2007-2008
Rutherford School Handbook
Policies and Procedures

for more detailed policies and procedures click on the following links:

Gibson County School District Online Policy Manual

 

 

Tennessee State Board of Education Unsafe School Choice Policy

                                                                            

                                                                        

                Welcome to Rutherford School.  One of the greatest opportunities in our country is an education for all.  We are

        pleased you are receiving your education Rutherford school.  We can assure you Rutherford School is conscious about

        the safety of our students and has a well-developed educational program that places students’ best interests first.  Enjoy

        the year and take advantage of this opportunity to learn.

 

                This handbook has been prepared for students and parents to become acquainted with our policies and procedures. 

        We believe informed students and parents lead to a more positive and safe school environment. 

      

      Occasionally during the year there will be a policy or rule change and we will notify you about these.

 

 

RUTHERFORD SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

        The mission of Rutherford School is to develop each student’s personal and intellectual potential to its fullest

        thus empowering each to be a responsible, independent and productive citizen.

        For learning to be the primary focus of our school there are rules that students must follow.  These rules are clearly

        written so they are understood by all.  Behavior that is disruptive distracts from the instructional time and interrupts

        the learning of others.  When a rule is broken a student will be disciplined in a fair and consistent way. 

 

            MAJORITY TO MINORITY TRANSFER POLICY - The GCSSD shall permit students from other school

        districts to transfer to the GCSSD if the race of the student who plans to transfer is in the minority at the GCSSD

        school to which he/she applies for transfer.

 

            TRESPASSING - There is to be NO TRESPASSING on any school property when school is not in session. 

        Trespassers will be prosecuted.

 

 

RUTHERFORD SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

 

1.     Students have primary responsibility for their actions. We encourage self-control.

2.     Students must observe the safety rules of the school for their own security and that of others.

3.     Students are reminded any teacher or staff member in the school has the right to correct unruly

              individuals at any place at any time.

4.     Students shall show respect for the person and property of others around them.

5.     Students are expected to show respect for school property and take good care of books, desks

              and other furniture and equipment.

6.     Students shall follow the classroom rules established by the teacher(s).

7.     Students shall not wear dress which is distracting, disruptive or dangerous.

 

Students shall follow all rules and procedures as set forth by the Rutherford School

and the Gibson County School District.

 


RULES WILL BE ENFORCED FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL
!

 

        These rules are for all students.  It is left to the discretion of teachers to have rules that apply in the classroom and

        these are to be followed by students without question.

 

Disorderly conduct, the illegal possession of weapons, and the illegal use, possession, distribution,

and sale of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs by students is prohibited.

 

            BE PREPARED EVERY DAY - Bring books, paper, pencil homework and any required materials to class. 

        Parents need to check often to see if students have the supplies they need.  It is not the responsibility of the school

        or teacher to furnish students with school supplies.

 

            BE RESPECTFUL OF TEACHERS, STAFF, STUDENTS AND GUESTS IN THE SCHOOL - Being

        respectful of school property and property of others is demanded. 

 

            PROFANITY/OBSCENCE - The use of profanity or making obscene gestures is a serious rule violation and will not be

        tolerated.  Children may be exposed to this at other places but school is to be a positive environment.  

 

            DO YOU OWN WORK - When a teacher finds students cheating both the person cheating and the student

        helping will be punished.

 

            SCHOOL DAY - Every effort should be made to arrive at school before classes begin.  No student should be

        tardy more than once or twice a year.  Three tardies constitute one unexcused absence and work from an unexcused

        absence cannot be made up.  All students should arrive by 7:45am and are tardy after 7:50am for Jr. High

       (grades 5 - 8) and 8:00am for Elementary (grades K - 4).  They must go to the office for a note to enter the

        classroom when they are tardy. Each year there are students who are habitually late. 1st unexcused tardy - a warning;

        2nd unexcused tardy - loss of one break; 3rd unexcused tardy - letter to parents; and 4th unexcused tardy - parent

        meeting with principal.

 

            DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO are serious rule violations.  Students are not to be in possession or

        under the influence of either.  Possession or use of tobacco products by a minor is a violation of state law.  The

        School Resource Officer will petition any minor in possession of these to juvenile court.

