GLENCOE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

 

 

 

        MISSION STATEMENT:

                The mission of Glencoe Elementary School, in cooperation with the parents and community, is                       to provide a quality educational program with multiple opportunities for students to learn and                   experience success.  It is the intent of Glencoe Elementary School to develop students who will                    become responsible citizens, productive workers, and successful, mature lifelong learners.

 

        PHILOSOPHY:

                The professional staff members strive to meet the needs of students by supporting these                                statements:

 

                l.  The faculty members believe that the basic skills in each discipline are the core of the                               curriculum.

                2.  The faculty members accept the students as worthy individuals and seek to challenge and                              develop their highest potential.

                3.  The faculty members aspire to develop a good self-image in students by allowing successful                             experiences and security in the school.

                4.  The faculty members work to instill in the students a knowledge and appreciation for the                        American heritage and the democratic process.

                5.  The faculty members believe self-discipline is a necessity.

                6.  The faculty members believe the abundant community resources should be used to help fulfill                              the needs of the students.

                7.  The faculty members believe that all learning activities should follow a prescribed sequential                              program subject to the readiness, individual needs, and abilities of the students.

 

        OBJECTIVES:

                 The faculty members of Glencoe Elementary School are dedicated to the following objectives.

 

                l.  To help students master the basic skills in each discipline and to assimilate these into                                intellectual and social growth.

                2.  To provide a balanced educational program that instills in students a desire to learn and                          provide an environment conducive to learning.

                3.  To develop functional skills and attitudes necessary for participation in the democratic                       society and for economic efficiency.

                4.  To help students develop positive self-concepts and reach intellectual and social potential.

                5. To help students develop physical, mental, and emotional health.

                6.  To make the school program an integral part of the school community

                7.  To follow a developmental and sequential curriculum that adopts methods of presentation and                           evaluation relating to the abilities of the students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        AGE:

                Alabama law provides that a child must be six years of age on or before September 2 of the year                    he enters first grade,  the law applies that a child must be five on or before September 2 of the                     year he enters kindergarten.

 

                The Etowah County Board of Education and Glencoe Elementary School adhere to all policies                          governing the Alabama Kindergartens as set forth in the current Alabama Kindergartens                                 Bulletin.

 

        ASBESTOS:

                As mandated by Federal Law (AHERA), Glencoe Elementary School has been inspected for                             asbestos; and a management and operation plan is on file in the principal's office.  This                                  document can be examined upon request.

 

              

        ATTENDANCE:

                All students are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time for classes in order to                     receive the greatest benefit from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality,                      self-discipline and responsibility.  There is a direct relationship between poor attendance and                             class failure.  Students who have good attendance generally achieve higher grades and enjoy                               school more.

 

                A written excuse will be required of all students after an absence upon the day of returning to                       school. If an acceptable reason for excusing the absence is not presented within three days of                        returning to school, the absence will be coded as unexcused.  Excused absences are: illness,

                death of a family member, inclement weather.  Students who are out of town for reasons other

                than death of a family member must have prior permission from the principal only in order for

                the absence to be excused.

 

                Only three parental written excuses will be accepted per semester.  Any other absence must be                       documented with a written doctor's excuse.

 

                In order for a student to participate in extracurricular activities, a student must have been present          that day.

 

                Students who are tardy three times will be counted absent one day unless the tardies are excused.

               

                Certificates of perfect attendance are awarded at the end of the school year to                                              those students who have not missed a day.  In accordance with State law, students must be in                   attendance one-half  of the school day to be counted present.

 

                When a student has accumulated five unexcused absences, the principal or counselor will contact                         the parent regarding the student's truant condition.  If the unexcused absence problem continues,               the matter will be referred to the Attendance Supervisor at the Etowah County Board of                                 Education.

 

                Students are responsible for missed work while absent and should be prepared for class work                     when returning to school.  Students will not be allowed to make up work for unexcused absences.                       Suspension from school is considered unexcused.

 

                Requests to pick-up assignments should be made before 10:00 a.m.  Assignments can be picked                  up in the office after 2:00 p.m.

