Mimosa

Elementary School

Home of the Manatees Student & Family Handbook

2014-15 Ariane Holcombe, Principal

Earleana Smith, Assistant Principal 1550 Warsaw Road, Roswell, GA 30076

770-552-4540/770-552-6346 (FAX)

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Table of Contents

Mission Statement ....................................................................................................................4 Mimosa’s Belief Statements ........................................................................................................4 GENERAL INFORMATION .....................................................................................................5

School Attendance ..................................................................................................................5 Board Policy for Attendance ................................................................................................5 Truancy ...............................................................................................................................5 Excused Absences................................................................................................................5 Unexcused Absences ...........................................................................................................6 Parent Notification/Involvement .........................................................................................6

Beginning of the Day ...............................................................................................................7 Birthdays .................................................................................................................................7 Cafeteria .................................................................................................................................7

Cafeteria Manners ...............................................................................................................7 Lunch Visitors ......................................................................................................................7

Clinic Information ....................................................................................................................8 Current Student Information ...................................................................................................8 Immunizations ........................................................................................................................8

CURRICULUM ..........................................................................................................................9 Grading/Report Cards .............................................................................................................9 Homework ..............................................................................................................................9 Parents Right to Know ...........................................................................................................10 Title IX: Notification of Grievance Procedure for Students .....................................................10

SAFETY...................................................................................................................................11 After School Events ...............................................................................................................11 Confidentiality .......................................................................................................................11 Emergency Closings ...............................................................................................................11 Parents, Visitors and Volunteers............................................................................................11 Technology ............................................................................................................................11

TRANSPORTATION ..............................................................................................................12 Car Riders ..............................................................................................................................12 Bus Riders .............................................................................................................................12 Walkers .................................................................................................................................12 Transportation Changes ........................................................................................................13 Early or Irregular Check-outs .................................................................................................13 Parking ..................................................................................................................................13

COMMUNICATION ................................................................................................................13 Mimosa Manners ..................................................................................................................14 Conferences ..........................................................................................................................14 Parent Workshops .................................................................................................................14 Weekly Newsletters ..............................................................................................................14

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Mimosa Website ...................................................................................................................14 Twitter ..................................................................................................................................14

DISCIPLINE ............................................................................................................................14 Preventative Measures..........................................................................................................15 Discipline Cycle......................................................................................................................15

Minor Offenses ..................................................................................................................15 Major Offenses ..................................................................................................................15

Common Student and Parent Questions................................................................................15 Dress Code ........................................................................................................................15 Cell Phones ........................................................................................................................16 Fighting .............................................................................................................................16 Other Important Reminders ..............................................................................................16

Bus Discipline ........................................................................................................................16 PARENT INVOLVEMENT .....................................................................................................17 Acronyms and Meanings .......................................................................................................18 Important Phone Numbers ....................................................................................................21 Parent Response Form ..............................................................................................................22

It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability in any employment practice, educational program or any other program, activity or service. If you wish to make a complaint or request accommodation or modification due to discrimination in any program, activity, or service, contact the Compliance Coordinator, 786 Cleveland Avenue, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30315, or phone 404-763-6801. TTY 1-800-255-0135.

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Welcome to Mimosa Elementary…where learning unites us!

Mission Statement Mimosa Elementary School’s mission is to educate and challenge students to reach their academic potential.

Mimosa’s Belief Statements • We believe that each child is unique and learns in different ways and at his/her own

pace. • We believe that a safe, respectful, positive learning environment nurtures and

encourages students while holding them accountable. • We believe that learning is a life-long pursuit that is dependent on all stakeholders’

participation. • We believe that the teacher’s part is to inspire students to be productive citizens and

life-long learners by providing appropriate instruction in a challenging environment. • As a school, administrators, teachers, and support staff should create an

environment that fosters effective communication and respect for everyone's time, space, and individuality.

