Phone:
731-645-3131
Fax:
731-645-9756
McNairy County Website: www.mcnairy.org
Selmer Elementary Website: www.mcnairy.org/ses/
Dear Parents & Students,
Welcome to
On behalf of the faculty and staff, we extend an
invitation for you to visit our school, attend your child’s programs, and
become an active member in the PTO and volunteer program. We are very happy to have you and your child
with us at
Sincerely,
Carolyn
Giesler, Principal
Pam
Killingsworth, Assistant Principal
2005-06
August 4 “Meet Your
Teacher”,
August 5 Orientation for
Kindergarten Students and Parents.
August 8 First Day of School for Grades
1,2,3,4
August 9 -18 Special Kindergarten
Schedule (will be explained at kindergarten orientation)
August 22 First Full Day for
all Kindergarten Students
August
August 25-26 Fall Pictures will be
taken.
September 5 Labor Day – School is
Dismissed.
September 6 Turn-In Day for PTO
Memberships.
September 16 Kickoff Day for Fall PTO
Fundraiser. Top selling grade gets a pizza party.
September 19 PTO
Meeting,
September 27 Order
Turn-In Day for PTO Fall Fundraiser.
September 30 Fall
Carnival (
October 3 Fall
Pictures will be coming home.
October 10 – 12 Fall
Break (School is dismissed.)
October 18 Fall
Picture Re-Take Day
October 20 Parent-Teacher
Conference,
October (last week) Fundraiser
Merchandise should be ready for Pick-Up by Parents (Watch for Note.)
November 10 Family
Fun Night - Kindergarten & Grade One
(
November 11 Scott
Shupe Animal Assembly Program,
November 15 Money
Turn-In Day for PTO Fundraiser.
November 17 Family
Fun Night – Grades Two, Three, & Four (
November 23,24,25 School
is Dismissed for Thanksgiving holidays.
December Breakfast
with Santa,
December 6,7,8
December 12 PTO
Program,
December 16 Early
School Dismissal at
December 19 – January 3 School is Dismissed for Christmas Holidays.
January 4 Classes
Resume at
January 11 Class
Pictures will be taken in SES Library (During School Day).
January 12 Report
cards for second nine-week period will come home.
January 16 School
is Dismissed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
February 1 Kick-Off
for Relay For Life Activities (Coke Products
February 15 Money
Turn-In Day for Coke Products
February 17 School
is Dismissed for Students (Teachers’ Professional Development Day)
February 20 School
is Dismissed for Presidents’ Day.
February 21 Class
Pictures will come Home.
March 1,2,3 Book
Fair ( During School Day).
March 6 PTO
Program,
March 8,9 Spring
Pictures will be taken. (Notes will be sent home when schedules are made.)
March 13 -17 School
is dismissed for Spring Break.
March 21 PTO
Krispy Kreme Donut
March 23 Kindergarten & Grade 1 - School-wide
Family Fun Night,
March 30 Grades
2, 3, & 4 - School-wide Family Fun Night,
March 28 Report
Cards for Third Quarter will come home.
April 3 Kindergarten
Registration (During the School Day throughout April).
April 12 Kindergarten
Cap & Gown Pictures will be taken.
April 14 School
is dismissed for Good Friday.
April 17 - 28 Terra
Nova Tests for Grades 1-4.
May 1, 2, 3 End-of-Year
Kindergarten Testing
May 5 Spring
Fling Field Day (Parents are invited to bring Pre-School children.)
May 9 Otis
Lennon Tests are administered in Grade 1.
May 12 School
is dismissed.
May “Relay
for Life” in
May 22 PTO
Meeting,
May 24 Kindergarten
Program, in Selmer Elementary Gym, at
May 25 Records
and Reports Day for Teachers (Students are dismissed from school all day.)
May 26 Last
Day of School – Students pick up report cards and are dismissed at
June 6 - 29 Summer
School for those Students who have not met the academic requirement of their
grade level. We also have a special
Kindergarten Program in June for those students entering Kindergarten in the
Fall.
By creating and supporting a dynamic
system of teaching and learning for all students,
instill a love for learning in the heart of every child we touch so that each one will grow to be a lifelong learner, as evidenced through attendance records, academics
performance and assessments, and teacher observation.