 

 

        BUYING AND SELLING:

                Students are not allowed to buy from, sell to, or trade with each other any items at school or on                    the school bus.  Parents should warn their child not to purchase items or accept items from                                 others.

 

       

       CELL PHONES:

                Students are not allowed to have cell phones on school grounds.  ALL CELL PHONES MUST

                BE TURNED OFF BEFORE ENTERING THE SCHOOL BUILDING.

             

       CHECK-OUTS:

                Etowah County Board of Education Policy states:

 

                "Although the Board recognizes the right of parents or guardians to check their children out of                   school during the regular school day for legitimate or emergency conditions, the Board adopts                  the position that such check-outs must meet the requirement of the Alabama Absence Code in                  order to be termed "excused".  Any other reasons for check-outs are unexcused.

                The Board urges all school personnel to discourage the practice of taking children away from the                      school and classes before the end of the school day.  Each school should make its patrons aware                        of this policy.   Pupils will be allowed to leave school only if a parent or guardian comes for                           them at school."

 

                Parents  should come to the school office to check a child out of school.  The student will be                            called to meet the parent in the office.

 

                In the case of divorce where check outs may pose a problem, the school should have a copy of                         the custody decree in the child's permanent record.  It is the responsibility of the custodial parent          to furnish this information.

 

       

        CHILD NUTRITION:

                BREAKFAST:

Breakfast will be served daily beginning at 7:30 and ending at 8:00 a.m.  No one will be served   after 8:00.  Visitors are not allowed to eat or sit with students during breakfast. Students should not bring their breakfast from home.  This breakfast time is for food items purchased at school only.

 

                LUNCH:

                The school lunch program consists of four food components:  (l) meat or meat substitute, (2)                   vegetable or fruit, (3) bread or bread alternate, and (4) milk.  Students are allowed to choose the                       items they want from the self-serve line, and must take three of the five food items offered.

 

                Students are not allowed to have carbonated drinks in cans, bottles, or a thermos.  Foods                                 purchased at local fast-food establishments are prohibited in the lunchroom. 

 

                Parents may eat with their child during the regular lunch period after the first month of school                         by calling the lunchroom manager by 8:30 a.m. to make a reservation to reserve a plate lunch .                    Adult lunches cost more than student lunches and should be paid for as the adult goes through                   the line.

                          

                All parents are encouraged to complete a form for Free and Reduced meals.

                Each student has a computerized lunch account.  Lunches can be pre-paid by depositing money

                in their account.   Parents are notified when the account balance is low.        

 

 

       

        COMPUTERS:

                Computers are expensive instructional tools and should be treated as such.  Students abusing the                  computers will be denied use of them for a period of time determined by the teacher.

 

        CONDUCT:

                Glencoe Elementary School will not tolerate conduct by any student that materially interferes                  with or substantially disrupts an atmosphere conducive to learning.  Violators will be subject to                        appropriate disciplinary measures designed to ensure that no student interferes with the rights of                         others to receive a quality education.

               

                The School Wide Discipline Plan will be followed by each teacher.  Corporal Punishment will be                      administered as a last resort following the guidelines of the Etowah County Board of Education                   and the State of Alabama.  Basic rules of conduct are:

 

                        (1)  Act in an orderly manner.

                        (2)  Be respectful of others

                        (3)  Be prepared each day for instruction

                        (4)   Enter and leave all areas of the building orderly

                        (5)  Help keep the school clean and attractive

                        (6)  Use good manners in the lunchroom

                        (7)  Walk at all times

                        (8)  Refrain from abusive, vulgar language

                        (9)  Do not steal

                                      (10) Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself

                        (11) Chewing gum is not allowed at school

                        (12) Toys or other playthings are not to be brought to school

               

                It is in your child's best interest that we all work together.  The teachers will be in close contact                       with parents regarding progress in the classroom.  We believe all students can behave           

                appropriately and will not allow any student to stop teachers from teaching or other students                  from learning.

