wren elementary school
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Wren Elementary School Anderson District One
Family Handbook
2012-2013
Principal: Rhonda Rhodes Assistant Principal: Amy Bagwell
226 Roper Road
Piedmont, SC 29673
Phone: 864-850-5950 Fax: 864-850-5951
Website: www.anderson1.k12.sc.us/schools/wres
This agenda belongs to:
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Teacher Name
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Dates to Remember
August 16 Back to School Night
August 21 First Day of School
September 3 Labor Day Holiday
September 24 Professional Development Day (Student Holiday)
October 19 Fall Pictures
October 24th End of First Nine Weeks
November 2nd
Professional Development Day
November 5th Fall Holiday
November 6th Election Day/School Holiday (GO VOTE!)
November 7th Students Return from Fall Break
November 16th
Make Up Fall Pictures and Club Pictures
November 21st -23
rd Thanksgiving Holidays
November 26th
-30th Santa Shop
December 21st Last Student Day before Christmas Holidays
December 24-January 4th
Christmas Holidays
January 7th Students Return
January 17th End of Second Nine Weeks
January 21st Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday
February 15th Professional Development Day (Student Holiday)
March 19th
-20th PASS Writing Testing
March 25th End of Third Nine Weeks
March 29th Professional Development Day (Student Holiday)
April 1st – 5
th Spring Break
April 26th Snow Make-Up/Student Holiday
May 7-10th PASS Testing
May 27th Memorial Day Holiday
May 30th
K5 Program (AM); Fifth Grade Graduation (PM)
May 31st Moving Day
June 4th
-6th Half Days
June 4th First and Second Grade Award’s Day
June 5th Third and Fourth Grade Award’s Day
June 6th Last Day of School/End of Fourth Nine Weeks
June 7th Professional Development Day
June 10th -11
th Snow Make-Up Days
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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Dear Wren Elementary Family,
Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year at Wren
Elementary! We are “rolling out the red carpet for
learning” for a new year and ready for our “stars” to
arrive.
Being part of the Wren Family is a unique experience
that we share. We have prepared this handbook to create
a better understanding between our school, parents, and
students. You are encouraged to read it carefully and
refer to it throughout the school year. Much of this
handbook should be read with your child and discussed.
If you have any questions about information in this
handbook, please contact me.
We look forward to working together to ensure the best
educational experience for your child. Thank you for
sharing your child with us. Welcome to Wren Elementary
and Anderson District One – it is honor to share our
tradition of excellence with your family!
Serving Students,
Rhonda R. Rhodes
Our Mission
Our mission is simple but strong:
“Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day!”
Our Beliefs:
Every child is a success story.
We believe in children, their unique qualities,
and diverse experiences.
Children need individualized instruction to
address their learning modalities.
All children are worthy of our best efforts.
The school environment should be inviting, safe
and challenging.
The needs of all students must be met –
socially, academically, and physically.
Students succeed when they are empowered to
make appropriate decisions and accept
responsibility for their choices.
On-going assessment should drive the
curriculum and should determine the
instructional needs of individual learners.
Education should prepare students for the 21st
century.
Home, community, and school work together to
benefit all students.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
TEACHER REQUESTS
Q. May I request a teacher for my child?
A. We are unable to take special requests for
teachers. If you feel your child has special needs or
considerations, please contact the principal during
the month of April to discuss your concerns and
submit the request in writing.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS / EARLY DISMISSALS
Q. How do I know if school is closed because of
poor weather?
A. We have a telephone notification system that can
be initiated when such decisions are made. Please
ensure we have your latest contact information on
file. The local news media is also a quick resource.
Many of our local news stations have e-alerts for
fast notification.
Q. What if school has to dismiss early?
A. Radios and television stations will be notified
first. Also, we will begin the school telephone
system. Students should be picked up within 30
minutes of early dismissal times. There will be no
after school programs, in the event of early
dismissal.
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INFORMATION NEEDED
Q. What is the best source of information about
what’s happening at Wren Elementary School?
A. Our school newsletter is published and
distributed every other week to keep you informed
of district, school and local happenings. On
occasions, special flyers will be sent home. Your
class newsletter is also an excellent resource for
class events. Be sure to save your copy of this
handbook and refer to it throughout the year.
Additionally, our school website, sign and phone
system are utilized as forms of communication.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Q. What are some opportunities for involvement for
parents?
A. Our WES PTO, Inc. is a very active group of
volunteers who are engaged in various school
activities and events. Our SIC, School Improvement
Council, is the liaison between our school and
families. They serve as a council to our principal
and offer suggestions about school improvement
issues. They also oversee the expenditure of special
state funds. And of course, we welcome volunteers
to work with students and in our classrooms.
Q. When do PTO and SIC meet?
A. Our PTO meets the first Tuesday of every month
throughout the year. The SIC meets quarterly.
I HAVE A CONCERN…
Q. I have a concern and want to know what I should
do to resolve it.
A. Parents are encouraged to schedule a conference
with the classroom teacher or the person with whom
they have a concern. If satisfaction is not achieved at
this conference, please call Mrs. Rhodes, Mrs.
Bagwell or Mrs. Ward as additional resources.
POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
ELIGIBILITY TO ATTEND WES
Students must reside within the Wren Elementary
attendance area. Upon registration, students must
present a certified birth certificate, SC immunization
record, social security number, and proof of
residence. An updated proof of residency must be
submitted yearly in the form of a current utility bill,
rental agreement, or current home contract.