BELIEFS
Our Staff Believes:
CONTENTS OF HANDBOOK
01. After-School
Program
02. Annual
Notice to Parents
03. Arrival/Departure
of Students
04. Asbestos
Statement
05. Attendance
06. Bus Riding
Procedures
07. Cafeteria
Rules
08. Care of
Property
09. Change of
Address/Telephone
10. Delivery of
Gifts to School
11. Discipline/School
Discipline Policy
12. Emergency
Closings
13. Enrollment
14. General
Rules
15. Head Lice
Procedures
16. Ideas for
Helping Your Child
17. Incomplete
Assignments
18. Injuries,
Illnesses – Emergency Friend
19. Interrogations
and Searches
20. Leaving
School During the School Day
21. McNairy
County Internet/Electronic Media Acceptable Use Policy
22. Medical
Conditions/Medication Policy
23. Money
(Lunch, Milk Break, & Supplies)
24. Parental
Rights Under the No Child Left Behind Legislation
25. Parent-Teacher
Conference
26. Parent-Teacher
Organization (PTO)
27. Playground
Rules
28. Promotion
and Retention
29. Report Cards
– Grading
30. School
Safety Inspections and Safety Plans
31. Special
Programs
32. Student
Dress
33. Telephone
Use
34. Transfer
Option for Students Victimized by Violent Crime at School
35. Transportation
Change
36. Visitors
37. Weapons
& Dangerous Instruments
38. Withdrawal
and Transfer Procedure
The After-School Program meets each day
that school is in session for the full day (
The After-School Program goes from
02. Annual Notice to Parents
In
compliance with state and federal law, the McNairy County School district will
provide to each protected student with a disability without discrimination or
cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations
which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the
benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum
extent appropriate to the student’s abilities.
In order to qualify as a protected student with a disability, the child
must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially
limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school
program.
These
services and protections for “protected students who are disabled” are distinct
from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or
seeking enrollment) in special educational programs.
For
further information on the evaluation procedures and provisions of services to
protected handicapped students, contact
Sue Prather at 731-645-6010.
03. Arrival/Departure
of Students
All students being transported in cars must be in
their classrooms, unpacked, and ready to begin classes at
Students arriving before
Students arriving in cars may unload at the walkways
at the east side of the campus or at the walkway beside the gym. All vehicles unloading at the east gate must
exit
No cars may unload in front of the office before
The school day begins promptly at
The school day goes to
Please note that tardies and early checkouts
accumulate into a day’s absence.
Any change in departure of students must have a note
or telephone call from parent.
04. Asbestos
Statement
This
is to certify that
05. Attendance
The school day begins promptly at
When students arrive at school late, or leave school
early, they are counted absent for the “periods” missed. Students who are habitually tardy, or
those students whose parents are frequently checking them out early,
will receive no credit for the instruction missed. Parents are cautioned that frequent absences
will result in an “Incomplete” or “Failing” on school reports and report
cards. Parents must notify the school
office of their child’s absence. Failure
to do so will result in an “unexcused” absence.
Parents who pick up their child’s missed assignments
must do so no earlier than
Success in school depends greatly on the student’s
attendance. Many times absences are
unavoidable, and the school will work with parents whose child is sick or
misses because of a family emergency.
Occasional absences cause some learning disruptions, but frequent
absentees can reduce a student’s academic achievement. When a child is absent for any reason,
parents must call the office on the first day of the absence or send a note the
first day the child returns to school.
When a child must be absent for a dental or a medical visit, parents are
asked to get a physician’s statement which will be kept on file in the school
office. When a child is absent or
unexcused for five aggregate days, parents will receive a notification letter
from the school office, and the truant officer will be provided a record of the
student’s attendance. In the event of
habitual tardies, early checkouts, and/or absences, the parent will be required
to appear before the Truancy Board.
Excessive absenteeism will be referred to the juvenile court authorities.
Perfect Attendance certificates are awarded to students who do not
miss any part of a day during the school year.
06. Bus Riding Procedures
McNairy
The school bus is an extension of school activity;
therefore, the Board expects students to conduct themselves on the bus
in a manner consistent with
the established standards for safety and classroom behavior. School bus transportation is authorized only
for students regularly enrolled in public school in grades K-12. This is a privilege to enjoy rather than a
right.
