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Leroy Massey Elementary School
403 Dot Johnson Drive
SUMMERVILLE, GEORGIA 30747
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:
The faculty and staff of Leroy Massey Elementary School welcome you. We look forward to your participation and anticipate that your child will have a great year and a successful learning experience. Leroy Massey Elementary School is a Standards Based school, and we believe that all students can and must reach benchmarked standards of achievement. We hope to work with both you and your child in order to have a good school year.
The following pages contain the rules and regulations for each student. Adults and students both should read these pages and know that each student will be held responsible for following these practices.
Again, we look forward to a rewarding year. If at any time you have a question or concern or would like to have a parent/teacher conference, please call the school (between the hours of 7:15 – 5:00) and/or come by the school so that we may be of assistance in dealing with any problems or establishing a time to meet with you.
Respectfully yours,
Brian Beasley, Principal
Barry Peppers, Asst. Principal
BELIEF STATEMENT OF
LEROY MASSEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- The standards must be the same for all students.
- Contribution to student performance is the major criteria for judging the merit of any school-wide or classroom activity.
- Assessment, curriculum, instruction and professional development must be aligned.
- All students need to know that the staff care about them and believe they can succeed.
- Parents, teachers, and the community share the responsibility for the support of the school’s mission.
- Each teacher will use a variety of teaching methods and technology to accommodate the varied learning styles and abilities of the students.
Mission Statement
The Mission of Leroy Massey Elementary School is to provide a nurturing environment where each student will meet or exceed state and national standards in all academic areas, thus enabling them to become productive citizens.
VISION STATEMENT
The Vision of Leroy Massey Elementary School is to enable students to become productive citizens.
SCHOOL DESIGN
Leroy Massey Elementary School uses standards-based academic reform model. Leroy Massey Elementary School has a Better-Seeking Team to oversee the implementation of the design.
The Better-Seeking Team consists of the Principal, Assistant Principal, Academic Coach, Special Education Lead Teacher, Literacy Specialist, Math Specialist, Media Specialist, Science Specialist, Social Studies Specialist and the Parent Community Outreach Coordinator. Each team member has roles and responsibilities essential for smooth operation of the program.
There are six key elements of the School Design that must be implemented and operating. Experience shows that these six elements unite the school around a common goal and cause. Here is a brief overview of the six elements:
- The Orientation to the Standard-based Design is an informational session that the Leadership Team is responsible for delivering to school staff and parents/guardians at the start of each school year.
- The 25 Books Campaign is a literacy strategy that unites the students and staff around reading and insures students read approximately one million words a year.
- The Book of the Month is another literacy strategy that unites students and staff not only around reading and writing, but also around a value or message that is important for the school community.
- Student Data drives planning and instruction. Progress is measured using the Georgia CRCT, DRA, Star Math, STEEP, and other tests. These criterion-referenced tests provide the school with useful diagnostic data, which is used for planning and instruction.
- Reader’s workshop, Writer’s workshop, Science workshop, and Math workshop are implemented in each classroom with rituals and routines established.
- Finally, communication with parents/guardians is fostered by the use of the Home-School Agenda that serves as a communication tool for teachers and for parents/guardians.
The Design is a whole school reform of standards-based instruction.
ABSENCES/EXCUSES
Students shall attend school regularly. Excessive absences shall be reported, investigated, and resolved, always keeping the student’s best interest in mind. Good attendance is vital to your child’s education. Everyone must work together so that each student receives rewarding and successful learning experiences.
The Georgia School Register list the following excuses for not attending school:
1. Student illness or illness of immediate family member
2. Death in the immediate family
3. Religious reasons
4. Impassable roads
5. When mandated by Government Agency
6. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to health or safety
7. Children twelve years of age or older who are serving as pages in the General Assembly.
In the event of extended illness or absence due to injury, the parents should contact the school about the homebound program which service children who will be absent for more than ten consecutive school days. Students with excessive absences may be referred to the system’s social worker.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
PORTION OF DAY
Individual students who have emergencies necessitating their absence from school for a portion of the school day must have been present for one-half of the instructional day in order to be included in the average daily attendance count. When there is a cause necessitating an individual student to be excused from school for a portion of the school day, the student shall be released from school only to his/her parents or a designated person.
