NEW HOPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1175 NEW HOPE ROAD

DALTON, GEORGIA 30720

706-673-3180

www.whitfield.k12.ga.us/nhe

Parent/Student Handbook

2013-2014

Dear Parents,

The faculty and staff of New Hope Elementary School wish to welcome you to a new school year. We are looking forward to getting to know you and working with you and your child. Thank you for entrusting your child’s care to us. We are going to do our best to provide the highest quality education possible. To help make this a good year for all concerned, we need your help in making sure that your child knows and understands what is expected of him/her. Please read the information in this handbook and discuss with your child the importance of the items which pertain to him/her. When you have finished reading the handbook, sign the appropriate sheet on the back and return it to school. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

We encourage you to come and visit our school frequently and we sincerely hope you will become an active participant in your child’s education.

Sincerely,

Carla Maret	Patricia Lamb

Principal	Assistant Principal

NON-DISCRIMINATORY STATEMENT

No person shall, on the basis of sex, race, national origin or handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity under the direction of the local educational agency.

HANDBOOK AMENDMENT

The handbook may be amended as deemed necessary by the administration and staff in the best interest of the students. Changes will be provided in oral or written form at any time during the school year.

It is the policy of the Whitfield County School District that racial, sexual, or other forms of harassment or discrimination are strictly forbidden. Any student, employee, applicant for employment, parent or other individual who believes he or she has been subjected to harassment or discrimination by other students or employees of the school district based upon his or her race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or sex should promptly report the same to the principal of their school or the appropriate coordinator, who will implement the board’s discriminatory complaints or harassment procedures.

The Title VI and Title IX Coordinator is Mrs. Wanda Phillips. Section 504 and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator is Ms. Sarah Hoskins. Students may also report harassment or discrimination to their school counselor. Students and employees will not be subjected to retaliation for reporting such harassment or discrimination. A copy of the discriminatory complaint procedure of the Whitfield County School District (GAAA/JAA) is located in the school district policy manual, which is available in either the school office or the central office, or on the web site at www.whitfield.k12.ga.us

State law prohibits discrimination based on gender in athletic programs of local school systems (Equity in Sports Act, O.C.G.A. 20-2-315). Students are hereby notified that the Whitfield County School System does not discriminate on the basis of gender in its athletic programs. The sports equity coordinator for the school system is: Mrs. Judy Gilreath, 1306 S. Thornton Avenue, P.O. Box 2167, Dalton, Georgia, 30722-2167, 706-278-8070. Inquiries or complaints concerning sports equity in the school system may be submitted to the sports equity coordinator.

Notification of Rights under FERPA

for Elementary and Secondary Schools

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:

(1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

(2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the School to amend a record should write the School principal (or appropriate school official), clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using its own employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

(Optional) Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. (NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.)

(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington DC 20202-5920

(NOTE: In addition, a school may want to include its directory information public notice, as required by § 99.37 of the regulations, with its annual notification of rights under FERPA.)

Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)

PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:

Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)-

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;

2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;

3. Sex behavior or attitudes;

4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;

5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;

6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers

7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or

8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –

1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;

2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and

3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –

1. Protected information surveys of students;

2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and

3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.

Whitfield County Schools developed and adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. Whitfield County Schools will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Whitfield County Schools will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Whitfield County Schools will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement:

Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution.

Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.

Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

PPRA Model Notice and Consent/Opt-Out for Specific Activities

(LEAs should adopt the following model form as appropriate)

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232h, requires Whitfield County Schools to notify you and obtain consent or allow you to opt your child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas (“protected information surveys”):

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;

2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;

3. Sex behavior or attitudes;

4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;

5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;

6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;

7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or

8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”), and certain physical exams and screenings.

Following is a schedule of activities requiring parental notice and consent or opt-out for the upcoming school year. This list is not exhaustive and, for surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, the Whitfield County Schools will provide parents, within a reasonable period of time prior to the administration of the surveys and activities, notification of the surveys and activities and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out, as well as an opportunity to review the surveys. (Please note that this notice and consent/opt-out transfers from parents to any student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.)

You may opt out of the following: use of the internet, release of the student picture, release of directory information.

New Hope Elementary is a School-wide Title I School

According to the U.S. Department of Education the purpose of Title 1 funding, “is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high quality education and reach, at minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments.” The basic principles of Title 1 state that schools with large concentrations of low-income students will receive supplemental funds to assist in meeting student’s educational goals. Low-income students are determined by the number of students enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program. For an entire school to qualify for Title 1 funds, at least 40% of students must enroll in the free and reduced lunch program. Title 1 funds aim to bridge the gap between low-income students and other students.

Educators at Title I schools are required to be highly qualified. A Highly Qualified Teacher in Georgia must:

Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution;

Have a valid teaching certificate;

Have evidence of specialized training in the field(s) they are teaching;

Have a teaching assignment in the fields they hold a certification.

Parents/guardians have the right to request information concerning the qualifications of a teacher or paraprofessional who works with their child. No Child Left Behind states that parents have the right to request the following:

if the teacher has met state licensing requirements for the grade level and subjects in which they are providing instruction;

if the teacher is teaching under an emergency status (waiver);

the type of college degree major of the teacher and the field of discipline for any graduate degree; and/or

if your child is receiving Title I services from paraprofessionals and, his/her qualifications.

You may contact the principal, Carla Maret at (706) 673-3180 with any questions or requests.

Reviewed and Revised 5/8/13

New Hope Elementary

School-wide Title I Parent Involvement Policy 2013-2014 (FY14)

The New Hope Elementary Parent Involvement Policy is jointly developed and agreed upon by a committee that includes parents and staff, and it is not limited to teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators. The School-wide Title I Plan will be evaluated and updated periodically to meet the changing needs of parents and the school. During the first week of each new school year, all parents will receive the most current version of the Parent Involvement Policy and Compact.

Annual Meeting

New Hope will convene an annual meeting in the fall to inform parents of the school’s participation in the School-wide Title I Plan, to explain the Title I Plan as well as the Parent Involvement Policy and its requirements, inform parents of their right to be involved, discuss the compact, and provide an opportunity for parents to serve on the School-wide Title I Committee. Notifications of parent meetings will be sent home.

Meeting Options

The school will survey parents for convenient meeting times and offer such choices of options as morning, afternoon, or evening to ensure that all parents have the opportunity to be involved in the meeting. Childcare services may be offered at selected meetings and will be provided if a parent survey indicates the need exists.

Parent Involvement

The School-wide Title I Parent Committee will be involved in organized, ongoing, and timely planning, which includes the reviewing and improvement of the programs (including the Parent Involvement Policy and Compact). Committee parents will be invited to all committee meetings to ensure opportunities for involvement. Parents will be invited to contribute to an end of the year assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

Providing Parent Information

The school will provide parents of all students with timely information either by conferences, meetings, Parent Link phone tree, web sites, or literature concerning:

Title I Programs

results of annual school review, including school performance profiles

individual student assessment results and interpretation of those results

a description and explanation of the school curriculum and required standards

the assessments used to measure student progress and the proficiency levels the students are expected to meet

opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions, share experiences, and participate in appropriate decision making

timely responses to parent suggestions through oral or written communication with the parents.

H. if the Parent Involvement Policy or compact is unsatisfactory to the parents, parent comments will be made available to the LEA.

School Improvement Plan will be made available to the Local Education Agency (LEA), parents, and the local community upon request.

Provide Assistance

New Hope will provide all parents with information to facilitate understanding in the following areas:

National Education Goals

state’s academic content and student performance standards

school improvement process, if applicable

components of a school-wide program

state and local assessments

requirements of Title I parent involvement

ways parents can monitor their children’s progress and work with educators to improve student performance

ways parents can participate in decisions relating to the education of their children

Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) program for grade levels participating

CCRPI results/school report card

Other resources and programs that are available to eligible children

Materials and Training Opportunities

The school will provide appropriate and feasible materials and training determined by parent input and surveys. Examples are as follows:

literacy and technology training, instructional strategies training and hands-on activities and materials to help parents work with their children to improve academic achievement

involve parents in professional learning opportunities to improve the effectiveness of such training, i.e. reading and math strategies, classroom management, etc.