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GENERAL INFORMATION School Attendance Good attendance is very important for school success. When a student is absent from school he/she misses a variety of valuable educational experiences. The state requires schools to monitor school attendance carefully. Students absent 15 days or more in a school year, regardless of the reason, are considered to have excessive absenteeism. Please remember:

• School and learning begins promptly at 7:40. Students not in their classroom at 7:40 will be counted as tardy. • Please do not drop students off early as front porch supervision is not provided before 7:10 for students. • If a student is absent, a parent/guardian must send a written note to the child’s teacher the day of his/her return. The note should be dated and signed by the parent/guardian and indicate a reason for the absence. • A child must be at school until 11:15 to be counted as “present”. Check-outs before 11:15 or students who arrive after 11:15 will be counted as “absent”. • A parent/guardian may request make-up work for their child by calling the office by 9:00 a.m. Work can be picked up in the office after 2:40 or sent home with another student designated by the parent/guardian. • Because students are important to us, unsupervised early drop-offs and excessive absences and/or tardiness may result in a referral to the school social worker.

Board Policy for Attendance The Board supports vigorous enforcement of Georgia's Compulsory School Attendance Law which makes school attendance the responsibility of the parent and the student. Board Policy JD, Student Discipline, outlines consequences for failure to comply with this law. The district also maintains a Student Attendance Protocol pursuant to O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.2 which contains detailed information regarding truancy procedures and referrals. A copy of this Protocol can be found on the district website. No later than September 1 of each year, the district will submit student attendance rates from the previous school year to the Attendance Protocol Committee established by O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.2 and to the State Board of Education.

Truancy Any child subject to compulsory attendance who during the school calendar year has more than five (5) days of unexcused absences is considered truant.

Excused Absences A student's absence from school or class will be considered excused when it is due to any of the following circumstances. 1. Personal illness of the student.

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2. Attendance at school would be detrimental to the health of the student or others. 3. A serious illness or death in the student's immediate family necessitating absence from school. 4. Compliance with a court order or an order issued by a governmental agency, including an order for a pre-induction physical examination for service in the armed forces, mandating absence from school. 5. Observance of religious holidays, necessitating absence from school. 6. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to the student's health or safety. 7. Absences not exceeding a cumulative total of six (6) days per school year for the following reasons, but only if the absence has been pre-approved by the principal or designee:

a. scholarship interviews/college visitations, b. travel opportunity with educational benefits, c. graduation or wedding of an immediate family member, d. specialized educational experience, e. other circumstances that are mutually agreeable to the parent and principal, f. up to 5 of these days can be used to visit with a parent or guardian who is on leave from, or is being deployed to, military service overseas. 8. Up to ten (10) instructional days (60 instructional hours) per year for school-sponsored, non-instructional activities (defined as functions during the school day that are under the auspices or sponsorship of a school or the school system) that are specifically approved in advance by the principal or designee. The principal shall ensure that an accurate record of all such absences is maintained. 9. School days missed as a result of an out-of-school suspension.

Unexcused Absences A student's absence from school or class for any reason other than those listed above will be considered an unexcused absence.

Parent Notification/Involvement Each school is required to notify the parent, guardian or other person who has control or charge of the student when such student has five (5) unexcused absences. The notice shall outline the penalty and consequences of such absences and that each subsequent absence shall constitute a separate offense. After two (2) reasonable attempts to notify the parent, guardian or other person who has charge of the student the school shall send a written notice via certified mail with return receipt requested. Additionally, the Attendance Committee at Mimosa Elementary has decided to notify parents when their child’s absences reach 10 days regardless of whether or not the absences are excused. We want to provide parent with adequate information so they can monitor their child’s attendance before it reaches 15 days.

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Beginning of the Day We begin each day with an optional opportunity for staff and students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and observe a short period of silent reflection. We ask those not participating to stand or sit quietly during this time.

Birthdays Student birthdays are recognized in various ways by individual teachers and by the school. Student names will be announced on the morning announcements, they will receive a birthday pencil and cake will be provided at lunch one day each month. To maximize our instructional time, to address food allergies, and to avoid any opportunity for hurt feelings, personal party invitations and birthday treats are not allowed at school.

Cafeteria Nutritious, well balanced meals are prepared by our cafeteria. Meals may be bought daily or prepaid. Free and reduced application forms are available in the front office and given out the first month of school and will be sent home at any time upon request. To focus on the best nutrition for students and because we participate in the Federal Lunch Program, sodas, canned drinks, candy, and commercially prepared food such as Pizza Hut and McDonald’s are not allowed in the cafeteria.

