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2016-2017

Kate Shepard Elementary

Parent and Student Handbook

“Kids, the Heart of the Issue”

Kate Shepard Elementary School 3980 B-Burma Road Mobile, AL 36695

(251)221-1645 Fax (251)221-1646

Kay Smith, Principal

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Welcome From the Principal

Welcome to Kate Shepard Elementary School. We look forward to an exciting

and rewarding school year partnering with you to make sure your child is

successfully prepared for their next step in their educational career.

Kate Shepard Elementary School, one of Mobile’s best kept secrets, has a

tradition of excellence. The faculty and staff of Kate Shepard pride themselves

with providing the best possible educational opportunities for all students. Our

concern for students is genuine because kids are the heart of the issue. We

attempt to make learning fun and a life-long process for 21st Century students.

Our students’ success is a testament of the quality of instruction in which they

receive.

Kate Shepard Elementary School has a long-standing reputation of being

one of the best schools in Mobile County. Everyone associated with Shepard

Elementary has great cause for pride. Our staff and students experience many

academic, as well as, personal successes. Once entering these halls of learning,

a student’s life is never the same and they forever become a member of the Kate

Shepard family. We pride ourselves on offering each child a quality education

that meets their unique learning styles. We proudly boast of our supportive family

members and awesome parent involvement.

We are constantly enhancing our academic program to meet the needs

of a diverse student body and 21st Century learners. We attempt to educate the

whole child by providing enriching and rewarding experiences. It is our goal that

we prepare each child academically and socially and instill the need to be

focused on becoming college and career ready upon graduation.

We want you to be proud of your school, take good care of it, and feel free

to make suggestions for improving it. We are pleased that you are a member of

this school. We hope you will enjoy your school year and be an active participant.

As your principal, I count it a privilege and blessing to be able to serve you and

your child and become a valued part of your family and our community.

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Kate Shepard Elementary School

Mission Statement

The mission of Kate Shepard Elementary School is to educate all students by

providing rigorous, educational opportunities that emphasize high standards and

continuous improvement to prepare them to compete in a global society.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to create a challenging learning environment that encourages high

expectations for success through the development of appropriate differentiated

instruction that allows for individual differences and learning styles. All learners are

encouraged to be self-sufficient, responsible, cooperative and caring members of our

community.

Philosophy

“Kids…The Heart of the Issue”

We Believe:

Respect for each individual is fundamental to teaching and learning.

All children can learn given the appropriate time, high quality instruction,

and access to resources.

Students must have an opportunity for high quality education in the least

restrictive environment necessary to realize their potential.

Students benefit academically in a safe, supportive and stimulating

environment.

Students’ learning, attendance, and behavior improve when they are

actively engaged in meaningful work in a caring environment.

Education is a shared responsibility. It is a partnership of home, school and

community working together.

An effective balance and interdependence must exist among the written

curriculum, classroom instruction, and assessment for and of learning.

High standards and expectations must be maintained through a system of

accountability for all students, staff and schools.

Quality faculty and staff that creates a caring relationship with students

are essential to school excellence.

It is vital to create and support a school environment in which all children

and adults feel valued, respected, trusted and an important part of the

school.

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Enrollment Requirements

Children enrolling for the first time or transferring must present a certified birth

certificate, original social security card, original Alabama record of immunizations, two

proofs of residence (utility bill, driver’s license, apartment lease, etc.). A certified

immunization card must be obtained from the Health Department or your family doctor.

If these documents are not presented at registration, the parent/guardian is given thirty

days to fulfill this requirement. Otherwise, the child is not legally enrolled and must be

sent home until all records are in order.

Withdrawing and Transfer of Records

When moving and when possible, notify the school one week in advance of the

date of your move. If possible, provide the name and address of the new school so

that your child’s records can be transferred. All books and materials must be returned

to the school before your departure.