TRANSFER TO ANOTHER SCHOOL
Please notify the school office at least one week in
advance of your child’s transfer from WES to
another school (if possible). We will prepare a
transfer form that you may pick up the last day of
your child’s attendance. You must sign a statement
permitting WES to forward your child’s records to
the new school. We will forward school records to
the receiving school when that school requests them.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Safety
Wren Elementary School is committed to providing
the children of this community a safe learning
environment. While Anderson District One residents
proudly champion high values and an outstanding
quality of life, and would generally expect few
potentially destructive events to occur in a school, it
is essential that we be prepared to deal with
emergency situations. Wren Elementary has
designated a Crisis Response/Recovery Team to
manage and resolve crisis situations effectively. The
Crisis Recovery Plan is available for parents to
review at any time. All guests (any non-school
employee) entering the school during school hours
must report to the office immediately. Each guest
must sign in our School Check-In System with
his/her driver’s license. Any person observed
wandering the building or grounds is subject to be
reported to the local Law Enforcement.
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Visitation at WES
You are welcome and encouraged to visit our school
for observation, conference, or as a volunteer. To
avoid visiting during a test or other instruction,
please arrange a time and date with your child’s
teacher. During state testing, the only volunteers
permitted in the building are those directly serving
as a PASS Monitor and trained by Mrs. Ward. If
you visit without an appointment, please follow
these guidelines when observing in classrooms. All
observers / visitors must report to the main office
before entering our hallways.
1. Observations should be conducted as
discretely as possible. Please do not
interrupt instruction. If you need to talk
with the teacher, please do so by calling the
teacher in the afternoon or leaving a
message in the office for a return phone
call. Please do not “take just a moment” of
time when students are in the room. We
guard our instruction as every minute
counts! The teacher’s focus will be on the
children and instruction.
2. Please note that your child may behave
differently when a parent is in the
classroom. Students often complete work
or have better behavior when a personal
visitor is present. Often times, specific
concerns will not be observed during a
parent visit.
Again, welcome to school! We hope you have a
successful visit. Our door is always open to you, and we
hope you will visit with us again in the future.
Registration
Kindergarten enrollment, in accordance with South
Carolina Law, states a child must be five on or before
September 1, 2012.
Registration is held in the spring for children entering
Kindergarten in August. All students entering Wren
Elementary must present the following:
1. Legal Birth Certificate
2. SC Certificate of Immunization
3. Social Security Card
4. Proof of Residency (current utility bill)
Notes Required From Parents or Guardians
Explanation of absences
Explanation of tardies
Early Dismissal Requests
Excuses from PE or Recess
Permission to go home with another child
Changes in transportation
Proper form to take medicine (See medication
policy)
Changes in Transportation
We understand that emergencies arise and plans change.
However, changes in afternoon transportation should be
sent in writing to the school. If a phone call is the only
alternative, please understand we do our best to send
messages to students when circumstances change but
request this be on a limited basis. We cannot interrupt
instruction with personal phone messages to students,
and students often revert back to the original plan of
transportation.
School Closings / Early Dismissals
Sometimes it is necessary to close school or have early
dismissals. During times of inclement weather or other
emergencies, you should watch our local news stations
and listen to local radio stations. We will utilize our
school telephone calling system to notify you of such
information. Please ensure your contact information is
current and up-to-date with our front office.
If school has an early dismissal, you should arrange for
someone to meet the school bus during the announced
time, or pick up within 30 minutes of dismissal time in
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the car circle. Remember, only those designated people
on the approval list will be allowed to pick up your child.
Attendance Policy
Tardiness
Wren Elementary’s school day begins at 7:55 AM. The
doors open at 7:20 AM. Children should be in their
classrooms and ready to begin learning at 7:55 AM.
When children arrive after 7:55, an adult must
accompany them to the office. Our front door is locked
upon the beginning of our school day; it is essential for
an adult to walk your child to the front office upon late
arrivals. Students receive a tardy pass and report to their
classroom teacher.
When students are tardy they interrupt class and may
miss important explanations of morning work.
Remember, just five minutes a day is equal to 25 minutes
a week.
Punctuality is a quality of good citizenship. Help your
child arrive on time. If your child is late due to an
emergency, please write a note of explanation. The
school periodically reviews tardies and sends home
letters to communicate accumulation. Continuation of
tardies will result in referral to the Anderson County
Attendance Officer.
Attendance
The Education Improvement Act of 1984 makes regular
school attendance compulsory for all children ages 5-16.
A child may be exempt from kindergarten only if the
parent/guardian files the “Form to Elect Non-attendance
in Compulsory Kindergarten” with the school in his/her
attendance area.
The law requires that school officials immediately
intervene when a student has three unexcused
consecutive unlawful absences or five unexcused, and
that the District Board of Trustees or its designee shall
approve or disapprove any student absences in excess of
ten days.
Absences fall into two categories: Lawful and Unlawful.
There are four specific types of Lawful (excused)
absences:
1. Illness
Illness that is certified by a doctor’s statement is a lawful
absence. This would include a medical appointment that
could not be scheduled at a time other than during school
hours. However, we encourage the scheduling of such
appointments at times that would not interfere with
school. If a student is absent for an illness that does not
require medical attention, a parent may send a note with
date(s) of absence, a description of the illness,
accompanied by a parent signature within three days
following the student’s return to school. The school will
accept five (5) parent notes per year.
2. Death in Family
When there has been a death in the student’s immediate
family and the student has been absent as a result, then
the absence(s) will be excused or lawful. The principal
may require evidence in addition to the parent/guardian
statement. This statement must be presented within three
(3) days following the student’s return to school. The
excuse must list the date(s) of absence(s), the reason(s)
for the absence(s), and must be signed by the
parent/guardian and dated on the day the student returns
to school.
3. School Functions or Activities
Student absences that are school related will be excused.
This does not include suspension for disciplinary reasons
or non-school sponsored travel. Additionally, if students
are absent during a regular school day, they are not
permitted to participate in after-school activities or
school functions on that same day.
4. Religious Holidays
Students may be excused for religious holidays of their
faith when these holidays fall on a school day(s). The
principal may require evidence in addition to the
statement from the parent/guardian.
