Dr. Nonnie A. Weeks Mrs. Libby Newman

Principal Assistant Principal

August 2007

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year at Jasper Elementary School. We are looking forward to a positive and successful year and that you will be a part of it with the faculty and staff of JES.

This handbook, along with the Pickens County Student Code of Conduct is designed to help students and parents become familiar with school and system policies, procedures and rules. Also, look for a class newsletter from your teacher and the monthly school newsletter that will provide you with a calendar and important, informative, and current school activities.

We have an open door policy in the administrative offices and encourage you to visit us with any issues or concerns you may have throughout the year. Staying in contact with you child’s teacher is the best way to be involved with the educational process during the elementary years. We encourage you to become involved in school activities, committees and events. You are a valued part of the JES community.

Parents, thank you for sharing your most valuable resource with us as we begin an exciting year of learning. Students thank you for coming into our school with a plan to learn something new each day.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nonnie A. Weeks

Principal

Attendance Zone Policy – The Pickens County Board of Education has established geographic attendance zones for elementary and middle school students. Students are required to attend the grade-appropriate school in the attendance zone in which he/she resides. Attendance zones shall remain as established until modified by the Pickens County Board of Education. The Board, based on student enrollment, anticipated growth, transportation requirements, traffic patterns and congestion, classroom space availability, and educational program needs, will approve attendance zones annually.

Legal ref.: O.C.G.A. 20-2-293 (b)

Arrival – Students are to arrive on campus AFTER 7:30 A.M. The school doors open at 7:15 a.m. No staff members are available to ensure your child’s safety before 7:30 a.m. If students arrive before 7:45 a.m., they are to go directly to the auditorium. Breakfast will be served beginning at 7:30 a.m. Students will be dismissed from the auditorium and cafeteria at 7:45 a.m. to go to their classrooms. Students arriving to school after 7:50 a.m. should not expect to eat breakfast unless they are riding a late bus.

Tardy – Students who arrive after the start of the school day, 8:00 a.m., are considered late and must report to the office for a late pass. Students who are late and do not receive a pass will be sent back to the office. Excessive tardiness is an unacceptable practice and negatively impacts a child’s education. Excessive tardiness may result in a referral to the Pickens County Board of Education’s Attendance Support Team.

Check-In Procedures – Parents checking students in late (after 8:00 a.m.) should use the following procedure:

· no adult will be allowed to go directly to a child’s classroom for late check-in;

· stop at front office to be signed in and get a late pass for the student(s) to take to the classroom.

Excessive tardiness will be subject to referral with the Pickens County Board of Education’s Attendance Support Team (AST).

Check-Out Procedures – Parents checking students out early (before 3:00) should use the following procedure:

· no adult will be allowed to go directly to a child’s classroom for early check-out.

· go to the office, and upon presentation of a photo ID, sign the student(s) out using the Student Sign-Out sheet;

· office personnel will call the child to the office;

· Students who leave before 11:30 A.M. will be counted absent for the entire day.

Dismissal – All students are dismissed at 3:00 p.m. each day. Any changes made in the regular plan for getting home are to be made in writing or via a phone call to the office before 2:00 p.m. Staff members will not honor a child’s verbal changes to the regular plan for getting home without verification from a parent or guardian. A change in bus drop-off locations or a plan to go home with another student will require a note from ALL parents or guardians involved. These notes must be presented in the office before 8:30 a.m. An office bus pass is necessary for a change in buses or drop-off locations.

After School Program – This is a school based after school care program housed on the Jasper Elementary School’s campus. To take advantage of the After School Program, parents are invited to visit the school office to complete the necessary paperwork and pay fees. The Pickens County Board of Education has adopted a calendar that allows for early dismissal days for students. Jasper Elementary’s After School Program will be offering extended services on those days.

Hours: 3:00-6:00 P.M. Fee: $6.00 per day (snack included)

Awards

Student of the Day – Each teacher will select a Student of the Month. Each morning one name will be drawn and announced as the Student of the Day. A Student of the Day pin will be presented to the student.

Honor Roll – Honor roll is achieved, each grading period, by earning report card grades which reflect all A’s and B’s. The Honor Roll includes only academic grades, not handwriting, conduct or CAMP classes. Parents will be informed, and are invited to attend, any recognition ceremonies.