Cafeteria Manners As a consideration to others, we ask students to please remember to:

• Enter quietly and orderly. • Remain seated; raise your hand for assistance if you forgot something. • Talk softly and use good manners. • Follow all directions given by adults. • Not to loan or ask to borrow money. If you need assistance, ask an adult. • Not share or buy food for others because of allergies and germs • Clean up your space and push in your chair when dismissed from the table.

Lunch Visitors We know how much students enjoy having a guest at lunch time. Please share the following information with guest(s) before they arrive:

• Lunch visitors need to sign in at the office and get a visitor’s badge. • Visitors should meet their child in the cafeteria lobby and sit with them at our special Visitor’s Table. • Please remind guests that outside vendor food is not allowed. • Please let guests know that students will say good-bye to them in the cafeteria when their lunch period ends. • Because of space, students are not allowed to bring any additional students to the visitor’s table.

Free and reduced meals are available for students whose families qualify financially. Free and reduced meal applications may be picked up in the school office. Each family

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is provided with a free and reduced meal form at the beginning of the school year. All students must pay full price for meals until their application for free and reduced meals has been approved. Any fees/charges accrued during the time the application is processed will still be due even if qualifying for free or reduced lunch after the application is approved. Returning students who qualified the previous year will continue eligibility for the first thirty days. Each family must submit a new application every year. It is one per family, not student. To minimize the impact of charges on families, students are not allowed more than three charges. An alternate lunch is provided for students with excessive charges.

Clinic Information Mimosa Elementary is concerned about the health and well-being of your child. Please keep the school informed about allergies, diseases, or other health conditions your child may be exposed to. The clinic should have a written record of your child’s condition and specific instructions for their care. If your child requires medication, he/she must come to the clinic to have it dispensed. Written permission is required to administer any kind of medication. Medication has to be provided by the parent, and it must be in the original container. Prescription medication requires an authorization form signed by the doctor and must be on file in the clinic. Over-the-counter medications require written authorization from the parent/guardian and must be on file in the clinic. Forms are available in the front office and in the clinic. All signed forms from you and/or your doctor may be faxed directly to the office or brought to school. Is your child too sick to come to school? Please keep your child from school if the following conditions are present:

• If he/she is too sick to be comfortable at school • If he/she might spread a contagious disease to other children • Fever of 100.4F or above – can return to school when he/she has been without

fever for 24 hours • Vomiting more than once • Diarrhea • A very frequent cough • Persistent pain (ear, stomach, etc.) • Rash

Current Student Information For your child’s safety, and in the event of an illness, we must have up to date information for your child. Please help us keep your address, home and work phone numbers and emergency contact people updated at all times. Pink forms for making these corrections are in the office and should be returned to the teacher.

Immunizations All students are required to have a current immunization form (Form 3231) on file at Mimosa Elementary. Students new to Georgia may be granted a 30 day waiver. However, students currently living in Georgia must provide an up-to-date immunization

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form upon enrollment. Once enrolled, all immunizations and immunization forms must be kept up-to-date. If a new immunization form is not provided within 30 days of its expiration, the student will be withdrawn. Parties Two parties are provided throughout the year.

CURRICULUM Mimosa Elementary follows the state mandated curriculum through the use of the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards. Our academic programs are designed to meet the needs of individual students while also enhancing the unique talents and strengths of each child. We offer the following programs which require certain qualifications to participate:

• TAG (Talented and Gifted) • ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) • EIP (Early Intervention Program) • Special Education

In addition to the above programs, we have the following activities that enrich or enhance the curriculum.

• During school hours: o PE o Music o Art o Computer Lab o Media Studies o Student Council o Safety Patrol

• Before/After school hours:

o Chess Club o Project Boost o Whiz Kids o Recycling/Green Club o Interact Club o Math Club

Grading/Report Cards Elementary report cards will be created electronically and a hard copy will be sent home. Report cards will be sent home every nine weeks (4 times per year). Students must be enrolled in a Fulton County school for 20 days prior to report cards in order to receive a grade.