At the time, our school does not offer any site-based adult training. However, adult high school programs and High School Equivalency Diploma Test (GED) programs are available through our school system and local businesses. Local television stations broadcast GED preparation programs. Parents who desire this training will be given the appropriate information.

Equal Partners

Opportunities will be made to educate staff in the value and utilization of contributions given by parents. Furthermore, New Hope Elementary will work as equal partners to implement and coordinate parent led programs, such as Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), Parent Volunteering, Family Nights, etc.

Coordination With Other Parent Programs

Parent Involvement programs and activities will be coordinated and integrated with Head Start and local area public or state preschool programs and agencies to the extent appropriate and feasible. At this time, preschool agencies contact the school prior to kindergarten registration with information concerning potential students. The school then arranges tours, screens for kindergarten readiness during spring registration, and schedules kindergarten orientation.

Community/Business Partners

Realizing the value of outside resources, New Hope Elementary will develop appropriate partnerships for involvement and activities with businesses, service organizations, and the community.

11. Parent Resources

When reasonable funding is available, the school may provide the following opportunities to parents when high interest is sufficient:

literacy training

local parental involvement activities

training for parents to enhance involvement of other parents

adopting and implementing of a model designed to improve parental involvement

may have Title I representative to serve on the district-wide parent advisory council

providing other reasonable support for parental involvement activities as parents request

Parent Resource Center

This resource center was established during the 2003-2004 school year and has been built upon thereafter. Parents will be notified and encouraged to use this resource throughout the school year to meet the educational needs of their children.

12. Primary Language

New Hope will send information concerning school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities to the homes of all students in the language used in the home, to the extent practicable. Information may include pertinent documents provided by the LEA, i.e. attendance, immunizations, course requirements, school profiles, etc.

13. Communication Adaption

The school will provide, to the extent practicable, full opportunities for the participation of Limited English Proficient parents, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children. This may include providing information and school reports under Section 1111 in a language and form the parents understand.

Revised 6/3/2010	Reviewed 5/2/2012

“We will provide an optimistic environment where students are nurtured and engaged in meaningful, challenging work that will prepare them for an ever changing world.”

Parent – Student – Teacher – Administrator Compact

A compact is an agreement between groups that firmly unites them. A committee of parents, teachers, and other school personnel created this compact to insure that children are successful in school.

STUDENT AGREEMENT

It is important that I work to the best of my ability. Therefore, I agree to:

Always try to do my best in my work and in my behavior;

Work cooperatively with my classmates;

Show respect for myself, my school, and other people;

Obey the school and the bus rules;

Take pride in my school;

Come to school prepared with my homework and my supplies;

Believe that I can learn and will learn.

Student Signature:________________________________________________ Date: _________________________

PARENT – GUARDIAN AGREEMENT

I want my child to achieve. Therefore, I agree to:

See that my child attends school regularly and on time;

Provide a home environment that encourages my child to learn;

Attend at least one annual conference and communicate regularly with my child’s teacher;

Support the school in developing positive behaviors;

Talk with my child about his/her school activities every day;

Encourage my child to read at home and insist that all homework assignments are completed;

Volunteer time at my child’s school or provide other assistance to the teacher;

Show respect and support for my child, the teacher, and the school;

Respond regularly to messages and reports sent by the teacher.

Parent Signature: ________________________________________________ Date:__________________________

TEACHER AGREEMENT

It is important that students achieve. Therefore, I agree to:

Believe that each child can learn;

Show respect for each child and his/her family;

Come to school prepared to teach;

Provide an environment conducive to high quality learning;

Help each child grow to his/her fullest potential;

Provide meaningful and appropriate class work, homework, and activities;

Enforce school and classroom rules fairly and consistently;

Provide frequent reports on student progress in ways such as, but not limited to, conferences, phone calls, notes, emails and student work samples;

Seek ways to involve parents in the school program;

Demonstrate professional behavior and a positive attitude;

Provide opportunities for annual parent conferences during which this compact will be discussed.

Teacher Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________________

ADMINISTRATOR AGREEMENT

It is important that students, parents, teachers, and administrators work hand-in-hand to support academic achievement. Therefore, the administration agrees to provide:

High quality curriculum and instruction;

Guidelines of how parents will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning;

Reasonable access to staff for parents;

Opportunities to participate, volunteer, or observe in their child’s classroom or in other areas of the school for parents;

A safe environment.

Administrator Signature: __________________________________________ Date:__________________________

System Vision

We envision a responsive school district that is focused on students and that is valued and respected by the community.

Our Staff Believes:

We believe that when students are provided a safe, clean, and nurturing environment, they will learn and experience academic success.

We believe learning stems from a mutual respect between colleagues, faculty and staff, teachers and students, and school and community.

We believe engaging work provides students with a deeper understanding, mastery, and ability to transfer skills to everyday experiences.

We believe state standards, student needs, and learning styles are embedded in the design of engaging lessons.

We believe that teachers plan collaboratively to design and to present engaging standards-based instruction using a variety of strategies and models.

We believe technological resources are utilized as a tool to support the curriculum in order to promote student success in a technologically driven society.

Notice of Rights of Students and Parents Under Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly referred to as "Section 504," is a nondiscrimination statute enacted by the United States Congress. The purpose of Section 504 is to prohibit discrimination and to assure that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non-disabled students.

For more information regarding Section 504, or if you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact your local system’s Section 504 Coordinator at the following address:

Sarah Hoskins

201 East Tyler St.

Dalton, GA 30721

706-278-8070

The implementing regulations for Section 504 as set out in 34 CFR Part 104 provide parents and/or students with the following rights:

1. Your child has the right to an appropriate education designed to meet his or her individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students. 34 CFR 104.33.

2. Your child has the right to free educational services except for those fees that are imposed on non-disabled students or their parents. Insurers and similar third parties who provide services not operated by or provided by the recipient are not relieved from an otherwise valid obligation to provide or pay for services provided to a disabled student. 34 CFR 104.33.

3. Your child has a right to participate in an educational setting (academic and nonacademic) with non-disabled students to the maximum extent appropriate to his or her needs. 3CFR 104.34.

4. Your child has a right to facilities, services, and activities that are comparable to those provided for non-disabled students. 34 CFR 104.34.

5. Your child has a right to an evaluation prior to a Section 504 determination of eligibility. 3 CFR 104.35.

6. You have the right to not consent to the school system’s request to evaluate your child. 34 CFR 104.35.

7. You have the right to ensure that evaluation procedures, which may include testing, conform to the requirements of 34 CFR 104.35.

Georgia Department of Education

Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent

February 13, 2011

8. You have the right to ensure that the school system will consider information from a variety of sources as appropriate, which may include aptitude and achievement tests, grades, teacher recommendations and observations, physical conditions, social or cultural background, medical records, and parental recommendations. 34 CFR 104.35.

9. You have the right to ensure that placement decisions are made by a group of persons, including persons knowledgeable about your child, the meaning of the evaluation data, the placement options, and the legal requirements for least restrictive environment and comparable facilities. 34 CFR 104.35.

10. If your child is eligible under Section 504, your child has a right to periodic reevaluations, including prior to any subsequent significant change of placement. 34 CFR 104.35.

11. You have the right to notice prior to any actions by the school system regarding the identification, evaluation, or placement of your child. 34 CFR 104.36.

12. You have the right to examine your child’s educational records. 34 CFR 104.36.

13. You have the right to an impartial hearing with respect to the school system’s actions regarding your child's identification, evaluation, or educational placement, with opportunity for parental participation in the hearing and representation by an attorney. 34 CFR 104.36.