 

                A communication notebook may be necessary and initiated for the success of a student.  It is                     required that this notebook be read and signed each day by the parents.  This is considered the                   parent's responsibility.  If the parents fail to sign the notebook for three consecutive days, the                  notebook will be discontinued.

 

        CONFERENCES:

                Parents are encouraged to visit the school to confer with the teachers, counselor or principal                         concerning the welfare of students.  Teachers have specific times when they are available                          for parent conferences.  Problems concerning grades and student's work should be discussed                     with the teacher before conferring with other school personnel.  Appointments for conferences                        must be made in the office 24 hours in advance.   Conferences will not be scheduled during a                  teacher's  instructional time.  The special education teachers, counselor, and/or principal will sit                         in on any conference when requested by the teacher or parent.

 

                Teachers home phone numbers cannot be given out by school personnel.                

 

        COUNSELING PROGRAM:

                A full-time counselor is on staff at Glencoe Elementary School.  The counseling program is                                 available to all students.  It provides individual and small group counseling in addition to                                        classroom instruction.

 

                The counselor is available to interpret test scores to parents, teachers and students.  The                             counselor assists school staff in identifying student deficiencies and consults with parents about                    special needs of        students.

 

        DISRUPTIVE ITEMS:

                Students are not allowed to bring toys and play things to school.  A teacher has the authority to                       take such items from the student and use discretion to determine if such items are to be returned               to the student or if the parents should be requested to come to the school and pick up the item.

 

        DRESS CODE:

                To eliminate confusion of ownership of clothing, please put the child's full name in coats and                      on other valuable items.

 

                Students should be dressed appropriately while attending school and school functions.  The                                principal may require students to call home for proper clothing before allowing a                                          student to attend class.

 

                Clothes should be clean and worn neatly.  Long walking shorts may be worn in hot weather.                           Tops must come below the belt.

 

                 Improper school dress includes:  clothes that have obscene, suggestive language, or                                       advertisements for alcoholic beverage and tobacco; headbands; sunglasses; visors;  caps, hats;                     and jewelry that can cause injury.  Wearing of any recognized gang related clothing or logos is                        prohibited.   Shoes must be worn at all times.  Cleats and/or baseball shoes are prohibited.

 

       

 

            EXTENDED DAY CARE PROGRAM:

                The Etowah County Community Education Department operates an after school day care                         Monday through Friday for a small fee.  Students attending this program report directly to the

                lunchroom  at 3:00 p.m. The program offers one to three hours of after school care including                  assistance with homework, games, crafts, refreshments and free play.  There is an annual                                            registration fee of $10 for regular attendees.  Drop ins are welcome.  This program is for Glencoe             Elementary School students only.  For more information contact the school office.

       

        FORGOTTEN ITEMS:

                Forgotten books, lunches, and lunch money should be brought to the office to be delivered to the                         child's room by school personnel.

 

        GRADING:

                Pupils will be evaluated from day to day. Grades are derived from test scores, daily grades, and                    homework. 

 

                The following point average and letter symbols will be used.

                                90-100             A

                                80- 89              B

                                70-79               C

                                60-69               D

                                0-59                 F

 

                 Report cards are issued every six weeks.  It is the student's responsibility to take the report card              home and return it with the parent's signature the next day.  If a student loses a report card, there                is a $l.00 replacement fee.

 

        HEALTH:

                Glencoe Elementary School complies with the Etowah County Board of Education Policy                                         addressing communicable infectious diseases or conditions for students and employees.  Copies                    of this policy are on file in the school library.

 

                A child should not attend school and will be sent home if he/she has any of the following:  fever,                  skin rash, head lice, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, severe sore throat, redness or watering of the                    eyes, swollen glands in the neck or other parts of the body, or if the child has any                                   contagious disease.  Parents are requested to contact the school counselor if their child has a                         contagious disease that will require several days out of school.

 

        INSURANCE:

                Each student is encouraged to obtain accident insurance for his own benefit and protection.  This                       protection may be purchased from an insurance company though the school at a reasonable                           cost,  or through some outside agency.