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In addition to the above four specific types, the principal
of each school has the discretion of deciding if an
absence is lawful or unlawful. If the principal feels the
absence is due to an emergency situation which is
beyond the student’s control, then the principal may
excuse the absence.
The other category of student absences is unlawful or
unexcused. These include:
1. Students who are willingly absent from school
without the knowledge of their parents.
2. Students who are absent from school without
acceptable cause with the knowledge of their
parents.
3. Students who are absent from school due to
suspensions.
4. Students who are absent due to non-school
sponsored travel.
5. Absences for which a student fails to present a
valid excuse. This could include absence(s) for
medical reasons if not accompanied by a
doctor’s statement or parent note. The school
will accept up to five (5) parent notes per
year. It could also include absence(s) for illness
or death in the family as well as absence(s) for
religious holiday unless adequately documented
as determined by the proper school official. If
an excuse is not returned within the proper time
frame (five days for medical, three days for
parent), the absence becomes unexcused.
Letters will be sent periodically when absences are
accumulated. The law requires school districts to develop
a plan of intervention after a certain number of unlawful
absences. This requires contact with parents to determine
the cause(s) of the absence(s) and develop a plan, if
necessary for improved attendance.
Early Dismissal
Students must remain in school until 10:00 AM to be
counted present for the day. Any early dismissals before
10:00 must be approved by the principal or designee
and/or accompanied by a medical note upon the student’s
return to school. End of the day dismissal is a busy time
in our front office. Please refrain from picking up your
child after 2:15.
Tardies/Early Dismissals
Frequent tardies or early dismissals interfere with the
instructional design for learning within our school day.
Continuation of tardies/early dismissals will be reviewed
and can result in referral to the Anderson County
Attendance Officer. Our school day begins at 7:55 and
attendance is taken at that time. Please, whenever
possible, schedule medical and dental appointments after
school hours.
We DO NOT allow students to leave the school grounds
without being accompanied by you or a designated adult
listed on the form given at registration. Also, anyone not
known by our office personnel may have to present
identification before a student is released. You must
come to the office in order for your child to leave the
building. Parents/guests may not report to the classroom
for early dismissals.
Attendance Incentives
Wren Elementary encourages all students to arrive to
school on time daily and avoid early dismissals when
possible. Attendance incentives are rewarded to students
who have less than three tardies and/or early dismissals
for each nine-week period. This incentive provides
positive reinforcement to students on the importance of
good attendance and punctuality in school.
Every Minute “Counts” at WES
Your attendance is very important!
Be here and arrive on time each and every day!
All A and A/B Honor Roll
Students are recognized quarterly and yearly for
achieving the All A and A/B Honor Roll. The All A
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Honor Roll is awarded to students who maintain a 93 or
Higher in each of the four academic classes
PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICY
This policy establishes the basic structure for the
promotion, retention and acceleration of students. The
district affirms academic excellence for students. The
policy outlines guidelines to be considered for promotion
from one grade level to the next in a regular education
program. Students served through special education
programs will be governed by the Individual Educational
Program (IEP). The district will administer this policy
fairly, equitably and consistently in all schools:
Promotion based on the following:
Grade One: A first grade student must demonstrate
mastery of 80% of the first grade reading/English
language arts, mathematics, and science standards in
order to be promoted to second grade. Mastery will be
documented through diagnostic test results, and/or basal
tests as determined by the district and classroom
performance.
Grade Two: A second grade student must demonstrate
mastery of 80% of the second grade reading/English
language arts, mathematics, and science standards in
order to be promoted to third grade. Mastery will be
documented through diagnostic test results, and/or basal
tests as determined by the district and classroom
performance.
Grades Three-Five: Mastery of each Palmetto
Achievement Challenge Test (PACT) at a level
determined by the State Board of Education will be
evaluated. Additionally, 80% of the assigned grade
reading/English language arts, mathematics, and science
standards in order to be promoted to next grade. Mastery
will be documented through diagnostic test results,
and/or basal tests as determined by the district and
classroom performance.
How to Be an Informed Parent
We want you included and involved in your child’s
education, school events and happenings.
1. The Spotlight is our school wide
communication tool. It is sent home throughout
the school year. It contains valuable information
that keeps you informed of the latest
happenings at WES.
2. Your teacher’s newsletters are valuable! This
includes classroom and grade level news
involving your child.
3. Read our school sign. It lists many important
events and announcements.
4. E-mail us and check out our websites. E-mail is
a quick, easy form of communication. Use your
child’s agenda. This serves as an effective daily
communication tool between you and your
child’s teacher.
5. Also, we leave important announcements on our
school answering machine. You may leave a
message after hours; someone from our office
staff will return your call.
6. Call us! Your school administration, teachers
and staff encourage you to discuss your
comments, questions, and concerns with us. We
can grow together.
School Clothing
The administration is committed to providing the most
productive, distraction-free, and safest learning
environment possible for all students. Any fashion,
extreme fad, make-up, or accessories that distract from
instruction taking place in the classroom or school
building will not be allowed. Any specific fashion that
needs to be discontinued will be addressed by the
administration. The following items are not appropriate
for school:
Tube Tops worn as a top or as a skirt;
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Shorts, skirts, skorts, dresses, jumpers that are
not fingertip or longer (length determined by
child standing with arms straight down by side);
T-shirts with inappropriate language or
alcoholic/tobacco products;
Pants should be worn at the waist – No
oversized pants at the waist or length;
Undergarments should not be exposed;
Muscle shirts with large arm openings;
Midriffs, halters, or spaghetti straps (Straps at
least one inch) – Tops should be long enough to
tuck in the waistline and should not show the
stomach when arms are raised;
No hats or sunglasses should be worn in the
building;
Any article or clothing with holes, tears, cuts or
slits extending above the appropriate fingertip
length;
Skate shoes or “heely’s”;
Any attire, unnatural hair color, or hair style
relating to personal appearance that would
disrupt the normal operation at school.