14. You have the right to receive a copy of this notice and a copy of the school system’s impartial hearing procedure upon request. 34 CFR 104.36.

15. If you disagree with the decision of the impartial hearing officer (school board members and other district employees are not considered impartial hearing officers), you have a right to a review of that decision according to the school system’s impartial hearing procedure. 34 CFR 104.36.

16. You have the right to, at any time, file a complaint with the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights

Georgia Department of Education

Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent

February 13, 2011

New Hope Elementary School

Faculty and Staff

2013-2014

Administration/Office

Carla Maret-Principal

Patricia Lamb-Assistant Principal

Teresa Brown-Counselor

Joyce Wilson-Secretary/Bookkeeper

Jeanette Rogers-Data Clerk/Receptionist

Kindergarten	1st Grade

Cortney Buckelew	Angie Allison*

Bethina Bryson	Stacy Beason

Tim Defore	Lynn Bridges

Misty Hulsey	Nancy Cleghorn

Tama Ledford*	Priscilla Collins

2nd Grade	3rd Grade

Jerrilynne Gardner	Alison Adams*

Trish Linder*	Katie Brock

Mendy Mashburn	Kristy Guice

Tracy Phelps	Sara Pennington

Jonathan Rose

4th grade	5th Grade

Shan Bishop	Kathy Ford

Paige Buckner	Beth Jennings*

Ginger Gray*	Tara Whitworth

Brittany Sewell	Gita Brown

EIP/ESOL	Special Education

Chantel Kirk -EIP/Coordinator	Melanie Penson-Resource

Ann Sullivan-EIP	Donna Richards - Resource

Denise Langford-EIP/Reading Recovery	Ashley Smith- MI/MO Self-contained

Linda Minter – EIP/Reading Recovery	Tracy Rollins-Speech*

Renee Griffin – ESOL

Denise Ziegler – ESOL

Kelly Bettis- ESOL

Other

Lisa Brooker – Gifted

Phyllis Thompson - Gifted

Kelley Johnston - Media Specialist

Stacy Pardee - Physical Education

Jeff Roueche - Music

*Grade Level Leads

Paraprofessionals

Julie Brock-Kindergarten (Ledford)

Sherrie Dean – Physical Education

Mary Rolen - Kindergarten (Defore)

Cindy Beilling - Kindergarten (Bryson)

Jan Palmer - Special Education

Regina Schultz - Kindergarten (Buckelew)

Kinma Gowan – Kindergarten (Hulsey)

Monica Warren - First Grade

Amy McClure – Special Education

Media Clerk

Nancy Sarkowski

School Nurse

Renee Smith

Custodians

Southern Management

Cafeteria Staff

Terrie Pendergrass - Manager

Elaine Hill - Cashier

Angela Norton

MaryAnn Carroll

Carolyn Dills

Tanis Watlington

Bus Drivers

Lisa Creswell

Tequita Hilton

Vevyan McCarver

Tina Maciejewski

Melba Spruell

Patricia Cantrell

ACCIDENTS & ILLNESSES AT SCHOOL

Students will be supervised while at school. Every effort will be made to encourage students to remain at school when they complain of minor pains and discomfort. However, you will need to come for your child if he/she is found to have fever, becomes nauseated, or has other more serious illnesses or injuries. If a student has a condition that can be spread to others, parents will be notified, and the child must be taken home. This would include, but is not limited to, such things as ringworm (a fungus) and impetigo (a bacterial infection). Rashes such as these should receive medical attention. In the event of student injury during school hours, the following procedure will be used:

First aid will be given as necessary.

Parents will be notified.

The parents will decide on the treatment and will transport the student to the physician or hospital.

If the parent is unavailable, the school administrator or designee will make the necessary decision concerning the emergency.

AFTER-SCHOOL CARE

Students in grades K-5 may stay in the After-School Care Program until 6:00 p.m. There is a charge per day, per child, determined by the Whitfield Co Board of Education. Students are supervised in an educational setting. They are provided an opportunity for help with their lessons. Each student is provided a snack daily. The After-School Care desk will be located in the cafeteria/gym foyer. Students must be picked up by 6:00 P.M.

There will be four early release days designated for professional learning and/or parent conferences. If students are not picked up within 10 minutes after dismissal, they will need to attend the After School Child Care Program at the cost of $5.00. No After-School Care Program will be provided on Friday, December 20th and Friday, May 23rd.

ARRIVAL - DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

1.	Students should not arrive prior to 7:00 AM as no one is on duty to supervise the students. Students arriving at school by cars should be unloaded at the student unloading area at the rear of the school. The student unloading area may be accessed by using the drive on Rauschenburg Road (near the school sign). Students are not allowed to enter the building at the entrance in the faculty parking area nor the bus entrance area.

2.	Students being picked up by cars will be dismissed at 2:30. Please make a double line as you enter the drive off Rauschenburg Road. Students may not be checked out after 2:15 PM due to loading buses and preparing for dismissal.

3.	*STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN PICKED UP BY 2:45 WILL BE TAKEN TO AFTER-SCHOOL CARE. THESE STUDENTS WILL BE CHARGED FOR AFTER-SCHOOL CARE SERVICES.

4.	Bus riders will be dismissed to their buses at 2:25 P.M. Buses will depart by 2:30 P.M.

5.	Students who are picked up prior to 2:15 must be checked out in the office. Again, a REMINDER, no student check-outs are allowed after 2:15 PM due to loading buses and preparing for dismissal. Parents arriving after 2:15 will have to report to car rider line.

ATTENDANCE

Students must be prompt and regular in attendance if satisfactory work is to be accomplished. Regular attendance and promptness are two important work ethics of a successful individual. Any student arriving after 7:45 A.M. is tardy. Students should be in the classroom and seated by 7:40 A.M. A combination of (5) five unexcused tardies or unexcused checkouts will be considered one unexcused absence as determined by the Whitfield County Board of Education Attendance Policy. See the Whitfield County Attendance Policy.

A student shall be considered absent if he/she leaves before 11:00 A.M. Parents arriving to pick up children before dismissal are required to come to the school office to sign out the student.

If your child must be absent, please try to inform the office in the morning by telephone. In order for a student’s absence to be excused, the teacher must receive a written note from you at the time your child returns to school.

A student becoming ill at school should inform the teacher. If necessary, parents will be contacted. It is extremely important to have a telephone number on the registration card so that we can reach you in the case of an emergency. If you do not have a telephone, please use the number of a close friend, relative, or neighbor.

Students are responsible for making up work missed due to absences. It is the student’s responsibility to do so within a reasonable time. For extended absences, the classroom teacher should be contacted for assignments and arrangements made to pick up materials and books. Excessive absences will be reported to the attendance officer.

For each day missed, a note explaining the absence must be brought to school on the following day and given to the classroom teacher. Chronic absenteeism is defined by more than 5 absences in a nine week grading period, or more than 15 unexcused absences for the school year.

Whitfield County Schools

Attendance Procedures

Students are expected to be in school each day unless excused for one of the reasons listed below.

1. Personal illness that would endanger the student’s health or the health of others.

2. Serious illness or death in the student’s immediate family.

3. Special and recognized religious holidays observed by the student’s faith.

4. Mandated absence by order of governmental agencies, e.g., court order or pre-induction physical for the armed forces.

5. Conditions rendering school attendance impossible or hazardous to health or safety.

6. A period not to exceed one day is allowed for registering to vote or voting in a public election.

7. Approved college visitation in accordance with high school regulations.

8. Student trips deemed educational by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

In Elementary and Middle schools, students may have up to 10 days of absences excused with a parent note; parents have 5 days from the time of the student’s return to school to turn in a parent note for absences

Students shall be counted present when they are serving as pages of the Georgia General Assembly and/or while representing the school in an activity approved by the school and/or Board of Education. Students in foster care shall be counted present when they attend court proceedings relating to their foster care.