Homework Homework is a necessary part of each student’s educational program to reinforce skills taught in the classroom, increase student success, develop student responsibility, and

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provide opportunity for parent involvement. However, homework assignments are designed for students to complete independently. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns regarding homework or assignments.

Parents Right to Know In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statute, Fulton County Schools informs parents that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher(s). The following information may be requested: whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission

requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;

whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived;

the college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher; whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their

qualifications. If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s qualification, please contact the principal at 770-552-4540.

Title IX: Notification of Grievance Procedure for Students It is the policy of the Fulton County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, activities or employment as required by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. As a student of the Fulton County Board of Education, you are protected from sex discrimination in the following areas:

• Admission to most schools • Physical Education • Access to enrollment in courses • Competitive Athletics • Access to and use of school facilities • Graduation requirements • Counseling and guidance materials and practices • Vocational Education • School sponsored activities • Student rules, regulations, benefits and extracurricular activities • Most other benefits or services • Health Services

If you believe that you have been discriminated against on the basis of sex, you may make a claim that your rights have been denied. This claim or grievance may be filed within ten school days of the alleged act by contacting the school principal, the local Title IX coordinator, who has a copy of the grievance procedure.

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SAFETY After School Events For the safety of our children, all students should be accompanied to after school family events by a responsible adult (18 years or older). Parents will be notified of any exceptions to this in writing.

Confidentiality To protect student privacy, no information concerning students is given out over the phone. All requests for information must be made by a parent/guardian and he/she must sign a third-party release form before information can be given to any outside agency.

Emergency Closings In the event that school must be closed due to bad weather, the most up to date information will be provided on local radio and TV stations. Decisions to close schools are made by 6:00 a.m. Teachers will review Mimosa’s very detailed emergency evacuation plan with students. Regular practice activities are also scheduled. A completed emergency closing form should be on file at the school for each child.

Parents, Visitors and Volunteers Safety is of utmost concern and we ask that all parents, visitors and volunteers report to the office to obtain a security badge. Please do not go directly to classrooms. The office staff is also happy to deliver articles and messages to teachers and students. New for this year: On your first visit to the school you will be required to present a photo id which we enter into a database. This only is required on your first visit. After that you will continue to check in at the computer and receive your badge.

Technology It has been brought to our attention that many students are logging on to social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter. These sites, when used safely, offer young people and adults a unique opportunity to interact. However, students sometimes share personal information that jeopardizes their safety making these sites a potentially hurtful or dangerous place for students should an online predator access their information. The School District firewall prevents such access at school. However, while at school, students often share or act on what they have read at home which can create disruptions and negatively impacts peers, relationships, as well as the learning environment. Consequently, to ensure your child’s safety, we encourage you to take time to review your family’s safety guidelines for using the internet wisely at home.

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TRANSPORTATION School begins promptly at 7:40 a.m. and ends at 2:20 p.m. Students are expected to go home the way indicated on the most current “How Will My Child Go Home” form completed by the parent/guardian.

Car Riders In order to keep students safe and to provide smooth transitions for the day, we encourage children to ride the school bus to and from school when possible. However, if students are brought to school or picked up after school by car, please remember: • The designated traffic pattern should be followed as marked by cones and directed by staff members. • Cars should pull up as far as possible in front of the school to maximize the number of students that can be picked up or dropped off at a given time. • Students should exit/enter the car from the curbside only. • Students and adults should not cross through the parking lot as this is extremely dangerous. • For their safety, children should not be dropped off before 7:10 in the morning. Adult supervision is not available until that time. • Georgia now has a safety belt/booster seat rule for all children under 57 inches tall. See www.ridesafegeorgia.org for details. • Car riders will need an assigned carpool number. You may get a form for the number from your child’s teacher or the front office. Please help students learn their carpool numbers in order to expedite carpool pick-up.