 

        LEAD IN THE DRINKING WATER:

                All water fountains at Glencoe Elementary School have been tested and according to EPA                               Standards are lead free.

 

        LIBRARY:

Students are encouraged to use the library and to check out books.  Each class has a weekly  scheduled library period where they may check out two books with additional opportunities during the week to check out more. Additional books may be checked out for reports or assignments when needed.  Books may be renewed for an additional week if the student brings the book to the library on the date due. When students have finished a book, they should return the book to the library box in their homeroom or to the library.

 

To help teach responsibility and to fund library expenses a fine of 5 cents per day is charged for overdue books including weekends and holidays.  Students with overdue books are not allowed to check out additional books until the overdue book is returned or the replacement fee is paid.

 

                A replacement fee for lost or damaged books, and for removal or damage to the bar codes is                     charged.  If a book is found and returned after having been paid for, the fee will be                                    refunded less $l.00 for processing charges. 

 

        LOST AND FOUND:

                Found articles are kept in the PE office until the end of school unless claimed.  All unclaimed                                articles are given to a charitable organization at the end of the school year. Parents are                                 encouraged to check this box for lost items throughout the school year.

 

                Any item brought to school is the responsibility of the student.  Balls, gloves, and other items                               should not be brought to school.

 

        MEDICATIONS:

                Students who are on Ritalin or other drugs that require daily administration should bring an                             adequate supply each Monday to the office.  The child's name and directions  for administration                     must be on the label.  Parents must sign a medical form and submit a doctors’ permission

                each year. Medication cannot be administered without this required medication form.

Other students who must take medication during school hours for a short term must bring EXACT dosages in the original prescription bottle with written directions from the parent.   In all cases         

                Parents should arrange to give medication at home. Teachers or office personnel are not        

                allowed to measure medication from a bottle nor to give any over the counter medications.                          ONLYTRAINED PERSONNEL WILL DISPERSE MEDICATION DAILY.

Aspirin and other non-prescription drugs are not available for students at school. Students are not allowed to keep prescription or non-prescription medication in their desk or bookbag.

       

        NONDISCRIMINATION:

                It is the official policy of the Etowah County Board of Education that no person in the Etowah                  County School System shall, on the grounds of race, color, handicap, sex, religion, national

                origin, or  age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to                        discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.

 

            NOTICES:

                Information concerning special programs, holiday notices, and items of importance will be sent                       home with the students at the beginning of each month in the school Newsletter. 

 

                A Phone Master Information System is available each day from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 a.m.                           A Phone Master Directory will be sent home at the beginning of each year.  We encourage                                you to put it in your phone book or on the refrigerator and use it throughout the school year.

 

                When school will be closed due to severe weather, the superintendent will notify all local radio                   and TV stations before 6:30 a.m.  Tune in for this information when it is doubtful that school will                                     be in session.

 

                Inform your child what to do in case school must DISMISS early for emergency situations.  It                    would be impossible to call every parent or for parents to get through on the school phone line.                   Early dismissal announcements will be made on all local radio and TV stations.

 

        PARTIES:

                The PTO hosts a Christmas party for every child in December. Other parties must have prior                               approval of the principal.  There are no end-of-year parties.   Parties are not permitted for every                    special occasion during the school year.

 

                Room mothers or parents are permitted to bring a simple treat for the students on special                             occasions but drinks are not permitted.  These treats should be brought to the office for the                     teacher to pick up during regular snack time.

 

                Invitations to parties may not be passed out at school unless every child in the room receives                              one.

               

                Balloons and gifts should not be delivered to the school.  Since balloons are not                           

                allowed on the bus, parents must arrange other transportation.

       

       

        PHYSICAL EDUCATION:

                All students are expected to participate in physical education classes.  To be temporarily excused                      from physical education classes, the student is required to bring a note signed by a parent or     

                guardian.  If the student is to be excused for an extended period of time, a note from a physician                      is required.

 

                Physical Education equipment is furnished; therefore, students should not bring bats, balls,                                gloves or other play things to school.

 

               For the safety of the student, tennis shoes are preferred for physical education activities.