A student whose parent or legal guardian is in military service in the U. S. armed forces or National Guard, and such parent has been called to duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting will be granted up to 5 days of excused absences per school year to visit with his or her parent prior to the parent's deployment or during the parent's leave.

Individual students who have emergencies to arise that necessitate their absence from school for a portion of the school day must have been present for one half of the instructional day in order to be included in attendance counts.

An unlawful (unexcused) absence is one not permitted under the Compulsory School Attendance Law (20-2-690) and policies of the Whitfield County School Board. A combination of (5) five unexcused tardies or unexcused early checkouts will be considered one unexcused absence for perfect attendance purposes. The above reasons also apply to late check-ins and early checkouts. If a student has excessive absences or tardies, the school social worker may refer the student and parent(s) to the Department of Family and Children Services, Truancy Treatment Team or the appropriate court when sufficient legal causes for these absences or tardies do not exist. Corrective measures may be taken against the student and/or parent(s). The student must be present for at least l/2 of the high school class period to be considered present for the class. The student and/or parent/guardian may request the school principal or designee to review the case if there are extenuating circumstances. Upon denial, it can be appealed to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee.

(According to the State Board of Education rules, a student is truant who during the school calendar year has more than five unexcused absences.)

Beginning the 2005-2006 school year the school will be contacting you in writing when your child has 5, 10 and 15 total absences.

Parents may be requested to attend an Attendance Review Team meeting when students reach 5 unexcused or 10 total absences. Parents who do not attend the Attendance Review meeting will be referred to the school social worker. Parents may also be asked to provide a written physician’s note to excuse future absences due to illness.

Upon review of the student’s attendance, the social worker may refer the student and family on to the community Truancy Treatment Team, the Department of Family and Children Services or the Whitfield County Juvenile or Magistrate Court.

Students, ages 15-17, will lose their driver’s permit or license and/or may lose credit following 10 unexcused absences in a school year.

Georgia Compulsory School Attendance Law

CODE SECTION --20-2-690-1.

Every parent, guardian, or other person residing within this state having control or charge of any child or children between their sixth and sixteenth birthdays shall enroll and send such child or children to a public school, a private school, or a home study program that meets the requirements for a public school, a private school, or a home study program;

Any parent, guardian, or other person residing in this state who has control or charge of a child or children and who shall violate this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $100.00 or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both, at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction. Each day’s absence from school in violation of this part shall constitute a separate offense.

BAD WEATHER PROCEDURE

During the school year, if it is necessary to either dismiss school early or not have school because of bad weather, parents and students will be informed by the following radio stations:

WBLJ	Dalton, GA	1230 AM

WDEF	Chattanooga, TN	92.3 FM

WQMT	Dalton, GA	98.9 FM

104.5 FM

If the weather becomes severe during the school day and school is to be dismissed early, an announcement will be made in advance of the dismissal time. We also will use the Blackboard Connect phone tree system to notify you of any school cancellations.

BALLOON AND FLOWER BOUQUETS

It is against Whitfield County School’s Policy to have balloon or flower bouquets delivered to students at school. Parents are encouraged to have these bouquets delivered to the student's home. Bouquets delivered to the school will be sent back to the florist.

BREAKFAST PROCEDURES

Breakfast is served daily. Breakfast is free for all students and $1.40 for adults. Students paying by the day will pay as they go through the line. Checks should be made payable to Whitfield County School System. Any student wishing to eat breakfast in the cafeteria needs to arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. After that, the student may receive a “grab and go” breakfast.

BOOKBAGS

No rolling bookbags are allowed in the building due to safety reasons.

BUS CONCERNS

All concerns regarding buses (routing, bus stops, drivers, etc.), except for student discipline issues, should be addressed to the Parent Hot Line at 706-537-3638. Bus discipline concerns may be addressed to the assistant principal or principal.

BUS RULES

Students will be loaded and unloaded at their usual stop unless a note from the parents signed by the principal or office personnel is presented to the driver. If there is a late change in afternoon plans for your child, you must call the school office no later than 1:30 in order to get the message to your child. No changes will be taken after that time. All bus notes must go through the office for approval before it is presented to the driver.

Students should enter the bus, find a passenger seat, and remain seated with hands and feet out of the aisle, until time to unload.

Students may talk quietly unless instructed otherwise by the driver.

All noise should stop at all railroad crossings and other dangerous locations.

No physical contact, profanity, loud noise, “saving” seats, or disrespect are allowed at any time.

Objects should not be thrown inside or outside the bus.

No part of a student’s body should ever be outside the bus window.

Children’s clothing needs to be secure to avoid accidents. Long jacket or sweatshirt drawstrings, backpack straps, long scarves or other loose clothing are especially dangerous. Please help us keep your child safe by monitoring loose clothing.

While waiting for the bus in the mornings, students should stand off the street.

Students must follow all guidelines presented in the Whitfield County Schools Transportation brochure.

Students are prohibited from eating or drinking while riding the bus due to safety.

CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES

According to the Whitfield County Board Policy, students are permitted to have cell phones while in school. However, students shall not be permitted to use any personal electronic communication device, including cell phones, during the school day. The cell phone must be turned off and in a book bag during the school day.

Students are prohibited from using any electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, including, but not limited to, cell phones, pagers, audible radios, tape or compact disc players without headphones, or any other electronic device in a manner that might interfere with the school bus communications equipment or the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE

Please notify the teacher and school office of any change of address or telephone number as soon as possible. School messages will come through Blackboard Connect; a correct telephone number is necessary for you to receive these messages.

CHECKOUT PROCEDURE - EARLY DISMISSAL

For a student to be dismissed early, the parent or guardian is asked to send a note to the teacher explaining the request. The parent must come, in person, to the school office to sign out their child. The student will then be called to the office. Students will be released only to those persons listed by the parent on the official registration form. If you have an unusual child custody situation, please discuss this matter with office personnel and provide copies of appropriate legal documents. No check-outs will be allowed after 2:15 PM due to loading buses and preparing for dismissal.

CHEWING GUM

Students are not allowed to chew gum at school unless it is a special school event.

CITIZENSHIP

It is each student’s responsibility to display qualities of good citizenship. Your best conduct is expected in the halls, in the cafeteria, on the playground, in the classroom, or if leaving school grounds. New Hope Elementary teachers want students to become good citizens. Expect teachers to remind you of your mistakes. They will give special emphasis to honesty and courtesy. Obedience to law, respect to our country’s flag, appreciation of the Constitution of the United States, respect for parents and home, and recognition of the dignity and necessity of honest labor are characteristics desired and expected of our students.

CLASSROOM RULES

Each teacher will establish and enforce individual classroom rules. Students will be made aware of rules and consequences at the beginning of the school year. Students are expected to follow classroom rules as well as general school rules.

COUNSELOR

Full-time counseling services are available at New Hope Elementary. Students and parents are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss matters of concern. In addition to individual conferences and small group sessions, guidance classes will be provided at each grade level throughout the school year.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

Students and parents should read the Whitfield County Schools Discipline Code. New Hope Elementary School students will follow the system discipline code. The system handbook explains all rules.

Students who behave will earn positive recognition. If a student chooses to break rules, a form of the following behavior management system may be used:

1st time: Name on board – warning

2nd time: One check - loss of break time

3rd time: Two checks - possible classroom isolation

4th time: Three checks - note to parent or call to parent

5th time: Four checks - conference with the assistant principal or principal

6th time: Five checks - call to parents

7th time: Six checks - Conference with teacher, principal, parents, and student

Major Offenses and Severe Offenses – refer to system discipline code

DRESS CODE

The Whitfield County Board of Education believes that an appropriate dress code will support a safe school environment that is conducive to learning. A committee of board members, administrators, teachers, parents, and students will review this student dress code each year. The Board of Education intends for this dress code to continually adapt to changing styles, reflecting the needs and opinions of our schools and our community.

