card.
Subject Grade Status
Math A Exemplary
Reading/L.A. B Above Average
Social Studies C Average
Science B Above Average
Grading Scale- Report cards will be sent home six times a year 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 week intervals between report cards. Please sign progress reports and send them back immediately.
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-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 K-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.
Each year North Stewart Elementary mails home an Effective School's Survey to be completed by parents. The anonymous information obtained from this survey is used for school improvement purposes. These surveys are normally sent home in November. If you do not receive a survey by December 1, please contact the Stewart County Board of Education at 232-5176. Your ideas and opinions are an important and valued part of our School Improvement Plan.
Homework Policy
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 10:00 AM to request homework. You may pick up your child’s homework in the office between the hours of 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. If you contact the school after 10:00 AM, your child’s homework may or may not be available. Students will have the same amount of days absent to make up their work.
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 and sensible educational program at North Stewart Elementary for each and every student.
North Stewart Faculty
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.
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.
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
Battery is committed when a person intentionally causes contact with another that is extremely offensive or provocative or when a person threatens to do so.
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. You may contact your child’s teacher, directly by clicking on the school’s link and then the teacher’s name, or by leaving the teacher a voicemail at the school.
Stewart County High School - 931-232-5179
Principal: Chris Guynn
chrisguynn@stewart.k12.tn.us
Dover Elementary School – 931-232-5442
Principal: Eileen Smith
eileensmith@stewart.k12.tn.us
North Stewart Elementary School – 931-232-5505
Principal: Deborah 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 Tennessee schools to ensure that schools are meeting all students’ needs. School Improvement teams are one way to begin building the professional learning communities needed to support the continuous improvement effort. These teams are charged with learning to effectively use data to determine student performance goals and to use research to identify strategies and interventions to achieve these goals. Schoolwide planning includes all constituencies involved in the school. The quest for tools to improve student learning will be sustained throughout the continuous school improvement process.
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.
Family and Community Engagement Team
Each school develops with parents, teachers and administrators a parent involvement plan. The School Level Parent Involvement Plan establishes expectations for parent involvement. If you would like to be a part of the Family and Community Engagement Team at the district level or at your child’s school, please contact the school’s administration.
Stewart County High School - 931-232-5179
Principal: Chris Guynn
chrisguynn@stewart.k12.tn.us
Dover Elementary School – 931-232-5442
Principal: Eileen Smith
eileensmith@stewart.k12.tn.us
North Stewart Elementary School – 931-232-5505
Principal: Deborah Grasty
debbiegrasty@stewart.k12.tn.us
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 5