All interpretation of dress, either listed or unlisted, is at
the discretion of the administration.
School Telephone Numbers
Our office phone number is (864) 850-5950. Our
friendly office staff will take messages for teachers and
staff members but may not be able to deliver them
immediately. If you wish to speak with a teacher by
phone, please leave a message with our office personnel.
The person you are calling will return your call during a
planning time or after school.
A student may use the office phone to call home in the
event of an urgent matter and with teacher approval. Our
school’s fax number is (864) 850-5951.
Our school has e-mail in every room. You may e-mail
your child’s teacher or any employee. Please keep all e-
mails to school related business.
Code of Student Behavior and Responsibility
Students are expected to exhibit behavior that is
appropriate for Wren Elementary School to achieve its
mission and goals. All behaviors stated in the Anderson
District One Guidelines must be followed. Our students
are here to learn.
Students exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be given
a classroom consequence, a parent phone call or note, or
a visit to the principal’s office. Office referrals follow
school district policy and suspensions may result from
repeated or severe infractions.
Wren Elementary has implemented PBIS: Positive
Behavior Intervention and Support as our school wide
expectations. We follow the four principles throughout
our building and school day: We are WREN.
W – Work Responsibly
R – Respect All
E – Expect Excellence
N- Notice Others
Teachers and students model these expectations and
receive incentives for following the WREN Way. In
addition to these expectations, teachers have developed
guidelines within their own classrooms. These rules
stress teamwork, cooperation, mutual respect and student
responsibility. All disciplinary actions follow school and
district guidelines.
Fighting constitutes possible suspension of all parties
involved.
In regards to discipline, please note that these rules
apply to any student:
Who is on school or district property
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Who is in attendance at school or any school-
sponsored activity, whether on or off school
grounds
Who is en-route, to and from, on a school bus or
district vehicle
Whose conduct at any time in any place has a
direct and immediate effect on maintaining
order and discipline in Anderson District One
Possible sanctions to be applied may include, but are not
limited to, withdrawal of privileges/exclusion from
participation in extracurricular activities, and other
sanctions approved by the administration.
Nothing in this policy prohibits the Superintendent or
other appropriate district level administrators from
directly, or in consultations with school level
administrators, imposing authorized disciplinary
sanctions consistent with the district’s discipline code.
In the cafeteria, we expect our students to:
1. Use proper table manners and leave their places
clean.
2. Talk in a quiet voice with people at their own
table (not between tables).
3. Get all utensils, napkins, milk, etc. as needed as
they go through the line.
4. Remain seated at all times once places are taken
at the lunch table.
5. Raise their hands if something is needed so that
a teacher/assistant can give assistance to them at
the table.
On the playground, we expect our students to:
1. Use equipment properly and safely.
2. Show good sportsmanship and fair play.
3. Play with appropriate equipment as toys (no
sand, sticks, rocks…).
4. Line up promptly and orderly at the signal to
end recess.
Positive Reinforcements
At Wren Elementary, we believe in recognizing good
behavior. Being proactive, modeling positive behavior
and recognizing appropriate conduct take place within
our classrooms and school-wide.
Prize Patrol: The administration meets with grade levels
each nine weeks to recognize students who achieve the
Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, exemplify our Four Key
Habits, Good Citizenship and Improvement. We discuss
goal setting and award students whose work excels in
these areas. Each child has a new opportunity each nine
weeks to earn these recognitions.
PBIS offers incentives for individuals and classrooms.
Various benchmarks are set and rewarded for achieving
these milestones.
RADIOS, TOYS, DANGEROUS ITEMS
Radios, cd players, toys, paging devices, and dangerous
items such as knives, matches, or any type of weapon are
not allowed at school. It is not necessary for a student to
have a cell phone at school. If a cell phone is seen or
heard, it will be turned in to the front office and parents
will need to come to the school. District policy will be
followed.
To insure the safety of everyone, it is important to
remind your child that no items resembling a weapon
will be allowed at school for any reason. If your child
has a “toy” weapon in his/her possession, he or she may
be suspended from school.
Students should not use rolling luggage in place of
rolling book bags. Book bags with wheels are acceptable.
Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying
The board prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or
bullying/cyber bullying of a student by students, staff
and third parties that interfere with or disrupt a student’s
ability to learn and the school’s responsibility to educate
its students in a safe and orderly environment whether in
a classroom, on school premises, on a school bus or other
school-related vehicle, at an official school bus stop, at a
school-sponsored activity or even whether or not it is
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held on school premises, or at another program or
function where the school is responsible for the student.
For the purpose of this policy, harassment, intimidation
or bullying/cyber bullying is defined as a gesture,
electronic communication, or a written, verbal, physical
or sexual act reasonably perceived to have the effect of:
Harming a student physically or
emotionally or damaging a student’s
property, or placing a student in
reasonable fear of personal harm or
property damage;
Insulting or demeaning a student or a
group of students causing substantial
disruption in, or substantial
interference with, the orderly operation
of the school;
Posing a threat or interfering with or
disrupting the work and discipline of
the schools through the inappropriate
use of the Internet or web-based
resources and/or social networking via
the Internet, telephones or personal
data assistants.
All schools will educate students about appropriate
online behavior, including but not limited to, interacting
with other individuals on social networking sites, chat
rooms, and blogs and cyber bullying awareness and
response.
Any student who feels he/she has been subjected to
harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber bullying is
encouraged to file a complaint in accordance with
procedures set by the superintendent. Complaints will be
investigated promptly, thoroughly and confidentially. All
school employees are required to report alleged
violations of this policy to the principal or his/her
designee. Reports by students or employees may be
made anonymously.