Students riding a bus are under the supervision and
control of the bus driver while on the bus, and all reasonable directions given
by the driver shall be followed.
Any student may be denied the privilege of riding the
bus if it is determined by the principal or his designee that the student’s
behavior is such as to cause disruption on the bus or that the student has
disobeyed state or local rules and regulations pertaining to student
transportation and/or behavior. Students
suspended from one bus in the system are suspended from all buses. Any student who earns a suspension during the
last part of the school year will be subject to serving the remainder of the
suspension the following year. If a
student’s transportation assignment is to be changed, adequate notice shall be
given to the student and/or his parent(s).
Discipline procedures have been adopted to both
instill and maintain acceptable behavior at its optimum while students are
riding our school buses. While it is the
desire of the Board that no student lose transportation privileges, it is,
nevertheless, the responsibility of each student riding a school bus to be
aware of and obey effective behavior guidelines and safety procedures.
Safety Procedures: Boarding/Leaving a Bus:
While Riding the Bus:
General Information:
Pupil Transportation –
Appeals Process
In most cases, it is desirable for a student and/or
his parent or guardian and the involved bus driver to resolve problems through
free and informal communication. If,
however, the informal process is not chosen or fails to satisfy either party,
that party shall proceed immediately with the complaint by adhering to the
following steps in the appeals process:
Step 1:
Principal
Step 2:
Supervisor of Transportation
Step 3:
Superintendent
Step 4: Board
of Education
07. Cafeteria Rules
Nutritious meals are essential for the physical
well-being and the learning ability of each child. Wholesome “Type A” lunches and breakfasts are
served. Applications for free or reduced
meals are sent home at the beginning of the school year and are available in
the school office during the year.
“Ala Carte” food items may be purchased with the
school lunch, e.g. fruit juice, ice cream, etc.
No student is permitted to purchase more than two ala carte items with
his/her lunch.
Every effort will be made to insure that an
atmosphere exists in the cafeteria for all students to enjoy a wholesome and
tasty meal. The following rules must be
followed to maintain that positive atmosphere:
Ø
Enter the
cafeteria in a single line.
Ø
Choose items that
make a “Type A” meal; a cafeteria staff member will assist students in making
their selection.
Ø
Students should
know their “Meal Number” when they reach the register and be prepared to enter
those numbers.
Ø
Students may not
return to the serving line once they are seated. Students must get napkins, silverware, and
food items as they go through the serving line.
Ø
Sit at assigned
tables.
Ø
Talk in an
“inside voice” to other students at your table.
Ø
Raise your hand
if you need help from the assistants.
Ø
Remain seated
until dismissed by your teacher.
Ø
Be sure no food
is left on the table, seats, or floor.
Students are responsible for leaving their seating areas ready for the
next group.
Ø
Students will be
charged for damage to cafeteria utensils that are intentionally damaged.
Ø
Parents may not
bring fast food meals for students to eat in the cafeteria.
Ø
No cans or glass
bottles are permitted. Students are
encouraged to drink milk. Drinks may be
brought in plastic bottles no larger than eight ounces.
Ø
Leave the
cafeteria quietly.
Ø
In accordance
with McNairy County Policy, students can charge no more than five days.
08. Care of Property
Please label
all coats, book bags, lunchboxes, and personal items with your child’s
name. Writing the child’s name on
his/her belongings will allow us to promptly return the item if it is lost.
Please discourage your child from bringing more money
than he/she needs to spend at school.
There will be no charge for textbooks except for math
workbooks in kindergarten, grade one, and grade two. All parents should
understand that their children are responsible for the care and safekeeping of
textbooks and library books which are provided for their use. Students will be required to pay for lost
and/or damaged items issued by the school.
Respect and pride in the school’s appearance should
be instilled in each child. Students
should keep their desks and the area around them neat. Marking on desks, walls, restrooms, etc. will
be considered destruction of school property.
09. Change of Address/Telephone
Parents are required to furnish the school office
with a current phone number for an emergency. Your child’s teacher should be notified
immediately when there is a change in your address or telephone number.