Medications

The school does not supply aspirin nor administer non-prescribed medication. If

your child needs medication either periodically or on a regular schedule, the school

nurse must receive written permission from the physician stating the dosage and times

medication is to be administered. Medication must be in its original container labeled

by the pharmacy. A medication permission form should be secured from First Aid,

completed and returned to First Aid before we can issue your child medication.

Medicine must be brought to school by an adult and not the student.

Sickness and Accidents

If your child should become sick at school, every effort will be made to contact

you. In case of an accident, first aid will be administered. The school does not have

the facilities to keep a sick child in the health room for an extended period of time.

Please make sure that your home, business, and emergency phone numbers are

current so that we can reach you.

If you are called by the nurse due to your child having symptoms which can be

contagious, you must make arrangements to pick your child up immediately. This

Mobile County Public School System condition prevents the spread of illness. Any child

having a temperature of 100 degrees or higher must be sent home. Your child must be

fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. You will not be notified every time your

child visits the first aid room. You will be notified if it is determined by the school nurse

and /or the principal that the event is serious enough for the parent to be called. We

will avoid interrupting you at your job unless absolutely necessary.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS and GUIDELINES

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ATTENDANCE

Remember that the school is responsible for teaching your child. But schools

cannot do their job if your child is absent. A child who is absent misses a day of learning

that might never be replaced. You can help by making school a top priority. By building

a habit of daily attendance, you will help your child see that school is important. School

begins at 8:00 a.m. and dismisses at 3:00 p.m. Students may enter the school building

at 7:30 a.m. They may NOT enter before 7:30 a.m.

Attendance will be used in determining whether a child will be placed on honor

roll or participate in any extracurricular activities.

Absences

~Regular attendance and punctuality are required of every student.

~Absent students must present a written excuse from the parent or guardian

within three school days after returning to school.

~ A student who is consistently absent will also participate in the Early Warning

Truancy Program.

~Written statements or excuses will not be accepted after 3 days and will be

marked as an unexcused absence.

Tardies

~Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. will be marked tardy.

~When tardy, parents must escort the student to the office. The office will issue a

tardy pass.

~Any student who is tardy to school ten or more times will be referred to the

Attendance Officer and/or Juvenile Court, whichever is relevant.

~ REFER TO THE MOBILE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS SYSTEM STUDENT CODE OF

CONDUCT FOR OTHER GUIDELINES.

Early Dismissal

~No student is permitted to leave school during school hours without verification

from the parent or guardian by the office staff.

~Early dismissals will be permitted only if a parent or the person identified in

writing by the parent will come into the school and officially sign the student out.

~Parents or persons listed on the emergency contact must present identification

every time a child receives an early dismissal. Parents are encouraged to make

all medical and dental appointments after school hours in order for children to

receive maximum instructional time.

~Early dismissals are not permitted after 2:30 p.m. Too many early dismissals may

affect your child’s grade. Office of Civil Rights (OCR) prohibits multiple early

dismissals for special education students on a full day schedule.

Any changes in how your child goes home must be in writing. A telephone call is

unacceptable. Please place in writing. Deliver in person or send by your child in writing.

FAX: 221-1646. Students may not ride a different bus home with a friend. Parents will

need to make arrangements to have the students picked up in carpool.

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Lanes 1 and 2 (closest to the school) will be used for arrival and dismissal. The third lane

is reserved for emergencies.

We require that all students enter/exit their cars using the middle lane.

No student should exit their car from the third lane.

Morning Arrival

Children will enter through the front doors from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. After 8:00

a.m. students must be escorted through the front door and signed in by an

adult.

Afternoon Dismissal

At 2:50 the 1st bell will ring. All bus riders will exit the building using the front doors

of the 100 and 200 halls.

Busses and vans that arrive before the 2:50 p.m. bell will enter the driveway in

front of the school.

All buses and vans that enter after 2:50 p.m. must follow the flow of traffic around

the back of the school.

At 3:00 the last bell will ring. All car riders will exit the building using the gym doors.