Bus Riders Bus service is provided for all students who do not reside within 1 1/2 miles of the school, or must cross a heavily traveled street without the assistance of a crossing guard. Riding the bus is a privilege contingent upon proper, courteous behavior. Misconduct on a bus or at a bus stop can result in a bus suspension. Parents can contact the Transportation Department at 770-667-2970 for questions concerning schedules, drivers and routes. For your child’s safety, parents are encouraged to take and pick up children at the bus stop. Parents of kindergarteners and first graders who ride without older siblings are required to meet their child’s bus in the afternoon or the students will be returned to Mimosa Elementary.

Walkers Crossing guards are posted at two prominent intersections on Warsaw Road. Because of the heavy traffic on this street at peak times, children should only cross at these designated areas so that a crossing guard can supervise them. Parents who walk to meet student walkers should wait for them at the end of the school driveway or on the east porch in front of the building. For the 2014-15 school year, walkers must also have a number to help maintain a safe environment and to ensure students are leaving with an approved adult.

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Transportation Changes All transportation changes must be made in writing by the parent/guardian to the school. For the safety of the child, the note should contain specific information about the change (effective dates, names, etc.). In addition, please be aware of the following rules: • Children will not be released to anyone other than a parent/guardian without written

permission. Proper identification will be requested. • For safety reasons, telephone permission is not an acceptable way of requesting a

transportation change. • Bus changes are permitted in EMERGENCY situations only. All changes must be

requested in writing and received by 1:45 pm. • To change a student from a bus rider to a car rider also requires written notification

from the parent/guardian.

Early or Irregular Check-outs Because learning is in progress until 2:20, early check outs are discouraged. However, if the need arises, parents/guardians may check their child out of school early by reporting to the school office before 2:00 p.m. For the safety and welfare of all children, parents/guardians should not go to the classroom or the bus area. If you must check your child out early, and you cannot find parking, please park at St. David’s Episcopal Church and walk down the steps.

Parking All parents and visitors must park in the parking lots in lined spaces. The front curb of the school is a fire lane and must be kept clear at all times. The parking lot at St. David’s church can be used as needed for additional parking. Please do not park in handicap spots without a permit or at Cam Head’s Law Offices next door or on the sidewalks.

COMMUNICATION Parents and teachers must work together to make sure students have a positive and successful learning experience. In order to address questions and concerns quickly and effectively, all problems should be dealt with the closest person who has the most information and can resolve the problem first. • If you have a curriculum or instructional question or concern, please contact the

following person(s) in this order: classroom teacher, Curriculum Support Teacher (CST), Principal, Area Superintendent, Superintendent, local School Board Member.

• If you have a discipline concern, please contact the following person(s) in this order: classroom teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Area Superintendent, Superintendent, local School Board Member.

• If you have personnel concerns, please first direct your concern to the staff member in question. If no resolution can be made, or a conversation would be deemed inappropriate, please contact the Assistant Principal or Principal.

• If you have a bus concern, please contact the bus driver first, then the Fulton County Transportation Department Supervisor, then the Assistant Principal.

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• If you have a cafeteria concern, please contact the Cafeteria Manager first, then the Assistant Principal.

• If you have a records concern, please contact the data clerk. • If you have medical concerns, please contact the clinic aide. • If you have homework requests or need general information, please contact the

front office secretaries.

Mimosa Manners Mimosa Manners Weekly Reports will be sent home to provide parents with information concerning their child’s academic progress and behavior. Students will also have important graded papers attached to the Mimosa Manners. These should be reviewed with the child, signed and returned the next school day.

Conferences Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled during the first grading period of school or within one month of a student entering Mimosa. However, conferences can be held as frequently as needed at the request of the teacher or parent. Appointments for conferences should be made with the classroom teacher, preferably at least 24 hours in advance. Because teachers must supervise students from 7:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., we ask that conferences take place before or after these designated times.

Parent Workshops Parent workshops are held to provide parents with information that will help them support their child’s learning and academic success. Please watch for these scheduled events in the school newsletter.

Weekly Newsletters A newsletter is sent home every Monday to provided parents information on current and upcoming school events, grade level information, and items of interest.

Mimosa Website Additional information about Mimosa can be found on our website at http://www.fultonschools.org/school/mimosa.

Twitter Information regarding Mimosa and daily events can be found on Twitter @MimosaManatee.

