Parent Involvement Policy/Plan

SPRING HILL SCHOOL

2010 -2011

 Home of the Hornets

84 State Route 188

Trenton, TN  38382

Phone:   731-559-4223

Fax:   731-559-4337

Website: http://gcssd.org/shs

Mr. Robert Galloway

Director of Schools

 Mr. Joey L. Harrison

Principal

MISSION STATEMENT

 The mission of Spring Hill School is to teach students of today the required state standards to prepare them for secondary educational success.

 VISION STATEMENT

 The vision of Spring Hill School is to mold well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the demands of their ever-changing world.

 BELIEFS

We at Spring Hill believe that:

 v  Each student is equally important and is capable of learning.

v  Each student should be given the opportunity to learn in his/her own way to reach his/her maximum potential.

v  School personnel, students, parents, and community members should collaborate in the decision making process to ensure high expectations for all students.

v  Technology should be incorporated in all phases of instruction to enhance student learning.

v  School personnel should use instructional strategies that are research-based to promote high achievement for each student.

v  All children have the right to learn in a clean, caring, safe, and motivating environment.

v  Our school aligns policies and procedures to build character and promote student learning.

v  School personnel should use a variety of performance assessments to measure student achievement and drive instructional decisions.

 Spring Hill Teacher Code of Conduct

 As a teacher, I shall:

1.    Demonstrate a belief that all students can learn.

2.    Give assignments that make learning relevant.

3.    Teach responsible citizenship and life skills.

4.    Treat each student fairly.

5.    Promote a safe and positive learning environment.

6.    Be a good adult role model.

7.    Exhibit a caring, honest and professional attitude.

8.    Maintain professional growth and development.

9.    Communicate with parents.

10.    Recognize the community as a partner in educating students.

11.    Maintain confidentiality.

12.    Abide by policies and regulations.

 SPRING HILL SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL HOURS

 School hours are from 7:50 a.m. until 3:05 p.m. each day.  The school doors will open at 7:15 a.m. each morning. Children should NOT arrive earlier than 7:15 a.m. (the school will not be responsible for students prior to 7:15am) or remain on the campus later than 3:10 p.m. unless they are participating in a supervised activity or child care services. Students entering the building each morning in grades K-3 should immediately report to the library (unless eating breakfast), and students in grades 4-8 should report to the gym. The students will remain in their assigned locations until the 7:50 bell rings to report to their classrooms. For the safety of all students, parents MUST use the front entrance ONLY when dropping off or picking up children each morning and/or afternoon. ONLY employee vehicles and school buses are allowed at the back entrances at any time during school hours. Car riders must ride in the car.  Any student waiting to ride with a high school student must wait in the gym until the high school student has arrived.  

 If a student is not in their homeroom by 7:55, they will be considered TARDY. When a student is tardy, he/she must have a parent/guardian to report to the main office to sign the student in for the day.  Students will not be admitted to class unless they have an office slip.

Once on campus, NO student shall leave without permission until the end of the school day.

 Students who become ill or are injured while at school shall be dismissed only after parents/guardians have been notified. Exceptions to this policy shall be made only in case of emergency. Students shall be dismissed before the school day officially ends only when a parent/guardian sends a written request, calls the school office to explain the reason for early dismissal, or appears in person requesting the student’s dismissal. All requests are subject to verification. All of the above procedures are designed for the safety and well-being of your children.

** All parents/guardians who are picking up their children in the afternoon must wait OUTSIDE the school building for dismissal. Car riders will be dismissed daily at 3:00 p.m.

When you think school may be out or dismissed early due to weather conditions, please listen to 97.7 FM radio station. Also the school shall attempt to contact you through our global connect system.  The school will make every attempt to contact you as possible.  It is important for us to have the numbers where you, or other responsible persons, may be reached.

 ATTENDANCE

The Gibson County School District adopted a policy which recognizes that good attendance is considered a necessity to achieve at the elementary/middle school level. Therefore, the following policy regarding absenteeism and tardiness has been adopted. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal or designee. Excused absences include the following: 1) Personal illness, 2) Illness of immediate family member, 3) Death in the family, 4) Extreme weather conditions, 5) Religious observations, or 6) Circumstances which in the judgement of the principal create emergencies over which the student has no control. All other reasons given for absences will be considered unexcused. The following notes will be used to excuse student absences: 1) maximum of five parent notes per year (note must reflect one of the reasons listed above), 2) doctor, and 3) funeral home. A DENTIST NOTE will NOT be accepted for an entire day unless there was extensive work done and the note must state the extent of the work.  After the third unexcused absence, a phone call to the parent or a certified letter through the mail will indicate a warning of truancy danger. Upon the 5^th unexcused absence, a child will be reported to the Gibson County Truancy Board.  High absenteeism is not allowed for ANY student unless they are seriously ill and/or hospitalized. Students CAN and WILL be retained for high absenteeism.  ALL ABSENT STUDENTS MUST BRING IN A NOTE THE NEXT DAY. 

A parent/guardian MUST phone the school (559-4223) on the day of the absence no later than 12:00 noon to inform the secretary/principal of the reason the student is absent. When the child returns to school, he/she is required to bring a NOTE to the office explaining the absence in order to receive an admit slip to enter the classroom.

Make up work will only be allowed for excused absences. In order to receive an excused absence, the above procedures must have occurred on the day of the absence and the reason must be one that is acceptable.

Jr. High students (grades 6, 7, & 8) who have perfect attendance for the first and/or second semester may be exempt from one exam during that semester. However, a student may not be exempt from the same exam they chose the first semester for the second semester. Any student (grades K – 8) who has a perfect attendance record for the entire school year, will be recognized and awarded a certificate on the last day of school! 

SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

To expedite the breakfast and lunch procedures, we request that each child send their check or money in a sealed envelope to the cafeteria on Monday mornings between 7:30 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. for the entire week. Write on the outside of the envelope the student’s name, the homeroom teacher’s name, and the amount enclosed. If writing a check for more than one child, list each child’s name along with their teacher’s name and the amount enclosed. If a child is absent during the week, the unused days will be applied to the next week. Students, staff members, or visitors are NOT allowed to charge lunches. This is necessary as only 3 types of student lunches are authorized:  free, reduced, and paid. 

Meals may be purchased on a daily basis. The money will be taken up as the student travels through the lunch line with each meal. It is requested that if a student pays by the day, he/she remains at the end of the lunch line (of their assigned class) to expedite the line process.

If paying by check, please make your checks for breakfast and lunch ONLY. We cannot and will not accept the check if anything else is added on. Please send ice cream/snack money separately as this is handled separately from the breakfast and lunch account. If we have ONE of your checks returned due to insufficient funds, then only cash will be accepted for payment of school lunches and/or school fees for the remaining time of the current school year.

Meal Prices

Breakfast                                                                                                                            Lunch

                   Free                                                                                                      Student Full Price:  $2.00

                                                                                                                                  Student Reduce Price $0.40

                                                                                                                                  Adult Lunch $2.75

 *Students are not allowed to bring any type of soda drink from home inside the cafeteria.*

Spring Hill Student Code of Conduct

The Hornet Way is to.....

1. Attend school and classes regularly, arrive on time, and have needed materials.

 2. Do my best.

3. Respect and cooperate with teachers, school staff, other students, and visitors of the building.

4. Respect the rights of others.

5. Act safely and properly while on a school bus.

6. Complete classroom work or school activities without creating disorder or invading the rights of others.

7. Inform school personnel immediately if I become aware of threats, weapons/dangerous instruments on school property or other safety concerns.

8. Take care to protect my belongings.

9. Earn grades fairly without cheating or plagiarism.

10. Be responsible for my grades and conduct.

11. Tell my parent(s) about my grades.

12. Know all school rules and the consequences of violating the rules.

13. Respect personal or school property.

14.  Work every day to follow this code of conduct to better myself and my school.

CODE OF CONDUCT-DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

 When a student misbehaves, disciplinary actions will be taken. The type of punishment will depend on the nature of the misbehavior with the philosophy of being fair to each student at all times. Punishment will never be given for the sake of punishing alone, but in hopes of teaching the student responsible behaviors. On behalf of the faculty and staff members, we look forward to your cooperation if any encounter occurs that involves disciplinary actions with your child.

The methods of punishment are listed below in no particular order:

¨        Parent Notification/Verbal Warning

¨        Breaks and/or privileges taken away for a period of time

¨        A written report/assignment given

¨        Corporal punishment (paddling)

¨        After school detention

¨        In – School suspension

¨        Out-of-School suspension

¨        Assigned to an alternative school setting (Alternative School)

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.

As a last resort, a student’s behavior may require that a paddling be administered. When a student is paddled, certain procedures are followed.

                1.    Parent will be contacted prior to administering the paddling.

2.        The student will be paddled with another teacher present to serve as a witness.

3.        The paddling will be documented by the teacher and/or principal.

If you do not wish for your child to receive corporal punishment, we must have written notification on file in the office. If you have submitted a request in the past, please resubmit notification for your request each new school year. These parents/guardians and students must understand by refusing a paddling when deemed necessary to correct a behavior, other means will be taken possibly leading to the parent/guardian to pick up the student immediately from the school grounds.

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES

 To ensure that students have a positive learning environment, it is necessary to enforce rules. These rules must be simple, clearly defined, and understood by all students, parents and staff members. When a student violates one of these rules, the above disciplinary measures will be taken. Disruptive behavior takes away from instructional time and infringes upon the rights of others. Therefore, each child’s behavior should reflect self-respect and consideration for the rights, feelings, and property of others.

Ø  Be prepared and on time for class each day – bring books, paper, pencil and completed assignments.

Ø  NO ROLLING BOOK BAGS ALLOWED.

Ø  Show respect and be courteous to all teachers, staff members, substitute workers, classmates and any guests who visit the school.

Ø  Do not have possession of or the use of drug(s) and/or tobacco products at school. The possession or use of such items by a minor is in violation of state law and will result in strict punishment.

Ø  Any student who possesses tobacco products shall be issued a citation by the school              principal/resource officer.3 The director of schools, in cooperation with the juvenile court       and the local (police/sheriff's department), is responsible for developing procedures for issuance of the citations which shall include the form and content of citations and methods of handling completed citations.

Ø  Parents and students shall be notified of this citation requirement at the beginning of each school year.

Ø  Students will be RESPONSIBLE for keeping up with their own belongings. All textbooks and materials are to be placed in their assigned locker when not in use. DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS IN THE GYMNASIUM,HALLWAYS,ETC. The lockers must remain neat and orderly at all times. NO STICKERS are to be placed on the inside or outside of the lockers. You may purchase a lock for your locker, but it MUST be a lock opened by a key and not a combination lock. The student must report to the office that he/she has a lock and the spare key will remain in the office. All lockers may be searched or inspected at any time.

Ø  No running or unnecessary noises in the hallway.

Ø  No foul language.

Ø  No CHEWING GUM in the building. No eating candy or food during classes unless given permission by a teacher or staff member.

Ø  No CD players, cassette players, radios, toys, collector cards, and the like allowed in the building unless specified by a teacher. These items will be taken from the student and held in the office for a parent to pick up. If brought, the school will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen item.

Ø  No threatening, fighting, or extortion will be tolerated at any time.

Ø  Possession of knives or weapons of any kind, including toy weapons, will not be allowed.

STUDENT CELL PHONE USE

Students in grades 5 – 8 will be permitted to have cell phones in their possession throughout the school day. However, cell phone use will only be permitted before school doors open at 7:15am and after the school day dismisses at 3:10pm. Students must have their cell phones turned off during the school day; cell phones shall cause no disruptions. 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, disciplinary action will include, but is not limited to, the principal’s referral and confiscation of the phone. Additionally, student abuse of the policy will result in the student losing the privilege to be able to carry a cell phone permanently. For further information on cell phones, refer to GCSSD board policy descriptor code 6.312.

1^st offense –Teacher takes up/student warning.  Phone is given back at the end of the day.

2^nd offense-Phone to principal students get phone at the end of the day (Parent Notified)

3^rd offense-Phone turned into office parent pick up.  Phone does not come back. 