10. Delivery of Gifts to School
Delivery of personal gifts to
students at school shall comply with the following criteria:
Ø
Containers of
gifts (flowers, etc.) shall be made of rubberized plastic or paper. Glass containers and balloons shall be
prohibited.
Ø
Size of gifts
shall not exceed eighteen inches (18”) in height or width.
Ø
Deliveries shall
not be made earlier than
Ø
Subject to the
wishes of the principal, the person making the delivery, or his representative
may be required to remain at the school to assist in sorting, delivery, etc. of
the gifts until all deliveries to the students have been completed.
11. Discipline/School Discipline
Policy
One of the most important lessons education should
teach our students is self-discipline.
While discipline does not appear as a subject, discipline underlies the
whole educational structure. It is the
training that develops self-control,
character, orderliness, and efficiency.
Discipline is the key to good conduct and proper consideration for other
people.
The school will not tolerate fighting, disrespect
toward others, obscene language, or destruction of school property. Parents will be notified when students break
rules. Students who do not follow school
rules will be placed in in-school detention or will be suspended to appear
before the disciplinary board.
A copy of the classroom discipline plan will be sent
home. Please read the behavior
expectations and consequences carefully.
Positive reinforcement will be used to reward appropriate behavior. When any student fails to follow the steps in
the classroom discipline plan, that student will be referred to the school
office. The follow discipline options
will be used:
Ø
Corporal Punishment:
Unless a parent refuses for a
child to be paddled, the board policy does allow paddling. There is a place to make such requests on the
student’s registration form. Any
paddling is administered in the presence of a witness and a form is completed
for that incident.
Ø
In-School Detention:
A student will be removed from
his/her classroom and assigned to the detention area, where he/she will remain
for a part of a day up to five days (depending on the offense). A discipline referral form is completed prior
to assignment of a student to in-school detention.
Ø
Alternative School: When a student has five (5)
office referrals, or if a student commits an offense for which he/she must be
removed from school, the student will be placed in the off-campus alternative
school.
Ø
Suspension: A student may be suspended from school for one to ten
days without appearing before the disciplinary hearing authority.
Ø
Referral to a Disciplinary Hearing Authority: When
the above measures have been tried, and when that student’s disruptive behavior
continues, the student will be suspended to appear before the Disciplinary
Board. Assault of another student or
staff member or possession of a knife,
gun, or weapon can result in an automatic school suspension and referral to a
juvenile authority or crisis team.
Ø
Parents will be informed through telephone calls,
notes, and conferences. Any student
referred to the office for detention will bring home a copy of the discipline
referral form for parents to sign and return to school with comments. Parents are encouraged to schedule a
conference with the teacher.
12. Emergency Closings
In making the decision to close schools, the director
of schools considers many factors which relate to the fundamental concern for
safety and health of students.
Local radio stations will broadcast school closings,
as well as
If the weather becomes severe during the school day,
and school is dismissed early, an announcement will be made regarding dismissal
time. The teacher will refer to the
directions given by parents as to whether the child will ride the bus or be
picked up. Parents are asked to complete
the registration form and promptly return it to the child’s teacher; this form
has detailed questions regarding early dismissal of school.
13. Enrollment
Selmer Elementary’s enrollment consists of
kindergarten through grade four and a county-wide CDC special education program
for students. All kindergarten students must be five years of age before
October 1st. Kindergarten is a mandatory requirement in the State of
Upon
registering a student at
14. General Rules
15. Head Lice Procedures
16. Ideas for Helping Your Child
17. Incomplete
Assignments
The student is responsible for
completing all work missed during absences.
The work of a student whose grades are satisfactory, but are withheld
because of failure to complete the required work shall be reported as
“Incomplete”. If the Incomplete is not
removed within the following nine weeks, it will then become an “F” or Failing.
18. Injuries, Illnesses – Emergency Friend
Parents or guardians will be notified when a child
becomes ill or sustains any injury that will prevent him/her from participating
in regular planned activities. When
parent/guardian is notified of child’s injury or illness, the parent is
expected to pick up the child.
The student registration form which is completed
annually contains accurate information on how to contact parents, neighbors, or
friends to be called in case of an accident or emergency. This information must be kept up-to-date and
on file in the school office. Parents should notify the child’s teacher
immediately whenever there is a change in the child’s address or telephone
number, both at home and at parent’s place of employment.