DISCIPLINE Mimosa Elementary students come to school every day to learn and behavior must not interfere with learning. Discipline is defined as a process of helping students understand what they have done that is inappropriate and learning how to correct the inappropriate behavior. At Mimosa Elementary, we feel students should take responsibility for their behavior and learn to make appropriate choices. With that in mind, the following plan has been developed and is supported by faculty and staff.

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Preventative Measures 1. Daily/weekly Mimosa Manners lessons focusing on character development, responsibility and good decision making skills 2. Monthly parent newsletter 3. Individual and group guidance 4. Teacher training and staff development 5. Positive incentive programs 6. Parenting workshops

Discipline Cycle Minor Offenses –Teachers will deal with minor offenses as they occur during the day. They use interventions such as positive reinforcement, verbal reminders, parent communication, parent conferences, time out, individual action plans, and referrals to school counselors. Major Offenses- Administrators will deal with major offenses and chronic minor offenses. They use interventions such as, parent conferences, opportunity room, out-of-school suspension, referrals to school counselors and school social workers. The administrators will follow the Fulton County Student Discipline Handbook that is provided to each student. Please refer to this brochure for specific Fulton County policies. Common Student and Parent Questions

What can I wear to school? Dress Code ♦Students are asked to wear the school uniform of khaki or dark pants, skirts, or shorts and a navy, red, or white collared shirt. ♦ No short shorts, mini-skirts or cut-offs are to be worn. Shorts and skirts must be fingertip length. Low rider pants must be worn at waist level with a belt. No baggy or oversized clothing or shoes are allowed. ♦ No hats, bandannas, sweat bands, sunglasses, or gloves are to be worn in the building. This applies to both male and female students. ♦ Sandals, flip-flops and shoes with wheels are not appropriate for school, as they can cause safety concerns during PE and recess. ♦ Bare midriffs, spaghetti strap tank tops, halter tops, T-shirts or pants with ripped openings, see-through clothing or any dress that is disruptive to the educational process should not be worn. ♦ T-shirts must be in good taste with no suggestive wording, illustrations or advertisements for drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, or illustrations of violence or violent acts, including wrestling t-shirts. ♦ Make-up is not appropriate at the elementary level, nor is extreme hair color. If the school has dress concerns, parents will be contacted to bring appropriate clothes.

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Can I bring my cell phone to school? Cell Phones Per Board Policy JD, elementary students are prohibited from using or displaying cellular telephones on school property at any time. Parents will be notified when a cell phone is observed or heard at school. The other person started the fight. Why am I in trouble? Fighting As indicated in the Fulton County Student Discipline Handbook, any physical contact made by a student with the intent to harm is considered fighting, regardless of who initiated the fight. This rule applies any time you are at school, on the way to or from school (on the bus or walking), or at a school event. Fighting is a suspendable offense. Can I bring toys to school for recess time? Unfortunately, you cannot because they are a distraction to learning. Toys, radios, iPods, cell phones, cameras, computer games, collectable items (cards), and skateboards are not permitted. Can I chew gum at school? No, chewing gum is not allowed at school or on the bus.

Other Important Reminders • Mimosa Manners Behavior Report: If a student receives a Mimosa Manners Behavior Report, the parent/guardian should sign the report and return it to school.

The following concerns will be subject to the guidelines found in the Fulton County Student Discipline Handbook:

• Weapons: Possession of any weapon is considered against Fulton County policy. Be mindful that items such as the following are considered weapons: pocket knives, kitchen knives, chains, or look-alike weapons, like water pistols or toy pistols. • Language: Students are not allowed to use any abusive language, profanity, or obscene pictures or gestures to any student or school employee at any time during the instructional day, going to or from school, or at a school event. • Harassment: Harassment includes verbal harassment, such as racial, sexual, or ethnic slurs, derogatory comments, insults, and jokes; physical harassment, such as offensive touching; and visual harassment, such as racially, sexually, or ethnically offensive posters, graffiti, drawings, clothing, or gestures that, under the circumstances, would tend to cause a disruption of the educational setting or school activity. • Bullying: Bullying is when a student purposefully attempts or threatens to inflict injury to another person accompanied with the ability to cause bodily harm. The perception of a real threat, even in teasing situations, constitutes bullying.