The district prohibits retaliation or reprisal in any form
against a student or employee who has filed a complaint
or report of harassment, intimidation or bullying. The
district also prohibits any person from falsely accusing
another as a means of harassment, intimidation, bullying
or cyberbullying.
The board expects students to conduct themselves in an
orderly, courteous, dignified and respectful manner.
Students, parents/legal guardians, and employees have a
responsibility to know and respect the policies, rules and
regulations of the school and district. Any student or
employee who is found to have engaged in the prohibited
actions as outlined in this policy will be subject to
disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion in the
case of a student or termination in the case of an
employee. Individuals may also be referred to law
enforcement officials. The district will take all other
appropriate steps to correct or rectify the situation.
The superintendent will be responsible for ensuring
notice of this policy is provided to students, staff,
parents/legal guardians, volunteers and members of the
community including its applicability to all areas of the
school environment as outlined in this policy.
Cell Phone
It is not necessary for a student to have a cell phone at
school. If a cell phone is seen or heard, it will be turned
in to the front office and parents will need to come to the
school.
There is a current board policy that addresses cell phone
use. These are the consequences from the board policy.
First Offense – Confiscation of the devise and
the student is subject to discipline as provided
under the district’s code of student conduct.
After a conference with the parent/legal
guardian, the device will be returned to the
adult.
Second Offense – Confiscation of the device and
the student is subject to discipline as provided
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under the district’s code of student conduct.
After a conference with the parent/legal
guardian, the device will be returned to the adult
at the end of the semester.
Third Offense – Confiscation of the device and
the student is subject to discipline as provided
under the district’s code of student conduct.
After a conference with the parent/legal
guardian, the device will be returned to the adult
at the end of the school year.
Suspension and Expulsion
In order to maintain the safest environment for all
students, the following actions will result in immediate
suspension from school:
1. possession of any type of weapon on school
grounds or school functions;
2. making a threat of serious harm to another
person;
3. fighting or intentionally inflicting harm on
another person.
Emergency Information
It is very important that Wren Elementary be able to
contact you in the event of an emergency. We must have
your CURRENT address and phone number at all times,
even if your phone number is unlisted. Please notify our
Student Records Secretatry if you change your address,
phone number, or place of employment so she may
update your child’s information.
Homework Policy
Homework is an extension of classroom activities and
assignments should be challenging and meaningful.
Students will be assigned homework throughout the
week and all students are expected to complete
homework assignments. The purpose of homework is as
follows:
1. To expand upon work started in class and
develop good study habits, effort, initiative,
independence, responsibility and self-direction.
2. To allow the student to foster his creative
ability.
3. To increase and add to the student’s skill level
and knowledge.
4. To transform worthwhile school activities into
permanent leisure interests.
5. To incorporate help and resources of the home
and family.
Appropriate Times for Homework:
No student should take longer (FOCUSED TIME) than
the following time to complete the daily assigned
homework.
Kindergarten Approximately 15 minutes
Grades 1 & 2 20-40 Minutes
Grades 3-5 40-75 Minutes
We need your support and help by:
Providing a suitable study area without
distractions
Check agendas, review assignments and check
for completion
Assist with assignments rather than completing
them for children
Guidance
Wren Elementary School has an excellent guidance
program for all students led by Mrs. Tamela Ward.
Counseling services are meant to be developmental and
preventative. State and national guidance standards of
learning to live, learning to work and learning to learn
are vital to meeting the needs of each student. Standards
under “Learning to Live” correlate to strands of
understanding and appreciating self, home, family,
respect of others and developing a sense of community.
Such topics are an integral part of Wren Elementary’s
total educational program. Developmentally-appropriate
activities are designed and implemented by the school
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counselor for individuals, small groups or classes. The
Guidance Program includes:
1. Guidance Curriculum: providing content in a
systematic way to all students, K-5. (Skill
development and application of skills needed in
everyday life.)
2. Individual planning: assisting students in
planning, monitoring, and managing their
personal and career development. (Decision
making, problem solving and goal setting)
3. Responsive Services: addressing the immediate
concerns of students.
4. Systems Support: supporting students and staff
through activities and special services.
LAUNCH
LAUNCH, the district’s gifted and talented education
program, is provided for those students who qualify by
meeting the required criteria set forth by the State
Department of Education. In order to enter the program,
a student must qualify in two of the three following
dimensions:
Dimension A: Reasoning Abilities
A student scoring 96th
or higher national age percentile
composite score on the administered IQ test measure for
students entering grades 3-12 automatically qualifies in
the program;
A student scoring 93rd
or higher national age percentile
on verbal/linguistic, quantitative, mathematical,
nonverbal, and/or a composite of the three (and qualifies
in a following Dimension).
Dimension B: Academic Achievement
Students scoring in the 94th
national percentile and above
in reading comprehension or math concepts/problem
solving on the administered achievement test measure or
Exemplary in reading or math on PASS (Palmetto
Assessment of State Standards).
Dimension C: Intellectual/Academic Performance on
Project Star Test (grades 3-6).
Students entering Grade 3:
A Primary Verbal Score of 16 or higher
A Primary Nonverbal Score of 16 or higher
Students entering Grade 4:
A Primary Verbal Score of 18 or higher
A Primary Nonverbal Score of 18 or higher
Students entering Grade 5:
An Intermediate Verbal Score of 16 or higher
An Intermediate Nonverbal Score of 22 or
higher
LAUNCH students are exposed to activities that stress
logical thinking, critical/creative thinking, task
commitment, group dynamics, literature, and writing
skills. Parents are notified when a student qualifies for
the program. Any questions concerning the gifted and
talented program should be directed to Mrs. Ayers.