Parents may NOT walk up and get a child from the gym or the car line!!!

Walkers – Students must walk during all weather conditions unless there is a school

closing due to inclement weather or heavy rain and lightning is occurring.

Transportation changes will not be granted over the phone due to violations of the

MCPSS policy. If severe weather or heavy rain is occurring at dismissal, students will not

be sent off campus. A parent will need to pick them up from campus.

Please refer to the Arrival and Dismissal diagram included in the handbook.

COMPLIANCE MEASURES

The Uniform Policy is a state law which the Mobile County Public Schools System

has adopted. Disciplinary action will be taken to enforce compliance with the policy.

Students who do not comply with policy may be denied entrance/admission until such

time as they are in compliance, in accordance with the intent of the State Legislature.

Dress Code

The uniform colors are uniform khaki pants, skirt, jumper or short with a uniform red polo

style shirt. NO white shirts allowed except the Peter Pan collar shirt worn with the plaid

uniforms.

Shoes: Solid white or black tennis shoes (only).

MANDATORY UNIFORM AND DRESS CODE POLICY

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL POLICY

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Socks: Students can only wear white socks above the ankle. NO colored socks or

tights!

Belts: Boys and Girls are to wear a brown or black belt. (If pants with belt loops, a belt

must be worn.)

Shirts: Long or short sleeve red polo style shirt. (NO LOGO) Students may wear red

turtleneck shirts in the winter.

Pants: Solid Khaki (must be uniform pants only no Cargo or Capri pants).

Shorts/skorts: Solid Khaki (must be uniform shorts only no Cargo shorts).

Skirts: Solid Khaki or plaid (must be uniform skirt only).

Jumpers: Solid Khaki or plaid (must be uniform jumper only).

Jackets: Red Kate Shepard (Optional) or red jacket (See the jacket directive which

follows.) Sweater: Red sweaters and sweatshirts are allowed.

Outerwear

Children are allowed to wear various outerwear attire traveling to and from

school and outside the building. Once in the building the jacket should be removed.

Outerwear may not be worn inside the building.

Kate Shepard Pride Day

Our school colors are red and khaki and our mascot is an Indian Brave. We

would like every student to wear his or her Kate Shepard T-shirt every Friday of the year.

If you do not have a T-shirt, please wear a solid red shirt, with your khaki bottom. (T-shirts

are on sale each morning in the office.) Any Kate Shepard T-Shirt is allowed to be worn

on spirit day.

Parent Notice: Students are not allowed to wear shorts or skorts after November 1st. Students

may begin wearing shorts or skorts April 1st.

Students are expected to dress and groom themselves so that teachers and fellow students

will respond to them in a positive manner. Grooming is an indication of respect for one’s self

as well as other people.

-Clothing which is neat and clean.

-Practice of good hygiene. (Hands and face washed, deodorant, and

teeth brushed.)

-Clean hair, combed and appropriately styled.

-A nurse’s investigation will be conducted and DHR possibly contacted if

evidence of neglect with a students’ hygiene is suspected.

Note: Parents may be contacted if your child’s hair style is a nontraditional fad and is

deemed distracting to the academic environment.

Dress Code Restrictions The following dress or grooming is specifically restricted. It causes

distractions during the instructional day.

1. Short-shorts, skirts or tight clothing (shorts and skirts should be mid-

thigh length)

2. Hats or caps inside the building, unless for medical reason (doctor’s

statement required).

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3. Earrings that are large and distracting.

4. Any jewelry other than small post or hoop earrings worn by females.

5. Hair writing and/or lettering in the hair, odd hair color, or Mohawks or

any other distracting or offensive haircuts.

6. Anything/attire which disrupts the orderly operation of the school.

Contact with Teachers

Teachers can be contacted by sending a note to the teacher or by calling the

school office at (251)221-1645. The office FAX is (251)221-1646. Another means of

contacting the teacher is through the school’s Website: www.kateshepard.com. During

class time, phone messages are taken in the office and placed in the teacher’s mailbox.

