tate elementary school - pickens county school districttateele.pickens.k12.ga.us/2013-14 student...

Tate Elementary School

P. O. Box 268

5630 Highway 53 East

Tate, GA 30177

Phone 706-253-1860 Fax 706-253-1865

Deb Longshore, Ed.D. Destini Shope, M.Ed.

Principal Assistant Principal/LSS

Dear TES Families and Students,

Welcome to the 2013-14 school year at Tate Elementary! We are

delighted that you are here and look forward to a wonderful time together

this year. As always, our primary goal is to partner with your family to

provide the best possible learning experience for your child.

Our Student-Family Handbook is just one of the many ways we

communicate with you. This handbook, along with the Pickens County Student Code of Conduct, is designed to help students and their families

become familiar with the school and system policies, procedures, and rules.

To assist you in planning for the year, we have included a monthly calendar

with dates of important, informative, and fun school activities. Also, look for

a class newsletter from your child’s teacher and the monthly school

newsletter (printed on bright yellow paper) that will provide you with

additional information about events and activities at our school.

The teachers and staff at Tate Elementary are eager and excited

about collaborating with you and your child in addressing any questions or

concerns that you might have throughout the school year. We believe that

honest, open communication between students, teachers, students’ families,

and administrators is the essential key to a positive school experience. You

are always welcome to phone me or ask a staff member if you have any

questions about anything here at Tate.

Sincerely,

Dr. Deb Longshore

TES Student & Parent Handbook 2

Table of Contents

Introduction

BOE Information 3 System Coordinators 4

TES Mission Statement &

Beliefs 5

Accreditation 6

After School Program 6

Arrival & Departure Procedures 6

Attendance Zone Policy 9

Awards/Honors 9

Behavioral Expectations 9

Bus Rules 10

Classroom Parties 10

Clinic/Health Services 11

Code of Conduct 11

Counseling Services 12

Custodial/Legal Information 12

Dress Code 12

Drills/Emergency Plans 13

Fire Drills

Lock-down Drills

Tornado Drills

Severe Weather

Procedures

ESEA (Elementary and Secondary

Education Act of 1965) 14

FERPA 15

Field Trips 16

Flexible Learning Program 16

Flower/Balloon Deliveries 16

Food Services Program 16

Gifted Program 18

Grading 18

Homework 19

Local School Council 19

Lost & Found 19

Media Center 20

Mentoring Program 20

Non-Discrimination Policy 20

Parent Resource Center 20

Parent-Teacher Conferences 21

Parent-Teacher Organization 21

Phones & Electronic Devices 21

Report Cards & Progress Reports 21

Response to Intervention (RTI) 22

School Improvement 22

School Visitors 23

Special Education 23

Student Birthdays 24

Student Directory Information 24

Student Insurance 24

Telephone Use 24

Updating emergency

phone info

Title I Funding Notification 25

Toys, Electronic Devices, Etc. 25


Pickens County Schools

“Graduation and Beyond for All”

100 D. B. Carroll St. Jasper, GA 30143

Phone: 706-253-1700 Fax: 706-253-1705

Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Lula Mae Perry

Pickens County Schools Board of Education Members

Mrs. Wendy Lowe, Chair

Mr. Byron Long, Vice-Chair

Mrs. Peggy Andrews

Mr. Mike Cowart

Dr. Dan Fincher

Tate Elementary Website

http://tateele.pickens.k12.ga.us

Pickens County Schools Website

www.pickenscountyschools.org

http://www.pickenscountyschools.org/


Pickens County Schools System Coordinators

Title VI Coordinator Dr. Lisa Galloway 706-253-1700

Title IX Coordinator Dr. Lisa Galloway 706-253-1700

Section 504 Coordinator Dr. Lonnie Dikowski 706-253-1700

ADA Coordinator Dr. Lisa Galloway 706-253-1700

Title IX Coordinator for Tate Elementary is the Principal.

Phone Numbers for Pickens County Schools

Harmony Elementary -706-253-1840

Hill City Elementary – 706-253-1880

Jasper Elementary – 706-253-1730

Tate Elementary - 706-253-1860

Jasper Middle– 706-253-1760

Pickens County Middle – 706-253-1830

Pickens High – 706-253-1800


Tate Elementary School

Our Mission Statement

Teaching All To achieve Excellence

Our Beliefs

We believe our school’s first priority is to promote a safe and

positive learning environment.