Media Services
The media center at Wren Elementary School is the heart
of our school. We are committed to providing media
services utilizing the latest technology and richest
literature. Our library teaches children how to locate,
synthesize and analyze research information, as well as
develop a life-long love of reading. Kindergarten through
fifth grade classes visits the media center once a week
for literature-based activities, story-time and check-out.
The media center is open 7:30-3:30, Monday through
Thursday and 7:30-2:45 on Fridays. Students are
encouraged to visit during these times to check-out
books, take Scholastic tests, or access resources for
projects assigned in the classroom. There are no fines for
overdue books, but there is a charge assessed for
damaged or lost library books. Our goal in the media
center is to help all students become lifelong readers and
confident users of information resources.
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Field Trips
Field trips are an extension of our instructional program
and are scheduled by our teachers to various points of
interest. These trips are designed to supplement different
aspects of the classroom curriculum and connect students
to learning. Parents will receive notices of field trips well
in advance of the scheduled trip day and asked to sign a
Field Trip Permission Form. This form must be returned
for your child to participate on the field trip. On most
trips, a fee will be requested from each student to help
pay for admission and transportation costs. For our
students going on overnight field trips, we have SCRIP
cards available in the front office where students earn a
percentage toward their field trip costs. Please ask your
child’s teacher or contact the front office for more
details.
Lost and Found
We maintain a lost and found area located in the
Kindergarten Hallway. To minimize lost articles, please
put your child’s name on items of clothing, lunch boxes
and water bottles using a permanent marker. (Remember
to practice safety and don’t display children’s names
where strangers may see!) All unclaimed articles are
donated to charities before Christmas, during spring
break, and again during summer vacation. Remind your
child to check with the office or look in the lost and
found area if they are missing an item.
School Pictures
A photographer will make individual pictures for our
school each fall and again in the spring. Dates for
pictures will be listed in advance in the Friday Gram and
are currently scheduled as the following:
Friday, October 19th
– Fall Pictures
Friday, November 16th
– Make-Up and Club
Pictures
April – Spring and Class Pictures
The purchase of all school pictures is voluntary.
School Lunch and Breakfast Program
The cafeteria manager and her staff provide nourishing,
well-balanced lunches for students, visitors, and staff.
While students are encouraged to eat the lunches
prepared at school, they may bring a lunch from home.
We encourage healthy lunches; carbonated drinks are
discouraged. We understand special occasions and
birthdays but respectfully request that fast food lunches
be limited. Thank you for modeling a healthy lifestyle to
all students. Also, due to safety and time factors, we can
not heat lunches in our microwaves. Please send this type
of lunch in an insulated thermos.
Wren Elementary School operates a breakfast program.
The cafeteria begins serving breakfast at 7:30. Only late
bus riders will be served breakfast after 7:50. All
students, other than late bus riders, must be in their
classrooms by 7:55.
Free and reduced meals are available as outlined by the
National School Lunch Program. You may complete an
application at school registration or come by the school
office to receive a form.
The cafeteria provides many opportunities to learn and
practice social skills and good manners. Students and
teachers may talk with one another in acceptable,
conversational tones. We request that each student and
adult leaves the area around his/her place free of food
and paper after eating.
Parents and grandparents may join a student for lunch
but are requested to give notice to the cafeteria staff by
9:00 on the day they plan to eat. This helps ensure an
accurate count for lunch for everyone. When joining a
student for lunch, please register in the office, receive a
guest badge, and you may wait on the bench outside the
cafeteria.
We request lunch money be paid weekly to the cafeteria
clerk each Monday morning. Children who do not wish
to pay by the week may pay the clerk daily as they go
through the line. Because of record keeping, we cannot
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allow children to charge meals. Please help us in this
matter. Students with overdue accounts in excess of $15
will be served peanut butter and jelly sandwich lunches
until a positive balance is maintained.
Health Policy
Students are urged to remain at home when they have
any type of communicable disease or when they are too
sick to attend classes. If a student gets sick at school, the
school will notify parents of the illness. If parents know
they cannot be reached at home, they should keep on file
in the school office the number where they can be
reached or the name and number of the person who can
act in their place.
Head Lice
In compliance with district policy, a student sent home
with head lice or nits may return to school only after
being cleared by the nurse and/or administration. On the
day the child returns to school, he/she must be
accompanied by a guardian.
If you have knowledge of the existence of lice or nits,
please notify the office so that proper action on our part
may be taken (for example, classrooms sprayed, etc.).
Immunization
All students must have a South Carolina Certificate of
Immunization from their doctor or the health department
before entering school. When a student enters from
another school, the permanent record will be checked to
ensure all immunizations have been completed. If not,
the student will be required to get the necessary shots.
Required Immunization for School Admittance:
DPT/PTa/DT - at least four doses – all grades
with one on or after 4th
birthday
Polio OPV/IPV – at least three doses – all
grades with one on or after 4th
birthday
MMR – two does – all grades – both must be on or
after 1st birthday or at least one month apart
Hepatitis B – three doses – all grades
Variecella – one dose (on or after 1st birthday)
or proof that child has had Chickenpox – all
grades
HIB – K4 current, age appropriate
Dispensing Medicine
School Board Policy prohibits employees from
dispensing medicine to students to unless we have a
written statement on file from a licensed physician and
signed permission from the parent. Please do not ask us
to give your child medicine unless you have followed
these guidelines; we will not be able to do so. These
forms are available in the front office. All medicine must
be in the original container with directions on the label
(prescription and non-prescription).
Students with Special Health Care Needs
Many health care services can be provided to students
and enable them to stay at school to learn and participate
with other students. Our goal is to provide information to
parents and legal guardians about some of the services
and programs available to address the health care needs
of students during the school day to help students
succeed in school. It is important that the necessary
health information is shared with the appropriate people,
such as teachers on duty during recess, bus drivers, and
cafeteria employees to ensure students’ health needs are
met throughout the school day.
Individual Health Care Plans or Individual Health Plans
(IHP’s)
Individual health care plans are also called individual
health plans or IHP’s. School nurses who are registered
nurses write IHP’s to guide how a student’s health care
needs will be met while at school. The nurse works with
the student, the student’s parents or legal guardians, the
student’s health care provider, and other school staff to
write the plan. IHP’s are written for students who have
special health care needs that must be met by school staff
during the school day. IHP’s are also written for students
who have been approved by the school district to self-
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medicate or self-monitor. To learn more about IHP’s,
talk with your child’s school nurse.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973(Section
504)
Section 504 is a federal law that requires public schools
to make adjustments so that students with certain
disabilities can learn and participate in settings like other
students who do not have disabilities. To be eligible for
services under Section 504, a student must have a
condition that substantially limits one or more major life
activities. A team decides if a student is eligible. The
team should include the student’s parent/legal guardian,
the student (if able), and others who know the student or
about the disability(ies), such as, a teacher, guidance
counselor, school nurse, and other school staff. If the
student is eligible, the team develops an individual
accommodation plan. The individual accommodation
plan explains how the student’s needs will be met while
at school and may include health services for the student
during the school day if needed. To learn more about
Section 504, contact your child’s guidance counselor or
Dr. Keith, Director of Special Services at 864-847-7344.
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
Students who are between the ages of 3-21 may receive
services under the IDEA if the student needs special
education and related services to benefit from his/her
educational program. A team decides if a student
qualifies for services under IDEA. The team includes the
student’s parents/guardians, teachers, and other school
staff. The team develops an individualized education
program (IEP) if the student meets federal and state
requirements. The IEP outlines a plan for helping the
student receive a free appropriate public education and
meet goals set by the team. The IEP may include health
services for the student during the school day if needed.
To learn more about IDEA, contact Dr. Brian Keith,
Director of Special Services at 864-847-7344.
Medical Homebound Instruction
Medical homebound instruction is a service that is
available for students who cannot attend school for a
medical reason even with the aid of transportation. A
physician must certify that the student has such a
medical condition but may benefit from instruction, and
must complete the homebound form that the school
district provides. The school district then decides
whether to approve the student for medical homebound
services. In case of serious injury or illness, the school
district can arrange for a homebound teacher who will
teach your child at home or at the hospital.
Notify the school in the event of this type of situation so
that arrangements can be made for a homebound teacher.
Special Education
Special education classes are provided for students who
have learning difficulties or other special needs. Due
process procedures are followed in the placement of
children in the resource classroom. Written permission
for a psychological evaluation and placement must be
obtained from the parents; a staffing committee must
recommend placement, and an Individualized
Educational Program must be written for the student.
Resource students are served in small groups or within
the class setting by a special education teacher. Students
in the self-contained class remain with the special
education teacher throughout the day. The aim of the
special education program is to provide individualized
instruction to help each child reach his/her potential.
Speech Therapist
A licensed, certified speech-language pathologist is on
staff providing therapeutic services to children with
articulation, language, voice and fluency disorders.
These students are typically served in a small group
setting, outside the regular classroom, to meet their
individual needs.
Transportation – Car Riders, Day Care, and Buses
Car Riders
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Student car riders are encouraged to arrive between
7:20-7:50. Car rider drop off and pick up will be at the
front and back of the school. To ensure the safety of all
students, please follow the directions of the staff
members on duty. We ask that you pick up your child
promptly in the afternoon. Bus and car rider dismissal
begins at 2:40. Please be prompt in picking up your
children because our teachers have meetings to attend
after required supervision is completed. All children
must be picked up by 3:15 p.m. each afternoon which is
35 minutes past our dismissal time. Your attention to
time allows our teachers to continue their professional
duties and obligations. We have forms and payment
information available to attend our YMCA After-School
Program if you need daycare beyond our school day.
These will be given to families who are habitually past
the 3:15 car rider time.
We have additional guidelines in place to ensure the
maximum safety for ALL of our children:
Please refrain from early dismissals after
2:15. Our students are learning until the last
minutes of the day or transitioning for
dismissal. We can not interrupt our school
routine at this time.
We want to provide the safest environment for
all of our students; consequently, we need
parents picking up children in the afternoon to
stay in the car circle. We can not have adults
standing on the front porch waiting for students
to exit the building or sitting in the front of the
school. We wish we could honor each family’s
schedule and allow you to avoid the car traffic
but we do not have the parking space or
resources to accommodate this. Please respect
and adhere to the school procedure by following
the school dismissal routine and be fair to all
Wren Elementary families.
Car rider dismissal usually takes longer at the
beginning of the school year, as children,
parents and staff members learn routines. We
ask for your patience as we master this process.
We promise, as the school year progresses, our
total dismissal time will decrease. We value
everyone’s time and appreciate your
cooperation.
The car circle should be a cell free zone. We
need your undivided attention while children
are loading/unloading. We value our children’s
safety!!
Students must load or exit on the side of the
car closest to the sidewalk. If circumstances
arise that will not allow this, please ensure a
supervising teacher escorts your child.
Please drive to the end of the line when
loading/unloading your child. This allows a
more timely arrival and dismissal process.
Please do not pass cars in the car circle. There
are times our little ones take an extra moment to
load or unload. If it is an obvious delay, a
teacher will direct cars to pass at a designated
time. Our children’s safety is more precious
than time.
Fourth and Fifth Grade students, and siblings,
may be picked up in the back of the school for
car rider dismissal. Cars must wait until the
buses are loaded and exited before proceeding
to pick up his/her child. Additionally, a loading
bus may NEVER be passed in the car circle.
Students in K4-third grade will dismiss in the
front traffic circle, unless siblings are in fourth
and fifth grade.
Bus Riders
School Bus transportation is a privilege that may be
withdrawn for inappropriate behavior. We have excellent
drivers who work with students before referral to the
office for assistance. If discipline problems occur on the
bus, the driver will complete a disciplinary report and
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submit it to the school for appropriate action. We will
send a copy of the report to the parents and/or call
parents about the incident. If the problem persists,
students may be suspended from riding a bus. If you
have any questions or concerns regarding bus schedules,
drivers, or transportation related issues, you may contact
the bus office at 864-947-8989.
Changing Buses
Any student wishing to ride a bus that is different from
the bus his/her normally ride should have a note from
home requesting the change of transportation. The note
should be brought to the office for a signature and
returned to the child who will give it to the bus driver
when he/she gets on the desired bus.
Rules for Safe Bus Riding
1. Board the bus in an orderly manner and remain
seated. If seats are assigned, sit in your assigned
seat.
2. Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
3. Keep books, packages, coats, and other objects
in your lap and out of the aisle.
4. Maintain our school rules on the bus. The bus is
an extension of our school.
5. Be on time at your designated bus stop.
6. Do not bring onto the bus any object prohibited
by district policy or large objects.
First Offense: a verbal warning to the student and
contacting or sending a copy of the bus report to the
student’s parents/guardians advising of the
misconduct. If the offense is of serious nature, a one
to three day suspension may be given.
Second Offense: suspension from riding the bus for
a period up to five days may be given and a copy of
the bus report to the parents/guardians.
Third Offense: suspension from riding the bus for a
period of five to ten days may be given and a copy
of the bus report sent home to the parents.
Fourth Offense: Students may be suspended from
riding the bus for a period up to 15 days to the
remainder of the school year and a copy of the bus
report sent home to the parents. Further problems
will result in students being turned over to the
Resource Officer.
*Fighting, refusing to obey, and/or any unsafe action
will result in automatic loss of bus privileges. In
essence, there will be no warnings for this type of
conduct. We take the safety of our students seriously
and will not jeopardize this safety at the expense of
misbehavior.
Important Notices
Release of Directory Information/Media Release
A federal law, the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act (FERPA), allows a school district to release
“directory information” about students to individuals
who request it. Directory information includes the
student’s name, address, telephone number, date and
place of birth, participation in officially recognized
activities and sports, weight and height of members of
athletic teams, dates of attendance, diploma or certificate
and awards received, photograph (as related to school /
district sponsored events, activities and special
recognitions), grade level, the most recent and previous
schools attended by the student. Information about your
child may be requested by the local media for
appearance in newspaper activities, on television, in
radio broadcasts, on displays, on the World Wide Web or
may be used in Anderson District One or school
promotional pieces. Please sign the media release form
provided by the district at the beginning of the school
year.
INSURANCE
Student accident insurance is available to those students
who elect and pay for coverage. Information about
accident insurance is provided to all students at the
beginning of the school year. You are under no
obligation to purchase this insurance.
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LEGAL CUSTODY
If one parent has legal custody of a child, a copy of the
custody papers must be on file in the child’s records for
his/her protection. Copies of these papers can be made
at school.
MATERIAL FEES
A materials fee is set for all students in all grades.
Supplies and materials are purchased with this money.
School fees are due upon registration.
RETURNED CHECKS
We no longer handle returned checks at Wren
Elementary. These are processed by an outside agency,
Tiger Tranz. If your check is returned, it may be re-
presented electronically.
PARENTAL GUIDELINES
In order to effectively teach the children in our school,
we need and want the cooperation of parents. Even
though the school belongs to ALL of us, we hope you
understand that there must be guidelines for parents to
follow, as well. These classroom policies exist to insure
the safety of your child as well as to create an effective
learning environment.
A. Visitors must proceed directly to the main office,
scan a driver’s license using our School Check-
In System, and receive a guest badge before
entering any other part of the building.
B. Visitors are not allowed to go to the classroom
during school hours without the prior
knowledge of the teacher. State law mandates
that classes are not to be interrupted.
C. Visitors should report to the office if picking up
a child prior to regular dismissal time. Office
staff will notify the teacher in order to have the
child come to the office. Students should remain
in school until regular dismissal time unless
there are unavoidable circumstances.
D. Visitors should not wait on children outside the
classroom door or school building.
E. Appointments, conferences, classroom visits,
etc., must be scheduled through the school office
or by communication with the teacher.
F. Any messages, books, lunch boxes, papers, etc.,
must be left in the office for student pick-up.
G. Two hours notice is required for make-up work.
We will balance your schedule with the
classroom teacher’s time, as we do not want to
take away instruction from the students.
H. All children must be picked up by 3:15 p.m.
each afternoon. You must come in the building
and pick up your child from the front office.
Our first concern is your child’s safety, and we
hope that you will stress upon your child to
follow all rules and/or directions given by
adults on duty. We have meetings to attend.
We will gladly provide you information with
our after-school YMCA program or local
daycares, if you need additional time.
I. Allow your child the independence of walking
to his/her classroom on his/her own. There are
teachers on duty in the school who ensure each
child gets to the right class. In order to promote
independent thinkers, we want our children to
be independent.
J. Please remember, as our teachers are on duty or
teaching, their ultimate responsibility is our
children. If you need to speak with them, please
arrange for a conference time, as they will
gladly meet with you to discuss any concerns or
share any celebrations.
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Wren Elementary School
(School Copy)
Please return this form to school within the first ten days of enrollment.
I, ______________________________, have read the Wren Elementary School Student Handbook contained
within my child’s agenda.
Please check the following:
□ I understand the policy within the agenda.
□ I will explain/review all policies with my children at home.
_________________________
Parent/ Guardian Name (please print) Date
Parent/ Guardian Signature
Student(s) at Wren Elementary:
** Please return this sheet to school with your child. If you have more than one child at
WES, send this form with the oldest child and list all of your children above.
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