The Georgia School Register list the following excuses for not attending school:
1. Student illness or illness of immediate family member
2. Death in the immediate family
3. Religious reasons
4. Impassable roads
5. When mandated by Government Agency
6. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to health or safety
7. Children twelve years of age or older who are serving as pages in the General Assembly.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
The definition of unexcused absence is “absence from school with or without parents consent for reasons other than those considered excusable.” Upon returning from an absence, the student must bring to their homeroom teacher a note explaining the reason for absence, the date, and the parent signature. Only three notes per semester from parents will be used for excused absences. Absences not accompanied by a note will automatically be listed UNEXCUSED.
The teachers and principal shall monitor student attendance closely and shall investigate reasons for non-attendance in order to affect a solution. When a satisfactory solution to the attendance problem is not achieved at the local school level, the visiting teacher shall work with the student and/or parents in seeking a solution through available channels.
TARDY
Being late will not be tolerated. Repeatedly being late will cause disciplinary action by the teacher and the principal/asst. principal. Parents must accompany child to the front office and sign in any student arriving late to school.
ADDRESS-TELEPHONE NUMBER or CHANGE OF RESIDENCE
If a change of address, telephone number, or place of employment changes during the school year, please notify the school secretary. It is very important that you keep the school informed of any changes in order that we may reach you quickly in case your child has an emergency.
ARRIVAL
Leroy Massey Elementary School believes that punctuality is an important value and promotes a positive work ethic. Therefore, students should arrive on time. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to ensure that students are punctual to school each day. The school day begins at 7:45.
Students are to report to designated areas immediately upon arrival at school unless eating breakfast. Those eating breakfast should report immediately to the cafeteria and upon completion, go to their designated areas. Students will remain there until the bell rings for homeroom. At this time the teacher on duty will release the students in an orderly manner.
ASSEMBLIES
Students will go with an assigned teacher to assemblies, and will sit in assigned areas. We expect and demand the very best behavior of each and every one of our students during any program. At no time will students be allowed to boo, stomp feet, whistle, or make any obnoxious noises.
BRINGING VISITORS AND PARENTS TO VISIT THE SCHOOL
Students are not to bring friends, brothers, or sisters with them to school. Visitors distract from class, there, they are not allowed. Parents wishing to visit the school should make an appointment or come directly to the office for assistance.
BUS SAFETY
Students should practice bus safety at all times.
1.) Be at the bus stop on time (approximately 10 feet from road)
2.) Board bus at driver’s signal
3.) Board bus quietly and orderly
4.) Do not board bus with pencils or other objects in hands
5.) Do not eat, drink, or chew gum on the bus
6.) Never puncture, cut, or damage seats
7.) Never extend hands or head out of the windows
8.) Remain seated at all times on the bus
9.) Talk quietly except at railroad crossings
CAMPUS POLICY
DEFNITION OF CAMPUS: Students riding buses are considered ON CAMPUS when they step on the bus in the morning until they step off the bus in the afternoon. Students walking or riding in a car to school are considered ON CAMPUS as they step onto school property. School rules and polices are effective as long as students are considered ON CAMPUS. Students attending school functions at other schools are considered ON CAMPUS and school rules and policies also apply also.
Students are not allowed to leave campus any time during the day unless they have written permission and are signed out by a parent or authorized person listed with us. Students MUST be signed out in the office. Any student leaving the school without the permission of a school official may be suspended from school. Students who ride a bus to and from school are considered on campus once they are on the bus. They are NOT allowed to get off the bus at any unauthorized stops. Students who ride different buses or need to ride a different bus should always have a note from the parent, which must then be signed by the principal/assistant principal. The student will not be allowed on a different bus if he/she does not have a signed note to give the bus driver.