SECTION A: ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS FOR PROPER ATTIRE

SHIRTS/BLOUSES (All colors and color combinations are acceptable.)

Styles - all styles which conform to rules concerning fit

Fabric - all except sheer, see-through, and unlined lace, etc.

Fit

Sized appropriately, fitted modestly, (no cleavage showing), must have sleeves

Buttoned properly

Long enough to cover midriff at all times (no skin showing at midriff)

SKIRTS/DRESSES/JUMPERS (all colors and color combinations)

Length – no shorter than knee length when standing

Fabric – all except sheer, see-through, and unlined lace, etc.

Fit

Sized appropriately, fitted modestly, (no cleavage showing), must have sleeves

Skirts properly fitted and secured at the waist

Jumpers must be worn with blouse meeting the dress code.

No splits above the knee in skirts or dresses

PANTS/SLACKS/SHORTS

Styles – dress, chino, denim (jeans), cargo, sweatpants, etc. (no overalls, pajama pants, or lounge wear)

Fabric – all except sheer, see-through, unlined lace, etc.

Fit

Sized appropriately (no baggy or over-sized pant legs)

Shorts at the knee when standing

Shorts may be dress, chino, denim (jeans), or cargo. Gym, athletic, and basketball shorts are acceptable. (must be at least knee length)

All styles fitted and secured at the waist

SHOES/BOOTS

Must be properly fastened (tied, buckled, laced, etc.)

Flip flops are acceptable.

No shoes with wheels

SWEATERS/JACKETS/OUTERWEAR

All dress code rules will apply to sweaters/jackets/outerwear when worn inside the school building.

Hoodies must fit appropriately and not be oversized.

SECTION B: INAPPROPRIATE DRESS

The following fads, styles, types of clothing, accessories, and appearances are deemed inappropriate:

If clothing is worn with rips, holes, tears (above the knee), the holes must be permanently patched with fabric meeting dress code standards. Underwear, leggings or shorts under pants with holes do not meet dress code requirements.

Baggy and oversized clothing

Pajamas or lounge wear

Clinging, revealing, immodest, form-fitting

Clothing or tattoos with writings, numbers, pictures, graphics, monograms, symbols or drawings, that promotes;

Gang/cult memberships or activity

Trademarks, slogans, or advertising advocating the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, drug paraphernalia, or other unlawful activity

Discrimination based upon cultural, religious, racial or sexual orientations

Clothing or jewelry deemed a safety risk or unlawful (see Discipline Code)

Pants, skirts, coats, or clothing of any kind touching the ground

Hair of any color or style disruptive to the learning environment

Headwear (caps, scarves, bandanas, sunglasses, etc.) at anytime inside the building

Any objects in pierced body parts other than the ear. Spikes, gauges, etc. are not allowed.

Gloves inside the building

Writing on rear of pants or shorts

The administrator’s decision will stand as to the accepted judgment in the preceding examples of inappropriate dress.

SECTION C: ADHERENCE TO THE DRESS CODE

During the first five days of attendance within the school year, a student in violation will be asked to correct the infractions.

Enforcement as to the progressive discipline procedures in the “Student Discipline Code” will begin on the sixth school day for any student.

No student shall be considered to be out of compliance with this policy in the following instances:

When the student’s parent/guardian has secured an exemption from the policy as set forth in the procedures outlined in the exemptions section below

When the student wears a button, armband, or other accessory to exercise the right of freedom of expression, unless the button, armband, or other accessory is related to gangs, gang membership, or gang activity

When the student wears a uniform of a nationally recognized youth organization such as Boy Scouts or the Girl Scouts on regular meeting days

When a student is wearing an approved form of dress for a school sponsored activity

When the school administration waives the dress code policy for physical education classes or any class where the dress code is not conducive to the learning environment

When the school administration waives the dress code policy for school spirit wear (clothing that is affiliated with school clubs, organizations, athletics, etc…)

SECTION D: EXEMPTIONS

In order to qualify for an exemption, the following procedure must be followed:

Request by email (wanda_phillips@whitfield.k12.ga.us), or in person from the school an “Application For Exemption Form”.

Complete the application in full and submit it to the designated administrator at the student’s school.

Meet with the designated school administrator to discuss the reasons and goals of the policy and the objection to the policy.

Receive formal approval/disapproval by the designated district administrator.

DRUG FREE SCHOOLS

Whitfield County Schools participate in the drug free schools program. This federal program, coordinated by the Georgia State Department of Education was implemented during the 1987-88 school year. Drug education has been integrated into the science, health, and guidance curriculums. The program also includes provisions for drug policies, staff development, parent education, community involvement, and drug intervention and aftercare.

FIELD TRIPS

All field trips are educational in nature and are extensions of the classrooms. Donations may be requested to help defray costs, but at no time will a child be denied the opportunity to make a field trip due to the lack of a donation. Parents will be notified in advance of a field trip. Each child is expected to attend field trips. Students should ride the bus to and from a field trip. If the parent is driving and wants their own child to ride in the car with them, the parent may come to the office and officially check their child out from school. Having done this, their child may ride with them. Other children may not ride with anyone other than their own parent who has checked them out.

*Parents are not allowed to ride the bus, they should provide their own transportation. Parents may or may not have the option of attending a field trip due to space limitations and event requirements.

GIFTED EDUCATION (ALPHA)

Gifted education is provided for students who have met the state's criteria for acceptance into gifted education programs. The goal of gifted education is to meet the needs of gifted children by promoting the use of higher level thinking skills. These classes employ a variety of activities which stimulate a student's thinking processes through exposure to computers, current events, global cultures, and independent student projects.

Whitfield County School System

Gifted Program

Information

Identification and Placement of Students in the ALPHA Program:

The procedures for identifying and placing students in the gifted program are governed by the rules and regulations approved by the State Department of Education. These rules and regulations, called due process, have been established for the protection and privacy of individuals.

Automatic Referral:

A mental abilities test and an achievement test are administered to all students at specific grade levels. A student is automatically referred for gifted screening if:

Achievement scores meet state requirements for gifted services: 90th percentile on total battery, or 90th percentile on the reading total or mathematics total, and one CogAT component or composite score at 90th national percentile or greater.

OR

One of the three CogAT scores is at or above the 96th percentile or the composite score is at or above the 96th percentile, and an achievement score of 85th national percentile or greater in the areas of reading total, math total, or complete battery.

Automatic referrals are evaluated after all test data is received at the local school.

Reported Referral:

A student may be recommended for consideration by a teacher, parent, administrator, counselor, peer, or self. Considerations are accepted the last two weeks of March. Student test data is valid for two calendar years. A student will be assessed only once during the two calendar year period. Reported referrals are reviewed by each school’s local gifted eligibility team. The team will meet the week after spring break and determine which students will be tested.

Evaluation/Assessment Information:

All referrals for consideration are accepted in the spring of each school year. The evaluation process begins after the school’s eligibility team meets.

Qualifications:

The Georgia and Whitfield County Schools’ eligibility criteria for placement in the ALPHA program include meeting three of the four criteria in the areas of mental ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation. More qualification information may be obtained at each school or at the WCS Central Office.

Transfers/Reciprocity:

Any student who meets the state eligibility criteria for gifted education services shall be considered eligible to receive gifted education services in any school system within the state. However, a student transferring from one school system to another within the state shall meet the criteria for continuation of gifted services established by the local board of education of the receiving school system. There is no mandated reciprocity between states.

Program Description

In grades K-12, the gifted program utilizes a variety of instructional models designed to maximize the potential benefits for each individual child. Emphasis is placed on curriculum, enrichment, and acceleration.

Grades K-5

In the elementary grades, the resource/pull-out model is utilized. With the pull-out model, the students meet with the gifted program teacher for a portion of the school day/week (schedules may vary from school to school). The ALPHA program consists of enrichment units that extend the regular curriculum.