We believe Tate’s faculty, staff, families, and community share

the responsibility of advancing the success of our students.

We believe that by committing to continuous improvement, our

school will enable students to become confident, self-directed,

and persistent learners.

We believe in educating our students while holding high

expectations for their performance.


Accreditation – Tate Elementary School is accredited by the Georgia School

Standards Commission and by the Southern Association of Colleges and

Schools.

After School Program – Our school provides a school-based after school

care program coordinated by Eric Norris and Denise Salter with the

assistance of Mrs. Hazel Wehunt. To take advantage of the After School

Program, parents are invited to visit the school office to complete the

necessary paperwork and pay fees. Hours for the After School Program are

2:30 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. The daily fee of $7.00

includes a snack. Fees are to be prepaid or paid daily.

Please be aware that students who are not picked up by 6:00 P.M. will be

charged a minimum additional fee of $5.00 and then an additional $1.00 per

minute after 6:00 p.m. Students who are not picked up by 2:40 will be placed

in after school care and there will be a $7.00 charge. In addition, students

who are not met at their bus stop and are brought back to school will be

placed in after school care and there will be a $7.00 charge.

Arrival & Departure Procedures – Our school doors open at 7:10 A.M. and

students are welcome to arrive at that time. Breakfast will be served from

7:10 A.M. until 7:35 A.M. Students who desire to eat breakfast at school are

to go directly to the cafeteria upon their arrival at school. Students who do

not choose to have breakfast at school will go directly to the auditorium.

Tardy – Students who are not seated in their homeroom class by 7:45

A.M. are considered “late” and must report to the office for a “late

pass”. If a student is late and does not report to the office for a

“late pass”, the student will be sent back to the office to obtain one.

Excessive tardiness is an unacceptable practice that can negatively

influence a child’s education. Excessive tardiness may also result in a

referral to the Pickens County Board of Education’s Attendance

Support Team.

Dismissal – All students are dismissed at 2:30 P.M. each day. The

students will follow standard “going home” instructions as given by

parents or guardians. Any changes made in transportation plans must

be made in writing or via a phone call to the office.


The office staff will accept phone calls regarding changes in the

student’s “going home” instructions until 1:00 P.M. each day. This

will enable our office staff to see that your child receives your

requested changes in his/her “going home” instructions.

Students may not be checked out between 2:00 and 2:30.

Staff members will not honor a child’s verbal changes to establish “going

home” plans without verification from a parent or guardian. Bus drop-off

changes require the approval of the transportation department. If students

wish to go home with one another, they must be car riders and both parents

must send in a written note.

Early Check-Out Procedures – Parents, guardians, or others who wish

to check out a student early (before 2:00) are to follow these

procedures:

o Go to the office, and upon presentation of a photo ID, “sign

out” the student on the Student Sign-Out sheet.

o Office personnel will then call the child to the office.

o Parents, guardians, or others who are checking out a student

are not to go directly to a student’s classroom for early check-

out.

o Students who leave before 11:15 A.M. will be counted

absent for the entire day.

Attendance – According to Georgia compulsory education law and the Pickens

County Board of Education policy, students may be excused for the following

reasons:

1. Personal illness or attendance in school that endangers a student’s

health or the health of others.

2. A serious illness or death in a student’s immediate family

necessitating absence from school.

3. A court order or an order by a governmental agency mandating

absence from school.

4. The observance of religious holidays, necessitating absence from

school.

5. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student

health or safety.


6. A scheduled medical, dental, or eye examination of the student.

7. Visiting with a parent or legal guardian who is in the military service in

the armed forces and has been called to duty or who is on leave from

overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support post. For

this, the student may be excused for a maximum of 5 days per school

year.

Absences – Students who are absent from school must submit a note

from home or parents/guardians may fax a note to 706-253-1865 or

email Sandy Boling at [email protected] within

five (5) school days of the student’s absence to be considered an

excused absence,

The note is to contain the following information: student’s name,

date(s) of absence(s), and the reason for the absence(s).

If a student has excessive absences, early check-outs, and/or late

check-ins, the student and/or the parent/guardian may be referred to

Shelley Cantrell, Pickens County Schools Attendance Officer.

Parents/guardians of referred students will be required to attend an

attendance support team meeting and may be offered a student

attendance contract which requires all absences to have a medical

excuse or be excused by the school nurse or have a direct referral to

truancy court. Violation of the attendance contract will result in a

referral to the judicial truancy court system. By Georgia law, students

who have five (5) or more unexcused absences are considered to be

truant. Each additional day’s absence from school is considered to a

violation. Non-school related activities and vacations/trips are

considered unexcused.