 

            “ZERO” TOLERANCE is the rule for weapons at school.  There are to be no weapons of any kind brought to

        school for any reason. 

 

            CELLULAR PHONES/BEEPERS  - Students will be permitted to have cell phones in their possession throughout

       the school day. However, cell phone use will only be permitted before the first bell (at Rutherford that is when you enter

       the school at 7:25am - first bell) and after the last bell (at Rutherford, after the bus students have been completely

       dismissed) of the day. Students must have their cell phones turned off during the school day; cell phones shall cause NO

       disruption. During the expressed time when cell phones are allowed to be on and in use, students are encouraged to keep

       their phone on "silent" mode, should that phone option be available. Cell phones will not be visible during the school day.

       Should a student be observed using a cell phone, or a cell phone rings during the school day, the following disciplinary actions

       will take place: 1st time - student will be warned, the phone will be taken up, and a call will be made to a parent/guardian; 2nd

       time - a meeting is required with student and parent/guardian. Student abuse of the policy could result in the student losing

       the privilege to be able to carry a cell phone permanently, or for a period of time as determined by the administrator. Cell

       phones must be OFF when students are on a school bus. During times of testing and other student evaluations, teachers may

       request that students remove their cell phones from their possession, by returning them to a locker or placing them under a

       desk, reducing the possibility of compromised test security. Fire drills, assemblies, or other school evacuations are considered

       cell phone blackouts. During such contingencies, there will be absolute zero tolerance on cell phone use. Cell phones MAY

       NOT BE USED by a driver of an auto while that auto is in motion on a school campus.

 

            FIGHTING - Students who take part in fighting are held responsible regardless of who starts the fight.  Fighting

        in school is a possible 3-day suspension from school.  Punishment may be more severe for a fight that is serious and

        injuries are sustained.  If a student knows he/she is about to be involved in a fight they need to tell a teacher so the

        fight can be avoided.

 

            GUM/CANDY are not allowed in our school. Students will be disciplined accordingly. 1st time  - warning; 2nd time -

        miss break; 3rd time - sent to office.

 

                ACADEMIC HONORS - Banquet for grades 5 - 8 and Movie for grades 1 - 4. Requirements for students to participate

        are they must maintain a grade point average of 92 and must make no grade below an 86.

 

                HONOR ROLL - to be eligible students can not make any grade below an 85.

       

            MAKE UP WORK is the responsibility of the student.  Only work with an excused absence may be made up.  

        Students are to ask the teacher what they are to make up and get the work to the teacher.  Work that is not made up

        will result in a zero on the grade.  Students have three days for each day missed to turn in make up work.

 

            Respect the teachers’ rights to privacy.  Do not look in their desk, grade book or files.  Do not sit at their desk

        or be in the workroom.

  

        Jr. High students are to keep their belongings in their lockers (except band instruments.)  Book bags are kept in the

        locker and not carried from one class to the next.  No Rolling backpacks are allowed in grades 5-8 due to our

       narrow hallways. The lockers are to be neat and are subject to search at any time.  NO STICKERS on the inside

        or outside of the locker.  Locks must be approved through the office. Valuables should not be left in the lockers.  P.E.

        locks must also be approved through the office.

 

        Students are not to bring CD players, mp3 players, ipods, personal games or toys, inappropriate magazines or books, playing

        cards and/or any type of trading cards to school.

 

 

            STUDENT DROP OFF AND PICK UP RULES:

        Students are to be dropped off in the back parking lot or at the west end of the school by the Methodist Church (white

        church). Please do not park in the Faculty/Staff parking in front of the school in the mornings or afternoons.

 

        Afternoon pick up rules are as follows:

               - Vehicle parking for afternoon pick up may only be in the back parking lot in the designated parking area.

               - You may only pull up to the white pick up line when you see your child (student) at the designated area to be picked up.

               - The students will not be allowed to cross the white pick up line unless the parent/guardian walks up to pick them up

                       or the vehicle is driven up to the white pick up line at the appropriate time.

               - If problems occur, your name, vehicle, and/or license plate number will be reported to the local police.

               - Two Rutherford School teachers will be assigned and will supervise the afternoon pick up process, these school

                        staff members will be in charge of afternoon pick ups.