HEADLICE

Parents are asked to check their child’s head for lice or nits on a regular basis. Children will not be sent home from school because of non-viable nits. They will be asked to go home due to live bugs. Chronic and/or severe cases will be referred to the Whitfield County Health Department. The Health Department does charge for services and medicine. Only one absence will be excused for lice treatment. The rest will be unexcused. The school system still holds parents accountable for treating and clearing the child, but we will try to prevent the child from missing additional school after the initial detection and treatment.

HOMEWORK

Each student may have some homework each night Monday through Thursday. The amount of homework should vary according to grade levels. Kindergarten and First Grade should be approximately 15 minutes. Second and Third Grades should be approximately 30 minutes. Fourth and Fifth Grades should be 45 minutes. Uncompleted class work is often considered additional homework if designated by the teacher.

IDEAS FOR HELPING YOUR CHILD WITH HOMEWORK

Parents can do their part to improve homework when they:

Cooperate with the school to make homework effective.

Provide their child with suitable study conditions (desk or table, lights, books, and supplies).

Reserve a time for homework and TURN OFF THE TELEVISION.

Encourage their child, but avoid undue pressure.

Show interest in what their children are doing, but do not do the work for them.

Understand that the school expects homework to be completed and returned.

IMMUNIZATION/HEALTH/BIRTH CERTIFICATE/SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

State law requires all students to have adequate immunization, health (eye, ear, dental) examinations, birth certificates, and a copy of the social security card on file in the school office. Health and immunization records may be obtained from your physician or the Whitfield County Health Department.

INSURANCE

Optional school insurance insures students for accidents that might occur at school. Twenty-four hour coverage is also available and is well worth the low cost. Students will be given insurance information during the first week of school. Insurance is available only at the beginning of the school year.

INTERNET

All students have access to the internet. Acceptable use and internet safety guidelines are available on the Whitfield County Schools website at www.whitfield.k12.ga.us. Parents may request a written copy of these guidelines by contacting the school. The school district cannot provide an absolute assurance that students will be prevented from accessing inappropriate materials or sending and receiving objectionable communications but the district will ensure that all practical precautions will be taken to keep students safe from illegal and/or inappropriate material. Students are instructed in acceptable use and internet safety and their internet use is monitored as closely as possible. If a parent does not wish their child to be allowed on the internet, they must notify the school principal in writing within the first week of each school term.

WHITFIELD COUNTY SCHOOLS

Internet Appropriate Use Regulations

The School District will enforce the following administrative procedures. Although some specific examples of prohibited uses by students are stated, they are intended as illustrations only and do not purport to be all-inclusive list of inappropriate behaviors. Failure to comply with these administrative procedures shall be deemed grounds for revocation of privileges, potential disciplinary and/or appropriate legal action.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

I. ACCEPTABLE USE

Access to the school's Internet is provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school system's educational mission and goals.

Parents shall be required to sign the Internet Access Agreement form allowing their students to access the Internet. All students shall also be required to sign said form affirming that they have read and understand the administrative procedure on "Student Internet and Appropriate Use" and understand the consequences for the violation of said administrative procedure.

II. PRIVILEGES

The use of the school system's Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use may result in the cancellation of those privileges. The Superintendent or designee(s) shall make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated these procedures and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time.

III. UNACCEPTABLE USE

The user is responsible for all his/her actions and activities involving the network. Examples of prohibited conduct include but are not limited to the following:

A. Accessing materials or communications that are:

1. Damaging to another's reputation,

2. Abusive,

3. Obscene,

4. Sexually oriented,

5. Threatening,

6. Contrary to the school's policy on harassment,

7. Harassing, or

8. Illegal;

B. Sending or posting materials or communications that are:

1. Damaging to another's reputation,

2. Abusive,

3. Obscene,

4. Sexually oriented,

5. Threatening,

6. Harassing,

7. Illegal, or

8. Contrary to the school's policy on harassment;

C. Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other

contracts or transmitting any material in violation of U.S. and State regulation;

D. Copying or downloading copyrighted material on any system connected to the School

System's hardware/software without the owner's permission. Only the owner(s) or

individuals specifically authorized by the owner(s) may copy or download copyrighted

material to the system;

E. Copying or downloading copyrighted material for the student's own use without the owner's permission. Students may redistribute copyrighted programs only with the owner's

permission. Such permission must be specified in the document or must be obtained

directly from the owner in accordance with applicable copyright laws, Board policy and

administrative procedures;

F. Using the network for private financial or commercial gain;

G. Wastefully using resources;

H. Utilizing any software having the purpose of damaging the school unit's system or other

user's system;

I. Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities;

J. Invading the privacy of individuals;

K. Using another user's account or password;

L. Posting material authorized or created by another without his/her consent;

M. Posting anonymous messages;

N. Using the network for commercial or private advertising;

O. Forging of electronic mail messages;

P. Attempting to read, delete, copy or modify the electronic mail of other system users and

deliberately interfering with the ability of other system users to send/receive electronic mail;

Q. Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked; and

R. Using the network in a fashion inconsistent with directions from teachers and other staff

and generally accepted network etiquette.

IV. STAFF SUPERVISION

Staff members should become familiar with this procedure and should enforce the rules

concerning appropriate use when their duties include supervision of students using the

Internet. When in the course of their duties staff members become aware of student

violation of this policy, they should correct the student and address the matter in

accordance with this procedure and the Board of Education's general disciplinary policies

and procedures.

V. COMPENSATION

The student and/or the student's parent(s)/legal guardian(s) shall be responsible for

compensating the school system for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the school

system relating to or arising out of any student violation of these procedures.

VI. SECURITY

Network security is a high priority. If the student identifies or perceives a security problem

or a breech of these responsibilities on the Internet, the user must immediately notify the

principal, his/her designee OR other appropriate staff. The student must not demonstrate

the problem to other student users.

VII. VANDALISM

Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action.

Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy the school unit's

equipment or materials, data of another student, the Internet network, or agency. This

includes but is not limited to the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

VIII. TELEPHONE CHARGES

The Board of Education assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees

including but not limited to long distance charges, per minute surcharges and/or equipment

or line costs.

IX. NETWORK ETIQUETTE

The user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These

include but are not limited to the following.

A. Be polite. Do not become abusive in messages to others.

B. Use appropriate language. Do not swear or use vulgarities or any other

inappropriate language.

C. Do not reveal the personal addresses or telephone numbers of students.

D. Recognize that electronic mail (E-mail) is not private. People who operate the

system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal

activities may be reported to the authorities.

E. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.

F. Consider all communications and information accessible via the network to be

private property.

LOST AND FOUND

Any article of clothing found on the school campus is taken to the lost and found section. Please feel free to periodically look through the accumulated items to claim any items that belong to your child. All unclaimed items will be taken to charitable organizations at the end of October, March, and May. Because of this, parents are requested to clearly label all of their child’s personal possessions.

LUNCH/BREAKFAST PROCEDURES

School lunch and breakfast are served daily. Lunch and breakfast money can be brought to the cafeteria before school each day. Students paying by the day will pay as they go through the line. Lunch money must be paid separately from ice cream, supplies, etc. Checks should be made payable to Whitfield County School System. If a student forgets his lunch money he/she may charge it in the cafeteria. *Students will not be allowed to have more than 3 charges at any time. If charges are not paid in a timely manner nor a lunch sent from home, Whitfield County Schools have the discretion of providing an alternate lunch. Applications for free and reduced price lunches will be sent home to all parents. Meal applications are available in the office, if the family status changes during the year. Menus will be sent home each month. Students are encouraged to eat school prepared meals. Delivering lunches to students during the school day is discouraged. If your child prefers a home-prepared lunch, please have the child bring the lunch to school with him/her in the morning.