Make-up Work – It is the student’s responsibility to turn in make-up

work when she/he is absent from school. The student will have five (5)

school days to complete make-up work and return it to her/his

teacher(s).

Parents should contact the school before 9:00 a.m. if they plan to pick

up assignments their child is missing while absent from school. Work

will be available after 3:00 p.m and may be picked up in the front

office.

mailto:[email protected]


Attendance Zone Policy – The Pickens County Board of Education has

established geographic attendance zones for elementary and middle school

students. Students are required to attend the grade-appropriate school in

the attendance zone in which he/she resides. Attendance zones shall remain as established until modified by the Pickens County Board of Education. The Board, based on student enrollment, anticipated growth, transportation requirements, traffic patterns and congestion, classroom space availability, and educational program needs, will approve attendance zones annually. Legal ref.: O.C.G.A. 20-2-293 (b)

Awards/Honors

Honor Roll – In grades 3-5, Honor Roll is achieved each grading period by

earning report card grades which reflect all A’s and B’s.

Principal’s List – In grades 3-5, Principal’s List is achieved each grading

period by earning report card grades which reflect all A’s.

Perfect/Super Perfect Attendance – Perfect/Super Perfect Attendance

awards will be distributed each grading period for grades K-5. To receive

the Super Perfect Attendance award students may not have any absences,

tardies, or early checkouts during that grading period. To receive a Perfect

Attendance award students must have no absences, but may have tardies or

early checkouts. It should be noted that any student that has received

attendance letters due to tardies or checkouts may not receive a Perfect

Attendance award.

Students in Grades 1 – 5 will receive their awards at grade-level awards

assemblies at the end of the nine-week grading period. Please check the

monthly school newsletter, the school website, or our Facebook page for

dates and times of these assemblies.

Behavioral Expectations – Our staff believes all children can choose to

behave appropriately. Any student behaviors which prevent our teachers

from teaching, keep other students from learning, or endanger the safety or

well-being of other students or staff will not be tolerated. Students will

understand the school wide behavioral and educational expectations as


addressed in the Pickens County Board Code of Student Conduct Manual.

This manual will serve as the guiding force for our behavioral expectations.

At Tate Elementary, we believe parent involvement is essential for

encouraging appropriate student behavior.

Staff members are primarily responsible for maintaining and monitoring the

behavioral expectations both inside and outside the classrooms. If a

student chooses to continue to ignore our expectations, he/she will be

referred to the Principal, Assistant Principal, or Counselor. A referral to

either of these will result in one or more of the following consequences

dependent upon the severity of the student’s actions:

Warning

Parent Notification

Time Out

Loss of a Privilege

Recess Detention

In-School Suspension

Student/Parent Conference

Out-of-School Suspension

Removal from Classroom

Campus/Community Service Assignment

Outside Agency Referral

Other Consequences by School Administration

Bus Rules –All discipline issues on buses will follow the Pickens County Board Code of Conduct. Continued violations of the bus rules will result in

referral to a school administrator. Repeated offenses on the bus could

result in total suspension from the bus.

In accordance with Pickens County Schools transportation policy bus riders

will be allowed one (1) pick up spot in the morning and one (1) drop off spot in

the afternoon. Please note that the policy now states that students may

not ride the bus home with other students nor may students ride a bus

other than their regularly assigned bus.

Classroom Parties – The following holidays/events will be celebrated with

classroom parties – Christmas and End of the School Year.


Parents/guardians will be contacted by individual teachers for party

assistance or treats.

Clinic and Health Services – The health and well-being of your child is very

important to us. A child who is sick with fever, nausea, or illness should

not attend school. When a child becomes ill at school, the school nurse will

evaluate the seriousness of the symptoms and contact parent or guardian.

If a serious illness or injury occurs, the school nurse will contact the parent

or guardian immediately and, in some cases, contact the Emergency Medical

Services.

A student is not to return to school until fever, diarrhea and/or vomiting

have stopped for a full 24-hour period without the aid of medication.

Prescribed antibiotic medications for communicable diseases are to be given

for 24 hours prior to the child returning to school.

A medical form will be sent home at the beginning of each school year to

obtain medical information and update our records for medical care.