 BUS PROCEDURES AND CONDUCT

Buses are considered as a privileged means of transportation for your child to the school. All students must show respect for others while riding on the bus. Any problems on the bus should be reported immediately to the bus driver. Students must obey the bus driver and abide by the following rules at all times.

1.        Remain seated at all times while the bus is in route

2.        No food or drinks are allowed to be eaten on the bus

3.        No horseplaying (hitting, pushing, etc.)

4.        No loud or foul language used at any time

5.        No smoking or using tobacco products

6.        No drugs or alcohol

7.        No destructive damage to the bus while riding (writing on the seats, tearing the seats, etc.)

*Video cameras are placed on all school buses for the protection of all children. Tapes are reviewed regularly and may be used to enforce the rules of bus conduct.

Failure to follow school bus rules may result in your child receiving appropriate disciplinary actions as stated on page 5. The time your child rides on a school bus, whether morning or afternoon, is considered “school time” and will be treated NO differently when it comes to disciplinary actions. Students must ride their assigned bus only, unless a note signed by a parent/guardian giving permission to ride another bus to a designated place other than their home is given to the bus driver. 

 CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students shall help maintain the school environment, preserve school property and exercise care while using school facilities. School property is defined as buildings, buses, books, equipment, furniture, instructional materials or any other item under the jurisdiction of the Gibson County School District. Students can best show their appreciation and pride by taking care of the building, equipment and campus so they can be passed on to future students in good condition. Any student who defaces, damages, or destroys school property will be required to repair or replace the damaged item and will also face further disciplinary action. Except in cases of unavoidable accidents, students are liable for all damage they may do to school property.

DRESS CODE

Spring Hill School dress code restrictions include but are NOT limited to the following:

q  Shorts and/or skorts can only be worn during the following time periods:

August 21, 2009 through October 23, 2009 and again starting

April 6, 2010 through end of the year. 

                (When shorts are worn, they must be knee length)

                (NO GYM SHORTS ARE ALLOWED outside of the gym area)

q  Skirts must be at least knee length.

q  Tank tops or tops with spaghetti straps are NOT allowed at any time.

q  Tops/Blouses must be long enough so that the child’s belly is not showing at any time.

Rule of Thumb: If a child raises his/her arm and their belly shows, their shirt is too short.

q  Pants must be worn with the waistband around the waist and not hanging below the waist.

q  Flip flop sandals or sandals without a back strap MUST remain on the students’ feet at all times. If problems occur with such, the student will NOT be allowed to wear such shoes again.

q  Hats, bandanas, scarves or other headwear are NOT allowed at any time unless specified “Hat Day”.

STUDENTS ENTERING GRADES K – 4

 If your child is entering grades K – 4, he/she may wear shorts/skorts and tank top style shirts any time during the school year. They do not have to be knee length as long as they are acceptable in their appearance. However, NO student (K – 8) is allowed to wear shirts/pants with unapproved advertising in the opinion of the principal. If necessary, parents will be called to bring appropriate clothing to school.     

NO TRESPASSING

There is absolutely NO trespassing onto the school premises after school hours or during the times that school is NOT in session. If it becomes necessary for students to be present during “off” hours, he/she must be involved in some type of school function while under the supervision of a school employee. Permission from the principal must be granted prior to anyone being present on campus during after school hours or days when school is not in session.  Cameras are posted throughout the school and violators will be prosecuted.

REMOVAL FROM SCHOOL PREMISES

 In order to maintain the conditions and atmosphere suitable for learning, no person shall enter onto school buses, or during school hours, enter the school building except students assigned to that bus or school, the

staff of the school, parents of students, and other persons with lawful and valid business on the bus or school premises. School officials may prohibit any person from entering school property that disrupts the educational environment or poses a threat to students or staff, even if that person is a parent. Any person improperly on the premises of the school shall depart on the request of the principal or other authorized person(s). A violation of this request is a Class A misdemeanor and will be charged accordingly.

 NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of the Gibson County School District not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, age, religion, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title VI and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Inquires regarding compliance with Title IX, Section 504 or the Americans Disabilities Act should be directed to Deloris Wilson or Lynn Tucker of the Gibson County School District, P.O. Box D, Dyer, TN 38330.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND SERVICES

Parents and/or Guardians may receive information pertaining to contacting child advocacy groups and information on how to contact the state department of education for information on student rights and services by contacting Lynn Tucker of the Gibson County School District, P.O. Box D, Dyer, TN 38330.