               - Please pick up your child (student) and leave immediately so the process will go as quickly as possible.

 

        We know that we have had some problems in the past with our car-rider situation and have tried many different ways to

        correct the problems. For the safety of the students, we cannot leave them unattended on the back parking lot for them

        to be picked up. A teacher or staff member will be outside until students are loaded into cars and have left the school

        grounds. Car riders are to be dismissed at 3:05pm. There should be someone here to pick up your child at that time and the

        student should know who is picking him/her up. If no one has picked up your child by 3:20pm they will be sent to the After

        School Childcare Program. This will cost you $5.00 for the first child and $2.50 for each additional child. If this happens

        more than 1 time, you will be required to fill out an application for the After School Program and pay an enrollment fee.

        We do understand that there are times emergencies arise that can keep you from being on time to pick up your child.

        If you know that you are going to be running later than 3:20pm, you should call the school office so arrangements can be

        made. Please do this only in emergency situations. Please remember that we cannot leave your child unattended in the

        school or on the school grounds.

 

 ATTENDANCE

        Attendance is a key factor in student achievement and therefore, students are expected to be present each day

        school is in session. 

 

        Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal or his/her designee. 

        Excused absences shall include:

 

1.      Personal illness;

2.      Illness of immediate family member;

3.      Death in the family;

4.      Extreme weather conditions;

5.      Religious observances; or

6.      Circumstances which in the judgment of the principal create emergences over which the student has

                   no control.

 

        Truancy is defined as an absence for an entire school day, a major portion of the school day or the major portion of

        any class, study hall or activity during the school day for which the student is scheduled.

 

To view the entire GCSSD Attendance Policy click here.

 

 

             DRESS CODE For Students in K-8 - all students must be clean and wear appropriate clothing.  Clothing must

        follow the guidelines in this book or be deemed appropriate by the principal or building supervisor.

 

        No large coats (i.e. trench coats) are allowed.

 

        Sports caps or hats are not allowed for leisure wear, only for cold weather.

 

        Students are not allowed to wear flip flops to school. This is for their safety.

 

        No see through tops, spaghetti strap tops, tank tops, halter tops or tops that are excessively low cut or tight are allowed.

        Shirts may not be worn that reveal the stomach or mid-riff in any way. Clothing that advertises drugs, alcohol, and

        wrestling or displays profane or suggestive language or clothing that is offensive to others may not be worn.

 

      Shorts may be worn until October 1st and may be worn beginning April 1st.  Students in grades 5-8 must

      touch the top of the knee.  Students in grades K-4 must follow the fingertip rule.  Shorts must be as long

      as the student’s arms when stretched down to their side.  They may be no shorter than the fingertips.

 

        If a student wears shorts that are not within policy requirements they will not be allowed to wear them again during

        that period.  This does not apply to P E classes and ball practices.         

 

        No body or ear piercing is allowed for boys.  Only ear piercing is allowed for girls.

 

      Skirts will be no shorter than 4 inches above the knee.

 

      PANTS will be worn with the waistband around the waist and not sagging below the waist.  Students not

        following this rule will be given a belt by the office or sent home. No holes in pants above the knee and no holes

        that are seam to seam are allowed.

 

      PANTS with wording across the back cannot be worn.

 

        No shirts with cut off sleeves can be worn.  Sleeveless shirts can be worn as long as the sleeve is hemmed and does not

        gape in the armhole.  Sleeveless shirts must cover the entire shoulder.

 

       For safety purposes, anything that is distracting to the normal school day will not be allowed.  This includes

       large chains, large necklaces and excessive earrings (girls).

 

       Clothing and/or general appearance (hair, etc.) in the opinion of the principal that is suggestive or offensive

       will not be allowed.  This could apply to several different clothing situations.

 

            BUS BEHAVIOR is so important for the safety of everyone!  Riding a school bus is a privilege extended

       to students and this privilege can be removed at any time for disruptive or unsatisfactory conduct.  Behavior

        on the bus is a major concern because of the possible consequence of a driver trying to monitor bad behavior.  The same

        school rules of conduct apply on the bus.  Students should be quiet and courteous.  No eating or drinking is allowed. 

        Keep arms and feet and other objects inside the bus.  Students must obey the driver.  Video cameras are placed on the

        buses and will be used as needed.  Failure to obey rules will be dealt with the following ways:

 

        1st offense - Driver warns student.

        2nd offense - Driver brings student to the principal’s office and appropriate punishment will be administered.

        3rd offense - Student will be suspended from the bus for an appropriate number of days.

        4th offense - Parents will meet with bus driver, principal and transportation supervisor.  Student may be

                denied transportation for the remainder of the year if a workable solution is not found by officials.

 

        Some behaviors such as fighting, profanity, etc. will result in immediate suspension without prior warnings.  Students

      can only ride their assigned bus unless the driver receives a note or call from the parent or school office

      giving permission to student to ride an alternate bus.

 

            DISCIPLINE - Inappropriate behavior will be dealt with by punishment.  The punishment is selected depending

        on the nature of the behavior that is not acceptable, age of the student and number of prior incidents.

 

    - Warnings (only one given to each student).

    - Writing assignment from textbook, dictionary or encyclopedia.

    - Contacting parents to notify them of the behavior problem.

    - School suspension - In-school suspension is when a student is isolated in a room near the office. 

            Out-of-school a student is not allowed on campus at anytime. 

    - After school detention - The student is required to stay after school for one hour.

    - Parent Meeting - Parents are requested to come to school and discuss the behavior.  These must take place

            when out of school suspension is used.

    - Corporal punishment - Used occasionally and follows school district policy.  A parent has the right to request

            their child NOT be paddled.  This request MUST be written and on file.  The request does not carry over

            from one year to the next.  By making this request the parents must take an active part in the discipline and

            immediately take the student home for a 3-day unexcused suspension.  This is also the procedure for a student

            who refuses a spanking. 

    - Alternative school placement - The student is assigned to a school sight that houses students who need a

            different setting.  The parent is responsible for transportation and lunch.

 

        Due to the seriousness of fighting and the implications that go with physical disagreements, the punishment for a fight

        is a possible 3 day suspension for students involved in a fight.  This applies even when a student hits back since that

        student has made a decision at that time to take part.  Punishment may be more severe for a fight that is more serious

        and injuries are sustained.  Anytime a student feels threatened or is about to be in a fight, he/she needs to make an adult

        aware of this situation.  Students who encourage fighting will also be punished.

 

            VERBAL THREATS/BULLYING - When one student threatens or harasses another student it is very serious. 

        Any type of verbal threats or verbal harassment will be taken seriously by school officials.  Students involved will be

        dealt with on an individual basis.

 

            SEXUAL HARASSMENT - Sexual harassment of any kind is taken seriously.  Rutherford School follows the

        Gibson County School District policy.   You may review this policy by clicking here.

 

            EARLY DROP OFF - The school will not be open until 7:25am for ALL students. If a parent must be at work

        at 7:30 and their child is in grades K - 4, that student may enter the building at 7:20 and NOT BEFORE. This student

        must have a parent note on file requesting early entry. If this is abused by parents (bringing their child before 7:20)

        we will no longer allow early entry. Students can be placed in before school care. THIS IS NOT FOR OLDER

        STUDENTS OR STUDENTS WHO WALK. Rutherford School will not be responsible for any students prior to

        7:25am or after 3:20pm.

 

            EARLY DEPARTURE - Any student who leaves school early must be check out through the office.  Only a

        parent or approved guardian will be allowed to check a student out of school.  We expect students to remain here

        until school dismisses unless they MUST leave for an appointment or illness.  Please try and make appointments on

        vacation days or after school when possible. 

 

            PROTECTED TIME - Students will no longer be allowed to leave school during a class unless it is an emergency. 

        Parents will only be able to check out their children between classes, during break or during lunch.  This is a new policy

        to guarantee minimal interruptions of instruction time.  Each child’s schedule will be sent home the first day of school.

        Parents are strongly encouraged to only make appointments in the late afternoon or after school.

 

            SCHOOL DAY - The school will not be open until 7:25 for ALL students.  If a parent must be at work at 7:30

        and their child is in grades K-4 that student may enter the building at 7:20 and NOT BEFORE.  This student must have

        a parent note on file requesting early entry.  If this is abused by parents (bringing their child before 7:20) we will no longer

        allow early entry.  Students can be placed in before school care.  

THIS IS NOT FOR OLDER STUDENTS OR STUDENTS WHO WALK. 

 

            INCLEMENT WEATHER - In the case of inclement weather please DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOLListen

       to 97.7 radio.  The radio station is called before the schools and we need our phones to alert bus drivers, etc.  In case

        of early dismissal have a plan made for your child and be sure he/she knows what to do.

 

            OFFICE TELEPHONE - NO MESSAGES GIVEN TO STUDENTS UNLESS THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. 

        We consider an emergency a sudden illness.  Please do not abuse the message system at our school.  Please make your

        children aware of all arrangements before he/she goes to school each day.

 

            GYM GUIDELINES - Rules for behavior in the Rutherford School gym are posted in the gymnasium.  Anyone

        not following these rules will be asked to leave and may not be allowed to attend future events.

 

            AFTER SCHOOL DAY CARE is available.  For information contact the school office at 665-6180.

 

             VISITORS – Parents may walk their children (grades K-4 only) to class the first 2 weeks of school.  This is for

        the safety of all.  The only door visitors may use is the front door beside the playground during the day.  We invite

        parents to our school for lunch.  Feel free to come have lunch with your children.  It helps our cafeteria staff if you

        let us know by 10:00 that day or before you are coming to eat lunch.

 

            FIRST AID – We treat minor injuries with first aid supplies.  If there is a potentially serious injury your child’s

        teacher will notify you.  It is vitally important that the information on your child’s emergency form change that you

        notify us so you can be found in an emergency.  We do not give aspirin or other medication to children unless sent

        by a parent with a signed note indicating exact instructions.

 

            BREAKFAST – Full price is $1.00 or $5.00 for a five-day week.

                       Reduced is $.30 or $1.50 for a five-day week. 

                       Extra juice or milk $.40

 

            LUNCH – Full price is $1.75 or $8.25 for a five-day week.

                  Reduced is $.40 or $2.00 for a five day week.

                  Extra juice or milk $.40

 

            Lunch money must be paid each Monday and we can no longer charge lunch.  Should a child forget his money

        he may borrow the money in the office for one day’s lunch, but only for one day.  When you pay for the entire week of

        lunches and the student misses or brings his lunch, those days are carried over to the following week.  Forms for free or

        reduced lunches are available throughout the year if you should have a need.  This form is confidential and those who

        receive free or reduced lunches are not singled out in any way. Grades 6-8 pay for lunches on Monday before school. 

        The cafeteria supervisor cannot collect money on other days.  Free/reduced forms will be sent home at the beginning

        of the year and must be completed accurately and certified at the school before a child receives meals.  They must list

        an income or it will only be temporarily approved and will be for only 30 days.  During the school year I will have to verify

        income on a random selection so be sure that you form is accurate. 

                If you bring your lunch remember that no soft drink cans or bottles are allowed in the cafeteria.

 

            MEDICATION PROCEDURE – These are the main points of the operational procedure for medications. 

        Remember medications are to ONLY be given by the school nurse or her designee.

 

            - It is necessary to have a signed consent form for ANY medication to be administered at the school.  These

                    forms are in the office.  No physician’s order has to be signed as long as the medication bottle directions

                    are current and agree with the parental consent directions.  All prescription medications must be in the

                    original container.  All other medications must be in their original container.

            - Any changes in prescription medications such as dosage or time will require a new form to be signed. 

            - The school nurse will continue to have the responsibility of administering the medications.  She is also available

                    for parent consultations.

            - No student is to carry any medications at school. 

            - All unused medications must be claimed at the end of the school year or they will be discarded.

 

 

            BICYCLES - For a student to ride a bicycle to school both the student and parent must sign a form taking

        responsibility for any damage caused by the bicycle.  There have been cars damaged by students riding bicycles and

        we want to prevent this.  The forms are in the office.

 

             TEXTBOOKS - A lost book fee is the cost of the book the school pays to replace that book.  Failure to pay a fine

        for a lost or damaged textbook or library book will result in:

 

                        - Refusal to issue any additional textbooks until restitution is made.

                        - Not issuing student’s report card or transcripts until fine is paid.