CHECK OUT
Students are expected to remain at school for the full academic day. However, if a child must be excused from school early, he or she must be signed out in the front office by his or her parents or a designated person. Please do not pick students up early if not absolutely necessary. Transportation changes will not be accepted over the phone. Please send a note with your child notifying the school of changes, daily.
CHEWING GUM
Chewing gum is NOT allowed on campus under any circumstances.
CLOSING OF SCHOOL
In emergency situations, such as ice and snow, lack of heat or power, the local radio and TV stations will be notified by the superintendent and an announcement will be made as early as possible. If inclement weather conditions are expected, keep tuned to the local radio stations for updated information.
CONFERENCES/
COMMUNICATIONS
Conferences with teachers may be scheduled at the request of a parent or as otherwise needed. Please call the office for an appointment. The school telephone number is 706-857-7876. Cooperative efforts among parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, and students will strengthen the academic progress of the student.
DARE PROGRAM
The Chattooga County School System, in conjunction with the Chattooga County Sheriff Department, is presenting a drug abuse education program at LeroyMasseyElementary School This primary emphasis is to assist students in recognizing and resisting the pressures that influence them to experiment with drugs. The program is entitled D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education).
A semester course will be given one day each week for fifth grade students. The curriculum will be presented by a uniformed Sheriff deputy and will cover such topics as how to say no to peers, building self-esteem, alternatives to drug use, etc. The officer teaching this class will also be available to present drug education classes to parent groups and will work in cooperation with parents to ensure that children are well informed regarding the dangers of drug abuse.
DISCIPLINE
An orderly learning environment is a must for any educational setting. We at LeroyMasseyElementary School are acutely aware of the stage of life our students are undergoing during the elementary school years. As our students are in a rapid state of growth; physically, socially, and emotionally; it is especially important that they understand where the limits of acceptable behavior lie. It is for this reason that all students are made aware of that, which constitutes unacceptable behavior and the consequences for such behavior. All students are expected to follow classroom procedures.
A list of unacceptable behaviors and consequences will be given to each student when he/she enters school. Some unacceptable behaviors at Leroy Massey follow:
v Physical assault or fighting
v Abuse or destruction of property or equipment
v Disrespect of faculty or staff
v Vulgar, obscene, or abusive language
v Verbal abuse
v Possession of drugs, alcohol, or guns, knives, or other dangerous objects
v Possession of water pistols, water balloons, or any objects or materials that would create a disruption in the classroom or threaten the safety of the school population
v Failure to adhere to any Board of Education discipline policy
v Any situation considered by school officials to be detrimental to the safety and well being of the student body
DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION, STUDENTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO LEGAL AS WELL AS SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
REPORTING OF STUDENTS COMMITTING PROHIBITED ACTS
O.C.G.A. (#20-2-1184):
School personnel MUST report the following seven criminal acts if there is a reasonable cause to believe that a student has committed any of these acts on school property or at a school function:
v Aggravated assault if a firearm is involved
v Aggravated battery
v Sexual offenses
v Carrying a deadly weapon at a public gathering
v Carrying deadly weapons at school functions, on school property, or within school safety zones
v Illegal possession of a pistol or revolver by a person under the age of eighteen
v Possession of and other activities regarding marijuana and other controlled substances
Any objects or materials confiscated from students due to violation of these rules may not be returned. It is necessary for a student to be referred to the principal for disciplinary reasons the following options will be available:
v Counseling/warning
v Time-out
v Time-out/Opportunity Room
v In-school Isolation
v Corporal punishment
v Suspension from school until a parent returns to school for a pre-scheduled conference with all referring teachers and the principal
v Out of school suspension
Students who are chronic discipline problems may have a discipline plan developed after the third misconduct. Parents will be responsible for helping develop and implement this plan.
FIGHTING, THREATENING
DISRESPECT (GROSS):
Penalties may range from warning conference to suspension and referral to tribunal depending on record of student and frequency/severity of offense.
THEFT
Restitution is mandatory. Penalty may range from warning to suspension and referral to tribunal, and a report to the police department depending on record of student and the severity of the offense.