Principal’s Honor Roll – Principal’s Honor Roll is achieved, each grading period, by earning report card grades which reflect all A’s. The Principal’s Honor Roll includes only academic grades, not handwriting or conduct. Parents will be informed, and are invited to attend, any recognition ceremonies.

Perfect/Super Perfect Attendance – Perfect/Super Perfect Attendance awards will be distributed each grading period. To receive the Super Perfect Attendance award students may not have any tardies or early checkouts during that grading period. To receive a Perfect Attendance award students must have no absences, but may have 10 or less tardies or early checkouts. It should be noted any student that has received attendance letters due to tardies or checkouts may not receive a Perfect Attendance award.

Behavioral Expectations – Our staff believes all children can choose to behave appropriately. Any student choosing to prevent the teachers from teaching, to keep other students from learning or to endanger the safety or well being of other students or staff will not be tolerated. Students will understand the school wide behavioral and educational expectations as addressed in the Pickens County Board Code of Student Conduct Manual. This manual will serve as the guiding force for our behavioral expectations. At Jasper Elementary we feel parent involvement is essential for encouraging appropriate behavior.

Staff members are responsible for maintaining and monitoring the behavioral expectations both inside and outside the classrooms. If a student chooses to continue to ignore these expectations, he/she will be referred to the Principal, Assistant Principal or designee. A referral to the administrative staff will result in consequences that are progressive and consistent. Corporal punishment is only used with parent permission and not as a first consequence.

Bus Rules – Bus drivers are normally able to deal with problems that arise. However, all discipline issues on a school bus will follow the Pickens County Code of Conduct. Repeated offenses on the bus can result in suspension from the school bus for a designated period of time or for the school year.

Classroom Parties – Parties will take place the last 30 minutes of the school day. Parents will be contacted by individual teachers for party assistance or treats. Parents will not be allowed in the classroom until time for the party. Student birthday invitations or other individual party invitations may not be distributed on campus. Student birthdays will be announced during morning announcements. Special snacks may be brought to the office and the teacher will be notified. The classrooms will not celebrate student birthdays. The snacks will be given to the children during recess. Parents may not attend these special snack times.

Clinic and Health Services – The health and well-being of your child is very important to us. A child who is sick with fever, nausea or illness should not be sent to school. When a child becomes ill at school the school nurse will evaluate the seriousness of the symptoms and contact parent or guardian. If a serious illness or injury occurs, the school nurse will contact the parent or guardian immediately and, in some cases, contact the Emergency Medical Services.

A medical form will be sent home at the beginning of each school year to obtain medical information and update our records for medical care. Medication, whether prescription or over the counter, should not be sent to school with a child. Adults are required to hand deliver all medications. The medication must be in the original container with the child’s name and instructions printed clearly. Permission from the parent/guardian must be signed allowing school personnel to administer the medications. Specific information and instructions will be requested by the school nurse concerning students requiring intensive medical care.

Head Lice – The Pickens County Board of Education maintains a no nit policy. Head lice and nits (eggs) are not uncommon in any Georgia elementary school. Staff members check for possible infestation on an as-needed basis. Parents (guardians) will be contacted to pick up the child if nits or lice are found. Students may not ride the bus or return to school until all nits and lice are removed. Our school nurse will provide cleaning and removal information for parents. The child is to be checked by the school nurse before returning to class.

Custodial/Legal Information – Parents/legal guardians are responsible for providing office personnel with a copy of any legal documents involving the custodial care of his/her child. The lack of legal documentation and any resulting conflicts may require local law enforcement involvement. Parents are asked to refrain from engaging in non-constructive custodial discussions or conflicts on school grounds.

Dress Code – Students are expected to follow the Pickens County Dress Code. Appropriate dress at all times is expected and parents will be called if the student needs a change of clothes. (Please see attached Dress Code.)

Emergency Information – Parents or guardians are required to provide the school with any changes in address, phone numbers and emergency contact information. It is extremely important to have up-do-date home, work, cell and emergency contact numbers available for office personnel.

Field Trips – Field trips are considered an extension to the instructional day and no student will be denied the opportunity to participate in a field trip due to the inability to pay. Siblings may not attend field trips. Parents attending field trips will not be allowed to ride the school bus.

Flowers - Flowers may not be delivered to school for any occasion. This is disruptive in the academic environment.