Medication, whether prescription or over the counter, should not be sent

to school with a child. Adults are required to hand deliver all

medications. The medication must be in the original container with the

child’s name and instructions printed clearly. Permission from the

parent/guardian must be signed allowing school personnel to administer the

medications. Should a student require intensive medical care while at school,

the school nurse will contact the parents for specific information and

instructions.

Head Lice - The Pickens County Board of Education maintains a no nit policy.

Staff members check for possible infestation on an as-needed basis.

Parents (guardians) will be contacted to pick up the child if nits or lice are

found. Students may not ride the bus or return to school until all nits and

lice are removed. Our school nurse will provide cleaning and removal

information for parents. The child is to be checked by the school nurse

before returning to class.

Code of Conduct – Each student in Pickens County Schools will be issued a

Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct covers rules for student behavior,

dress, as well as consequences for failure to comply. Parents/guardians are


encouraged to carefully review this document with their child. All

parent/guardians must sign a form indicating that they have received a copy

of the Code of Conduct.

Counselor – Our school counselor, Dr. Michelle Stangline (“Dr. S.” as she is

known by the students), is available to provide individual or small group

counseling to students. In addition, she conducts classroom guidance lessons

on a regular schedule. Dr. S. may also assist parents in obtaining needed

school and/or community services.

Custodial/Legal Information – Parents/legal guardians are responsible for

providing office personnel with a certified/court-filed copy of any legal

documents involving the custodial care of his/her child. The lack of legal

documentation and any resulting conflicts may require local law enforcement

involvement. Should there be a change in custodial/legal information

regarding your child, please inform the school office as soon as possible.

Dress Code - Each student, staff member, and parent/guardian is

expected to observe a code of personal conduct, dress, and appearance

that in no way interferes with nor disrupts the educational opportunities

of others. Policies and regulations are made and enforced to assure the

efficient operation of the school. We will operate with a specific dress code.

In doing so, we appeal to students and their parents/guardians to use good

judgment and to avoid extremes in dress and personal appearance.

Tank tops and spaghetti straps are allowed for students in Kindergarten

– 2nd grade only (per Pickens County Schools Code of Conduct).

Clothing and personal appearance shall be such that it does not disrupt

the classroom atmosphere, become unusually distractive, or violate

health and safety rules of the school. All dress and grooming shall

conform to rules relating to health and safety. The current local board

policy or rules regarding acceptable dress in Pickens County Schools is

located in the Student Code of Conduct. A copy of this book is provided to

parents and students at the beginning of the school year or when they enroll

in school.


Please note that students may not wear removable hair dye or permanent dye that is an unnatural color. Also, students are not to wear removable tattoos to school. If these are visible they will be removed by the school nurse. Parents/guardians will be called to bring a change of clothes if a student is

not appropriately dressed by definitions as stated in the Pickens County

Code of Conduct.

Drills and Emergency Plans – Parents or guardians are required to provide

the school with any changes in address, phone numbers, and/or emergency

contact information. It is essential that our office staff be able to reach

you should an emergency occur.

“Fire Drills” will be held each month. Students will be instructed in fire drill

procedures prior to the first drill:

1. At the sound of the fire alarm signal, all instruction will cease and

students/staff will exit the building to assigned areas on campus. The

assigned areas are posted on the emergency evacuation map located in

each classroom.

2. Teachers and staff members will care for and monitor the students

during the drill. At the sound of a re-entry signal, teachers and staff

members will lead the students back into the building and instruction

will resume.

3. Parents will be notified if an actual fire emergency exists.

“Lockdown Drills” will be conducted several times throughout the year.

Students will be instructed in the lockdown procedures prior to the first

drill.

“Tornado Drills” will be conducted in the spring of each year, as

recommended by the Civil Defense procedures. Instructions for the tornado

drill will be provided prior to the first drill.

Severe Weather Procedures – During the school year, if it is necessary to

either dismiss or cancel school due to severe weather, the following radio

and television stations will inform parents and students:


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

WSB 98.5 FM

BOE Information Line 706-253-1710

Parents will also receive a phone call from our school system’s

communication system informing them if school is to be cancelled.

Elementary and Secondary Education Act – In compliance with the

requirements of the national Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the

Pickens County Board of Education reminds parents that they may request

information about the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher(s).

The following information may be requested:

Whether or not the teacher has met the Georgia Professional

Standards Commission requirements for certification for the grade

level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.

Whether or not the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other

provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification

criteria have been waived.

The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by

the teacher.

Whether or not the child is provided services by a paraprofessional,

and if so, the qualifications of the paraprofessional.

Parents may request this information by contacting the principal.

Any individual, organization or agency (“complainant”) may file a complaint

with the Georgia Department of Education (“Department”) if that individual,

organization or agency believes and alleges that a local educational agency

(“LEA”), the state educational agency (“SEA”), or an agency or consortium of

agencies is violating a Federal statute or regulation that applies to a program

under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The complaint

must allege a violation that occurred not more than one (1) year prior to the

date that the complaint is received, unless a longer period is reasonable

because the violation is considered systemic or ongoing. For more

information please visit www.pickenscountyschools.org or call Sherry Martin,

Federal Programs Director, at 706-253-1700.


FERPA

The Pickens County School District has designated the following information

as directory information:

1). Student’s name, address and telephone number.

2). Student’s date and place of birth.

3). Student’s participation in official school clubs and sports.

4). Weight and height of student if he/she is a member of an athletic

team.

5). Dates of attendance at the Pickens County School System schools.

6). Awards received during the time enrolled in Pickens County School

System.

Unless you, as a parent/guardian or eligible student, request otherwise, this

information may be disclosed to the public upon request. You have the right

to refuse to allow all or any part of the above information to be designated

as directory information and to be disclosed to the public upon request.

If you wish to exercise this right, you must notify Deb Longshore, Principal,

Tate Elementary School @ 706-253-1860 in writing within 10 days after

enrollment date.

FERPA EDUCATION RECORDS NOTICE The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords parents and students

over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student’s education

records. These rights are: (1) The right to inspect and review the student’s

education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request

for access. (2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s

education records that the parent or eligible student believes are

inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy

rights under FERPA. (3)The right to privacy of personally identifiable

information in the student’s education records, except to the extent that

FERPA authorizes disclosure. (4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S.

Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply

with the requirements of FERPA. For guidelines and procedures on these

rights please contact Deb Longshore, Principal,Tate Elementary School @

706-253-1860.


Field Trips – Field trips are considered an extension to the instructional day

and will be curriculum-based. Parents may be asked to serve as chaperones

for field trips. Transportation policies do not allow anyone other than

students or staff members to ride the school bus on field trips.

Flexible Learning Program

Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, the Georgia Department of

Education received a waiver from the Federal Department of Education and

will transition the method of accountability from Adequate Yearly Progress

(AYP) to the College and Career Readiness Performance Index. Pickens

County Schools have met all standards of performance under the new state

accountability system and has no schools that fall under the Reward,

Priority, Focus, or Alert designations.

Flower/Balloon Deliveries – To minimize disruption of the academic

environment, flowers and/or balloons may not be delivered to school. Food Services Program – Your support of the School Nutrition Program is

greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact

the cafeteria manager, Gina Pyles, @ 706-253-1860. The Tate Elementary

School Food Service Staff serves two meals each day - breakfast and lunch.

Breakfast: Breakfast will be served from 7:10 – 7:35 A.M. each morning.

Menus for breakfast are published in advance and usually consist of a choice

of items, such as cold cereal and milk or a hot entrée, both served with

fruit, juice or milk.

Lunch: Hot lunches will be served on a daily schedule allowing the students

thirty minutes for lunch. A monthly menu will be published and sent home

with students in advance. School lunches consist of a multiple choice buffet

style menu with two entrées, a variety of fruit and salads and milk. Peanut

butter and jelly sandwiches are offered each day. Students must pick up at

least three food items, but may choose all of the following: one entrée, two

fruits, and/or vegetable selections, bread, dessert and cold milk.


The food trays remain the prices listed below no matter how many food

items are selected:

Student Breakfast: $1.25

Student Reduced Breakfast: $ .30

Student Lunch: $1.75

Student Reduced Lunch: $ .40

Extra Milk: $ .50

Payments – Please send your student’s meal payments in an envelope with the

following information on the outside of the envelope:

Student Name and account number

Teacher/Grade

Total Amount Enclosed

Parents may send lunch money at any time. The total amount sent will be

applied to your child’s account to be used for breakfast and/or lunch and

their meal costs will be deducted. Change will not be returned. Checks are

to be made payable to Tate Elementary School Cafeteria.

Parents are encouraged to pay by the week or month. When your child’s

account reflects a zero balance, he/she will be allowed to charge up to a

maximum of $10.00. When the $10.00 charge allowance is met, your child

will receive an alternate lunch until the charge amount is paid and the

student account replenished.

No alternate meal will be provided for breakfast. Charge letters will be sent

home as needed.

Parents may also choose to use MyPaymentsPlus.com to pay for student

meals on-line. Payments may be made to your student’s meal account quickly

and securely.

Applications for Free or Reduced priced meals are sent home during the

first week of school. These forms are also available in the school office at

any time. If a student qualified for free or reduced lunch during a previous

school year, the parent must reapply within the first 30 days of each school

year to continue to qualify for services. Only one form per family needs to

be completed.


Sack lunches – Students may elect to bring a packed lunch from home. Milk

may be purchased in the school cafeteria. It is encouraged that lunches

brought from home be nutritious and in containers easily opened by your

child. Be sure that your child’s name is clearly printed on his/her lunchbox

or sack. Soft drinks or other carbonated beverages are not allowed in sack

lunches. Students may purchase a milk in the cafeteria.

Lunch Visitation – Parents are welcome to have lunch with their children.

Parents and guardians must check in and obtain a visitor’s badge at the

front office before going to the cafeteria. In order to maintain the

privacy of other children in the cafeteria, a visitor table will be provided in

the cafeteria. This table will be reserved for students and their lunch

visitors. Please be aware that soft drinks or other carbonated beverages are not allowed in the cafeteria.

Gifted Program – Services will be provided to students who qualify upon

special testing for this program. Students may be recommended for testing

by test score indicators, teachers, administrators, or parents.

Grading – All grades on progress reports and report cards will be numeric,

with the exception of Kindergarten, First and Second Grade Social Studies

and Science, Art, Music, and Physical Education.

Grades 1-5 All subjects in Kindergarten;

Physical Education, Art,

Music; Science and Social

Studies in Grades 1-2

A (90-100) P (Pass)

B (80-89) F (Fail)

C (70-79)

F (Below 70)

Pass/Fail: Students in Grades 1-2 will earn a grade of “Pass” or “Fail” in

Science and Social Studies. “Pass” indicates the student’s work is at or above

70. “Fail” indicates the student’s work is below 70.


Homework – The use of homework and reading practice is endorsed and

encouraged to promote student learning. Students develop self-discipline

and responsibility by setting aside time after school hours to complete

homework assignments. The purpose of homework includes increasing

student achievement, involved the student’s parents/guardians in the

learning process, and encouraging self-directed, independent learning.

Assigning quality homework offers students opportunities for enrichment,

practice of basic skills, and extension of instructional objectives.

Following is a guideline for the amount of time that should be spent on

homework each night:

Kindergarten 5-10 minutes

First Grade 10-20 minutes

Second Grade 15-30 minutes

Third Grade 30-40 minutes

Fourth Grade 40-50 minutes

Fifth Grade 50-60 minutes

If your student is spending longer than this on a regular basis, please talk

with the teacher. It could be that unfinished class work assignments may be

extending the time your child spends doing homework.

Local School Council – The LSC was established by Georgia law to “bring

communities and schools closer together in the spirit of cooperation to solve

difficult education problems, improve academic achievement, provide support

for teachers and administrators, and bring parents into the school-based

decision-making process…to provide advice, recommendations, and assistance

and represent the community of parents and business.” Elections will be held

in the spring to select members of this council. The Local School Council

replaces LSAC. Parents will still have a forum for their questions and for

learning about school programs through parent representatives on LSC.

Meetings will be announced and are open to the public. A parent will lead and

moderate the group.

Lost & Found – Found items of clothing and lunch boxes will be collected in a

designated lost and found location. Items such as jewelry, car keys, etc. are

given to the office. Unclaimed items are donated to charity on a quarterly

basis.


All items worn or brought to school by your child should be labeled with your

child’s name so that lost articles can be returned to the owner.

Media Center – Students will have an opportunity to visit the media center

each day with the flexible schedule available. Students are encouraged to

visit the Media Center and check out books. Media Center personnel will

provide assistance and guidance for students wishing to check out books or

conduct research. Students using the media center must remember to be

courteous and use a quiet voice at all times when visiting the media center.

Students are also expected to follow media center procedures and policies.

Parents are responsible for the replacement costs of lost or damaged

textbooks or library books issued to their child.

Mentoring Program – We are very fortunate to have the Optimist Club

Mentors of Pickens County working with students in our school. These

mentors meet with their mentees once each week. If you would like your

child to have a mentor, please contact Michelle Stangline, our counselor.

Non-Discrimination Policy – It is the policy of the Pickens County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), sex (Title IX of the

Education Amendments of 1972 and Title II of the Carl D. Perkins

Vocational Act of 1984), or handicap (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

of 1973) in education programs, activities and employment procedures. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title II, Title VI, Title IX, or Section

504 may be directed to the Pickens County Board of Education, 100 D. B.

Carroll Street, Jasper, GA 30143, 706-253-1700; or to the Director of Civil

Rights, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington DC.

Any student or parent who believes that the policy statement regarding title II, VI, IX or Section 504 has been violated should contact the building administrator immediately. Parent Resource Center - A Parent Resource Center is maintained by our

school and our Title I Program. It is located in the school’s foyer to provide

parents information on a wide variety of subjects supporting student

success. Additional resources may be available through our school counselor,

Michelle Stangline.


Parent Teacher Conferences – Communication is encouraged between school

and home. Parent conferences may be arranged by calling the school office

706-253-1860, or by writing or contacting the teacher directly. Teachers

can usually email or speak to parents at some point during the school day.

Teachers will not be available to conduct parent/teacher conferences nor

accept calls during instructional time.

Parent Teacher Organization –This organization brings parents, teachers,

administrators and other staff members together to work and communicate

as partners in providing resources to enhance the quality of education of our

school. All parents and school staff members are invited to become

members and be actively involved in the PTO sponsored activities. The

proceeds from these activities will be used to purchase items or services

needed by our students and our school. PTO’s website is http://tatepto.org/

Throughout the year, PTO sponsors activities and events for students and

their families. Fall Festival and Pastries for Parents are just a few of these.

2013-14 PTO leadership is provided by Co-Chairs – Lynne & Jeff Dodson,

Jennifer & Trent Cluley, Co-Vice Chairs, Treasurer – Julie Edwards,

Secretary – Linda Travis, Volunteer Coordinators – Teresa Green & Jessica

Reedy, and Fund Raising – Mike Gibbons.

Phones and Other Electronic Devices – Students are discouraged from

bringing cell phones or other electronic devices to school. However, any

student that brings a phone or electronic device to school must adhere to

the following guidelines: During school hours – 7:45 – 2:30 – the phone

and/or electronic device must remain in the child’s book bag and be turned

off.

Report Cards and Progress Reports

Report Cards - Report cards will be sent home each nine (9) weeks on

Oct. 17, Jan. 14, March 27, and May 30. Parent/teacher conferences

are encouraged at any time but are especially important for parents

of students earning failing grades.

Progress Reports – Progress Reports will be sent home at the mid-

point (4 ½ weeks) of each grading period as a communication tool for

http://tatepto.org/


students and parents. Dates for progress reports are Sept. 5, Nov. 13,

Feb. 6, and April 30.

Response-To-Intervention (RTI) Response-to-Intervention is a process

which includes the provision of systematic, research-based instruction and

interventions and/or enrichment for students. Designed as an intervention to

prevent long-term academic failure and/or to provide opportunity for

enrichment, RTI is primarily considered a general education service but may

also be implemented in special education settings. A school-wide RTI

instructional block – “DIVE Teams” (Differentiation is Very Effective) is

scheduled from 7:45 – 8:15 each day.

School Improvement - The purpose of the Georgia Division of School

Improvement is to design and implement a coherent and sustained statewide

system of support and process for improvement. In addition, the division

provides districts and schools in Georgia with tools and resources, as well as

intensive support and professional learning for all schools, including those

with significant student achievement issues. The division also collaborates

with other departments within the Georgia Department of Education and

other external agencies such as the Regional Educational Service Agencies,

the Georgia Learning Resources System, and colleges and universities to

provide support for all Georgia schools and districts.

School Improvement Responsibilities for Building Leaders

Establish a school-based leadership team comprised of

administrators, instructional coaches, teachers, and support staff

Guide the development, revision, and implementation of a school

improvement plan based on data

Student Achievement

Demographic

Process

Perception

Monitor and support implementation of

Common Core Georgia Performance Standards

Professional learning offered by the GaDOE

School improvement plan

Short-term action plans

Individual student progress


School Improvement Responsibilities for Teachers

Implement strategies, practices, and new knowledge from professional

learning

Implement agreed upon strategies that support the school

improvement plan

Monitor student progress toward meeting the Common Core Georgia

Performance Standards through diagnostic, formative benchmark, and

summative assessments

Engage in job-embedded professional learning (e.g., collaborative

planning, collaborative analysis of student work, learning team

meetings, etc.)

Participate in data team meetings and use the information from

meetings to adjust instruction.

Use technology to engage students in learning

Our School Improvement Team members are:

Amanda Neighbors Kindergarten

Brittany Gaddis First Grade

Wanda Farist Second Grade

Lisa Barnett Third Grade

Michele Moore Fourth Grade

Renee LeMieux Fifth Grade

Holly Moranos Paraprofessional

Mallory Childers Special Education

Destini Shope Learning Support Specialist

Deb Longshore Principal

School Visitors - All parents and visitors are to enter the school through

the main entrance and report to the school office to sign in and receive a

visitor’s pass before going to any classroom or other area of the school. If

parents would like to schedule a conference with a teacher, they are to call

the school and leave a message for the teacher or send the teacher a note

or an email.

Special Education – In compliance with PL94-142, Tate Elementary provides

the appropriate services for students who qualify for Special Education. The

following disabilities are served at our school: Learning Disabilities, Behavior


Disabilities, Mild to Moderate Mental Disabilities, Speech/Language

Impaired, Hearing Impaired, and Visually Impaired. Inclusionary teaching

strategies and resource strategies are utilized to provide the most

appropriate education services for students.

Special Education Records – IDEA (34 CFR 300.566) requires each local

school system to maintain documentation of confidentiality requirements for

those having access to special education records. Therefore, all requests,

including those made by parents or other agencies requesting special

education records, must be made through the Pickens County Schools Special

Education Department at the district office.

Student Birthdays – Student birthdays will be announced during morning

announcements. The student’s family may bring special snacks for the

student’s classmates to the office and the teacher will be notified. The

snacks will be given to the children during recess. Student birthday party

invitations may not be distributed at school.

Student Directory Information – Parents not desiring their child to be

identified in the school yearbook, Pickens County newspaper, or any other

publication, are required to make this request in writing within the first ten

days of enrollment. This request must be signed by a parent or legal

guardian and will remain on file for the school year.

Student Insurance – Student accident insurance is available for purchase at

the beginning of each school year. Two plans are available: School coverage

only and 24 hour coverage.

Telephone Use – Telephones are not generally available for student use. We

will discourage your child from calling you unless absolutely necessary. We

emphasize the importance of making arrangements for after school

activities or appointments before your child leaves in the morning. When

you call the school with a message for your child, we will do our best to see

that it is delivered. Classroom instruction will not be interrupted for

messages unless it is an emergency.


Should your home, work, or cell phone number change during the year,

please let the school office know the new number(s). It is critical that

we have current phone numbers should an emergency occur.

Title I Funding Notification - Money is provided by the federal government

to support student academic achievement. Tate Elementary School is

currently a school-wide Title I school and must specify how Title I funds are

to be spent. At TES, Title I funds are expended to support student

achievement and learning through our half-time Learning Support Specialist,

Destini Shope. Title I funds are also used to help provide additional support

for our students in the areas of reading, math, and language arts instruction

in our computer lab. Remaining Title I funds are used to purchase

supplemental reading, writing, and math, and science materials and to provide

staff training to maximize student learning.

Any individual, organization, or agency may file a complaint with the Georgia

Department of Education if that individual, organization, or agency believes

and alleges that the local board of education (LEA), the state educational

agency (SEA), or an agency or consortium of agencies is violating a Federal

statue or regulation that applies to a program under the Elementary and

Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The complaint must allege a violation that

occurred not more than one (1) year prior to the date that the complaint is

received, unless a longer period is reasonable because the violation is

considered systemic or ongoing. For more information, please visit

www.pickenscountyschools.org or contact Deb Longshore, Principal, Tate

Elementary School at 706-253-1860.

Toys, Electronic Devices, Etc. – Students may not bring toys to school

without prior approval of the teacher. This includes, but is not limited to,

footballs, basketballs, dolls and stuffed animals, toy cars, electronic devices

or games, etc. These items will be taken to the office and a parent will be

able to pick them up. The only exception to this is if a child is staying in the

After School Program. These students may bring toys from home, but the

toys must be kept in the backpack at all times during school hours. Failure to

follow these guidelines will result in the items being taken to the office for

parents to pick up.

The school is not responsible for lost toys, electronic devices, games or cell phones if they are lost, broken, or stolen.

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