A conference can also be set up at any time by sending a note or calling the school

office. The faculty is on duty from 7:45-3:30. Teachers can meet with parents before

school, after school, or during their planning period, dependent on their schedule. We

do not release staff members’ telephone numbers. However, we will take your number

and have the staff contact you.

Please remember that a teacher’s first duty is to teach. Other than during the

teacher’s planning period, teachers cannot meet with parents for a conference during

the regular classroom (teaching) hours. Therefore, please do not expect a drop in

conference or phone call during the instructional day. This situation puts the teacher in

an awkward position and is unfair to the students in the class. We encourage you to

meet with your child’s teacher throughout the school year and keep the lines of

communication open. Sharing your child’s strengths, areas of concern, health

information, and special interests will benefit both your child and the teacher. Also, check

your teacher’s webpage for classroom information.

Conferences will be held after the first quarter unless there are pertinent concerns.

School Visitors

The Mobile County Public School System has implemented a visitor

identification system. The primary purpose for these regulations is to

ensure the safety of all students and staff. These rules apply to all persons,

other than teachers and pupils enrolled in the school, who may come to

the school for any reason during the school day.

All visitors must enter through the front door (only).

All visitors must report to the school office. Visitors are expected to

sign the visitors’ log and receive a visitor’s pass before visit.

The school designed visitor’s identification name tag or badge must

be visibly displayed while at the school at all times.

Any person on school property who has not registered with the

school office is illegally on school property and will be asked to

identify himself/herself properly or to leave the school grounds. If the

visitor refuses to leave the school grounds or creates any

disturbance, the principal has the authority to request aid from a

Law Enforcement Agency.

We appreciate your cooperation in implementing these safety guidelines.

What can I

do to help

my child?

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Daily School Schedule

6:30 a.m. Morning Extended Day Begins

All students arriving early and NOT enrolled in the Extended Day will be

placed in the Extended Day Program at the parent’s expense ($15

drop in rate).

7:30 a.m. First Bell – Students sit by classrooms

Minimal Teachers on Duty

7:45 a.m. Students enter classrooms/breakfast begins

Student will eat breakfast in the classrooms at 7:45

8:00 a.m. Breakfast Ends

8:00 a.m. Tardy Bell

8:05 a.m. Announcements/School Begins

2:45 p.m. Regional School Dismissal

2:50 p.m. Walkers, Pre-K and Extended Day Students Dismissed

3:00 p.m. Car, Van and Bus Riders Dismissed

Homework

Meaningful and realistic homework will be assigned Monday thru Thursday. The

amount of homework varies with each grade level. Homework is designed to provide

necessary reinforcement for concepts and skills taught during the day.

The value of homework, in addition to reinforcement, is the experience it gives the

student to work on his/her own. Therefore, students are expected to do the homework

independently. Taking assignments home, completing the work, and remembering to

return the work on time are all important processes in developing responsibility.

Kate Shepard Elementary School observes the discipline policies set forth in the Mobile County

Public Schools Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. The Student Handbook and Code of

Conduct is distributed at the beginning of each school year or upon enrollment in the school and

are always available on our website and in the Parenting Room, library and classrooms.

DAILY PROCEDURES

KATE SHEPARD DISCIPLINE PLAN

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Kate Shepard School-wide Rules 1. Always think before I act.

2. Respecting self, all adults and others.

3. Listen to adults and follow directions.

4. Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.