DISCIPLINE CODE OF CONDUCT
Students are expected to behave in an orderly manner. They are to be respectful to the staff and to other students at all times. THE FOLLOWING ARE PROCEDURES THAT WILL BE TAKEN FOR MISBEHAVIORS AND MISCONDUCT. MISCONDUCT IS DIVIDED INTO THREE LEVELS.
Level I- is a minor act of misconduct, which interferes with orderly school procedures, school functions, extra-curricular programs, approved transportation (bus), or a students own learning process.
v Not following directions
v Disruptive behavior in class, the lunchroom or the halls
v Unprepared for class
v Disrespect toward peers, such as name-calling
v Failure to complete homework
v Disruptive behavior on the bus
v Any other conduct considered by the professional staff members to be disruptive.
Level I Discipline Management Techniques:
v Classroom isolation
v Quiet table at lunch
v Miss recess or part of recess
v Written representation that reflects understanding of the specific misbehavior and the nature of the expected behavior
v Conference with parent/guardian and teacher
Teachers are required to implement in writing the above techniques and follow the classroom discipline plan. This process will be done in the following manner and should be incorporated into the discipline plan.
1st offense
Written notices to parents, conference by phone or in person
2nd offense
Detention or time out & written notice to parents
3rd offense
Student may be referred to the principal
The principal may utilize any of the above discipline management techniques and/or will employ:
v Partial day in-school isolation/ Time out
v In-School suspension 1 day
v Conference with principal and parent
Level II- discipline offenses are intermediate acts of misconduct that require administrative intervention. These acts include, but not limited to:
v Repeated Level I offenses
v Cheating
v Use of profanity, obscene language, writing, gestures, etc.
v Possession of toys, computer disks, electronic devices, cell phones, and pagers
v Inappropriate behavior in hallway, restroom, and other areas of the school
v Refusal to follow directions
v Any other conduct considered by the principal to be disruptive
v Disrespectful to faculty or staff
Level II Discipline Management Techniques:
Students guilty of Level II offenses may receive any of the discipline management techniques listed under Level I appropriate for the situation as determined by the principal or designee including, not but limited to the following:
v In-School isolation 1 to 5 days
v School detention 1 to 5 days
v Suspension from school 1 to 7 days
v Paddling up to 3 licks
v Parents required to spend part of day with student
The consequences for visits to the office will be:
1st Visit Student conference with Principal
2nd Visit v 30 min. to 1 hr. time out
v Parent notified by phone
3rd Visit Parent(s) must have a conference with principal before student returns to school.
4th Visit v Out of school suspension or paddling
v Further disciplinary actions will be considered level III.
Level III- represents the most serious acts of misconduct. These offenses must be immediately reported to the principal and immediate parent notification will be made. These violations may require use of outside agencies and/or law enforcement. Violations include:
v Repeated Level II offenses
v Threatening staff or students
v Fighting or instigation a fight
v Tobacco products at school
v Possession and/or use of tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia
v Bullying
v Stealing
v Possession and/or use of weapons
Level III Discipline Management Techniques:
Students guilty of Level III offenses may receive any of the discipline management techniques listed under Level II appropriate for the situation as determined by the principal or designee including, but not limited to the following:
v Out of school suspension 1 to 10 days
v Referral to appropriate authorities
v Referral and/or placement in behavior modification classes/alternative programs
DRESS FOR STUDENTS
Students are expected to dress for school in a manner that is in compliance with the Board of Education and school policy. Hats, caps or sunglasses should not be worn in the building. Shirts and blouses must be buttoned to where the chest is not exposed. Fishnet or tank tops, strapless or low-cut blouses, sleeveless shirts and blouses, cut off shirts, that expose the midriff, shirts with alcohol or drug-related advertisements, and shirts with profanity or suggestive sayings are not allowed.