Bus Discipline Riding the bus is a privilege contingent upon proper and courteous conduct. Students who ride the bus are expected to stay in their seats while the bus is in motion, speak in low voices, refrain from throwing objects, keep arms and hands inside the bus, keep hands and feet to self, cooperate with the bus driver and act in a respectful manner.

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Specific regulations regarding bus transportation are given in detail in the Fulton County Transportation Department rules. School bus drivers do have the right to assign seats or move students. Consequences will occur after the bus driver has communicated verbal and/or written warnings and has tried intervention strategies and the problem continues. Examples of possible consequences are: verbal/written warning, parent conference, in-school office time-out, out-of-school suspension, and/or bus suspension. Depending on the severity of the offense, the administrator may place the student on the most appropriate step of the cycle as per the Fulton County Code of Conduct and Discipline Handbook.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT Mimosa Elementary believes that parent involvement has a significant, positive impact on achievement outcomes for our students. We continually work to find ways to provide a variety of opportunities for parents and our community to work together with us to support students and learning in our school. Parent Resource Room Mimosa Elementary is the home of the North Fulton Parent Resource Room. The Parent Resource Room is staffed full time by two parent liaisons that can provide you with resources and help for you or your student. Some of the resources they have available are content area academic kits, help with student issues, and computers to be used for job applications or other online parent needs. Workshops Mimosa’s parent liaisons provide a variety of workshops on important topics for parents about student success and parent resources. Please check the weekly newsletter for dates and specific topics. Parent Compact Because Mimosa is a Title 1 school, all parents are required to sign and return the Mimosa Parent Compact at the beginning of the school year. Mimosa Parent Involvement Action Plan Each year, the parent liaisons make an action plan for our school based on our students’ academic needs. A copy for your review is available in the front office or the Parent Resource Room. Volunteer Forms All volunteers are required to complete the Fulton County Volunteer Form to ensure student safety. Additionally, volunteers who give of their time for more than a one-time event will need to watch the Fulton County Volunteer training which can take place at home or at the school. More information is on the Volunteer Form.

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Acronyms and Meanings Acronym Meaning ADD Attention Deficit Disorder: A condition medically diagnosed where attention

deficits affect student performance. ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A condition medically diagnosed

where attention deficits and high activity level affects student performance. AR Accelerated Reading: A computerized reading program that allows students to

work at their own pace and reading level. It is intended to motivate students to read more books and challenge them to improve their reading skills and comprehension.

AYP Adequate Yearly Progress: Refers to the improvements made each year in local schools. The federal No Child Left Behind law requires each state to develop guidelines for determining if schools and systems make improvement.

CBT Comprehensive Building Team: A group of three or more schoolbased professionals that support the SST Committee. The role of the CBT is to recommend students for further evaluation when the suggested educational strategies made in SST are not helping the student be successful in the classroom. The CBT Committee meets on an as needed basis..

CCGPS Georgia Performance Standards determine the curriculum taught in Georgia schools and are now aligned with Common Core standards. Performance standards provide teachers with clear expectations for assessment, instruction, and student work. They define the level of work that demonstrates achievement of the standards, enabling a teacher to know “how good is good enough.” The performance standards isolate and identify the skills needed to use the knowledge and skills to problem-solve, reason, communicate, and make connections with other information.

CCRPI College and Career Ready Performance Index: Georgia’s new tool for measuring student progress and readiness for college and career.

COGAT Cognitive Abilities Test: A test that measures a student's mental ability and capacity for reasoning. The test is divided into 3 parts that address various learning styles or abilities - verbal (vocabulary skills), quantitative (mathematical skills), and nonverbal (figural analysis). It is administered in three sessions. In grades K-2, the administrator verbally guides the students through the tests. In grades 3-5, students are given directions and then complete each section on their own.

CRCT Criterion Referenced Competency Test: The CRCT is a test which measures knowledge of the Georgia curriculum. It is given to all students in grades 3-8. There are three levels. Level 1 – Does not meet expectations Level 2 – Meets expectations Level 3 – Exceeds expectations

CST Curriculum Support Teacher: The CST serves as a resource to teachers and parents with regard to curriculum and instructional matters.