5. Complete all assignments.

6. Walk quietly in the building.

7. Be RESPECTFUL, Be RESPONSIBLE, Be RESOURCEFUL

Consequences for Discipline Infractions When infractions occur, Kate Shepard may implement the progressive discipline procedure

detailed below. (Tiers may be skipped based on the seriousness of the offense)

TIER 1 - Universal/School-wide Strategies Implement classroom discipline procedure

Verbal/nonverbal warning

Redirect/discuss expected behavior

Structured Time-out

TIER 2- Targeted Strategies Office Referral

Develop Behavior Modification Plan

Counselor Referral

In-School Suspension

TIER 3- Individualized Strategies Out of School Suspension

Expulsion

Bus Transportation Bus transportation service is provided on a home-to-school and school-to-home

basis for designated students. The students enrolled in special education are transported

by bus or another approved mode of transportation.

Bus transportation services are a privilege not a right for typical students provided

for neighborhoods or areas for one or more of the following reasons:

Bus Rules

1. Students are to stay seated, in their assigned seat at all times.

2. Students are to use quiet voices when talking.

3. Students are not to touch other students or their belongings.

4. Students are to obey the bus driver at all times.

5. No food or drinks are allowed on the bus.

6. Students are to wait at the appointed bus stop in a safe and orderly manner.

7. Students are to be silent when bus stops for any reason.

Note: These rules must be followed by all students. Disciplinary actions will be taken by

the bus drivers and the Principal if these rules are not followed.

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Consequences for Infractions of Bus Rules

First Offense: Student will receive a letter of warning to be signed by parent and returned

the following day.

Second Offense: Student will receive a second warning and/or bus suspension. Parents

will be contacted by phone or letter to alert them to the consequences of further

infractions.

Third Offense: Student will be removed from the bus for a minimum of 3 days.

Depending on the infraction, students can be removed from the bus on the first or second

offense.

Bus transportation is a privilege NOT a requirement. If student causes repeated disruptions

on the bus and/or is deemed to create an unsafe situation for others, bus privileges may

be revoked for the remainder of the year.

Note: Students will not ride the bus if they live out of district.

Parents of bus students should secure a bus schedule from the office. Should you have

bus schedule problems, notify the principal and/or Transportation Department (221-

5260).

Field Trip Policy

Field trips are an outgrowth of units of study and are directed toward

achievement of specific educational objectives. All children participating in a field trip

MUST have written parent permission. Children not participating in a field trip are

expected to attend school on the day of the field trip. Another classroom teacher or

substitute teacher will implement instruction.

Student Expectations

1. Students will stay with their class throughout the field trip.

2. Students will remain with their chaperones at all times.

3. Students will wear uniforms.

4. Students will show respect to all supervising adults and presenters

5. Students will follow all other system and school policies and

procedures.

Chaperone Expectations

1. Chaperones will supervise all students in their charge throughout

the field trip.

2. Chaperones will report to the teacher any student who deviates

from the expectations.

3. Chaperones will conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at

all times (i.e. no smoking, no use of inappropriate or abusive

language, etc.)

4. Chaperones will dress using the employees’ dress code.

5. Chaperones will not bring other students/children on the field trip.

Note: The Principal maintains the right to deny any individual the privilege of attending

a field trip based on reports of violations of the student or chaperone expectations.

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System-wide Testing in Mobile County Public Schools

In the Mobile County Public Schools, students are tested in order to determine the

level of school work they are capable of producing and to determine what they have

already learned. The tests also help to determine where students need additional

assistance.

Students in grades three through five are administered the ACT Aspire. This test

determines the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) of a school in reading, mathematics,

language arts, science and writing, and attendance by subgroups. All students are

required to participate in the ACT Aspire state test.

Other Tests Given in Mobile County Public Schools

The Mobile County Public School System has management systems in reading and

mathematics which are individualized, diagnostic programs. Throughout the year, most

teachers use tests published by book companies in conjunction with the textbooks used

in the classrooms. Tests designed by MCPSS and teachers are also used to measure how

well students have learned specific subject matter. Students who demonstrate special

needs are sometimes tested by school personnel in order to determine how best to meet

their needs. When a student is identified for individual, specialized testing, parental

permission is obtained. A state mandated test for grades kindergarten through second

grades is Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. Intervention can be determined

before reading failure begins. DIBELS assessments are administered three times a year, at

the beginning, the middle (January), and the end, given during the spring of the year.