Food Services Program – Your support of the School Nutrition Program is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the cafeteria manager. The Jasper Elementary School Food Service Staff will serve two meals each day - breakfast and lunch.

Breakfast: Breakfast will be served from 7:15 – 7:50 a.m. each morning. Menus for breakfast are published in advance and usually consist of a choice of items, such as cold cereal and milk to hot entrée, fruit, juice or milk.

Lunch: Hot lunches will be served on a daily schedule allowing the students thirty minutes for lunch. A monthly menu will be published in advance. School lunches consist of a multiple choice buffet style menu with two entrées, a variety of fruit and salads and milk. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are offered each day. Students must pick up at least three food items, but may choose all of the following: one entrée, two fruits, and/or vegetable selections, bread, dessert and cold milk. Lunch prices are listed below no matter how many food items are selected:

Student Breakfast: $1.00 Adult Breakfast: $1.25

Student Reduced Breakfast: $.30

Student Lunch: $1.50 Teacher Lunch: $2.50 Visitor Lunch $3.00

Student Reduced Lunch: $.40

Extra milk: $.50

Payments – Please send your student’s meal payments in an envelope and with the following information on the outside of the envelope:

Student Name and account number: _______________________________________

Date: _______________________

Teacher/Grade: _______________________________________

Total Amount Enclosed: _______________________

Parents may send lunch money at any time. The total amount sent will be applied to your child’s account to be used for breakfast and/or lunch and their meal costs will be deducted as used. Change will not be returned. The total amount will be applied to your child’s account. Checks are to be made payable to Jasper Elementary School Cafeteria.

Parents are encouraged to pay by the week or month. When your child’s account reflects a zero balance, he/she will be allowed to charge up to a maximum of $10.00. When the $10.00 charge allowance is met, your child will receive a sack lunch of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and milk until the charge amount is paid and the student account replenished. Charge letters will be sent home as needed.

Applications for Free or Reduced priced meals are sent home during the first week of school. These forms are available in the school office at any time. If a student qualified for free or reduced lunch during a previous school year, the parent must reapply within the first 30 days of each school year to continue to qualify for services. You only need to fill out one form per family.

Sack lunches – Students may elect to bring a packed lunch from home. Milk may be purchased in the school cafeteria. It is encouraged that the lunches be nutritious and in containers easily opened by your child. Be sure that your child’s name is clearly printed on his/her lunchbox or sack.

Lunch Visitation – Parents are welcome to have lunch with their children. We encourage parents to buy the school lunch and discourage parents from bringing in fast food lunches for themselves or their child(ren). Parents and guardians must check in the front office before going to cafeteria.

Gifted Students – Services will be provided to students who qualify for this program. For more information about this program, please talk with your child’s teacher or an administrator.

Grading – All grades will be numeric, on progress reports and report cards, with the exception of Kindergarten, Art, Music and Physical Education.

Students earn the grades that are issued. The grades are not given.
Daily work must be completed and turned in on time. Work not completed within a reasonable amount of time will be averaged in as a zero.

Grades 1-5	Kindergarten, Art, Music and Physical Education
A (90-100)	S (Satisfactory)
B (80-89)	N (Needs Improvement)
C (70-79)	U (Unsatisfactory)
F (Below 70)

Satisfactory: Student participates in all activities and completes assignments with enthusiasm and makes an effort to improve his/her skills.

Needs Improvement: Student makes little effort to participate in activities, complete assignments or improve his/her skills. Student requires encouragement to stay on task.

Unsatisfactory: Student makes no effort to participate in activities, complete assignments or improve his/her skills. Behavior and time on task may be an issue. A parent/teacher conference is recommended.

Report Cards – Report cards are issued each nine (9) weeks. Parent/teacher conferences are encouraged at any time but are especially important for parents of students earning failing grades.

Progress Reports – Progress Reports are sent home at the midpoint (4 ½ weeks) of each grading period as a communication tool for students and parents.

Guidance Services - The primary goal of the Jasper Elementary School Guidance Counselor is to assist students in becoming and remaining able learners and responsible citizens. Classroom guidance is conducted on a weekly basis and individual and group sessions are offered to support students in particular need of assistance.

Media Center – Students will have an opportunity to visit the media center each day with the flexible schedule available. Students are encouraged to visit the Media Center and check out books. Media Center personnel will provide assistance and guidance for students wishing to check out books or conduct research. Students using the media center must remember to be courteous, use a quiet voice at all times, and follow the media center’s policies and procedures. Parents are responsible for the replacement cost of lost or damaged textbooks or library books issued to their child.