               

        PICTURES:

                School pictures are made twice each year.  There is no obligation to purchase these pictures.

 

        PRE-FIRST PROGRAM:

                Some very bright children need an extra year before going to first grade. Daily                                                 struggles in school can destroy a child's self-esteem and repeating a grade early                                             does  less harm than continuing down a path of school failure and misery.                               

 

 

 

                The pre-first program at Glencoe Elementary School has three levels of students                                                    enrolled.              

 

                  (1)  Kindergarten students who may not be developmentally ready for first grade                                         are recommended for the pre-first class.

 

(2)  Some students entering kindergarten are more mature than others and are                                                   developmentally ready for learning.  These students are placed in the pre-first                                      program rather than in kindergarten.

               

(3)  Occasionally students return to the pre-first program after the first six weeks in first grade.  If a child is unhappy in school or is struggling to keep up, it makes       good sense to start the correct program at this time.

 

                Students going through the pre-first program find the work rewarding and enjoyable                                  because they are able to complete the assigned tasks.

                A Pre-first class is provided when there is a sufficient number of students in need of this

                service.

                             

        PRIVACY OF STUDENTS:

                The Etowah County Board of Education has adopted a policy of compliance with the General                                Education Act, Title IV of Public Law 90-247.  This act prohibits the release of personally                                  identifiable information by school officials about students or former students without written                         permission of the parents.  Information classified as "Directory" information or information                          requested by persons or institutions which have legitimate educational interest in the student may                        be released without the written permission of the parents.

       

        PROMOTION-RETENTION:

                The promotion of a child from one grade to another is determined by the teacher of the child.                   Action is taken at the end of the first semester to inform parents that their child may need to be    

                retained.  Achievement levels in each subject, grades and attendance are considered in                                     determining promotion.

 

                Students who do not master the basic skills in kindergarten will be recommended for the Pre-First           program.  Please refer to the section entitled PRE-FIRST PROGRAM.

 

        RETURNED CHECKS:

All checks must include a current address, phone number, and what the check was written for.                                    There will be a $30 service charge added to all returned checks due to non-sufficient funds. If a                                   check is returned due to non-sufficient funds, we can no longer accept a check from that party. If a                              check is not redeemed within five days a certified/registered letter will be sent.  Ten (10) days will                               be allowed to reconcile the check. After ten days the returned check will be turned over to the                                    Etowah County District Attorney's Special Services Division for collection.

 

       

           

        SCHOOL SUPPLIES:

                Students are expected to have paper, pencil and other necessary supplies every day.  The school                        operates a school store for the convenience of students.  Basic supplies may be purchased prior                  to homeroom each day.

 

        SEARCHES:

                A student's desk, personal belongings, or person may be searched if the principal deems it                               necessary to maintain the safety or integrity of the school environment.  All searches will be                            conducted with the consent of the principal and with witnesses present.

       TARDIES:

                School begins at 8:00 a.m.  Students not in homeroom when the bell rings will be considered                              tardy.  The first bell rings for students to go to homeroom at 7:45 a.m.

 

                A parent or guardian must sign in tardy students at the office.  A late slip will be issued for                               admittance to the classroom.

 

                Any student who accumulates excessive tardies will be regarded as habitually truant and will be                        subject to disciplinary action. 

 

                Students who are tardy three times will be counted absent one day unless the tardies are excused.

 

        TELEPHONE:

                The school phone is for business purposes only.  Students will not be called to the phone.                             Emergency messages will be relayed to the student.

 

                 Parents are urged to make car and bus arrangements with their child each morning before the                    child leaves home.

 

                 Students are permitted to use the phone for emergencies only.

 

        TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS:

                Textbooks are furnished by the state.  Students are responsible for books issued to them and for                       books checked out of the library.  If books are lost, stolen, marked in, or damaged, the student                   will be responsible for full replacement.   All state regulations concerning textbooks will be                             enforced.