1. Shirts sleeves must cover the point of the shoulder and must not allow any undergarment or skin to be visible.
2. Shorts are acceptable. For 4th and 5th grade students, shorts should be no shorter than the length of the student’s middle finger when the arm is relaxed at the side. However, cut off blue jeans are not allowed. All shorts must have a hem.
3. Pants or jeans with large holes, tears, ragged edges, cuts or slashes are prohibited. There should be no holes at or above the knee.
4. Skirts and dresses worn to school must be no shorter than two inches above the student’s mid-knee.
5. The outer layer of clothing will be used to determine the appropriateness of the student’s dress.
6. Garments will be worn in the manner in which they were designed Examples: belts will be buckled, galluses will be over the shoulder and hooked, pants will be worn at the waist.
7. Shoes should be safe, sturdy and appropriate for walking, recess, PE. Sandals should be appropriate for school. Beach-type flip-flops, roller shoes or skates, etc. are not allowed. Shoes must be safe.
If there were a question about the appropriateness of school clothing, a good rule of thumb would be “Do not wear it”. The Board of Education policy states that the school reserves the right to pass judgment on any unusual dress or appearance.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students are encouraged to participate in all extracurricular activities at school. Clubs, athletics and other activities will be offered during the year. Students should get involved.
FAILURE FOR SEMESTER OR YEAR
The criteria for failing a semester will be based upon an average of the two nine weeks grades. These two grades are averaged to get the semester grade, and the first and second semester grades are averaged to get the yearly average. A grade of 70 is the minimum passing grades for all levels. If this average is below 70, the student has failed that subject for the semester and/or year and will be in danger of failing for the year. The criteria for failing for the year is to have two yearly averages below 70.
For students who receive special education services, the IEP team shall make the determination as to whether the student is to advance to the next grade.
No student in the third or fifth grade shall be promoted without meeting grade level expectations on the Criterion Referenced Test (CRCT) as determined by the Office of Education al Accountability, and/or meeting promotion standards and criteria established by this policy.
Students in third and fifth grade must achieve passing scores on the Reading and Mathematics CRCT to be promoted to the fourth and sixth grades.
Please read these guidelines carefully when issued. More information pertaining to promotion/retention guidelines is available upon your request.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips, when they directly support the classroom instruction, are encouraged. The teacher and the student will arrange parent permission for trips one week prior to the trip. Permission slips should be signed and returned to the school before the day of the field trip.
GIFTED PROGRAM
The Chattooga County School System provides gifted education services for students in grades K-12. The state of Georgia definition of the gifted student is “One who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual, creative, and/or artistic abilities, possess exceptional leadership skills or excels in specific academic fields and who need special instruction and/or ancillary services to achieve the levels of commensurate with his/her abilities.” Students must qualify for the gifted services by meeting the Georgia criteria for eligibility as specified Georgia Board of Educational Rule 160-4-2—38 or Rule 160-4-2-08. The criteria state that a student must meet eligibility standards in three of the four following areas: mental ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation.
The Chattooga County School System’s referral process for the Program of the Gifted consists of two methods which are (1) automatic referral from a pool of potentially Gifted students gathered from current system-wide test results, and (2) individual referrals from teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, and other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities. For further information concerning the Program for the Gifted, you may contact the Superintendent of Chattooga County Schools at 706-857-3447.
GUIDANCE PROGRAM
The Leroy Massey Elementary Guidance Office provides students with opportunities for developing self-understanding through supportive services including individual counseling, classroom guidance, and small support groups. Both consultation and planning services are offered for parents. Small support groups are provided for parents. Small support groups are provided for students to meet weekly to discuss feelings, concerns, and changes in specific areas of their lives. The support groups are structured to accomplish specific goals in skill building areas, at other times; the support groups simply provide support and interaction among students. Organized support groups deal with friendship, school adjustment, family changes, self-awareness, goal setting, decision making, and grief and loss. Special programs, which help, reinforce the goals of the guidance program focus on three areas—personal body safety, stress, and self-understanding. The Leroy Massey Elementary Guidance Office is one of many support services available at school. The primary goal is supporting the instructional program in the school by developing services to meet the needs of the students.