 

            ATHLETICS - Athletic teams are an important part of the total education of students.  We encourage students

        to take part and be involved.  For a student to participate in a sport or cheerleading we require them to pass all academic

        subjects with an acceptable grade.  All students planning to tryout for athletics must have a current physical on file with

        the coach before tryouts begin.  Students on these teams are expected to behave at their best at all times.  Behavior

        problems can result in the dismissal of a student from an athletic team by the coach and/or principal.

 

            HEAD LICE – The school district policy concerning head lice is the student must not have any “nits”

      in their hair.  We have no way to detect if the nits are alive and will hatch or treatment was successful.  We require

        proof of treatment after a child has been determined to have head lice.  The box top or a note from a doctor or health

        department is proof.  This is embarrassing to children and not healthy for students.  Periodic checks of students will be

        conducted.  If a student reaches an excessive amount of days missed due to head lice, he/she will be referred to the

        Truant Board of the Gibson County Juvenile Judge.

 

            QUESTIONS - If you have questions about anything in this handbook or any other school-related matter,

       please contact the principal.

 

 

        Rutherford School is a member of the Gibson County School District.  We follow all policies set

forth by the GCSSD Director of Schools and Board of Trustees.  To view the GCSSD policies visit

http://www.gcssd.org/

 

 

              The success of our students is very important to the faculty and staff.  Nothing pleases us more

        than seeing a child learn and succeed.  If your student is having a problem we will work and talk with

        parents to find solutions to the problem.  We ask that you do not drop by to see a teacher because they

        are busy with students and cannot leave the classroom.  Call the office and schedule an appointment or

        request a phone call.  All teachers are willing to visit with parents as needed.

 

 

 

Family Engagement for Rutherford School

        Rutherford School proudly encourages parental involvement in helping to meet the educational needs of our

students.  Opportunities for involvement will occur in many areas and other opportunities throughout each school

year.  This Engagement Policy is an ongoing document.  Revisions and additions can occur at any time with

recommendations from the Family and Community Committee as well as recommendations from concerned parents,

community members and Rutherford School faculty and staff.  Any concerns will be brought before the committee

for discussion before any changes are made.

 

Purpose

         The Rutherford School Family Engagement Plan was developed to:

 

- Support the Gibson County Special School District Family Engagement Policy.

- Create a common vision of family and community engagement and the resources needed to reach said goals.

- Increase and improve the quality and level of family and community involvement in Rutherford School’s students’

     educational process.


Plan
 

    A.  Parents will be given opportunities to volunteer within the normal school day as well as beyond the

               school day.

 

1.  Parents are invited to read to students during the annual observance of “Read Across America” day.

2.  Parents are a vital part of making the annual Harvest Festival a success.

3.  Parents are invited to participate in student Field Trips as chaperones.

4.  Athletic and Band Parents are encouraged to attend monthly meetings, performances, games and to help with

        any other needs by these two organizations.

5.  The Parent-Teacher Organization allows parents and faculty to work together in many different educational

        avenues for the children.

 

    B.  Parents will be given the opportunity to learn about their child’s school day as well as all activities

               of Rutherford School

 

1.  During the first month of each school year, Community Night is held to allow parents to meet teachers and

        experience their child’s typical school day.

2.  A monthly newsletter and school calendar is sent to parents.  This is done to keep them aware of school news

        and upcoming events.

3.  The school website (www.rutherfordschool.org) is updated daily and allows parents to be aware of school events.

        The website supplies a link to the Gibson County Special School District.

4.  School news is sent weekly to the local newspaper.

5.  Students are given Mid-Six Weeks grade averages to help parents, teachers and students determine areas of concern.

6.  A meeting is held each August to discuss Title I and Special Education policies and procedures.  This meeting is in

        conjunction with Community Night and the first PTO meeting for the school year.

 

    C.  Students’ educations are individualized based on their needs.

 

1.  IEP’s are developed with parents and educators together. They are implemented to the fullest in order to benefit

        the child.

2.  Annual Job Shadowing allows eighth grade students to spend a day in a field they feel might be of interest to them.

3.  Eighth grade students attend the annual Job Fair to receive information about possible careers.

4.  Eighth grade students are taken on a historical two-day trip each year to the state’s capital, Nashville.  This trip

        allows students who may otherwise never experience state history to be a part of important elements of the

        development of the state of Tennessee.