VISITORS

 It is STATE LAW that anyone (including parents) visiting the school are required to come in the office to receive a visitor’s pass and sign a log book. Everyone, except school employees and students, must have a visitor’s pass to enter the classrooms, go on the playground, or anywhere else in the school building. Please abide by this law and do not go directly to your child’s classroom when entering the building. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated

HOME & SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS

From time to time, notes are given to students to take home to their parents. Please stress upon your child that it is important that notes be brought home and given to you. Have a specific place for your child to put notes and papers to be signed on a daily basis. In addition, check backpacks regularly and pockets for notes children have forgotten. We place great emphasis and efforts in informing you of any change in schedule and/or special school events taking place. Please remember from time to time that you will receive phone calls from the school letting you know about things going on at school as well as school closing.  

TEXTBOOKS

The Gibson County School District furnishes textbooks to all students on a loan basis and should be treated as borrowed property. These textbooks are the responsibility of each student. If textbooks are damaged or lost in the course of the school year, the student is required to pay the noted amount. No books shall be issued to a student until all books previously issued to him/her have been returned or paid for, including payments for damaged books.

MEDICATION

 In the event a child receives minor injuries at school, hydrogen peroxide will be available to cleanse the wound. Should the injury be considered by the teacher to be serious enough to need a doctor’s attention, a parent will be notified at that time.

 Should it be necessary for the student to take any prescription or other medicine at school, the parent/guardian must contact the school to complete an Authorization Form from the office stating permission for the classroom teacher to administer or assist in giving medications to the student. Unless the office has the form completed and signed, the student will not be allowed to take any medication during the school day. (This procedure is from the Gibson County School Board Policy Manual)

 HEAD LICE

 If your child is sent home from school with head lice or you see any head lice infestation, he/she must be nit-free before returning to school. Head lice are very contagious and we encourage you to talk to your child about sharing other students’ personal items. Proof of treatment will be asked upon students returnWe appreciate your cooperation.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

The date for the Parent-Teacher conference has been set for the 2010-2011 school year.  Wednesday, October 13th 3:15-6:00 and Thursday, October 14^th, parents/guardians of children in grades K – 8 will have the opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher from 9:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M.  to discuss educational/behavioral issues within the classroom setting. Please make note on the school calendar that the children will NOT attend school on that Thursday. We encourage ALL parents to attend this conference even if your child is making satisfactory progress. Parents of children who are having difficulties are especially urged to attend.

If you feel that you need a conference at any time, please call for an appointment. If there is a classroom problem, please ask for a conference with the teacher(s) involved. If conflicts remain, a conference may be scheduled with the principal.

During the school year, teachers will contact parents of children who are experiencing difficulties in order to seek a solution before the child is in danger of failing for the year.

STUDENT PERFORMANCE/EVALUATION

 During each 6 week grading period, every student 1 – 8 will bring home a “ Mid-Six Week” progress report to their parents.  This is a means of communicating to parents about their child’s progress in each subject area during a six-week grading period. Parents must sign these progress reports for their children to bring back to their teacher. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher if you have a concern regarding the progress report.

 In addition to the Mid-Six Week progress reports, Report Cards will be sent home at the end of each (6) week grading period. Students in grades K – 1 are evaluated on a checklist format that is non-graded. Their progress, or lack of, is noted by letter grades ONLY. Their grading system is as follows:

                                                                E               =             Excellent

                                                                S              =             Satisfactory

                                                                I               =             Improving

                                                                U             =             Unsatisfactory

                                                                N             =             Needs to Improve

Students in grades 2 – 8 are graded by a number system that reads as follows:

                                                                A             =              93 – 100

                                                                B              =              85 – 92

                                                                C              =              75 – 84

                                                                D             =              70 – 74

                                                                F              =                0 – 69

 DATES REPORT CARDS
Elementary Report Card Dates
(6 week intervals)
Report Cards will be sent home on the following dates for each grading period K – 8.