HALLWAY BEHAVIOR
Hallways are quiet zones. Students should walk on the right side of the hall. Running and/or excessive noise in the halls will NOT be tolerated.
HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION
It is the policy of the ChattoogaCountySchool District that racial, sexual, or other forms of harassment or discrimination are strictly forbidden. Any student or employee who believes that he/she has been subjected to harassment or discrimination by students or employees of the school district based upon his/her race, sex, religion, natural origin, age, or disability should promptly report the same to the principal of his/her school or the appropriated coordinator, who will implement the Board’s discriminatory complaints or harassment procedures. The Title VI coordinator is the superintendent, the Title IX coordinator is the superintendent and the Section 504 and Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator is the Director of Special Education.
Students may also report harassment or discrimination to their school counselor. Students and employees shall not be subjected to retaliation for reporting such harassment and discrimination
HELP SESSIONS
All teachers are available after school to help students having academic problems. Students are encouraged to use this service. Parents please contact the teacher in advance to schedule a help session.
HOMEWORK
Students, parents, and teachers share the responsibility for making the homework experience a beneficial one. Homework should provide extra practice, promote responsibility and independent study, and provide for individual instruction. Homework will be assigned at least four days a week.
HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND
The hospital/homebound Program is the process through which the Chattooga County School System provides education instruction to a child who has a medically diagnosed physical condition, which is not communicable, and restricts him/her to the home or the hospital for a period of time which will significantly interfere with the child’s education (a minimum of ten school days). Eligibility criteria are determined by the State. Three hours of weekly instruction is provided for eligible students. The classroom teacher incorporates academic work into the grade.
INSURANCE
Accident insurance for all students is available through a private insurance company. Forms are sent home during the first week of school. Premiums should be mailed to the insurance company.
INTERNET USE
Before a student may use the Internet at school, he/she must return a letter signed by his/her parent or guardian stating that he/she has permission to use the Internet and understands the rules and consequences for breaking those rules. The following is the Chattooga County Board of Education’s Internet Policy and the Penalties for Improper Use
1. Any user violating these rules or any other state or federal laws or classroom or school system policies is subject to losing network and/or computer use privileges. Furthermore, school disciplinary action may be imposed
2. If the actions of a user cause or contribute to the loss of service, applications and/or data, school disciplinary action commensurate with the magnitude of the infraction shall be administered. In the event that such action causes the need for technical assistance to restore the service, application, or data, restitution may be charged.
3. Any unauthorized access or breach of state or federal laws is subject to criminal prosecution.
4. The staff and Administration at LeroyMasseyElementary School reserves the right to review any material by any user to monitor fileserver space in order to make determinations as to whether specific uses of the network are appropriate.
5. Vandalism and harassment will result in cancellation of user privileges.
LUNCHROOM
All students will go to lunch in an orderly manner and remain in an orderly manner both in the serving line and while eating. NO LOUD TALKING will be allowed, as other students in the building will be having classes. Students will have an assigned area for their class to eat lunch. Students will be responsible for cleaning up under and around the table each day. No cutting in line or misbehaving will be allowed. Any student who cuts line will be made to wait and be served last. NO CHARGING OF MEALS WILL BE ALLOWED THROUGH THE LUNCHROOM UNLESS THE DINING ROOM MANAGER APPROVES IT. Students will use ID numbers to validate and account for the lunches served. Students can take no food or drink from the lunchroom. All meals and food should be eaten while inside the lunchroom. STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BRING BEVERAGES FOR LUNCH UNLESS THEY ARE IN THERMOS BOTTLES.
BREAKFAST
When a student arrives at school and wishes to eat breakfast, he/she must go directly to the lunchroom. The same rules for lunchroom behavior apply to breakfast as well. When finished with breakfast, students should report immediately to their designated places. Breakfast will not be served after 7:50.
SALE OF FOOD OF MINIMAL NUTRITONAL VALUE
Schools may not see any food or beverage of minimal nutritional value until the end of the last lunch period. These products include carbonated beverages, chewing gum, candies with minimal nutritional value and Water ices.