19. Interrogations and Searches
It is the intent of this policy to aid in securing a
safe environment in which the education of the students of
Students may be questioned by any teacher or
administrator about any matter pertaining to the operation of the school and/or
enforcement of its rules. Questioning
should be conducted discreetly and under circumstances which avoid unnecessary
embarrassment to the person being questioned.
If a student is suspected or accused of any matter or
incident committed in a school during school hours or on school property at any
time, the principal/designee may interrogate the student without the presence
of parent(s) of the student and without giving the student constitutional
warnings.
If the principal has requested assistance by the
police department to investigate a crime involving the school, the police shall
have the permission to interrogate a student suspect in school during school
hours. The principal shall first attempt
to notify the parent(s) of the student of the intended interrogation, but the
interrogation may proceed if the parent is unavailable or unwilling to attend. The principal or his designee shall be
present during the interrogation.
20. Leaving School During the
School Day
No student is permitted to leave the school grounds
without prior permission from the principal’s office. When a student needs to leave school before
Parents must come through the school office to sign
out the child and to obtain a dismissal pass if picking up a child prior to
If there is a custody issue, parents must provide
proof of custody in the school office and name those persons who can have
contact with their child. Students are
not permitted to leave school with undesignated persons.
21. McNairy County
Internet/Electronic Media
Acceptable Use Policy
Internet access is now available to students and
teachers in the McNairy County School System.
Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to
promote educational excellence in McNairy County Schools by facilitating
resource sharing, innovation and communication.
The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers
all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers have access to, among
other things:
Ø
Electronic mail
communication with people all over the world.
Ø
Information and
news from research institutions.
Ø
Public domain and
software of all types.
Ø
Discussion groups
on a variety of topics.
Ø
Access to many
University Library Catalogs, the Library of Congress, CARL, and ERIC.
With
access to computers and people all over the world also come the availability of
material that may not be considered to
be of educational value in the context of the school
setting. Available precautions will be taken
to restrict access to controversial
materials. However, on a
global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious
user may discover controversial information, but the valuable information and
interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility
that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational
goals of this project. Ultimately,
parents and guardians are responsible for getting and conveying the standards
that their children should follow on the use of the Internet, just as they do
on the use of all media information services.
Use of the Internet must be in support of education
and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the school
district. Use of other organization’s
network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that
network. Transmission of any material in
violation of any
Use of Internet is a privilege, not a right, and
inappropriate use will result in cancellation of these privileges, and could
result in disciplinary action against the user.
The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their
decision is final. Also, the
administration may deny access at any time, as required.
Classroom teachers will familiarize their students
with this acceptable use policy. Each
parent will sign a form which details terms and conditions of Internet use
prior to students’ use of the Internet in classrooms/labs.
22. Medical
Conditions/Medication Policy
Special medical conditions (allergies, physical
handicaps, medications, etc.) should be reported to the child’s teacher and to
the school office. Such conditions must
also be explained on the student registration form.
Law prohibits the school from dispensing any kind of
medicine, including aspirin or topical ointment. If a student is required to take medication
prescribed by a physician, a doctor’s authorization notice must be brought by
parent/guardian with the medicine, with specific directions for administering
the medicine.
Medication shall be administered only when the
student’s health requires that it be given during school hours. It is the parent’s responsibility to bring
the medication to school and to remove any unused medication when the treatment
is completed.
All prescription medication must be brought to school
in the original container. The pharmacy
label must include the following information:
Name of Student; Prescription Number; Name of
Medication and Dosage; Administration route or other directions; Possible side
effects; Date; Licensed prescriber’s
name; and Pharmacy name, address, and phone number.
All non-prescription medication must be brought to the
school office by a parent in an unopened original manufacturer’s labeled
container with the ingredients listed and the child’s name affixed to the
container. Parents must complete a
consent form at the office.
No more than one month’s supply of any medication
should be brought to school. No student
is permitted to transport medicine to and from school.
23. Money (Lunch, Milk Break, & Supplies)
Students pay their breakfast and lunch money as they
go through the lunch line in the cafeteria.