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EBD Emotional Behavioral Disorder: An emotional and behavioral disorder, which is considered an emotional disability that adversely affects the educational performance of a student.

EIP Early Intervention Program: A state funded program to provide additional support to students not working at grade level or at risk of not maintaining grade level.

ESOL English Speakers of Other Languages FIT time Focusing and Improving Together: A school based learning time where all

students and staff members work together on targeted skills to enhance student achievement.

GKIDS The Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (GKIDS) is a yearlong, performance-based assessment. The goal of the assessment program is to provide teachers with information about the level of instructional support needed by individual students entering kindergarten and first grade.

IEP Individualized Education Plan: A written contract between Fulton County Schools and the student (at age 18) or his/her parents. It outlines appropriate services for a student with a disability.

IRR Inter-Related Resource: A program which provides special education support as a resource at some time during the school day. Students served by IRR generally spend much of their academic day in a general education classroom.

IST Instructional Support Teacher: The IST supports special education department needs (eligibility, IEP, instructional needs in the classroom, and organizational needs).

ITBS Iowa Test of Basic Skills: An example of a norm-referenced test. Given to students in grades 3, 5, and 8.

LD Learning Disabled LSAC Local School Advisory Council: An advisory group consisting of parents,

teachers, business people, and the school principal, the purpose of which is to facilitate communications between school and community, encourage participation of parents and community in the life of the school, and to provide advice, recommendations, and assistance to the Board of Education and the principal of the school.

NCLB No Child Left Behind: A federal law covering public schools that went into effect on July 1, 2002. The goal of No Child Left Behind is to have ALL children performing on grade level by 2014.

PTO Parent Teacher Organization RTI Response to Intervention: RTI is a method of academic intervention used to

provide early, systematic assistance to children who are having difficulty learning. RTI seeks to prevent academic failure through early intervention, frequent progress measurement, and increasingly intensive research-based instructional interventions for children who continue to have difficulty.

SIP School Improvement Plan: A plan of action developed through a process by which Mimosa focuses on the specific needs of its students to determine instructional and other strategies, and to align strategies, staff development, stakeholder efforts, and financial resources in order to maximize results.

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TAG Talented and Gifted: The Talented and Gifted program at Mimosa Elementary

is designed to provide services to students with unique learning characteristics, interests, and capabilities. Students receive instruction that incorporates the science and social studies curriculum along with Fulton County’s objectives for gifted learners – advanced research, creative thinking and problem-solving, higher order and critical thinking skills, and advanced communication skills.*Students must meet specific criteria in order to qualify for the TAG program.

Norm-referenced tests (STAT-9 and ITBS) measure instructional standards commonly taught throughout the United States. These standards are not specific to Georgia which means that your child may not know or have been exposed to everything on the test. Performance is measured against other students nationally who take the same test. Criterion-referenced tests measure standards outlined by a specific curriculum. The CRCT standards are aligned with the Georgia curriculum, which means students will be taught the curriculum covered by the CRCT.

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Important Phone Numbers

Mimosa Elementary 770-552-4540 Mimosa Elementary – Fax line 770-552-6346 Ariane Holcombe, Principal 770-552-4540 Earleana Smith, Assistant Principal 770-552-4540 ext. 133 Flynn Hoag, Counselor 770-552-4540 ext. 128 Dana Fountain, Counselor 770-552-4540 ext. 131 Wayne Pettett, CST 770-552-4540 ext. 132 Brenda Brown, Data Clerk 770-552-4540 ext. 127 Marhilvi Robles, Principal’s Secretary 770-552-4540 ext. 125 Clinic 770-552-4540 ext. 146 Desanchus Fearon, Cafeteria 770-552-4540 ext. 137 Dr. Vic Shandor, Area Superintendent 404-763-5733 Transportation, North 404-667-2970

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Parent Response Form After reading the statement below, please sign and return this page to your child’s teacher immediately. We have received the Parent Handbook and understand that we are responsible for reading and understanding this information. Parent Signature: ______________________________ Student Name: ________________________________ Teacher Name: ________________________________ Grade: _______________________________________