Food items brought from home to be consumed in the school cafeteria must be in appropriate containers. Home prepared or commercial breakfast foods should be eaten prior to arrival at school. Lunch food items purchased commercially or prepared at home should be in a plain, nondescript paper bag or a lunch box. Glass containers are not allowed. If a child is allergic to milk, juice will be substituted, provided there is a letter from a doctor.

The prices for school year 2013-14 are as follows:

Breakfast:

Students: Free

Adults: $1.60

Extra Milk: $.50

Lunch:

Elementary Paid Students: $1.90

Adults: $2.85

All Reduced Students: $.40

If you have any questions please feel free to call Angie Brown at 706-876-3947.

*Procedures for Chronic Charges*

Whitfield County has a policy of three charges. In order to have consistency across the school system the following procedures will be followed for over three charges.

Cashier will send timely notice of three charges, and keep a copy for documentation.

If there is no response, cashier will follow with a phone call, documenting date, time and the name of the person with whom they spoke.

If the child continues to charge and there is no response, the account will be turned over to the principal or their designee for a phone call and/or a letter.

Children with more than five charges will be asked to call their parents to bring lunch money to the school if the parent has not sent a lunch or money for the day.

Children will not be allowed to purchase ice cream with snack money if they have chronic charges. Cashier will inform teachers who has chronic charges.

Alternate lunch will be provided after five charges and the above attempts have been made. This will consist of peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a carton of milk.

If the parent does not send money for lunch or a home prepared meal, the school social worker or outreach worker will then be notified.

Middle school students with charges will be denied the privilege of attending special school events such as school dances until all charges are paid.

High school students with charges will not be allowed to exempt finals until all charges are paid.

No charges after the second Friday in May.

No checks accepted two weeks before the end of school.

All students withdrawing from school must sign out with the lunchroom to make sure they do not leave owing charges. Cashier (or manager) signs the sheet indicating they have checked out with the lunchroom.

MEDIA CENTER

The Media Center is the central hub of the school. Books, audio and video tapes, newspapers, periodicals, computer software, and other related media materials are readily available to teachers and students. The Media Center is open daily from 7:30 A.M. to 2:10 P.M.

Each student must have a signed damage/loss agreement form on file before checking out any books.

Materials are accessible for subject related projects. The Media Specialist is available to assist teachers and students. Students may come individually with a pass from their teacher and the teacher will schedule a weekly time to bring his/her whole class so that they may have an opportunity to select their books. Books are checked out for a one week period. A student must return his/her book before checking out additional books. Damaged or lost books must be paid for before other books may be checked out. The fee should be paid directly to the Media Center. All books are to be returned before Christmas vacation, Spring Break, and two weeks before school ends for the year. There are additional resources available to students such as computers and encyclopedias. The classroom teacher arranges time for student use of these resources.

The Media Rules are as follows:

Be courteous.

Take proper care of materials and return them on time.

Walk and talk softly

Follow instructions.

MEDICATION

All students needing to take medication at school must have a medication form on file. All prescription medication must be in its original container and brought to the homeroom teacher or to the office. Medicine will only be given as instructed by a doctor. Over-the-counter medications should be sent in the original container with complete written instructions.

MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION

In each classroom, a moment of silent reflection will be observed during the morning announcements. The moment of quiet reflection is not intended to be and shall not be conducted as a religious service or exercise, but shall be considered as an opportunity for a moment of silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day. This activity complies with the 1994 Georgia General Assembly Legislation (SB396).

PARENTS ENTERING BUILDING

All parents and visitors must register in the office when they first enter the building. Georgia Law requires this is for safety reasons. AT NO TIME SHOULD A PARENT GO TO THE CLASSROOM WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING IN AT THE OFFICE. Parents must obtain a visitor’s pass or badge (from the office) before being allowed in the classrooms.

PARENT RESOURCE CENTER

A Parent Resource Center to assist in reinforcing your child’s skills at home is available. Items such as educational games, books, types, pamphlets, skill-focused take home bookbags, etc. are available for parent checkout.

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

The PTO at New Hope is a vital part of the school. We are known for our parent participation in school activities. The PTO membership is only $5.00 per person.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

A minimum of two conferences are to be held during the school year. Your child's teacher will notify you when to schedule the conferences. Parents, it is important that you communicate with your child's teacher, so feel free to schedule additional conferences as needed.

PARKING

Parents may only park in the parking lot at the front entrance of the building after 7:50 AM and before 2:15 PM. Otherwise you must park in the parking lot at the rear entrance during drop-off or pick-up times. THERE WILL BE NO PARKING IN THE EMERGENCY LANE (ALONG THE CURB) AT THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. We have parking available for visitors throughout the day due to staff parking in the back.

PARTIES

Elementary schools are limited in the number of celebrations which can be held during the school year. These celebrations are limited to the seasonal occasions of Fall, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and the end of school. When appropriate, teachers will notify you of specific dates/times of these activities.

The teacher will notify you of specific dates/times of these activities. Parties are limited to the last thirty (30) minutes of the school day. The presence of younger, pre-school children is discouraged. Parents may wish to send one item for the class to enjoy. Please advise the teacher ahead of time if you plan to send a treat. Invitations to personal, private parties are not allowed to be distributed to students.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

By Georgia Standards, Physical Education is a required class and students should be prepared to participate with tennis shoes, proper clothing, etc. If a student is unable to participate due to illness or medical reasons, he/she must bring a note from home or a doctor and give it to the homeroom teacher. The homeroom teacher will give it to the physical education teacher.

PICTURES

School pictures are made twice each year at New Hope Elementary, in the fall and in the spring. Information about individual and group pictures will be sent home before pictures are made to give details and prices. Purchase of the pictures is not required.

PLAYGROUND RULES

No throwing of any objects, including swings.

No standing on swings.

Only one person per swing.

One person on slide steps at a time.

No climbing slide; use steps.

No pushing or play fighting.

7. Rocks and other loose playground objects should not be handled.

PURCHASE OF NON-CURRICULUM MATERIALS

Because it is so important that students be exposed to books at an early age, and because they take great pride in owning books, teachers may offer the parents an opportunity to purchase materials for use in the home. Troll Book Clubs and Weekly Reader Books are examples of such materials. You are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. However, these materials are not part of the classroom instruction and are not required by the school. All text materials required for instruction will be provided by the school. If you decide to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase materials for the home, please make all checks payable to the book club. At least twice a year the media center sponsors a book fair. Again, this is an opportunity to purchase materials and books to be used in the home. Parents and students may browse through and purchase a book if desired. No checks will be accepted during the book fairs.

RECORDS

School records are maintained in the school office. These records contain progress reports, test scores, and other data. These records are confidential. Parents may see these records at a scheduled parent-teacher conference. A written request is required before records are sent to another school or other agency.

RELEASE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The Board of Education designates the following information as "directory information." Unless a parent or eligible student makes a timely request to the principal of the school where the student is enrolled that such information not be designated directory information on the individual student, such information will not be considered confidential and may be disclosed upon request:

Student’s name, address and telephone number

Student’s date and place of birth

Student’s email address

Student’s participation in official school clubs and sports

Weight and height of student if he/she is a member of an athletic team

Dates of attendance at schools within the school district

Honors and awards received during the time enrolled in the district’s schools

Photograph

Grade level

Parents are further notified that students may be photographed, videotaped, or interviewed by the news media or school system personnel at school or some school activity or event. Parents wishing that the above information be denied release must notify the school principal in writing within 30 days of the first day of a school year or the date of enrollment.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued every nine weeks. The report cards should be signed by the parent or guardian and returned to the teacher the following day. A progress report will be sent home every four and half weeks to inform parents of the academic progress before the report cards go home at the end of the nine week grading period.

REPORTING OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR BY STAFF MEMBERS

Any student (or parent or friend of a student) who has been the victim of suspected inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator, or other school system employee is urged to make an oral report of the act to any teacher, counselor, or administrator at his/her school. For more details, please see the Student Discipline brochure.