5.  Students are assessed to determine their individual deficiencies and proficiencies.  This information is used

        to create lessons to aid in honoring their Parent/Student/School Compact.

6.  Students are given the opportunity for early morning and afternoon tutoring beginning in January and

        continuing through May.  This is also available on an as-needed basis for students who require earlier tutoring.

7.  Students in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade participate in the Learning Center.  This lab provides

        students with individualized education plans the Riverdeep program.

 

    D.  Parents are invited to meet with teachers as needs arise.

1.  Annual Teacher-Parent conferences are held to allow parents to visit with teachers and voice concerns.

2.  Parents are encouraged to have telephone conferences and schedule personal conferences when needed.

3.  Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers via email made available on each teacher’s webpage

        on the school website.

4.  Teachers are encouraged to mention student successes when they see parents in places other than the

        school setting.

 

    E.   Parents are a vital part of school decision-making and their child’s education.

 

1.  Rutherford School is actively updating their School Improvement Plan.  Parents are completing surveys. 

        Parents are giving input to areas they see as needing improvement.

2.  Parents are completing Parent/Student/School Compacts to aid in their child’s education.

3.  The school website offers a link to the Tennessee Curriculum Standards to allow parents the opportunity

        to view state requirements.

4.  The school website offers numerous links to practice for standardized testing, various practice sites for

        individual subjects and games for educational learning.

5.  The school website offers links to websites that provide parent information on keeping children safe, healthy,

        and informed.

 

 

 *********************************************

 

Parent/Student/Teacher Compact

Rutherford School

 

        It is the mission of Rutherford School, in partnership with parents and community, to empower each child to

achieve his or her fullest potential and become a lifelong learner as well as responsible citizen.  Rutherford School

is committed to high expectations and promoting positive attitudes to achieve excellence in a safe and nurturing

educational environment.

 

        This learning compact is a voluntary agreement from parents to promise their commitment in helping your child

to succeed in school.  This agreement can be reached through a home/school partnership with student learning as

the central focus. 

 

 

*********************************************

 

 

Parent/Guardian

As a Parent/Guardian, I will:

 

- Maintain and foster high standards of academic achievement and positive behavior.

- Believe that my child can learn.

- See that my child attends school regularly and is on time each day.

- Spend time each day with my child reading, writing, listening and checking homework

        or other school requirements.

- Support the school by volunteering my time and talents when possible.

- Maintain positive communication with school staff regarding my child’s progress.

- Respect, love and encourage my child’s growth and ideas.

- Provide a quiet place for my child to study at home.

- Support the school in its efforts to maintain proper discipline.

- Establish a set bedtime to enable better learning each day.

 

__________________________                                       _____________________

Parent/Guardian Signature                                                Date

 

 

****************************************

 

Child/Student

As a student of Rutherford School, I will:

 

- Believe that I have the ability to learn.

- Attend school regularly and be on time.

- Always try to do my best and take pride in my work.

- Arrive at school prepared with my homework and supplies.

- Show respect for myself, my school and others.

- Ask for help when I need it.

- Accept responsibility for my actions and assignments.

- Discuss with my parent/guardian what I am learning in school.

- Work to resolve conflicts in positive, nonviolent ways.

- Follow school and classroom guidelines and rules.

 

___________________________                                      _____________________

Student Signature                                                            Date

 

 

 

****************************************

 

 

Staff/Teacher

The entire faculty and staff of Rutherford School will share responsibility for improved

    student achievement. 

 

As a staff/member or teacher, I will:

 

- Provide a high quality curriculum that challenges each student to reach his/her

        educational potential.

- Be prepared each day to teach and make learning interesting.

- Believe that each student can learn.

- Provide meaningful and appropriate homework activities.

- Enforce school and classroom rules fairly and consistently.

- Communicate continuously and effectively with my students and their parents.

- Demonstrate a positive attitude and continuously give praise and encouragement

        to all students.

- Seek ways to involve parents in the school program.

                                                                                      

___________________________                                      _____________________

Teacher Signature                                                              Date