 

        TITLE I:

Title I is a federally funded program which helps provide remedial reading / math services for schools based on the number of students who qualify to receive free/reduced lunches.  In order for a school to receive Title I funds 35% or more of its students must be eligible to receive free/reduced lunches.  Parents are encouraged to complete the free/reduced application annually and return it to the office.  The principal evaluates the form according to the federal guidelines.  Parents/guardians are then notified of the status of the application.

 

        TRANSPORTATION:

                Speed limits in and around the school will be enforced.

 

                Volunteer safety patrols and a policeman are on duty to assist children.

               

                Each student should have the same method of transportation daily except in emergency                             situations.

 

               

 

                Students should know and understand how they will get home before leaving for school each                               day.  This will prevent unnecessary confusion for the child and will eliminate unnecessary phone                 calls and disturbances during the school day.

                             

If your child is going home with a friend, we encourage you to make arrangements for your child to be a car rider. At no time will a student be allowed to ride a bus not assigned to him unless a written request from the parent has been sent to the office and a bus pass has been issued.  The principal may make exceptions to this rule in emergency situations.

 

               

                Students are not allowed to get off the bus at the Middle School to meet parents or siblings. 

 

                Parents or guardians of pupils are held responsible for damages done to buses or other school                         property. 

 

                The bus operates on a definite schedule and will not wait for or blow the horn for tardy students.

 

       

         BUS BEHAVIOR:

 

                All students are expected to be respectful and act orderly on the bus.  Improper behavior will                       result in disciplinary measures that could lead to suspension for repeated or severe problems.

 

                The following actions are prohibited on the school bus.

 

                     l.  Throwing objects from the bus.

                     2.  Exchanging seats while the bus is in motion.

                     3.  Use of tobacco, striking matches or opening knives.

                     4.  Extending head, arms or hands from the bus window.

                     5.  Defacing or damaging the bus.

                     6.  Vulgar talk, loud noise, or shouting.

                     7.  Use of the emergency door except in an emergency.

                     8.  Leaving the bus at any place other than the regular stop except with a bus pass from the                             principal.

                     9.  Any other action not in keeping with acceptable standards of conduct.

                     10.  Glass items, balloons, living animals, and items that may cause a health or safety hazard 

                    are prohibited.                                                

 

                Students may be assigned certain seats by the bus driver with the permission of the principal.

 

                Bus routes are set by the Etowah County Board of Education.  To request a change or to add a                  stop requires a form be submitted for consideration.  This form can be obtained in the school                       office.  The transportation supervisor will make a visit to determine the appropriateness of the                       request.

                                    

 

 

                                            

 

 

 

                                                

 

                 CAR RIDERS:

                 MORNING TRAFFIC:

                               

 

                Due to the large number of cars that arrive at school daily, each driver must be aware of and obey                the rules pertaining to automobile safety.  Compliance with these rules will ensure the safety of                   YOUR CHILD!!

 

`              Russell Street is one way from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

 

                Car riders must be unloaded at the rear of the building inside the fenced area.

 

                Students will go to the gym until the bell rings for homeroom.

 

                 A yellow line has been added on the blacktop in the rear of the gym.  The front car should pull                  up to this line when letting children out so 4 or 5 cars can unload at one time.  To speed the                           unloading process, please unlock doors, undo seat belts, get book bags and lunch boxes ready,                     and kiss your children good-bye as you enter the blacktop area.

               

 

               Children are not to exit their car from Taylor Road or from the teacher's parking area.

 

Parents coming into the building with their child for business purposes should park in the school                                 parking lot on Railroad Ave.  Traffic lanes in and around the school cannot be blocked by                                               unattended cars.

 

                Cars are NOT permitted to enter the bus loading area in the circular drive during the morning                     hours from 7:30 - 8:00 a.m.  

                                       

 

                AFTERNOON TRAFFIC:

 

                Afternoon pickup is very dangerous because of the number of cars and the shortage of space.

 

                The blacktop area in the rear of the school is for buses only in the afternoon.

       

                Parents are urged to walk to the front doors and wait for your child.  Please do not enter the                      building and take up hall space.  Students will meet you at the front door.