STAR is required at the beginning, middle and the end of each school year. Mobile

County Public School System mandates Common Formative Assessments (CFA). CFAs

are grade level specific.

Grading Procedures

The school year is divided into four quarters of approximately nine weeks each.

Progress reports will be sent the fourth and eighth weeks of each quarter and report cards

will be issued at the end of the quarter.

Parents may check their child’s grades using InformationNow, (I-Now…see

registrar for student password). Using your child’s assigned Pin, you can access the INow

Computer System. New students will be given a PIN once enrolled.

1st-5th Grades receive a letter grade in reading, mathematics, science, social studies,

and language arts. The grading system in this program is:

A= Excellent (90 - 100 %)

B= Good (89 - 80%)

C= Average (79 - 70%)

D= Poor (69 - 60%)

E= Not Meeting Grade Level Standards (59 - 0%)

Awards/Recognition

Honor Roll:

Each quarter special recognition is given to those students making the A-Honor

Roll (Principal’s Honor Roll), A-B Honor Roll, Effort Honor Roll, and Perfect Attendance.

These students are recognized during an Honor’s Program. The criteria for participating

in the Honors Program are:

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~A Honor Roll: Student must make an A in all content areas and receive

satisfactory in conduct and work-study, including PE.

~A/B Honor Roll: Student must make an A or B in all content areas and receive

satisfactory in conduct, work study and homework(average).

~Effort Honor Roll: Any student who tries or puts forth his/her best effort, as

determined by the teacher, and has satisfactory in conduct, work-study and

homework.

Note: Students who earned A or B in all content areas but received a letter grade of N or

U in conduct, work-study or PE will not receive Honor Roll.

Perfect Attendance:

In order to receive a certificate for perfect attendance students must be present all days

during the quarter and have no more than two tardies or early dismissals. According to

state guidelines, if a student leaves school prior to being in attendance at least one half

of the school day, they are considered absent.

Elementary School Promotion/Retention Policy

The following shall govern promotion and retention of students in grades K-5:

1. Academic requirements for promotion will be limited to reading and mathematics.

2. A passing grade for reading and mathematics will be considered 60% (D).

3. The decision for retention will be determined after gathering input and documentation

from all teachers with direct contact with the student, the school counselor, and the

school administrator. The final decision is an administrative decision.

4. If your child attends summer school, the final promotion decision will be determined

by the Principal.

Nutrition Program

The public school system serves your child well-balanced, nutritional breakfasts

and lunches daily. Some children may be eligible to receive reduced prices or free

lunches. Application forms are distributed to all students during registration, along

with a letter to the parents. The information you provide on the application is

confidential and will be available only to the certifying official(s). The application

information is used to determine eligibility. Applications may be submitted at any

time during the year. A new application must be completed each school year. You

only have to complete one application per family. In addition to regular menus, a

la carte items are available. All meals are served with milk and juice. Menus are

published monthly on the school website. Any changes to the menu are due to a lack

of shipment and will be posted on website if time permits. Students are not allowed to

leave the school to go home for lunch unless they have gotten an early dismissal. Lunches

from fast food restaurants brought in by parents during lunch time are not allowed. If

student lunches are brought from outside, they must be in plain wrappers. No soft drinks

or glass bottles are allowed. The school could be fined if there is a violation.

All students will receive free breakfast and lunch. Additional servings of certain

foods and milk will be available for a charge.

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Snacks

Children are permitted to purchase a snack for $.50 daily and ice-cream for $1.00.

This money must be given to the teacher prior to 8:20 a.m. Students may bring a healthy

snack from home to eat during their snack time. Candy bars, high sugar items and sodas

are not allowed.

Snack is a privilege and is not required. It is at the teacher’s discretion.