No food or drink is to be brought into the lunchroom to sell during lunch period.
No drinks, cans or bottles are to be brought into the lunchroom during the lunch period. If a sack lunch is brought to school in the morning, the drink must be in a thermos bottle.
FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH/BREAKFAST
All students will receive free lunch applications. Students who were on free or reduced lunch programs last year will be allowed to continue receiving free or reduced meals until forms for the current school year can be processed. Any time there is a change in income, please notify the school for a new application to update the change.
MAKE-UP WORK
When students are absent from school, they are expected to make up work missed. Students need to contact their teacher(s) the day they return to determine make-up work. Students have three (3) days to make up work after returning from a short-term absence. Teachers are not required to give assignments in advance for vacations, trips, etc. which are unexcused nor are they expected to provide tutorials for make-up. Please do not call for missed assignments until the student has been absent for at least three school days.
MEDIA CENTER
We encourage students to use the media center at every possible opportunity. The rule for lost/damaged library books is the same as for report cards or texts. The use of the media center is a privilege. The media center will open every day in order for all of us to use the center effectively; these procedures must be followed. Books may be checked out for a period of two weeks. Books must either be renewed or returned after the two-week period. An overdue book list will be published weekly. Homeroom teachers are requested to post this list in their classroom and remind students of their obligation.
MEDICATION
Only prescription drugs will be allowed at school with a note from home. These must be left in the office. Medication should be administered in the OFFICE ONLY. Students will take these medications in the office area only. No medication will be issued except that which is brought from home. Please bring medication in a well-marked container with the student’s name on it. This will eliminate confusion when several medications are in the office.
MOMENT OF QUIET REFLECTION
According to Georgia law, each school will provide a moment of quiet reflection and the anticipated activities of the day. Students will be still (if in the hallway stop and be silent) until the moment is concluded.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Research indicates that children who are most successful in school have parents involved in their schooling. In an effort to encourage all parents to become involved in their children’s schools, the Chattooga County Board of Education asks that an adult spend four hours per year in school related activities on behalf of each student enrolled in the Chattooga County System. This resolution is intended to serve as a notice to parents that we want them in our schools, that we need them to show support for the education of our young people, and that we expect them to do their part in supporting the education of our children.
We believe a complete education is vital to sustaining our democracy. It must be a team effort; business and industry supplying the economic foundation, churches providing the spiritual foundation, the community providing various levels of support, parents involved in multiple activities of our schools, and educators who are prepared to give their best for our children.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Association will meet monthly to discuss and present a variety of programs. All parents are urged to join and actively participate with Parent Teacher Association. The Parent Teacher Association has been instrumental in providing both funds and parent volunteers for the enhancement of the program at Leroy Massey Elementary School.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXEMPTIONS
Students who need to be exempt from PE for health conditions must bring a note from their physician explaining the student’s condition and length of expected exemption.
PERSONAL PROPERTY OF VALUE
Handbags, pocketbooks, money or other valuables MUST be the RESPONSIBILITY of the owner. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Students should not bring any more money to school than what they will need that day. Please take precaution of your child’s belonging by writing his/her name in coats, jackets, PE clothes, books, pocketbooks, etc. This will greatly reduce the fear of losing these items and help the student keep up with their possessions.
PROGRESS REPORTS/NOTICES TO PARENTS
At the middle of each nine weeks grading period, students will receive a progress report to take home in order to keep the parents informed. These notices are to be signed by a parent and returned the next school day. After the first semester, students who are failing two or more subjects, and students who are in danger of failing two or more subjects, will receive a letter explaining the possible/probable failure. Should the parent or guardian desire to meet with any teachers, please call the school to schedule a meeting.
