Parent Involvement Policy/Plan

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Spring Hill School for this 2007-08 school year. The faculty and staff join me in saying we’re happy to have you as part of the Spring Hill family. We are continually striving to insure that all students are exposed to every phase of a well-structured educational environment. In addition, we seek to instill a passion for academic excellence and lifelong learning so each student will reach his or her maximum potential. We hope the 2007-2008 school year will be a successful and satisfying year for you.

The Spring Hill School handbook was developed to familiarize you with the rules and policies of Spring Hill School. It is the responsibility of each parent and student to read this handbook and abide by the rules herein. Parents should read aloud and/or explain the contents to lower grade students so they will know what is expected of them. In addition, we feel that the handbook will serve as a helpful reference for parents as they seek to provide academic support at home. The Spring Hill School community and parents are our partners in the important job of educating all children of this community.

We welcome your participation and support during the school year and encourage you to become involved in all school functions. Working together, we will be able to reach our collective and individual goals this school year. We look forward to celebrating with you the academic and extracurricular accomplishments our students achieve.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Paige Garner
Principal

We at Spring Hill believe that:

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

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

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

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

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

• All children have the right to learn in a clean, caring, safe, and motivating environment.
   
• Our school aligns policies and procedures to build character and promote student learning.
   
• School personnel should use a variety of performance assessments to measure student achievement and drive instructional decisions.

If a student is not in their homeroom by 7:50, 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.

If a student receives 3 tardies during a six week grading period, he/she will be assigned to after school detention to make up the missed time. 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.

When you think school may be out or dismissed early due to weather conditions, please listen to 97.5 FM radio station. The phone lines need to be kept open so we can get in contact with parents who pick up their children. It is important for us to have the numbers where you, or other responsible persons, may be reached.

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.

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. Students may make up time in excess of the stated absences by attending after school detentions or extended school following the end of the school year. The principal has the authority to waive any case that violates this policy due to unusual or exceptional circumstances. Any administrative decision regarding attendance may be appealed to the director of schools and ultimately to the Board. The appeal shall be in writing to the director of schools within five (5) days following the action or the report of the action, whichever is later.

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.

Students 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.

Students who have a perfect attendance record for the entire school year will be recognized and awarded a certificate on the last day of school!

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 7:20 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.

The cost for school meals will be $1.00 for breakfast and $1.75 for lunch each day. Free and reduced breakfast and lunch prices are available to students who qualify. The cost for a student who qualifies for reduced breakfast will be $.30 and reduced lunch will be $.40 each day. Adult lunches will be $2.50 per day. Other optional items to purchase are: additional milk - $.40, ice cream - $.75 , water - $.50. Students are not allowed to bring soda drinks inside the cafeteria.

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

• 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 or Behavior 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.

From time to time, a student’s behavior may require that a paddling be administered. When a student is paddled, certain procedures are followed.

1. The student will be paddled with another teacher present to serve as a witness.
2. 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 resulting in an UNEXCUSED absence.

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.

• Be prepared and on time for class each day – bring books, paper, pencil and completed assignments.
• NO ROLLING BOOK BAGS ALLOWED.
• Show respect and be courteous to all teachers, staff members, substitute workers, classmates and any guests who visit the school.
• 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.
• 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.
• No running or unnecessary noises in the hallway.
• No foul language.
  No CHEWING GUM in the building. No eating candy or food during classes unless given permission by a teacher or staff member.
• 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.
• No threatening, fighting, or extortion will be tolerated at any time.
• Possession of knives or weapons of any kind, including toy weapons, are prohibited..

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fire drills, as required by law, will be held at regular intervals. During any emergency drill (fire, tornado, earthquake, or code red), students must follow the directions of the classroom teacher and respond in the appropriate manner. Such practices are extremely important and should be approached seriously. Students who fail to follow teacher direction will be disciplined accordingly.

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

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

• Skirts must be at least knee length.
• Tank tops or tops with spaghetti straps are NOT allowed at any time.
• Tops/Blouses must be long enough so that the child’s belly is not showing at any time.

• Pants must be worn with the waistband around the waist and not hanging below the waist.
• 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.
• Hats, bandanas, scarves or other headwear are NOT allowed at any time unless specified "Hat Day".

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 and/or statements in the opinion of the principal. If necessary, parents will be called to bring appropriate clothing to the school.

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!

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.

Children will not be allowed to take incoming phone calls while in class unless upon emergency. We will be glad to deliver telephone messages to your children. If you need to talk to your child for any reason and it is not an emergency, we will have him/her return your call when they are not in class. Please stress to your child that the telephones are for school business only. If an emergency rises and a student needs to use the office phone, he/she must obtain permission from the secretary or principal.

                                                            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 7:30am 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 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.

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.

School supplies will be sold in the bookstore from 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. ONLY! The following items are available for purchase: first and second grade tablets, composition notebooks, loose-leaf paper, poster board, pencils, folders, and erasers.

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)

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. We appreciate your cooperation.

The date for the Parent-Teacher conference has been set for the 2007-2008 school year. On Friday, October 12^th, parents/guardians of children in grades K – 8 will have the opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher from 11:30a.m. until 5:30p.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 this day. 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.

During each 6 week grading period, every student K – 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 #9; = Unsatisfactory

N #9; = 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

Report Cards will be sent home on the following dates for each grading period K – 8.

1^st Six Week grading period - October 1, 2007

2^nd Six Week grading period - November 19, 2007

3^rd Six Week grading period - January 7, 2008

4^th Six Week grading period - February 19, 2008

5^th Six Week grading period - April 28, 2008

6^th Six Week grading period - May 21, 2008

The annual Spring Hill School Academic Reception is sponsored by the P.T.O. each school year. The following is a list of guidelines to establish eligibility for attendance: (1) open for students in grades 2 – 8 only, (2) students must receive an avg. of 92 or above OR receive no grade lower than an 85 for each grading period in all academic subjects (excluding P.E., Writing, and Band) . The last grading period does not count against academic reception attendance. The overall top student in grades 2 –4 and 5 –8 will be recognized with their names engraved on a school plaque that remains on the wall in the school library.