wren elementary school

Wren Elementary School Anderson District One

Family Handbook

2012-2013

Principal: Rhonda Rhodes Assistant Principal: Amy Bagwell

226 Roper Road

Piedmont, SC 29673

Phone: 864-850-5950 Fax: 864-850-5951

Website: www.anderson1.k12.sc.us/schools/wres

This agenda belongs to:

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Teacher Name

http://www.anderson1.k12.sc.us/schools/wres

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Dates to Remember

August 16 Back to School Night

August 21 First Day of School

September 3 Labor Day Holiday

September 24 Professional Development Day (Student Holiday)

October 19 Fall Pictures

October 24th End of First Nine Weeks

November 2nd

Professional Development Day

November 5th Fall Holiday

November 6th Election Day/School Holiday (GO VOTE!)

November 7th Students Return from Fall Break

November 16th

Make Up Fall Pictures and Club Pictures

November 21st -23

rd Thanksgiving Holidays

November 26th

-30th Santa Shop

December 21st Last Student Day before Christmas Holidays

December 24-January 4th

Christmas Holidays

January 7th Students Return

January 17th End of Second Nine Weeks

January 21st Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday

February 15th Professional Development Day (Student Holiday)

March 19th

-20th PASS Writing Testing

March 25th End of Third Nine Weeks

March 29th Professional Development Day (Student Holiday)

April 1st – 5

th Spring Break

April 26th Snow Make-Up/Student Holiday

May 7-10th PASS Testing

May 27th Memorial Day Holiday

May 30th

K5 Program (AM); Fifth Grade Graduation (PM)

May 31st Moving Day

June 4th

-6th Half Days

June 4th First and Second Grade Award’s Day

June 5th Third and Fourth Grade Award’s Day

June 6th Last Day of School/End of Fourth Nine Weeks

June 7th Professional Development Day

June 10th -11

th Snow Make-Up Days

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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Wren Elementary Family,

Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year at Wren

Elementary! We are “rolling out the red carpet for

learning” for a new year and ready for our “stars” to

arrive.

Being part of the Wren Family is a unique experience

that we share. We have prepared this handbook to create

a better understanding between our school, parents, and

students. You are encouraged to read it carefully and

refer to it throughout the school year. Much of this

handbook should be read with your child and discussed.

If you have any questions about information in this

handbook, please contact me.

We look forward to working together to ensure the best

educational experience for your child. Thank you for

sharing your child with us. Welcome to Wren Elementary

and Anderson District One – it is honor to share our

tradition of excellence with your family!

Serving Students,

Rhonda R. Rhodes

Our Mission

Our mission is simple but strong:

“Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day!”

Our Beliefs:

Every child is a success story.

We believe in children, their unique qualities,

and diverse experiences.

Children need individualized instruction to

address their learning modalities.

All children are worthy of our best efforts.

The school environment should be inviting, safe

and challenging.

The needs of all students must be met –

socially, academically, and physically.

Students succeed when they are empowered to

make appropriate decisions and accept

responsibility for their choices.

On-going assessment should drive the

curriculum and should determine the

instructional needs of individual learners.

Education should prepare students for the 21st

century.

Home, community, and school work together to

benefit all students.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

TEACHER REQUESTS

Q. May I request a teacher for my child?

A. We are unable to take special requests for

teachers. If you feel your child has special needs or

considerations, please contact the principal during

the month of April to discuss your concerns and

submit the request in writing.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS / EARLY DISMISSALS

Q. How do I know if school is closed because of

poor weather?

A. We have a telephone notification system that can

be initiated when such decisions are made. Please

ensure we have your latest contact information on

file. The local news media is also a quick resource.

Many of our local news stations have e-alerts for

fast notification.

Q. What if school has to dismiss early?

A. Radios and television stations will be notified

first. Also, we will begin the school telephone

system. Students should be picked up within 30

minutes of early dismissal times. There will be no

after school programs, in the event of early

dismissal.

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INFORMATION NEEDED

Q. What is the best source of information about

what’s happening at Wren Elementary School?

A. Our school newsletter is published and

distributed every other week to keep you informed

of district, school and local happenings. On

occasions, special flyers will be sent home. Your

class newsletter is also an excellent resource for

class events. Be sure to save your copy of this

handbook and refer to it throughout the year.

Additionally, our school website, sign and phone

system are utilized as forms of communication.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Q. What are some opportunities for involvement for

parents?

A. Our WES PTO, Inc. is a very active group of

volunteers who are engaged in various school

activities and events. Our SIC, School Improvement

Council, is the liaison between our school and

families. They serve as a council to our principal

and offer suggestions about school improvement

issues. They also oversee the expenditure of special

state funds. And of course, we welcome volunteers

to work with students and in our classrooms.

Q. When do PTO and SIC meet?

A. Our PTO meets the first Tuesday of every month

throughout the year. The SIC meets quarterly.

I HAVE A CONCERN…

Q. I have a concern and want to know what I should

do to resolve it.

A. Parents are encouraged to schedule a conference

with the classroom teacher or the person with whom

they have a concern. If satisfaction is not achieved at

this conference, please call Mrs. Rhodes, Mrs.

Bagwell or Mrs. Ward as additional resources.

POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

ELIGIBILITY TO ATTEND WES

Students must reside within the Wren Elementary

attendance area. Upon registration, students must

present a certified birth certificate, SC immunization

record, social security number, and proof of

residence. An updated proof of residency must be

submitted yearly in the form of a current utility bill,

rental agreement, or current home contract.

TRANSFER TO ANOTHER SCHOOL

Please notify the school office at least one week in

advance of your child’s transfer from WES to

another school (if possible). We will prepare a

transfer form that you may pick up the last day of

your child’s attendance. You must sign a statement

permitting WES to forward your child’s records to

the new school. We will forward school records to

the receiving school when that school requests them.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Safety

Wren Elementary School is committed to providing

the children of this community a safe learning

environment. While Anderson District One residents

proudly champion high values and an outstanding

quality of life, and would generally expect few

potentially destructive events to occur in a school, it

is essential that we be prepared to deal with

emergency situations. Wren Elementary has

designated a Crisis Response/Recovery Team to

manage and resolve crisis situations effectively. The

Crisis Recovery Plan is available for parents to

review at any time. All guests (any non-school

employee) entering the school during school hours

must report to the office immediately. Each guest

must sign in our School Check-In System with

his/her driver’s license. Any person observed

wandering the building or grounds is subject to be

reported to the local Law Enforcement.

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Visitation at WES

You are welcome and encouraged to visit our school

for observation, conference, or as a volunteer. To

avoid visiting during a test or other instruction,

please arrange a time and date with your child’s

teacher. During state testing, the only volunteers

permitted in the building are those directly serving

as a PASS Monitor and trained by Mrs. Ward. If

you visit without an appointment, please follow

these guidelines when observing in classrooms. All

observers / visitors must report to the main office

before entering our hallways.

1. Observations should be conducted as

discretely as possible. Please do not

interrupt instruction. If you need to talk

with the teacher, please do so by calling the

teacher in the afternoon or leaving a

message in the office for a return phone

call. Please do not “take just a moment” of

time when students are in the room. We

guard our instruction as every minute

counts! The teacher’s focus will be on the

children and instruction.

2. Please note that your child may behave

differently when a parent is in the

classroom. Students often complete work

or have better behavior when a personal

visitor is present. Often times, specific

concerns will not be observed during a

parent visit.

Again, welcome to school! We hope you have a

successful visit. Our door is always open to you, and we

hope you will visit with us again in the future.

Registration

Kindergarten enrollment, in accordance with South

Carolina Law, states a child must be five on or before

September 1, 2012.

Registration is held in the spring for children entering

Kindergarten in August. All students entering Wren

Elementary must present the following:

1. Legal Birth Certificate

2. SC Certificate of Immunization

3. Social Security Card

4. Proof of Residency (current utility bill)

Notes Required From Parents or Guardians

Explanation of absences

Explanation of tardies

Early Dismissal Requests

Excuses from PE or Recess

Permission to go home with another child

Changes in transportation

Proper form to take medicine (See medication

policy)

Changes in Transportation

We understand that emergencies arise and plans change.

However, changes in afternoon transportation should be

sent in writing to the school. If a phone call is the only

alternative, please understand we do our best to send

messages to students when circumstances change but

request this be on a limited basis. We cannot interrupt

instruction with personal phone messages to students,

and students often revert back to the original plan of

transportation.

School Closings / Early Dismissals

Sometimes it is necessary to close school or have early

dismissals. During times of inclement weather or other

emergencies, you should watch our local news stations

and listen to local radio stations. We will utilize our

school telephone calling system to notify you of such

information. Please ensure your contact information is

current and up-to-date with our front office.

If school has an early dismissal, you should arrange for

someone to meet the school bus during the announced

time, or pick up within 30 minutes of dismissal time in

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the car circle. Remember, only those designated people

on the approval list will be allowed to pick up your child.

Attendance Policy

Tardiness

Wren Elementary’s school day begins at 7:55 AM. The

doors open at 7:20 AM. Children should be in their

classrooms and ready to begin learning at 7:55 AM.

When children arrive after 7:55, an adult must

accompany them to the office. Our front door is locked

upon the beginning of our school day; it is essential for

an adult to walk your child to the front office upon late

arrivals. Students receive a tardy pass and report to their

classroom teacher.

When students are tardy they interrupt class and may

miss important explanations of morning work.

Remember, just five minutes a day is equal to 25 minutes

a week.

Punctuality is a quality of good citizenship. Help your

child arrive on time. If your child is late due to an

emergency, please write a note of explanation. The

school periodically reviews tardies and sends home

letters to communicate accumulation. Continuation of

tardies will result in referral to the Anderson County

Attendance Officer.

Attendance

The Education Improvement Act of 1984 makes regular

school attendance compulsory for all children ages 5-16.

A child may be exempt from kindergarten only if the

parent/guardian files the “Form to Elect Non-attendance

in Compulsory Kindergarten” with the school in his/her

attendance area.

The law requires that school officials immediately

intervene when a student has three unexcused

consecutive unlawful absences or five unexcused, and

that the District Board of Trustees or its designee shall

approve or disapprove any student absences in excess of

ten days.

Absences fall into two categories: Lawful and Unlawful.

There are four specific types of Lawful (excused)

absences:

1. Illness

Illness that is certified by a doctor’s statement is a lawful

absence. This would include a medical appointment that

could not be scheduled at a time other than during school

hours. However, we encourage the scheduling of such

appointments at times that would not interfere with

school. If a student is absent for an illness that does not

require medical attention, a parent may send a note with

date(s) of absence, a description of the illness,

accompanied by a parent signature within three days

following the student’s return to school. The school will

accept five (5) parent notes per year.

2. Death in Family

When there has been a death in the student’s immediate

family and the student has been absent as a result, then

the absence(s) will be excused or lawful. The principal

may require evidence in addition to the parent/guardian

statement. This statement must be presented within three

(3) days following the student’s return to school. The

excuse must list the date(s) of absence(s), the reason(s)

for the absence(s), and must be signed by the

parent/guardian and dated on the day the student returns

to school.

3. School Functions or Activities

Student absences that are school related will be excused.

This does not include suspension for disciplinary reasons

or non-school sponsored travel. Additionally, if students

are absent during a regular school day, they are not

permitted to participate in after-school activities or

school functions on that same day.

4. Religious Holidays

Students may be excused for religious holidays of their

faith when these holidays fall on a school day(s). The

principal may require evidence in addition to the

statement from the parent/guardian.

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In addition to the above four specific types, the principal

of each school has the discretion of deciding if an

absence is lawful or unlawful. If the principal feels the

absence is due to an emergency situation which is

beyond the student’s control, then the principal may

excuse the absence.

The other category of student absences is unlawful or

unexcused. These include:

1. Students who are willingly absent from school

without the knowledge of their parents.

2. Students who are absent from school without

acceptable cause with the knowledge of their

parents.

3. Students who are absent from school due to

suspensions.

4. Students who are absent due to non-school

sponsored travel.

5. Absences for which a student fails to present a

valid excuse. This could include absence(s) for

medical reasons if not accompanied by a

doctor’s statement or parent note. The school

will accept up to five (5) parent notes per

year. It could also include absence(s) for illness

or death in the family as well as absence(s) for

religious holiday unless adequately documented

as determined by the proper school official. If

an excuse is not returned within the proper time

frame (five days for medical, three days for

parent), the absence becomes unexcused.

Letters will be sent periodically when absences are

accumulated. The law requires school districts to develop

a plan of intervention after a certain number of unlawful

absences. This requires contact with parents to determine

the cause(s) of the absence(s) and develop a plan, if

necessary for improved attendance.

Early Dismissal

Students must remain in school until 10:00 AM to be

counted present for the day. Any early dismissals before

10:00 must be approved by the principal or designee

and/or accompanied by a medical note upon the student’s

return to school. End of the day dismissal is a busy time

in our front office. Please refrain from picking up your

child after 2:15.

Tardies/Early Dismissals

Frequent tardies or early dismissals interfere with the

instructional design for learning within our school day.

Continuation of tardies/early dismissals will be reviewed

and can result in referral to the Anderson County

Attendance Officer. Our school day begins at 7:55 and

attendance is taken at that time. Please, whenever

possible, schedule medical and dental appointments after

school hours.

We DO NOT allow students to leave the school grounds

without being accompanied by you or a designated adult

listed on the form given at registration. Also, anyone not

known by our office personnel may have to present

identification before a student is released. You must

come to the office in order for your child to leave the

building. Parents/guests may not report to the classroom

for early dismissals.

Attendance Incentives

Wren Elementary encourages all students to arrive to

school on time daily and avoid early dismissals when

possible. Attendance incentives are rewarded to students

who have less than three tardies and/or early dismissals

for each nine-week period. This incentive provides

positive reinforcement to students on the importance of

good attendance and punctuality in school.

Every Minute “Counts” at WES

Your attendance is very important!

Be here and arrive on time each and every day!

All A and A/B Honor Roll

Students are recognized quarterly and yearly for

achieving the All A and A/B Honor Roll. The All A

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Honor Roll is awarded to students who maintain a 93 or

Higher in each of the four academic classes

PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICY

This policy establishes the basic structure for the

promotion, retention and acceleration of students. The

district affirms academic excellence for students. The

policy outlines guidelines to be considered for promotion

from one grade level to the next in a regular education

program. Students served through special education

programs will be governed by the Individual Educational

Program (IEP). The district will administer this policy

fairly, equitably and consistently in all schools:

Promotion based on the following:

Grade One: A first grade student must demonstrate

mastery of 80% of the first grade reading/English

language arts, mathematics, and science standards in

order to be promoted to second grade. Mastery will be

documented through diagnostic test results, and/or basal

tests as determined by the district and classroom

performance.

Grade Two: A second grade student must demonstrate

mastery of 80% of the second grade reading/English

language arts, mathematics, and science standards in

order to be promoted to third grade. Mastery will be

documented through diagnostic test results, and/or basal

tests as determined by the district and classroom

performance.

Grades Three-Five: Mastery of each Palmetto

Achievement Challenge Test (PACT) at a level

determined by the State Board of Education will be

evaluated. Additionally, 80% of the assigned grade

reading/English language arts, mathematics, and science

standards in order to be promoted to next grade. Mastery

will be documented through diagnostic test results,

and/or basal tests as determined by the district and

classroom performance.

How to Be an Informed Parent

We want you included and involved in your child’s

education, school events and happenings.

1. The Spotlight is our school wide

communication tool. It is sent home throughout

the school year. It contains valuable information

that keeps you informed of the latest

happenings at WES.

2. Your teacher’s newsletters are valuable! This

includes classroom and grade level news

involving your child.

3. Read our school sign. It lists many important

events and announcements.

4. E-mail us and check out our websites. E-mail is

a quick, easy form of communication. Use your

child’s agenda. This serves as an effective daily

communication tool between you and your

child’s teacher.

5. Also, we leave important announcements on our

school answering machine. You may leave a

message after hours; someone from our office

staff will return your call.

6. Call us! Your school administration, teachers

and staff encourage you to discuss your

comments, questions, and concerns with us. We

can grow together.

School Clothing

The administration is committed to providing the most

productive, distraction-free, and safest learning

environment possible for all students. Any fashion,

extreme fad, make-up, or accessories that distract from

instruction taking place in the classroom or school

building will not be allowed. Any specific fashion that

needs to be discontinued will be addressed by the

administration. The following items are not appropriate

for school:

Tube Tops worn as a top or as a skirt;

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Shorts, skirts, skorts, dresses, jumpers that are

not fingertip or longer (length determined by

child standing with arms straight down by side);

T-shirts with inappropriate language or

alcoholic/tobacco products;

Pants should be worn at the waist – No

oversized pants at the waist or length;

Undergarments should not be exposed;

Muscle shirts with large arm openings;

Midriffs, halters, or spaghetti straps (Straps at

least one inch) – Tops should be long enough to

tuck in the waistline and should not show the

stomach when arms are raised;

No hats or sunglasses should be worn in the

building;

Any article or clothing with holes, tears, cuts or

slits extending above the appropriate fingertip

length;

Skate shoes or “heely’s”;

Any attire, unnatural hair color, or hair style

relating to personal appearance that would

disrupt the normal operation at school.

All interpretation of dress, either listed or unlisted, is at

the discretion of the administration.

School Telephone Numbers

Our office phone number is (864) 850-5950. Our

friendly office staff will take messages for teachers and

staff members but may not be able to deliver them

immediately. If you wish to speak with a teacher by

phone, please leave a message with our office personnel.

The person you are calling will return your call during a

planning time or after school.

A student may use the office phone to call home in the

event of an urgent matter and with teacher approval. Our

school’s fax number is (864) 850-5951.

E-mail

Our school has e-mail in every room. You may e-mail

your child’s teacher or any employee. Please keep all e-

mails to school related business.

Code of Student Behavior and Responsibility

Students are expected to exhibit behavior that is

appropriate for Wren Elementary School to achieve its

mission and goals. All behaviors stated in the Anderson

District One Guidelines must be followed. Our students

are here to learn.

Students exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be given

a classroom consequence, a parent phone call or note, or

a visit to the principal’s office. Office referrals follow

school district policy and suspensions may result from

repeated or severe infractions.

Wren Elementary has implemented PBIS: Positive

Behavior Intervention and Support as our school wide

expectations. We follow the four principles throughout

our building and school day: We are WREN.

W – Work Responsibly

R – Respect All

E – Expect Excellence

N- Notice Others

Teachers and students model these expectations and

receive incentives for following the WREN Way. In

addition to these expectations, teachers have developed

guidelines within their own classrooms. These rules

stress teamwork, cooperation, mutual respect and student

responsibility. All disciplinary actions follow school and

district guidelines.

Fighting constitutes possible suspension of all parties

involved.

In regards to discipline, please note that these rules

apply to any student:

Who is on school or district property

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Who is in attendance at school or any school-

sponsored activity, whether on or off school

grounds

Who is en-route, to and from, on a school bus or

district vehicle

Whose conduct at any time in any place has a

direct and immediate effect on maintaining

order and discipline in Anderson District One

Possible sanctions to be applied may include, but are not

limited to, withdrawal of privileges/exclusion from

participation in extracurricular activities, and other

sanctions approved by the administration.

Nothing in this policy prohibits the Superintendent or

other appropriate district level administrators from

directly, or in consultations with school level

administrators, imposing authorized disciplinary

sanctions consistent with the district’s discipline code.

In the cafeteria, we expect our students to:

1. Use proper table manners and leave their places

clean.

2. Talk in a quiet voice with people at their own

table (not between tables).

3. Get all utensils, napkins, milk, etc. as needed as

they go through the line.

4. Remain seated at all times once places are taken

at the lunch table.

5. Raise their hands if something is needed so that

a teacher/assistant can give assistance to them at

the table.

On the playground, we expect our students to:

1. Use equipment properly and safely.

2. Show good sportsmanship and fair play.

3. Play with appropriate equipment as toys (no

sand, sticks, rocks…).

4. Line up promptly and orderly at the signal to

end recess.

Positive Reinforcements

At Wren Elementary, we believe in recognizing good

behavior. Being proactive, modeling positive behavior

and recognizing appropriate conduct take place within

our classrooms and school-wide.

Prize Patrol: The administration meets with grade levels

each nine weeks to recognize students who achieve the

Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, exemplify our Four Key

Habits, Good Citizenship and Improvement. We discuss

goal setting and award students whose work excels in

these areas. Each child has a new opportunity each nine

weeks to earn these recognitions.

PBIS offers incentives for individuals and classrooms.

Various benchmarks are set and rewarded for achieving

these milestones.

RADIOS, TOYS, DANGEROUS ITEMS

Radios, cd players, toys, paging devices, and dangerous

items such as knives, matches, or any type of weapon are

not allowed at school. It is not necessary for a student to

have a cell phone at school. If a cell phone is seen or

heard, it will be turned in to the front office and parents

will need to come to the school. District policy will be

followed.

To insure the safety of everyone, it is important to

remind your child that no items resembling a weapon

will be allowed at school for any reason. If your child

has a “toy” weapon in his/her possession, he or she may

be suspended from school.

Students should not use rolling luggage in place of

rolling book bags. Book bags with wheels are acceptable.

Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying

The board prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or

bullying/cyber bullying of a student by students, staff

and third parties that interfere with or disrupt a student’s

ability to learn and the school’s responsibility to educate

its students in a safe and orderly environment whether in

a classroom, on school premises, on a school bus or other

school-related vehicle, at an official school bus stop, at a

school-sponsored activity or even whether or not it is

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held on school premises, or at another program or

function where the school is responsible for the student.

For the purpose of this policy, harassment, intimidation

or bullying/cyber bullying is defined as a gesture,

electronic communication, or a written, verbal, physical

or sexual act reasonably perceived to have the effect of:

Harming a student physically or

emotionally or damaging a student’s

property, or placing a student in

reasonable fear of personal harm or

property damage;

Insulting or demeaning a student or a

group of students causing substantial

disruption in, or substantial

interference with, the orderly operation

of the school;

Posing a threat or interfering with or

disrupting the work and discipline of

the schools through the inappropriate

use of the Internet or web-based

resources and/or social networking via

the Internet, telephones or personal

data assistants.

All schools will educate students about appropriate

online behavior, including but not limited to, interacting

with other individuals on social networking sites, chat

rooms, and blogs and cyber bullying awareness and

response.

Any student who feels he/she has been subjected to

harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber bullying is

encouraged to file a complaint in accordance with

procedures set by the superintendent. Complaints will be

investigated promptly, thoroughly and confidentially. All

school employees are required to report alleged

violations of this policy to the principal or his/her

designee. Reports by students or employees may be

made anonymously.

The district prohibits retaliation or reprisal in any form

against a student or employee who has filed a complaint

or report of harassment, intimidation or bullying. The

district also prohibits any person from falsely accusing

another as a means of harassment, intimidation, bullying

or cyberbullying.

The board expects students to conduct themselves in an

orderly, courteous, dignified and respectful manner.

Students, parents/legal guardians, and employees have a

responsibility to know and respect the policies, rules and

regulations of the school and district. Any student or

employee who is found to have engaged in the prohibited

actions as outlined in this policy will be subject to

disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion in the

case of a student or termination in the case of an

employee. Individuals may also be referred to law

enforcement officials. The district will take all other

appropriate steps to correct or rectify the situation.

The superintendent will be responsible for ensuring

notice of this policy is provided to students, staff,

parents/legal guardians, volunteers and members of the

community including its applicability to all areas of the

school environment as outlined in this policy.

Cell Phone

It is not necessary for a student to have a cell phone at

school. If a cell phone is seen or heard, it will be turned

in to the front office and parents will need to come to the

school.

There is a current board policy that addresses cell phone

use. These are the consequences from the board policy.

First Offense – Confiscation of the devise and

the student is subject to discipline as provided

under the district’s code of student conduct.

After a conference with the parent/legal

guardian, the device will be returned to the

adult.

Second Offense – Confiscation of the device and


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guardian, the device will be returned to the adult

at the end of the semester.

Third Offense – Confiscation of the device and




guardian, the device will be returned to the adult

at the end of the school year.

Suspension and Expulsion

In order to maintain the safest environment for all

students, the following actions will result in immediate

suspension from school:

1. possession of any type of weapon on school

grounds or school functions;

2. making a threat of serious harm to another

person;

3. fighting or intentionally inflicting harm on

another person.

Emergency Information

It is very important that Wren Elementary be able to

contact you in the event of an emergency. We must have

your CURRENT address and phone number at all times,

even if your phone number is unlisted. Please notify our

Student Records Secretatry if you change your address,

phone number, or place of employment so she may

update your child’s information.

Homework Policy

Homework is an extension of classroom activities and

assignments should be challenging and meaningful.

Students will be assigned homework throughout the

week and all students are expected to complete

homework assignments. The purpose of homework is as

follows:

1. To expand upon work started in class and

develop good study habits, effort, initiative,

independence, responsibility and self-direction.

2. To allow the student to foster his creative

ability.

3. To increase and add to the student’s skill level

and knowledge.

4. To transform worthwhile school activities into

permanent leisure interests.

5. To incorporate help and resources of the home

and family.

Appropriate Times for Homework:

No student should take longer (FOCUSED TIME) than

the following time to complete the daily assigned

homework.

Kindergarten Approximately 15 minutes

Grades 1 & 2 20-40 Minutes

Grades 3-5 40-75 Minutes

We need your support and help by:

Providing a suitable study area without

distractions

Check agendas, review assignments and check

for completion

Assist with assignments rather than completing

them for children

Guidance

Wren Elementary School has an excellent guidance

program for all students led by Mrs. Tamela Ward.

Counseling services are meant to be developmental and

preventative. State and national guidance standards of

learning to live, learning to work and learning to learn

are vital to meeting the needs of each student. Standards

under “Learning to Live” correlate to strands of

understanding and appreciating self, home, family,

respect of others and developing a sense of community.

Such topics are an integral part of Wren Elementary’s

total educational program. Developmentally-appropriate

activities are designed and implemented by the school

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counselor for individuals, small groups or classes. The

Guidance Program includes:

1. Guidance Curriculum: providing content in a

systematic way to all students, K-5. (Skill

development and application of skills needed in

everyday life.)

2. Individual planning: assisting students in

planning, monitoring, and managing their

personal and career development. (Decision

making, problem solving and goal setting)

3. Responsive Services: addressing the immediate

concerns of students.

4. Systems Support: supporting students and staff

through activities and special services.

LAUNCH

LAUNCH, the district’s gifted and talented education

program, is provided for those students who qualify by

meeting the required criteria set forth by the State

Department of Education. In order to enter the program,

a student must qualify in two of the three following

dimensions:

Dimension A: Reasoning Abilities

A student scoring 96th

or higher national age percentile

composite score on the administered IQ test measure for

students entering grades 3-12 automatically qualifies in

the program;

A student scoring 93rd

or higher national age percentile

on verbal/linguistic, quantitative, mathematical,

nonverbal, and/or a composite of the three (and qualifies

in a following Dimension).

Dimension B: Academic Achievement

Students scoring in the 94th

national percentile and above

in reading comprehension or math concepts/problem

solving on the administered achievement test measure or

Exemplary in reading or math on PASS (Palmetto

Assessment of State Standards).

Dimension C: Intellectual/Academic Performance on

Project Star Test (grades 3-6).

Students entering Grade 3:

A Primary Verbal Score of 16 or higher

A Primary Nonverbal Score of 16 or higher


A Primary Verbal Score of 18 or higher

A Primary Nonverbal Score of 18 or higher


An Intermediate Verbal Score of 16 or higher

An Intermediate Nonverbal Score of 22 or

higher

LAUNCH students are exposed to activities that stress

logical thinking, critical/creative thinking, task

commitment, group dynamics, literature, and writing

skills. Parents are notified when a student qualifies for

the program. Any questions concerning the gifted and

talented program should be directed to Mrs. Ayers.

Media Services

The media center at Wren Elementary School is the heart

of our school. We are committed to providing media

services utilizing the latest technology and richest

literature. Our library teaches children how to locate,

synthesize and analyze research information, as well as

develop a life-long love of reading. Kindergarten through

fifth grade classes visits the media center once a week

for literature-based activities, story-time and check-out.

The media center is open 7:30-3:30, Monday through

Thursday and 7:30-2:45 on Fridays. Students are

encouraged to visit during these times to check-out

books, take Scholastic tests, or access resources for

projects assigned in the classroom. There are no fines for

overdue books, but there is a charge assessed for

damaged or lost library books. Our goal in the media

center is to help all students become lifelong readers and

confident users of information resources.

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Field Trips

Field trips are an extension of our instructional program

and are scheduled by our teachers to various points of

interest. These trips are designed to supplement different

aspects of the classroom curriculum and connect students

to learning. Parents will receive notices of field trips well

in advance of the scheduled trip day and asked to sign a

Field Trip Permission Form. This form must be returned

for your child to participate on the field trip. On most

trips, a fee will be requested from each student to help

pay for admission and transportation costs. For our

students going on overnight field trips, we have SCRIP

cards available in the front office where students earn a

percentage toward their field trip costs. Please ask your

child’s teacher or contact the front office for more

details.

Lost and Found

We maintain a lost and found area located in the

Kindergarten Hallway. To minimize lost articles, please

put your child’s name on items of clothing, lunch boxes

and water bottles using a permanent marker. (Remember

to practice safety and don’t display children’s names

where strangers may see!) All unclaimed articles are

donated to charities before Christmas, during spring

break, and again during summer vacation. Remind your

child to check with the office or look in the lost and

found area if they are missing an item.

School Pictures

A photographer will make individual pictures for our

school each fall and again in the spring. Dates for

pictures will be listed in advance in the Friday Gram and

are currently scheduled as the following:

Friday, October 19th

– Fall Pictures

Friday, November 16th

– Make-Up and Club

Pictures

April – Spring and Class Pictures

The purchase of all school pictures is voluntary.

School Lunch and Breakfast Program

The cafeteria manager and her staff provide nourishing,

well-balanced lunches for students, visitors, and staff.

While students are encouraged to eat the lunches

prepared at school, they may bring a lunch from home.

We encourage healthy lunches; carbonated drinks are

discouraged. We understand special occasions and

birthdays but respectfully request that fast food lunches

be limited. Thank you for modeling a healthy lifestyle to

all students. Also, due to safety and time factors, we can

not heat lunches in our microwaves. Please send this type

of lunch in an insulated thermos.

Wren Elementary School operates a breakfast program.

The cafeteria begins serving breakfast at 7:30. Only late

bus riders will be served breakfast after 7:50. All

students, other than late bus riders, must be in their

classrooms by 7:55.

Free and reduced meals are available as outlined by the

National School Lunch Program. You may complete an

application at school registration or come by the school

office to receive a form.

The cafeteria provides many opportunities to learn and

practice social skills and good manners. Students and

teachers may talk with one another in acceptable,

conversational tones. We request that each student and

adult leaves the area around his/her place free of food

and paper after eating.

Parents and grandparents may join a student for lunch

but are requested to give notice to the cafeteria staff by

9:00 on the day they plan to eat. This helps ensure an

accurate count for lunch for everyone. When joining a

student for lunch, please register in the office, receive a

guest badge, and you may wait on the bench outside the

cafeteria.

We request lunch money be paid weekly to the cafeteria

clerk each Monday morning. Children who do not wish

to pay by the week may pay the clerk daily as they go

through the line. Because of record keeping, we cannot

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allow children to charge meals. Please help us in this

matter. Students with overdue accounts in excess of $15

will be served peanut butter and jelly sandwich lunches

until a positive balance is maintained.

Health Policy

Students are urged to remain at home when they have

any type of communicable disease or when they are too

sick to attend classes. If a student gets sick at school, the

school will notify parents of the illness. If parents know

they cannot be reached at home, they should keep on file

in the school office the number where they can be

reached or the name and number of the person who can

act in their place.

Head Lice

In compliance with district policy, a student sent home

with head lice or nits may return to school only after

being cleared by the nurse and/or administration. On the

day the child returns to school, he/she must be

accompanied by a guardian.

If you have knowledge of the existence of lice or nits,

please notify the office so that proper action on our part

may be taken (for example, classrooms sprayed, etc.).

Immunization

All students must have a South Carolina Certificate of

Immunization from their doctor or the health department

before entering school. When a student enters from

another school, the permanent record will be checked to

ensure all immunizations have been completed. If not,

the student will be required to get the necessary shots.

Required Immunization for School Admittance:

DPT/PTa/DT - at least four doses – all grades

with one on or after 4th

birthday

Polio OPV/IPV – at least three doses – all

grades with one on or after 4th

birthday

MMR – two does – all grades – both must be on or

after 1st birthday or at least one month apart

Hepatitis B – three doses – all grades

Variecella – one dose (on or after 1st birthday)

or proof that child has had Chickenpox – all

grades

HIB – K4 current, age appropriate

Dispensing Medicine

School Board Policy prohibits employees from

dispensing medicine to students to unless we have a

written statement on file from a licensed physician and

signed permission from the parent. Please do not ask us

to give your child medicine unless you have followed

these guidelines; we will not be able to do so. These

forms are available in the front office. All medicine must

be in the original container with directions on the label

(prescription and non-prescription).

Students with Special Health Care Needs

Many health care services can be provided to students

and enable them to stay at school to learn and participate

with other students. Our goal is to provide information to

parents and legal guardians about some of the services

and programs available to address the health care needs

of students during the school day to help students

succeed in school. It is important that the necessary

health information is shared with the appropriate people,

such as teachers on duty during recess, bus drivers, and

cafeteria employees to ensure students’ health needs are

met throughout the school day.

Individual Health Care Plans or Individual Health Plans

(IHP’s)

Individual health care plans are also called individual

health plans or IHP’s. School nurses who are registered

nurses write IHP’s to guide how a student’s health care

needs will be met while at school. The nurse works with

the student, the student’s parents or legal guardians, the

student’s health care provider, and other school staff to

write the plan. IHP’s are written for students who have

special health care needs that must be met by school staff

during the school day. IHP’s are also written for students

who have been approved by the school district to self-

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medicate or self-monitor. To learn more about IHP’s,

talk with your child’s school nurse.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973(Section

504)

Section 504 is a federal law that requires public schools

to make adjustments so that students with certain

disabilities can learn and participate in settings like other

students who do not have disabilities. To be eligible for

services under Section 504, a student must have a

condition that substantially limits one or more major life

activities. A team decides if a student is eligible. The

team should include the student’s parent/legal guardian,

the student (if able), and others who know the student or

about the disability(ies), such as, a teacher, guidance

counselor, school nurse, and other school staff. If the

student is eligible, the team develops an individual

accommodation plan. The individual accommodation

plan explains how the student’s needs will be met while

at school and may include health services for the student

during the school day if needed. To learn more about

Section 504, contact your child’s guidance counselor or

Dr. Keith, Director of Special Services at 864-847-7344.

Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

Students who are between the ages of 3-21 may receive

services under the IDEA if the student needs special

education and related services to benefit from his/her

educational program. A team decides if a student

qualifies for services under IDEA. The team includes the

student’s parents/guardians, teachers, and other school

staff. The team develops an individualized education

program (IEP) if the student meets federal and state

requirements. The IEP outlines a plan for helping the

student receive a free appropriate public education and

meet goals set by the team. The IEP may include health

services for the student during the school day if needed.

To learn more about IDEA, contact Dr. Brian Keith,

Director of Special Services at 864-847-7344.

Medical Homebound Instruction

Medical homebound instruction is a service that is

available for students who cannot attend school for a

medical reason even with the aid of transportation. A

physician must certify that the student has such a

medical condition but may benefit from instruction, and

must complete the homebound form that the school

district provides. The school district then decides

whether to approve the student for medical homebound

services. In case of serious injury or illness, the school

district can arrange for a homebound teacher who will

teach your child at home or at the hospital.

Notify the school in the event of this type of situation so

that arrangements can be made for a homebound teacher.

Special Education

Special education classes are provided for students who

have learning difficulties or other special needs. Due

process procedures are followed in the placement of

children in the resource classroom. Written permission

for a psychological evaluation and placement must be

obtained from the parents; a staffing committee must

recommend placement, and an Individualized

Educational Program must be written for the student.

Resource students are served in small groups or within

the class setting by a special education teacher. Students

in the self-contained class remain with the special

education teacher throughout the day. The aim of the

special education program is to provide individualized

instruction to help each child reach his/her potential.

Speech Therapist

A licensed, certified speech-language pathologist is on

staff providing therapeutic services to children with

articulation, language, voice and fluency disorders.

These students are typically served in a small group

setting, outside the regular classroom, to meet their

individual needs.

Transportation – Car Riders, Day Care, and Buses

Car Riders

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Student car riders are encouraged to arrive between

7:20-7:50. Car rider drop off and pick up will be at the

front and back of the school. To ensure the safety of all

students, please follow the directions of the staff

members on duty. We ask that you pick up your child

promptly in the afternoon. Bus and car rider dismissal

begins at 2:40. Please be prompt in picking up your

children because our teachers have meetings to attend

after required supervision is completed. All children

must be picked up by 3:15 p.m. each afternoon which is

35 minutes past our dismissal time. Your attention to

time allows our teachers to continue their professional

duties and obligations. We have forms and payment

information available to attend our YMCA After-School

Program if you need daycare beyond our school day.

These will be given to families who are habitually past

the 3:15 car rider time.

We have additional guidelines in place to ensure the

maximum safety for ALL of our children:

Please refrain from early dismissals after

2:15. Our students are learning until the last

minutes of the day or transitioning for

dismissal. We can not interrupt our school

routine at this time.

We want to provide the safest environment for

all of our students; consequently, we need

parents picking up children in the afternoon to

stay in the car circle. We can not have adults

standing on the front porch waiting for students

to exit the building or sitting in the front of the

school. We wish we could honor each family’s

schedule and allow you to avoid the car traffic

but we do not have the parking space or

resources to accommodate this. Please respect

and adhere to the school procedure by following

the school dismissal routine and be fair to all

Wren Elementary families.

Car rider dismissal usually takes longer at the

beginning of the school year, as children,

parents and staff members learn routines. We

ask for your patience as we master this process.

We promise, as the school year progresses, our

total dismissal time will decrease. We value

everyone’s time and appreciate your

cooperation.

The car circle should be a cell free zone. We

need your undivided attention while children

are loading/unloading. We value our children’s

safety!!

Students must load or exit on the side of the

car closest to the sidewalk. If circumstances

arise that will not allow this, please ensure a

supervising teacher escorts your child.

Please drive to the end of the line when

loading/unloading your child. This allows a

more timely arrival and dismissal process.

Please do not pass cars in the car circle. There

are times our little ones take an extra moment to

load or unload. If it is an obvious delay, a

teacher will direct cars to pass at a designated

time. Our children’s safety is more precious

than time.

Fourth and Fifth Grade students, and siblings,

may be picked up in the back of the school for

car rider dismissal. Cars must wait until the

buses are loaded and exited before proceeding

to pick up his/her child. Additionally, a loading

bus may NEVER be passed in the car circle.

Students in K4-third grade will dismiss in the

front traffic circle, unless siblings are in fourth

and fifth grade.

Bus Riders

School Bus transportation is a privilege that may be

withdrawn for inappropriate behavior. We have excellent

drivers who work with students before referral to the

office for assistance. If discipline problems occur on the

bus, the driver will complete a disciplinary report and

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submit it to the school for appropriate action. We will

send a copy of the report to the parents and/or call

parents about the incident. If the problem persists,

students may be suspended from riding a bus. If you

have any questions or concerns regarding bus schedules,

drivers, or transportation related issues, you may contact

the bus office at 864-947-8989.

Changing Buses

Any student wishing to ride a bus that is different from

the bus his/her normally ride should have a note from

home requesting the change of transportation. The note

should be brought to the office for a signature and

returned to the child who will give it to the bus driver

when he/she gets on the desired bus.

Rules for Safe Bus Riding

1. Board the bus in an orderly manner and remain

seated. If seats are assigned, sit in your assigned

seat.

2. Remain seated while the bus is in motion.

3. Keep books, packages, coats, and other objects

in your lap and out of the aisle.

4. Maintain our school rules on the bus. The bus is

an extension of our school.

5. Be on time at your designated bus stop.

6. Do not bring onto the bus any object prohibited

by district policy or large objects.

First Offense: a verbal warning to the student and

contacting or sending a copy of the bus report to the

student’s parents/guardians advising of the

misconduct. If the offense is of serious nature, a one

to three day suspension may be given.

Second Offense: suspension from riding the bus for

a period up to five days may be given and a copy of

the bus report to the parents/guardians.

Third Offense: suspension from riding the bus for a

period of five to ten days may be given and a copy

of the bus report sent home to the parents.

Fourth Offense: Students may be suspended from

riding the bus for a period up to 15 days to the

remainder of the school year and a copy of the bus

report sent home to the parents. Further problems

will result in students being turned over to the

Resource Officer.

*Fighting, refusing to obey, and/or any unsafe action

will result in automatic loss of bus privileges. In

essence, there will be no warnings for this type of

conduct. We take the safety of our students seriously

and will not jeopardize this safety at the expense of

misbehavior.

Important Notices

Release of Directory Information/Media Release

A federal law, the Family Educational Rights and

Privacy Act (FERPA), allows a school district to release

“directory information” about students to individuals

who request it. Directory information includes the

student’s name, address, telephone number, date and

place of birth, participation in officially recognized

activities and sports, weight and height of members of

athletic teams, dates of attendance, diploma or certificate

and awards received, photograph (as related to school /

district sponsored events, activities and special

recognitions), grade level, the most recent and previous

schools attended by the student. Information about your

child may be requested by the local media for

appearance in newspaper activities, on television, in

radio broadcasts, on displays, on the World Wide Web or

may be used in Anderson District One or school

promotional pieces. Please sign the media release form

provided by the district at the beginning of the school

year.

INSURANCE

Student accident insurance is available to those students

who elect and pay for coverage. Information about

accident insurance is provided to all students at the

beginning of the school year. You are under no

obligation to purchase this insurance.

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LEGAL CUSTODY

If one parent has legal custody of a child, a copy of the

custody papers must be on file in the child’s records for

his/her protection. Copies of these papers can be made

at school.

MATERIAL FEES

A materials fee is set for all students in all grades.

Supplies and materials are purchased with this money.

School fees are due upon registration.

RETURNED CHECKS

We no longer handle returned checks at Wren

Elementary. These are processed by an outside agency,

Tiger Tranz. If your check is returned, it may be re-

presented electronically.

PARENTAL GUIDELINES

In order to effectively teach the children in our school,

we need and want the cooperation of parents. Even

though the school belongs to ALL of us, we hope you

understand that there must be guidelines for parents to

follow, as well. These classroom policies exist to insure

the safety of your child as well as to create an effective

learning environment.

A. Visitors must proceed directly to the main office,

scan a driver’s license using our School Check-

In System, and receive a guest badge before

entering any other part of the building.

B. Visitors are not allowed to go to the classroom

during school hours without the prior

knowledge of the teacher. State law mandates

that classes are not to be interrupted.

C. Visitors should report to the office if picking up

a child prior to regular dismissal time. Office

staff will notify the teacher in order to have the

child come to the office. Students should remain

in school until regular dismissal time unless

there are unavoidable circumstances.

D. Visitors should not wait on children outside the

classroom door or school building.

E. Appointments, conferences, classroom visits,

etc., must be scheduled through the school office

or by communication with the teacher.

F. Any messages, books, lunch boxes, papers, etc.,

must be left in the office for student pick-up.

G. Two hours notice is required for make-up work.

We will balance your schedule with the

classroom teacher’s time, as we do not want to

take away instruction from the students.

H. All children must be picked up by 3:15 p.m.

each afternoon. You must come in the building

and pick up your child from the front office.

Our first concern is your child’s safety, and we

hope that you will stress upon your child to

follow all rules and/or directions given by

adults on duty. We have meetings to attend.

We will gladly provide you information with

our after-school YMCA program or local

daycares, if you need additional time.

I. Allow your child the independence of walking

to his/her classroom on his/her own. There are

teachers on duty in the school who ensure each

child gets to the right class. In order to promote

independent thinkers, we want our children to

be independent.

J. Please remember, as our teachers are on duty or

teaching, their ultimate responsibility is our

children. If you need to speak with them, please

arrange for a conference time, as they will

gladly meet with you to discuss any concerns or

share any celebrations.

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Wren Elementary School

(School Copy)

Please return this form to school within the first ten days of enrollment.

I, ______________________________, have read the Wren Elementary School Student Handbook contained

within my child’s agenda.

Please check the following:

□ I understand the policy within the agenda.

□ I will explain/review all policies with my children at home.

_________________________

Parent/ Guardian Name (please print) Date

Parent/ Guardian Signature

Student(s) at Wren Elementary:

** Please return this sheet to school with your child. If you have more than one child at

WES, send this form with the oldest child and list all of your children above.

wren elementary school

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