Lost and Found

Please put your child’s first and last name on clothing, lunch boxes, money

envelopes, and any other items that your child brings to school. Belongings with names

can be returned to the owner. Unfortunately, we cannot assume responsibility for lost

money or items. All unclaimed items are kept in a Lost and Found area. Please check

Lost and Found periodically. Items that are not claimed by the end of the school year

will be donated to a charitable organization. Please encourage your child to be careful

with their belongings.

Newsletters

A school-wide newsletter will be sent home and posted on the school website

monthly to keep parents informed about school-wide news. Individual teachers will also

send home newsletters bi-weekly. Also, teachers post their newsletters or homework

sheets on the website: http://shepard.mce.schoolinsites.com. Please check this site

weekly.

The P.T.A may send home newsletters concerning special programs, meetings,

and topics of interest for all parents. Other newsletters may include Title I news.

Parent Activities

The goal of the Parent Teacher Association (P.T.A.) is to serve as a support to the

educational program of Kate Shepard Elementary School. The monies that are

generated by the P.T.A. are used to enhance the school’s programs. Please support our

school by joining and being an active member of Kate Shepard’s PTA!

School Closings

In the event of hazardous weather conditions, an official decision will be made for

all Mobile County Schools. That decision will be broadcast on local radio and television

stations no later than 6:00 a.m. If weather conditions become hazardous during the

school day and the decision is made for an early dismissal, an announcement will be

broadcast on local radio, television stations, and the school system website.

We would like to maintain an open telephone line. Therefore, we ask that you

refrain from calling during this period. Please make sure your child knows what to do in

case of an emergency closing of the school. We recommend that you go to the Kate

Shepard website to sign up for e-mail and text alerts.

Miscellaneous

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Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices

Cellular phones and electronic devices such as iPods, mp3 players, videogames,

etc. are not permitted at school unless being used in conjunction with BYOD. The school

is not liable for these items if they are lost or stolen and will not replace them. They are

only to be used under the instruction of a teacher. If out without permission or being used

inappropriately, they will be removed and held by the principal until a parent picks them

up.

Going Home with a Friend

If your child is going home with a friend, please send a note to the teacher stating

with whom your child is going home with and the car pool driver. Please be aware, only

those students who are legally transported by bus will be allowed to ride the bus before

and after school. Due to space, students may not ride the bus home with another child.

Birthday Parties

There will not be any student birthday party celebrations during instructional time.

However, feel free to send a small store bought snack (no sheet cakes, cookies are

preferred) and juice or water (no sodas). It may be eaten during snack time scheduled

by the teacher. Parents may request permission from the classroom teacher to attend.

Balloons and gifts will not be permitted. Students are not allowed to wear money

pinned to their attire at any time.

There are only two specific activity/celebration times in MCPSS school year; before

Christmas Break and at the end of the school year. These activities are planned by the

classroom teacher and/or a Room Mother. Information may be sent home prior to the

activity dates.

School Supplies

It is very important that your child be equipped with all needed supplies to make

their school year a great success. Kate Shepard does sell pencils. We will have a school

store beginning in September. School supplies will be sold at a reasonable price. It is the

responsibility of the parent to make sure your child has needed supplies all year. Supplies

that are consumable will need to be replaced possibly quarterly but at least at mid

semester. Teachers always welcome donations of extra supplies from parents. The school

activity supply fee is $25 for the school year.

Transfer Students

While we are happy we are a “school of choice” for many of our students, we

expect that all students on transfer will uphold the expectations set forth in our school

handbook and experience success while at Kate Shepard. Please note that a student’s

transfer will be revoked or denied due to attendance and/or discipline issues.

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Parent Signature Page

Please sign and return this page to your child’s teacher immediately!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cut, Sign and Return

I have read and discussed the Parent/Student Handbook with my

child. We agree to follow the policies set forth by the Mobile

County Schools System and Kate Shepard Elementary School.

_______________________ ______________________

Parent Signature Student Signature