REPORT SHEETS
Report sheets will be sent home at the end of each nine week-grading period. These are to be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the following school day. If report cards are damaged or lost, an extra copy will cost $1.00 (paid by the student)
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are not allowed at school. If brought these may be taken up and NOT RETURNED: knives, sharp instruments, ink pens, mechanical pencils, permanent markers, radios, tape players, cameras, video games, cell phones, toys, metal combs, tobacco products, or drug paraphernalia. Disciplinary action may also be taken for possession of some prohibited items (tobacco products, drugs and dangerous objects). A parents/guardians conference with the principal/asst. principal will be required to pick up prohibited items.
SAFETY
LeroyMasseyElementary School will have monthly fire drills. Tornado drills, evacuation drills, and alerts drills will be conducted as needed. The teacher will be in charge of the class. Students are expected to follow directions immediately upon hearing a fire alarm. Students should quickly and quietly leave the room, move to the designated areas, and remain quiet and calm. Students should wait for “All Clear” or instructions, and then return to class.
SCHOOL NURSE
A school nurse may be available to examine and/or treat students if necessary. Parental permission is requested on the confidential sheet.
SCHOOL PICTURES OR ARTICLES THAT MAY BE PURCHASED BY STUDENTS
The school requests that parents do not send personal checks. Should there be any problems with checks coming to the school, the parents will be held responsible. The school asks that all financial transaction be made by cash.
SCHOOL PROPERTY
Any student found destroying, marking on, or in any way defacing the school or its property will meet severe punishment and possible charges for damages.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Students may purchase school supplies in the library. School supplies may also be brought to class during homeroom. Students are expected to have paper, pencil, and books upon entering class or disciplinary action will be used to ensure proper preparation for class in the future.
Please see your child’s teacher for a supply list to ensure that your child has all necessary items for their classes.
SELLING AND TRADING
Selling and trading is NOT permitted on campus. This includes model cars, candy, baseball cards, etc.
STUDENT HEALTH
To ensure continued healthy children in schools, the Chattooga County Board of Education directs the superintendent or designee to designate specific dates for Headstart and Elementary children, (P-8), to be checked by school and/or health department personnel for head scalp parasites. Children identified as host for parasitic head lice or egg material must be removed from school and bus transportation until the child is parasitic free. To be readmitted to school, the school principal or designee in the presence of the parent or guardian who must accompany the student to school will check the child.
Georgia law states that all school children entering school for the first time must provide that school with proof if immunization. Immunization must be on file for each student. If this is not done within 30 calendar days, the students will be dismissed from school until such records can be provided to the school. Eye, ear, and dental exams fall in this same category and are mandatory for new students.
SIGNED TEST PAPERS, SCHOOL WORK
Occasionally, teachers send students work home to be signed. Your signature is not a symbol of acceptance of a poor grade, but it is proof that you have seen your child’s work. Please cooperate in signing these and having your child return these papers to his/her teacher. This will allow you to be aware of your child’s progress.
TESTING PROGRAM
Students at various grade levels will participate in the state—testing program. These tests have become extremely important for students over the years. Please be sure your child does his/her best on these tests.
TEXTS AND LIBRARY BOOKS
The Chattooga County School System furnishes books for all students. Each student is assigned a set of books and is responsible for the care of all books issued to him/her. Loss, damage, or destruction of the book will result in payment to the school system. Texts or library books lost or damaged MUST be paid for before any more books can be issued to the student. No student’s records or reports will be released until the lost or damaged books are replaced by payment.
TOBACCO PRODUCTS
LeroyMasseyElementary School is a Drug Free/Smoke Free Zone. The Board of Education Policy does not allow students to use or possess tobacco products on campus. The principal will discipline those found using or possessing them. Use or possession of any tobacco products is prohibited. This includes chewing tobacco and dipping snuff. Students should not bring these items to school.
In compliance with the requirements of the NO Child Left Behind statue the ChattoogaCountySchool District informs parents that you may request information about the professional qualification of your student’s teacher(s). The following information may be requested:
1. Whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
2. Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualification or certification criteria have been waived.
3. The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher.
4. Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessional, and if so, their qualifications.
If you wish to request the information concerning your child’s teacher’s qualification, please contact the principal at 706-857-7876.
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