No Child Left Behind Policy – In compliance with the requirements of the national No Child Left Behind statute, the Pickens County Board of Education reminds parents that they may request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher(s). Parents may request the following information by contacting the administrator:

Whether or not the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
Whether or not the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived.
The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher.
Whether or not the child is provided services by a paraprofessional, and if so, their qualifications.

Non-Discrimination Policy – It is the policy of the Pickens County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), sex (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title II of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Act of 1984), or handicap (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) in education programs, activities and employment procedures.

Inquiries regarding compliance with Title II, Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504 may be directed to the Pickens County Board of Education, 159 Stegall Drive, Jasper, GA 30143, 706-253-1700; or to the Director of Civil Rights, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington DC.

Any student or parent who believes that the policy statement regarding title II, VI, IX or Section 504 has been violated should contact the building administrator immediately.

Parent Conferences – Communication is encouraged between school and home. Parent conferences may be arranged by calling the school office 706-253-1730. Teachers can speak to parents before school, during their planning time or after school. Communication through notes, email and conferencing by phone are ways to keep the lines of communication open during the year between parents, teachers and/or administrators. Teachers can not conduct parent/teacher conferences or accept conference calls during instructional time.

Parent Teacher Organization – The Parent Teacher Organization brings parents, teachers, administrators and other staff members together to work and communicate as partners in providing resources to enhance the quality of education of our school. All parents and school staff members are invited to become members and be actively involved in the PTO sponsored activities. The proceeds from these activities will be used to purchase items or services needed by our students and our school.

Response to Intervention – The Response to Intervention Program (RTI) is a building level committee consisting of, but not limited to, a child’s teacher, parents/guardians, LSS, grade level teachers and school administrators. The major function of RTI is to plan alternative instructional strategies for students who are experiencing difficulties in the regular classroom. Questions concerning the RTI process should be addressed to school administration.

Safety Drills

Fire Drills will be held each month. The students and staff will be instructed in the fire drill process prior to the first drill.

Tornado Drills will be conducted in the spring of each year, as recommended by the Civil Defense procedures. Instructions for the tornado drill will be provided prior to the first drill.

School Advisory Council (SAC) - This council is comprised of teachers, parents, non-certified staff representatives, community members and the school administrator. This council is charged with assisting with the development and monitoring of the School Improvement Plan as well as providing input concerning the academic and non-academic programs of the school. The council members are elected by their peers.

Severe Weather Procedure – During the school year, if it is necessary to either dismiss or cancel school due to severe weather, the following radio and television stations will inform parents and students:

WYYZ 1490AM ETC Channel 3 WLJA 93.5 FM WSB Channel 2 WSB 98.5 FM

BOE Information Line 706-253-1710

Jasper Elementary School will also use the Crisis Communication System to inform parents of closings, etc. Please be sure your home phone and/or cell number is current in the main office in order to receive these calls.

Special Education – In compliance with PL94-142 Jasper Elementary School provides the appropriate services for students who qualify for Special Education. The following disabilities are served at our school: Learning Disabilities, Behavior Disabilities, Mild to Moderate Mental Disabilities, Speech/Language Impaired, Hearing Impaired and Visually Impaired.

Inclusionary teaching strategies and resource strategies are utilized to provide the most appropriate educational services for students.

Student Directory Information – Parents not desiring their child to be identified in the school yearbook, Pickens County newspaper, or any other publication, are required to make this request in writing within the first ten days of enrollment. This request must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and will remain on file for the school year.

Student Insurance – Student accident insurance is available for purchase at the beginning of each school year. Two plans are available:

· School coverage only

· 24 hour coverage

System Coordinators –

· Title VI Coordinator – Tom Pickering 706-253-1700

· Title IX Coordinator – Steve Sewell 706-253-1700

· Section 504 Coordinator – Christine Barker 706-253-1711

· ADA Coordinator – Tom Pickering 706-253-1700

Title IX Coordinator for Jasper Elementary is the School Counselor.

Telephones – Students may not use campus phones except in an emergency and only when accompanied by an adult. Arrangements for after school activities, forgotten homework assignments, and textbooks are not considered emergencies. Cell phones are not allowed for any reason during school hours.