Georgia HB 1321 addresses the issue of falsifying reports of alleged inappropriate behavior by teachers or school personnel stating it is an offense “falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting, or erroneously reporting information regarding instances of alleged behavior by a teacher, administrator, or other school employee toward a student.”

REPORTING TO PARENTS

Parents are kept informed of their child’s progress. Communicating with parents develops a rapport that enhances the learning process of students. Our communication process involves:

Telephone calls or personal notes sent when a need arises. E-mail is also utilized when available.

Report cards sent home usually 5 days after the close of each nine weeks grading period.

Progress report sent home in the middle of the nine week grading period to inform parents of academic progress.

Time scheduled for each parent to come to a conference with their child’s teacher on , October 20, March 16, and during the month of May (date(s) to be announced). Additional conferences will be arranged as the need arises.

Classroom newsletter sent home weekly/monthly

School newsletters sent home monthly/bi-monthly

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING SCHOOL

1.	Birth Certificates - All students entering school for the first time must have an official copy of their birth certificate. Children must be five years old on or before September 1 to enroll in Kindergarten. To enter the first grade, a student must be six years old on or before September 1.

2.	Immunization Certificates - All students enrolling in a Georgia school must have an official Georgia Department of Human Resources Certificate of Immunization. This may be secured from local physicians or the Whitfield County Health Department.

3.	Hearing, Vision and Dental Certificates - All students entering a Georgia school for the first time must present a certificate of ear, eye, and dental examination by the Health Department, a physician and/or a dentist.

4.	Social Security Number -All students enrolling in Georgia schools must present an official copy of their social security card.

5.	Proof of Residence - All students enrolling in Whitfield County Schools must provide proof of residence with a utility bill showing address of service.

SCHOOL DAY

School begins at 7:40 A.M. and ends at 2:30 P.M. The school doors are opened at 7:00 A.M. Parents must not drop off children prior to 7:00 A.M. as they will be unsupervised. Parents will NOT be allowed to check out students after 2:15 PM due to loading buses and preparing for dismissal.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Paper, pencils, and erasers, are available for purchase from the school vending machines when available.

TARDIES

School starts at 7:40 A.M. and it is important that students be on time. If a student is tardy he/she should have a note explaining why. Frequent tardies will be treated the same as chronic absences. Students should be in the building, in their classroom, and seated by 7:40 AM. Excessive tardies are reported to the assistant principal and social worker for contacting parents.

TELEPHONE

The school telephone number is 706-673-3180. If parents need to call their child’s teacher, they are encouraged to call him/her at a time when classes are not in session or after 2:30. Students should ask to use the telephone only in case of an emergency. Permission must be granted by the classroom teacher. Arrangements for after-school activities should be made before coming to school in the morning.

TESTING

Kindergarten	Kindergarten Assessment Testing

Fall and Spring (GKIDS)

AIMS Web Benchmarks (Three times a year)

Grades 1 – 2	MAP Benchmarks (Three times a year)

Grades 3 – 5	Criterion Referenced Testing Spring (CRCT)

MAP Benchmarks (Three times a year)

Grades 4	Group Screening (Mental abilities)- Winter (GoGAT)

MAP Benchmarks (Three times a year)

Criterion Referenced Testing Spring (CRCT)

Grades 5	State Writing Exam

MAP Benchmarks (Three times a year)

Criterion Referenced Testing Spring (CRCT)

*In accordance with Georgia State Law, third graders must meet expectations in reading to be promoted to fourth grade. Fifth grade students are expected to meet expectations in reading and math to be promoted to the sixth grade.

TEXTBOOKS

Any textbooks or library books checked out or issued to your child are the property of the Whitfield County Schools. They should be used with care and returned in good condition. Students are responsible for books which are lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair.

TOBACCO

The use of tobacco in any form is not permitted by anyone anywhere on the campus of any Whitfield County School.

TRAFFIC POLICY

Please help us keep your children safe by following these rules:

Please drop off and pick up students at the back of the school, entering the drive from Rauschenberg Road.

Morning drop-off begins at 7:00 AM. Please do not bring your child to school prior to 7:00 AM as no one is on duty and the doors are not unlocked.

Students should not be dropped off in the front parking lot prior to 7:40. Parents wishing to walk their children in needs to park in the back parking lot prior to 7:40. After 7:40, students may be dropped off at the front door. Please remember, school begins @ 7:40.

If you drop off your child before 7:30 AM, traffic is not a problem. This earlier arrival also gives your child time to walk to class, put up their book bags, and settle in prior to morning announcements at 7:40 AM, your child needs time to get to class before 7:40 AM. Students planning to eat breakfast must arrive no later than 7:30 AM. Students are considered tardy if not present in the classroom at 7:45 AM.

Family members picking up students in the car rider line should display in the car window a pickup card with the student’s name on it. If you need additional cards, please send a letter to your child’s teacher requesting cards.

Please pull up close to the posts where the teachers are on duty. In the afternoons, you will be assigned a particular post (#1 through #5) to park beside. Never go around someone parked in front of you. The line must proceed at the same time. Parents must come in the building and pick up students who are not picked up by 2:50 PM.

Please load and unload quickly, our goal is to move cars in and out as quickly as possible. If you realize you need to give your child lunch money or have some other task, please park in our parking area so you will not hold up the traffic flow.

After 7:45 AM, students must go to the office to pick up a tardy slip.

Please come by the office to checkout students. No check-outs will be allowed after 2:10 PM due to loading buses and preparing for dismissal.

Our top priority is child safety. These measures are established to keep all our students safe coming to and leaving school grounds.

Please help us to maintain safety for all children by following this policy. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me at the school. Thanks in advance for helping us to keep our students safe. Thank you in advance for following these procedures to ensure everyone’s safety.

VALUABLES

Please send only necessary money to school with your child. Please put the money in an envelope and mark on the envelope exactly what the money is for; children often forget. Other money, toys, athletic equipment, electronic games, CD players, MP3 players, tape players, and expensive items should be left at home. The school cannot be responsible for damage to or loss of such items.

VISITORS

All people who are not employed at New Hope Elementary School are SCHOOL VISITORS. Visitors should check in at the school office and obtain a visitor’s pass. No one will be admitted into a classroom without a pass or badge. Classroom visitation should be cleared with the teacher and principal prior to the visit.

VOLUNTEERS

Parents and grandparents are urged to volunteer their services. Parents may serve in a capacity that they feel most suited or where there is the greatest need. Volunteers should check in at the school office in order to be assigned and in order to have their service recorded by the volunteer coordinator. This service is greatly appreciated; the result of this service is reflected in student progress. We have volunteer training and a volunteer center.

WEAPONS

It is unlawful for any person to carry, possess or have under control any weapon at the school building, at any school function on school property, on a bus, or other transportation furnished by the school.

WITHDRAWAL

The procedure for a student to withdraw is as follows:

The school and teacher are notified.

All school property must be returned and moneys due the school must be paid.

A withdrawal form is filled out by the classroom teacher and signed by the Media Center and the office.

Records will be forwarded by mail upon request of the school where the student has transferred.

STUDENT PUBLICITY RELEASE

The public relations office of the Whitfield County Schools may, from time to time, release selected student information for publicity purposes without the parent’s prior written consent, unless the parent or eligible student informs the school that information about the child should not be released. Such information would include student’s name; major field of study; grade level classification; student’s participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of athletic teams; attendance; diplomas, certificates, awards, and honors received; and most recent educational agency or institution attended by the student.

Parents wishing that the above information be denied release must notify the school principal in writing within 30 days of the first day of school of a school year or the date of enrollment.

Parents are further notified that students may be photographed, videotaped, or interviewed by the news media or school system personnel at school or some school activity or event; unless the parent/guardian object in writing to the principal within 30 days as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS:

If you have any questions pertaining to your child or the school, please call the school office at (706) 673-3180 between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM.