Pomaria-Garmany Elementary School

"Anchored in Excellence"

2009-2010 Student Handbook Information

Delivery of Items to Students

The practice of sending items to students while in school is disruptive to the educational process and places additional demands on school staff.  Therefore, flowers, balloons, and other similar items will not be accepted during school hours for delivery to students.  After school programs are considered to be part of the school day.

However, deliveries can be made after school hours for extracurricular events such as pageants and organizational meetings.  In these instances, the florist will be required to contact the school to determine the proper delivery time and location.  Neither the school nor the district will incur any responsibility for items delivered.

Directory Information

Each student’s education record will be treated as confidential and primarily for local school use.  The exception to this rule is for directory information, which includes the following information about a student.

·         Name

·         Address

·         Telephone number

·         Electronic mail address

·         Date and place of birth

·         Grade level

·         Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

·         Weight and height of members of athletic teams

·         Photograph

·         Dates of attendance

·         Diploma or certificate and awards received

·         The most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student

·         Other similar information

The district will not release directory information to any person or agency for commercial use.  The district expects its employees to use good judgment in releasing directory information so it serves the best interests of the student.

If you do not want your son’s/daughter’s name to appear on a directory information list, please notify the principal in writing.

Discipline

A fair and comprehensive discipline code is a major part of the foundation of education.  Our desire is to use such a discipline code to provide each child with a safe environment for learning.

School-Wide Rules:

1.        Be on time and ready to work.

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

3.        Listen carefully and follow directions.

4.        Use appropriate language and tone of voice.

5.        Respect people and property.

Options for disciplinary action to include, but are not limited to the following:

Teacher-student conference, teacher-parent conference, teacher assigned detention, administrator-student conference, counselor-student conference, administrator-parent conference, administrative assigned detention, In-School Suspension (ISS), Out-of School Suspension (OSS), or expulsion from school.

Students who are referred to the office for disciplinary action for classroom misconduct, misbehavior in the halls, or misbehavior in the cafeteria will be handled according to the following plan, subject to administrative review:

                1^st Referral- Phone call from teacher to parent and copy of referral to parent via student.

                2^nd Referral- ISS assigned by administration, parental phone conference, and written notification to

parents.

3^rd Referral- ISS assigned by administration, written notification to parents, parental phone

conference, and conference with school counselor.

                4^th Referral on- Student is subject to out of school suspension.

The following offenses will be handled in the designated manner:

                Fighting at school- 3-5 day suspension for both parties.  Reduction is possible if the investigation

reveals that the student was an unwilling participant, there is evidence that the student tried to avoid the fight, and/or parent conference is held.

                Damage to school property- Make restitution for the damages incurred and/or disciplinary action.

                Missing ISS (unexcused)- Any unexcused absence from assigned ISS will result in an additional

day.

General Rules of PGES

For students:

-          Students will move quietly through the halls.  No running, pushing, or playing inside the building will be permitted.

-          Students are not allowed to chew gum at school.

-          Trashcans are located at convenient spots on the playground.  Students will make every effort to keep the school and grounds clean.

-          Students are allowed to use the telephone ONLY in cases of emergencies.  All other arrangements should be made before school.

-          No parties will be held during school hours, except those at designated holidays.

-          Students are not to bring MP3 players, IPODS, or PSPs, or other toys that may interfere with the educational instruction or students.  If they are needed for a class, the teacher should keep them until the time they are needed.

-          Cell phones should not be brought to school.  If they are visible, they will be taken away.  Parents may come by the school to pick them up.

-          No tackle football is allowed or any other game that involves the pushing or knocking down or students.

-          Students are not to bring baseballs, bats, or footballs to school.

-          Students will respect the rights and privacy of classmates.  Sexually suggestive statements, gestures, or physical contact will result in an immediate report to the office.  The school safety office may be contacted and other disciplinary action taken.

For parents: 

-          Visitors must enter the building through the main office and sign in upon entering the school building.

-          Students absent from school must bring a statement from their parent or a medical statement to the school office upon their return to school.

-          Your child should receive papers from their teachers so you can check their progress.  Signed paper folders go home each Wednesday.  Please monitor your child’s progress by signing and returning these each week.

-          You may contact the school to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher should you have any questions.  Please schedule the conference through the school office so that instruction time will not be interrupted.

-          Homework will be assigned on a regular basis to enrich your child’s learning experience.  Parents are encouraged to establish a daily routine for completion or homework.

-          Parents are welcome to visit their child’s class for observation.  However, if you need to talk with your child’s teacher this should be done in a scheduled conference time.  Parents may be asked to leave if their actions disrupt our students’ learning environment.

-          For the safety of your child, we request that a note be sent to the school office if your child is to be dismissed in a way other than their normal pick-up.  Phone calls are discouraged.

Disclosure (except for directory information)

The school district has the right to disclose personally identifiable information from the education records of a student to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency, if knowledge of the information is immediately necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or the individuals.

Dress Code

Students are expected and required to dress in a manner not to disrupt the educational process.

Students will dress appropriately for school and school functions.  Pants, shorts, and skirts should fit appropriately and be at a length that the hem of the clothing covers the thigh.  Tops must have a strap a minimum of three (3) inches wide.  No bare midriffs, halter-tops, tank tops, or see-though, or low-cut blouses can be worn.  All tops must cover cleavage, midriffs, and undergarments while standing or seated.  Tank tops, mesh shirts, half shirts, and shirts with obscene or offensive printing are considered inappropriate.  Any endorsement of tobacco, drug paraphernalia, or of an alcoholic beverage will not be permitted on clothing worn to school.  Pants worn below the waist or any other comparable disruptive trend will not be tolerated.  All students are very clothes conscious and should be allowed as much freedom in their dress as good taste permits.  However, the administration reserves the right to require that students change clothes if they deem the clothing distracting or overly suggestive.  If the student is sent home to change, the absence will be unexcused.  We suggest comfortable tennis shoes be worn by students.  However, students may not wear “Heeleys” at school during the school day or at any school function.

Hats, Sunglasses- Hats, headwear, head coverings, and sunglasses of any kind are not allowed in the interior of the building or classrooms.  The penalty is confiscation until picked up by a parent/guardian.  This pertains to male and female students.  If the student is a bus rider, they are to remove any kind of head covering when they step off the bus and stow it in a book bag.  Any type of head covering that is visible in the building will be taken by the faculty, staff, or administration.  Exceptions:  Hats/caps on school spirit days or medical excuses approved by the principal.

Elementary District Testing Program

Students in grades 3-5 will participate in the state-testing program (PASS) in the spring of each year.  Results will be used to assist the teacher in preparing lessons to meet the individual needs of students and determine the report card rating for individual schools..

The district will also administer the ITBS, CoGAT, and Performance Task test at appropriate grade levels for use in identifying students for the Gifted and Talented program.

Each school will notify you of testing dates prior to the test and suggest ways you can help your student to be better prepared on testing days.

Emergency and School Closings

Each school in the district has an emergency preparedness plan, which has been developed in cooperation with local law enforcement and other emergency response agencies.

Schools will conduct fire drills at least once each month without notice.  Students will be trained in prompt and orderly evacuation.

A plan has been developed to provide for the protection of students in the event of a tornado or other natural disaster.  Each school will conduct at least one emergency drill within the first month of school to ensure safety against such disasters.

The superintendent is empowered to close the schools in the event of hazardous weather, epidemics, or other emergencies, which threaten the safety or health of students or staff members. 

The superintendent also has the authority to delay the opening of any or all schools or to dismiss them early, due to weather conditions or other emergencies.

The superintendent will make the decision regarding school closings and cancellations as early as possible.  The district will send the announcement directly to parents via the Alert Now communication system.  For this reason, parents must ensure that the district has accurate contact information.

The announcement will also be provided to local digital and broadcast media.  These media outlets historically include, but are not limited to, WKDK AM 1240 radio (Newberry), WIS-TV (Columbia), WLTX-TV (Columbia), WOLO-TV (Columbia), WYFF-TV (Greenville), and WSPA-TV (Spartanburg), among others.

Federal Funded Programs

The School District of Newberry County receives federal funds for programs within our district under Title I, Title II, Title III, Title V, and Title VI.  We want  your input into the spending of these funds.  Should you have suggestions on the use of these funds you can submit them in writing to David Jenkins, P.O. Box 718 Newberry, SC  29108, by April 20 of each school year.

Field Trips

All field trips must be submitted to the district/school board for approval.  The school board defines a field trip as any learning activity which a school sponsors, approves and supervises and which requires the students to leave the school grounds.

Educational field trips are planned to provide experiences related to classroom subjects studied in the classroom.  Students are required to have written permission from a parent or guardian prior to going on field trips.  All trips are chaperoned by school personnel who may be assisted by parent volunteers.  A parent chaperone may not bring older/younger siblings on the field trip.

Field trip costs are based on the price of admission, if applicable, lunch for the student, the bus transportation, and the bus driver.  If a charter bus is used for transportation, a non-refundable fee may be charged to reserve a bus seat.

A student MUST BE in good standing at PGE (i.e. not suspended or expelled) in order to participate in the field trip.  A student in good standing must meet the following criteria:

                Not be on suspension

                Not be expelled

                Not be a threat to the safety of self and/or others even with accommodations

The administration reserves the right to deny any student field trip eligibility based on the above criteria.

Gifted & Talented

Identification Guidelines

(New guidelines effective 07-01-04)

Each year the district will identify students for the gifted and talented program according to State of South Carolina guidelines.  Three dimensions must be considered for each child, grades 2 -5 for placement..  Students must meet two of the three areas to qualify.

Dimension A:  Aptitude:  Students in grade 2 will be given the CoGAT test early each year.  In order to meet this area of consideration, students must score at the 93^rd age percentile or higher on either the verbal or non-verbal area.    Students needing aptitude scores in grade 3 -5 will be given CoGAT and must score at the 93^rd age percentile or higher on either the verbal,

non verbal or total test for placement in the program.

Dimension B:  Achievement:  All students in grade 2 will be given Iowa Test of Basic Skills for consideration into GT for the first time in grade 3.  In order to meet this requirement, students must have a 94^th age percentile rank or higher in reading or math. Students in grades 3-5 must have a state required score on PASS on either reading or math.  Reading and math scores on the fall MAP Assessments will also be included with a 94% or higher required.

 Dimension C:  Performance:  Students in grade 2 – 5 who have met either Dimension A or B but not both, will be given a performance task evaluation.  If they have at least 90% correct responses they will qualify. 

According to State guidelines, in order to qualify for GT, students must meet two of the three dimensions listed above.  No retest or outside testing may be used for qualification purposes.  Students new to the district will be tested in the fall if they do not have sufficient testing information for placement into the program. 

Any parent or teacher may request screening for GT for a student that was not identified by the above process.  A screening will consist of a review of the test results for identification purpose or if a child meets either A or B above but not both, a review of performance task results or calculating the grade point average will be done.

If you have any questions, please contact David Jenkins at the Newberry County School District Office at 321-2600.

GT Curriculum/Instruction: Grades 3 – 8

Each identified gifted and talented student participates in a differentiated curriculum for at least 30 minutes per day in grade 3.  At least 40 minutes per day is allocated in grades 4-5. 

Guidelines for Academic Probation for GT Students

1.        Students in a GT class must maintain a high academic performance level in the GT subject (s) each nine weeks they are in the program.

2.        At the end of each nine weeks students who do not maintain a high academic performance level in the GT subjects will be placed on probation. 

Placement on probation requires:

A. Parents be notified that their child is being

placed on probation for the following

reason(s):

a.  Not having a high academic performance in the GT  subject(s)         

B. Probation is for one nine weeks with a review of student progress at the end of the nine weeks at which time: 

a.  Probation is removed due to the student meeting the requirement of a high academic performance in the GT subject(s).

b.  Probation extended one more nine weeks due to effort and attitude of the student as they work to get to a high academic performance level in the GT subject(s).  If higher academic performance is not met at the end of the next nine weeks the student will be removed from the GT program.

c.  Student removed from the GT program for the remainder of the  school year with the option to reinstate for the next school term under a probationary status.

Grading Procedures

Kindergarten

Student progress in kindergarten is reported on a district-defined checklist of kindergarten readiness skills, including mathematics and language development.

Grade 1

Numerical grades will be given in the areas of reading and math.  Reading grades are based on classroom assessments of stories from reading textbooks, leveled texts, children’s literature, oral reading, and sight word vocabulary recognition.  Hands – on math activities, class work, and curriculum assessments are combined to achieve the numerical math grades.  All other subject areas are given a grade of E, S, N, or U.  FOSS science kits will be used to address science standards.  Social studies and health will be taught through thematic units.

Grade 2

Numerical grades will be given in the areas of reading (tests 75%; quizzes 25%), English language arts (grammar 20%, word study 20%, writing 60%), and mathematics (tests 75%; quizzes 25%).  These grades are based on classroom assessments that address the South Carolina Standards.  All other subject areas will be given a grade of E, S, N, or U.  Reading instruction includes basal reading, leveled texts, comprehension skills, and phonics.  Trade books and multicultural books are used to enhance instruction.  The writing process and grammar are components of English language arts.  Mathematics instruction is aligned to the South Carolina state standards.  The use of manipulatives and enrichment activities are used to challenge students at higher levels.  Social studies instruction includes map skills, geography, history and current events.  Science and health instruction includes literature, FOSS kits, and manipulatives that promote observations and investigations through the inquiry process.

Grade 3/4/5

Numerical grades will be given in all academic subjects.  These grades are based on classroom assessments that address the South Carolina Standards.  All Related Arts (art, music, physical education) subject areas will be given a grade of E, S, N, or U.  Methods used and assessed in the academic areas include:

Reading- aligned to South Carolina state standards, use of basal, short novels, and integrated reading from a variety of content areas (tests 75%; quizzes 25%)

Lang. Arts- aligned to South Carolina state standards, rubric evaluated writing, daily oral language activities (grammar 20%, word study 20%, writing 60%)

Math- aligned to South Carolina state standards, enhanced by hands-on, cooperative learning, real-life applications (tests 75%; quizzes 25%)

Science- aligned to South Carolina state standards, enhanced by the use of hands-on kits, cooperative learning (tests 75%; quizzes 25%)

Social Studies- aligned to South Carolina state standards, enhanced by the use integration of reading, and focus on specific time periods or locations in historical contexts (tests 75%; quizzes 25%)

Grading Scale

A-  92-100; B-  85-92; C-  77-84; D-  70-76; F-  0-69

Guidance Program

The School Counselor, Dr. Jennie Band, serves all students at Pomaria Garmany. She sees each student in classroom guidance approximately once a month. In addition, Dr. Band works with individual students as needed, and many students participate in small group counseling to address topics such as friendship issues, anger management, conflict resolution, coping with stress, study skills, and making good choices.

The Guidance Curriculum at Pomaria Garmany is one component of the South Carolina Comprehensive Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program Model. The curriculum includes standards and competencies in three broad areas: Learning to Live (social skills, decision-making, problem-solving, respect for self and others, safety and survival skills), Learning to Learn (study skills, goal-setting, school success strategies), and Learning to Work (career awareness, school to work connection, community service). At Pomaria Garmany we use a character education program, Putting Character Education to Work, which integrates monthly character themes, career awareness, and higher education awareness.

There are several opportunities for 5^th grade students to participate in service learning through the guidance program. Peer Tutors are 5th grade students who are selected to assist younger students with their school work. Peer Tutors must be good students who are dependable, friendly, and serious about school. STAR Patrol students are selected based on leadership potential. Members of STAR Patrol must be dependable, responsible, caring, trustworthy, courteous, and friendly. Job duties include: raising and lowering the flags, greeting students at the front door, delivering breakfast to the classrooms, and accompanying preschool students to class. Students who are interested in joining STAR Patrol or becoming a Peer Tutor should contact Dr. Band for an application. Applications request information from the student as well as references from parents and teachers.

Please see the school website for additional information about the guidance program.

Guidelines for Managing Contagious Illnesses in School

Mild illnesses are very common in school age children and youth.  There are only a few illnesses that mandate exclusion from school attendance.  The following are guidelines for parents as well as school officials to use in determining the necessity for a student to remain at home.  The principal or their designee will ensure these guidelines are followed at school.  The school nurse shall be notified to assist with problems or if more information is needed to make a decision. 

The school district will enforce the Official List of Conditions Requiring School Exclusion issued level of individual students. (SC Regulation #61-20).  A complete list is available from the school nurse, Health Services web site @ www.newberry.k12.sc.us/nurse/iisstart.asp or the SC DHEC web site www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/exclusion.

The school district will report and follow DHEC recommendations and guidelines for management of all communicable disease.  (Rubella, measles, meningitis, or any other)

General Guidelines to consider when a child should not attend school:

1.                    Any illness that prevents a child from participating in normal school activities.

2.             Any illness with the following symptoms:

a.        Fever – 101 degrees or more before medication is given to reduce the fever.

b.       Vomiting – 2 or more time in 24 hours.

c.        Difficulty Breathing

d.       Diarrhea – 2 or more times in 24 hours

3.             A communicable disease such as:

e.        Strep throat/streptococcal pharyngitis – until 24 hours after antibiotic and no fever.

f.         Chicken pox – until lesions are crusted over and fever free.

g.       Conjunctivitis – (Drainage from the eye that is not clear) until evaluated and treated.

h.       Impetigo – until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment.

Ringworm – any area that cannot be covered or 24 hours after anti fungal treatment

Guidelines for Principal’s Honor Roll and Honor Roll

Principal’s Honor Roll

Grade 1 - 5

                93 or above on all numerical graded subjects and E’s or S’s on subjects graded E or S.

Honor Roll

Grades 1 – 5

                85 or above on all numerical graded subjects and E’s or S’s on subjects graded E or S.

Insurance

The School District of Newberry provides school-time insurance for all students.  This coverage is secondary and is not designed to replace family health insurance coverage.  If you prefer additional optional insurance, a form must be completed at the beginning of the school year.  Applications are sent home the first day of school, along with cost information for extra coverage.

Laser Pointers in School

Purpose:  To establish the basic structure for the board’s prohibition of student use of Laser Pointers/Lights in school.

No student may possess a laser pointer/light,  and other electronic devices under the following circumstances:

·         while on school property

·         while attending a school sponsored or school related activity on or off school property

A student who has a laser pointer/light device as outlined in this policy is subject to discipline as provided by board policy.

A person who finds a student in possession of a laser pointer/light without permission must report the student to the school principal.  The principal or a School Resource Officer must confiscate the device.  The device will be forfeited to the school district.

Lost and Found Items

Items that are found should be turned in to the teacher or office.  These items will be put up for safe keeping for five school days.  Items will be shown daily on the Morning News Show.  After five days, the items will be donated to Goodwill.

Please make sure your name is in all coats, caps, etc.  This helps us to get lost items back to their owner.  Pocketbooks and other items should also have the student’s name on or in them.

Media Release Information

Our schools often have the opportunity for positive media coverage of special events in the life of the students while they are at school or are participating in school-sponsored events.  The school district encourages media coverage so that the citizens of Newberry County may learn about the awards and accomplishments of students.

With your permission, your student may be included in such media activities at school.  This coverage may include photographs and/or articles in print and digital media and audio recordings in digital and broadcast media.  If you do not want your child to participate in media coverage, request a non-participation form from your child’s teacher.

“No Child Left Behind” Parent Notification

In January 2002, President George W. Bush signed the “No Child Left Behind” Act into law.  Designed to ensure that all children have an opportunity to obtain a quality education, this new law is already bringing many changes to South Carolina’s schools.

As a parent of a student in The School District of Newberry County, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers and instructional assistants who instruct your child.  Federal law allows you to ask for certain information about your child’s classroom teachers, and requires us to give you this information in a timely manner.

If you would like to receive this information, please complete a request form that can be obtained from your child’s school or The School District of Newberry county Human Resource Office.  The requested information will be mailed to you.  We look forward to partnering with you this year as we work to provide a quality education for your child.

School Choice Provision of “No Child Left Behind”

As part of the federal regulation act – “No Child Left Behind” – Title I Schools that do not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years will be identified for Title I School Improvement.

Each summer (late July – early August) you will receive notice of your school’s possible status.  One option that will be offered is school choice and schools available for such choice as well as the procedure to follow to make the choice request.  Under the law priority must be given to lowest achieving students from low-income families.

Should you have questions you may contact David Jenkins, Director of Elementary Education and Title I at 321-2600.

Procedures for Signing Students out of School

Early dismissals are discouraged and should not occur on a regular basis.  It is important that your child complete a full day in school.  The end of the school day is an important time for students.  Teachers review the school day, complete lessons and/or review assignments.  Therefore, there will be no early dismissals during the last 30 minutes of the school day except in the case of extreme emergencies.

Doctor appointments should be made after school hours if at all possible.  If this becomes impossible, a note requesting early dismissal must be submitted to the office for verification at the beginning of the day.

Students are to be dismissed from school only to parents, guardians, or others who are designated by parents in writing.  At least three people are to be designated to pick up a student.  This information will be kept on file.  Two forms of identification will be required:

1.        Drivers license/Picture I.D

2.        Name on list.

3.        Parent will be called if name is not on the list.

No student will be allowed to leave campus with anyone who has not been designated to pick him/her up.

Those designated to pick up a child leaving early must first sign the early dismissal sheet in the office and someone from the office will call the child from their class.

Promotion and Retention Procedures

The school hopes that academic excellence and performance will be the goal of each student and parent.  Students that meet these academic standards will be promoted to the next grade.

Promotion

Grades 1 and 2:

Students will be promoted or retained based on performance in reading and math as indicated by grades less than 70, teacher judgment and other assessment measures.

Grades 3 through 5:

Students will be promoted or retained based on performance in language arts, math, science, and social studies as indicated by grades less than 70, teacher judgment and other assessment measures.  Students who receive passing grades during the school year will be academically promoted to the next grade. State testing results will be used as directed by the state as an indicator for promotion.

Retention

Parents of students that are performing below grade level will be notified early for the need for a conference.  The conference will be held at least by mid January.  The student will be identified using the following criteria:

·         Assessment results (school and state where applicable)

·         School work

·         Grades

·         Teacher judgment

At the conference, the student, parent, and appropriate school personnel will discuss the necessary steps to ensure student success.

Students not making adequate progress will have an academic plan developed for them.  The plan will outline the district, school, parent, and student responsibilities to ensure the student has all opportunities to meet promotion requirements.  The plan will include school programs (summer programs, after-school help, tutoring, etc.)  and actions that the parent and student must take to ensure success (being at school, being on time, having needed materials, homework assignments, etc.).  The parent, student, teacher and other school personnel will sign the academic plan, indicating their efforts to work together to help the child be successful.

Appeals Process for Retention

According to the School District of Newberry County’s Board Policy you have the right to appeal the retention decision on behalf of your child:

All appeals will be considered thoughtfully and any decisions should be made in the best interest of the student as the focus.  The procedures for making an appeal are:

1.        Submit in writing the reasons for making an appeal to your child’s principal within 5 calendar days of receiving notice from the school.

2.        The principal will contact the parent with 3 calendar days in order to set up a conference to discuss the appeal.

3.        The principal will make and provide a decision regarding the appeal within 3 calendar days to the parent.

4.        If the parent does not agree with the decision of the principal, he/she will contact the principal, in writing within 5 calendar days, specifying the grounds for further appeal.

5.        The principal will submit the second appeal to the district appeals committee within 3 calendar days.  The principal will also provide the committee with the first appeal letter, all pertinent academic records of the student, and the written justification for having denied the parental appeal.

6.        The District Appeals Committee will provide the parent and the principal with a written notice of their decision regarding the appeal with 5 calendar days.  The decision of the District Appeals Committee is final.

The success of the students of the School District of Newberry County is our district’s first priority.  Appeals made by parents on behalf of their children will be considered carefully and individually.

Release of School Records

The Family Education and Privacy Act of 1974 requires the following procedures in the release of school records.

·         The district cannot release school records to any person or agency (employer, government agency, etc.) without consent of a student’s parent.  If the student is 18 years of age, he/she may sign for the release of his/her records.

·         The district will release school records, without prior written consent of parent or eligible student, to officials of other educational institutions in which the student seeks or intends to enroll.  The school will notify the student’s parent of the transfer only if he/she has requested this exception to the district’s policy.

School Health

The School Nurses of Newberry County School District provide health screenings to students based on the recommendations of DHEC that is issued each school year.  The screening guidelines and procedures used for screening are based on DHEC and South Carolina State Department of Education policies and procedures.  Examples of health screenings are but not limited to: Vision – Pre-K, K, 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th grades, Hearing -  Pre-K, K, and 1st, Scoliosis – 7th grade.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s health or screening process contact your School Nurse or The School Nurse Coordinator at 321-2620.

Additional School Health Services information, forms, and helpful links are available at:

www.newberry.k12.sc.us/nurse/isstart.asp

School Breakfast and Lunch Programs

The Newberry County school lunch and breakfast programs operate under the guidelines of The United States Department of Agriculture.

·         Free/Reduced meal applications are available from the Child Nutrition Office.  All information is confidential.  Please complete the application and return it to the cafeteria.  A new application must be completed at the beginning of each school year.  Parents are responsible financially for student meals until the approved notification letter has been sent home

The Child Nutrition Program operates at no cost to the taxpayers of the school district.  The program pays for food, salaries, supplies, equipment, etc.  Pre-payments, pay-as-you-eat and Free/Reduced meal plans are the only methods of meal payment allowed.  Lunch and breakfast money is to be paid on Monday mornings for that week.  The student’s school meal account works just like a checking account at a bank.  A deposit is made into your child’s account on Monday mornings.  When the student eats in the cafeteria, the computerized system will deduct the cost of the meal from their account.  Students not approved for free meals must have money in their account to eat.  The money stays in the account until it is used.  Students with a credit balance at the end of the year will open the new year with the same credit balance on their account.  Checks are the preferred form of payment of school meals.  The check will provide a receipt for the parents and will guarantee that the money is spent on school meals.  The cafeteria staff will not cash checks for students.  These Checks will be applied directly to the student’s account on the day that the check is brought to school.  Please make all checks payable to the school.  Please print your child’s full name on the bottom of the check.  Parents are asked to put money in a sealed envelope.  Please label the outside front of the envelope as illustrated:

Student’s Name:

Account #:

Amount:

Grade:

Homeroom Class:

Students are not allowed to charge.  Cashiers will print at least once a week or more often if necessary, letters indicating monies owed for meals or extra sales items.

Cashiers are required by federal regulations to inspect each student’s tray to determine that they have taken the proper nutritional items from the line.  Each student is given a selection of five or more items each day to choose from.  All students are required to pick up at least three of the five items offered.  Students are offered one entrée, two servings of fruit and/or vegetable, bread, and milk.  Additional food items may be purchased at an additional cost.  Federal law requires a doctor’s statement when a child has food intolerance.

Students with food allergies must give the cafeteria manager a detailed doctor’s statement, which lists all foods to which the child is allergic.  This must be done at the beginning of each school year.

Dietary Substitutions

Federal regulations require school districts each school year to obtain a doctor’s prescription for a child that cannot eat the regular meal.  The prescription must include the following:  diagnosis, caloric requirements, copy of recommended meal plan, list of specific foods to be omitted and suggested substitutions.  The Child Nutrition department will make substitutions of foods that are already being purchased.  The parent must provide special foods outside of the regular food purchases.

The School Report Card

The school report card is an annual rating of how well each school and school district as a whole is educating its students.  The information on the report card is intended to provide parents and the general public with a look at the performance of a school or school district.  It should be used as a diagnostic tool to look for strengths and to find ways to address weaknesses within the academic programs provided by the school or school district.  It provides data that can be used for recognizing schools or districts with high performance and for helping make decisions aimed at targeting resources to aid schools or districts with low performance.

The criteria used to calculate a school’s rating depends upon the grade levels included within the school.  School and district ratings are calculated by using a mathematical formula based on a certain set of criteria.  Criteria used to calculate the ratings for school with students in grades 3-5 is student performance on the Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS).

The PASS test features multiple-choice questions to measure what students have mastered from the South Carolina Curriculum Standards.  The curriculum standards provide an outline for what students should know and be able to accomplish in four disciplines:  English/language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.  Standards for English/language arts (reading/writing, speaking, and listening) and mathematics were adopted by the state in 2002.  Standards for science and social studies were adopted and published in 2000.

There are four main purposes of the report card as outlined in the Educational Accountability Act:  inform parents and public about the school or school district’s performance; assist in addressing the strengths and weaknesses within a particular school; recognize schools with high performance; and evaluate and focus resources on school with low performance.

If South Carolina students are going to have the ability to compete with their peers across the nation and to meet the demands of our quickly changing world, we must provide them with a high quality and high standards educational program.

Sexual Discrimination and Harassment

The district prohibits sexual harassment of students by district employees, other students or third parties. All students and employees must avoid any action or conduct which could be viewed as sexual harassment.

Any employee or student who is found to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination in the case of an employee, or expulsion in the case of a student.  The district will take appropriate steps to correct or rectify the situation.

Sick Child at School

From time to time students get sick at school and we need to have someone come pick up your child.  We will use the following procedure when a child comes to the office sick:

1.        We will check the temperature of the child.  If your child has a fever, you will be called to pick up your child.

2.        Please make sure you send us the needed information as to whom to notify in case of sickness and the phone number of that person.  This is done on the student information sheet sent home at the beginning of school.  If the numbers change during the year, please let us know this information.  We must have a working phone number on file at all times of someone to contact in emergencies.

3.        Students with a contagious condition will not be allowed to attend school until a written note from a doctor is presented to the school nurse or principal.

4.        All medication that can be given at home should be given at home.  Student should not have medications (prescription or non-prescription) in their possession on school premises except as covered by an Individual Health Care Plan.  Medications to be assisted with by school personnel must be transported to and from school by the student’s parent/legal guardian.  Medications should be given to the school nurse or principal and appropriate paperwork completed.

Special Services

The School District of Newberry County provides educational opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities.   These students must meet the state’s criteria for eligibility for special education services.

Each school offers support to students with disabilities from a teacher certified in special education.  Services from the support services teacher may occur within the general education classroom or during times designated for special instruction for all students.

Students who need sixty-one percent or more of the school day in special education may receive those services in classrooms across the district specific to the child’s category of disability.  The school district will provide transportation when a students’ disability requires service out of the zoned attendance area.

Statement of Nondiscrimination

The Newberry County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, marital or parental status, or sex in providing education or access to benefits of educational services, activities and programs in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Grievance procedures for Title IX and Section 504 have been established for students, their parents, and employees who feel discrimination has been shown by the School District of Newberry County.  The following have been designated to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements and may be contacted at the district office for additional information and/or compliance issues:

Title IX:                 Pamela H. Arrington                                          803-321-2600

Section 504:           Paula Hamm                                                        803-321-2600

All students attending the School District of Newberry County may participate in education programs and activities, including but not limited to health, physical education, music, and career/technical education, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, age, handicap, or sex.

Student Fees, Fines, and Charges

The Board recognizes that it may charge student fees to offset the costs of educational materials and supplies.  The district will not deny any student an education because of his or her failure to pay these charges.  Fees for every PK-5 student will be $20.00 per child.

Student Medication

All medications that can be given at home should be given at home.

It is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to notify the school personnel about medical conditions of the student and to keep the school information current.  (School staff will make sure the school health nurses are notified of student health issues.)

Students will not be allowed to have medications (prescription or over the counter) in their possession on school premises except for medical indications that are covered by Individual Health Care Plans developed by the school nurse.

The school reserves the right to refuse to assist with any medication if there is a questions and/or doubt about the medication until one of the school district nurses has obtained satisfactory clarification from the person submitting the medication and/or from the student’s physician

A Health Information Sheet will be completed for each student yearly.  Health/Emergency information sheets, which indicate health problems, will be reviewed; by the nurses and appropriate Individual Health Care Plans will be developed as needed.

A parent/legal guardian must bring ALL medications to the school for all students

No medications (prescription or over the counter) will be accepted unless they are in an appropriate pharmacy-labeled container or manufacturer’s original container.  When necessary the parent/legal guardian should obtain an extra pharmacy-labeled container for school use when the medication is to be taken both at home and at school especially if the medication is to be given longer than two weeks.  No medications will be accepted in Ziploc bags, envelopes, etc.

When medication changes are required, the parent or legal guardian must provide updated and appropriately labeled pharmacy containers and permission forms.  The parent/legal guardian will supply the school with medications in adequate amounts so the child does not run out of needed medication.

School personnel are not responsible for reminding the parent/legal guardian when medication supplies are low.  However, as circumstances permit, the parent/legal guardian may be notified when additional prescription medications are needed.

All over-the-counter medications will be given as directed by the manufacturer label unless a physician provides a written prescription otherwise.

Any questions or concerns can be directed to the School Nurse (321-2651) or the School Secretary at each school.

Student Medication Procedure at School

1.             Before the School Nurse (or principal designee in the absence of the school nurse) will accept medication or assist the student with medication, there must be on file a dated request, signed by the parent/legal guardian in the school office.  It should include:

                                -child’s name

                -physician’s name

                                -name of the medication

-time medication to be taken at school

                -dosage

-termination date for administering the medication

Standard medication forms are available for parents to use.

2.             One permission slip per year will suffice for medications, which will be given on a long-term basis or those medications, which must be administered in case of exposure to allergens (for example, adrenaline for bee stings) provided there are no changes in dosage or times of administration.

3.             The parent/legal guardian will need to provide written documentation from a doctor or a new pharmacy-labeled container when changes occur in medication dosages or times.

4.             A new permission form will be required when changes are ordered in current medications. (e.g. dosage or time of administration)

Students with Special Health Care Needs

Many health care services can be provided for students to keep them at school where they can 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 for addressing the health care needs of students during the school day to help students succeed in school. It is important that the necessary health care information is shared with the appropriate people—such as teachers on duty during recess, bus drivers, and cafeteria employees—to make sure that the students’ needs are met throughout the school day.

Individual Health Care Plans or Individual Health Plans (IHPs) Individual Health Care plans are also called Individual Health Plans or IHPs. School nurses who are registered nurses write IHPs 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. IHPs are written for students who have special health care needs that must be met by school staff during the school day. IHPs are also written for students who have been approved by the school district to self-medicate or self-monitor. To learn more about IHPs, talk with your child’s school nurse or Kim McPherson RN, School Health Services Coordinator – 321-2620.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)
Section 504 is a federal law that requires public schools to make accommodations so that students with certain disabilities can learn and participate in settings as other non-disabled students. Each school in the School District of Newberry County has a staff member designated as the 504 Chairperson who oversees the development and adherence to 504 Accommodations Plans for students. In order for a student to have a 504 plan in effect, a parent or guardian may contact the 504 Chairperson to initiate the 504 process.  Once the school has knowledge of a diagnosed condition, the 504 chairperson will convene a 504 evaluation committee to determine how the disability has interfered with the life activities involved in an educational setting.  When a student meets eligibility for a 504 Plan, the chairperson for the school will convene a 504 committee consisting of the parents and school staff as well as anyone else who has knowledge of the child, the child’s disability, and the school setting.  The 504 committee will develop an accommodation plan which a 504 committee will review at least annually to address the student’s needs in the school environment.  Anyone who has questions regarding Section 504 should contact Paula Hamm, Director of Special Services for the School District at 803-321-2600.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Students, ages 3 through 21 years, may receive services under the IDEA if the student needs special education and related services to benefit from his or her educational program. A team decides if a student qualifies for services under the IDEA. The team includes the student’s parent or legal guardian, 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. Contact Paula Hamm, Special Services Director – 321-2600 to learn more about the IDEA.

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 fill out the medical homebound form that the school district provides. The school district then decides whether to approve the student for medical homebound services. The school district will consider the severity of the student’s illness or injury, the length of time that the student will be out of school, the impact that a long period away from school will have on the student’s academic success, and whether the student’s health needs can be met at school. To learn more about medical homebound services, contact Dr. George Suggs, Student Services Director – 803-321-1363.

Truancy Procedure

A.                  After a total of three (3) unlawful absences (two at the high school), school officials will notify the parents first by phone and then by letter.

B.                   After three (3) consecutive or a total of five (5) unlawful absences, school officials will notify the parents to come to the school to develop a Truancy Intervention Plan.  (A Case Manager will do a home visit at this time.

C.                  If the student accumulates two (2) more unlawful absences after the request for the development of the Intervention Plan, the student will be referred to the Director of Student Services for further actions.

D.                  The Director of Student Services will review the student’s attendance records, and either refers the student/family back to the school, family court and/or the Department of Social Services.

Use of School Facilities

The principal has custody of all facilities at his/her school plant.  Therefore, the principal will be responsible for receiving requests for the use of school facilities by outside groups.  Requests shall be approved by the principal and submitted to the district office for action.

Use of School Media Center

Students may use the media center at their scheduled time, during recess, in the mornings, and any time during the day with a pass for the media center.  Students are to respect others who are in the media center and follow the rules set up by the media specialists.  Students are responsible for books checked out in their name.  Make sure books are returned on time.  Any lost books are the responsibility of the student and must be paid if lost.

Visitors

Parents are encouraged to visit the school to observe classroom programs; however ALL visitors must receive permission from the school office before going to any other part of the building or school grounds.

Volunteers

Volunteers are person who work at school sites or at school-sponsored activities without compensation or employee benefits of any kind.  They support district instructional programs and activities by assisting employees in providing school/community relations.

Volunteers will be under the immediate supervision and direction of a certified person when assisting in an instructional setting.  They will be under the supervision of appropriate approved personnel when assisting in a non-instructional setting.  Use of volunteer within the district is not to conflict with or replace any regularly authorized personnel position.  No one will give volunteers the authority to have access to student records.

Volunteers are expected to comply with all rules and regulations set forth by the district.  Volunteers must submit a Volunteer Form which includes the requirement of a background check by the district.  The Volunteer Form should be completed at the beginning of the school year and submitted to the office at PGE.

Volunteers must complete a Volunteer Form to be submitted for a SLED check.  If the SLED check is denied, volunteers will not be allowed to render services to the school.  Field trip chaperones must complete this form as well.