Students must be able to key in
their computer numbers. Milk money
for milk break is collected by the child’s teacher. It is preferred that your child bring lunch
and breakfast money, as well milk money, for the entire week, rather than one
day at a time. When sending money for
different items, such as meals, milk, supplies, etc., please send the amount of
money or the check for each item separately – preferably in an envelope, with
child’s name, amount of money enclosed, and what the money is intended to
purchase. When all money is combined,
the teacher must take time from the teaching schedule to make change and to
separate lunch/breakfast, milk, and supply money.
Supplies, such as tablets, notebook paper, folders,
pencils, and erasers, may be purchased from the school office each morning
following the morning announcements.
24. Parental Rights Under the No Child Left Behind Legislation
As a parent of a
student at a Title I school, you have the right to know the professional
qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child. Specifically, you have the right to know:
Ø
Whether or not
the teacher is licensed and highly-qualified for the grades and subjects he or
she teaches;
Ø
Whether or not
the State Department of Education has decided that the teacher can teach in a
classroom without being licensed under state regulations because of special
circumstances;
Ø
The teacher’s
college major; whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the
subject of the degrees;
Ø
Whether any
teacher assistants provide services to your child and, if they do, their
qualifications.
If you would like to receive
any of this information, please submit your request in writing to: Mr. Charlie Miskelly, Director of Schools,
170 W. Court Ave.,
A.
Equal Educational
The
McNairy County School System does not discriminate in its education programs or
educational activities on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, national
origin, sex, or disability in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The
McNairy County School System will take steps to assure that lack of English
skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational
and vocational programs.
B.
Asbestos
The
McNairy County School System has complied with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency
Response Act by having their buildings inspected by accredited inspectors and
the development of a management plan for the control of this substance.
C.
Student Records
By
law, both parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, have access to the
records of student who is under 18 years of age, unless the McNairy County
School System is provided evidence that there is a court order, state statute,
or legally binding document relating to such matters as divorce, separation, or
custody that specifically revokes these rights.
D.
Discipline/Due
Process
The
McNairy County School System has authority and control over a student at school
during the regular school day, on school grounds, at any school-related
activity, regardless of time or location and while being transported in
district-provided transportation. A
student who violates the Student Code of
Conduct may be subject to a spectrum of disciplinary action, including, but
not limited to: detention, corporal punishment, suspension, expulsion, loss of
awards and honors, and/or referral to law enforcement officials.
The
McNairy County School System’s disciplinary options includes using one or more
discipline management techniques including counseling, detention, suspension,
corporal punishment, expulsion,
E.
District
Personnel Complaint
A
student or parent who has a complaint concerning a classroom/teacher issue
should first bring the matter to the appropriate teacher. If the outcome is not satisfactory, a
conference with the principal can be requested within five working days
following the teacher conference. If the
outcome of the principal/parent/student conference is not satisfactory, the
student or parent may file a written, signed complaint with the District
Complaint Manager, within five working days, who will investigate the complaint
and render a decision. If the student or
parent is dissatisfied with the decision he/she may appeal to the McNairy
County Board of Education by filing a request in writing with the Director of
Schools within five days following the receipt of the Complaint Manager’s decision. McNairy County Board of Education’s decisions
are final.
F.
Discrimination on the Basis of Sex Complaints
A student
and/or parent with a complaint regarding the possible discrimination of a
student on the basis of sex should contact Mr.
G.
Instructional Materials Complaints
Complaints
by students or parents about instructional material should be directed to the
school principal. If the complaint is
not settled at this level, the complainant may appeal to the Director of
Schools. If a resolution is not made at
this level, the appeal may be made to the McNairy County Board of
Education.
H. Students with Disabilities Complaints
A
complaint or concern regarding the identification, evaluation, or placement of
a student with disabilities or the ccessibility
of
the district’s services, activities, or programs to a student, should be
directed to the Special Education Director.
I. Students with Harassment Complaints
Principals, compliance officer, and the director of schools have
responsibility for investigating harassment complaints. All
Complaints and other reported incidents shall be investigated.
Step
1: Any complaint shall be presented to
the principal, compliance officer, or director of schools in writing and will
include the necessary time, dates, nature of harassment, and name or names of
the harasser.
Step
2: The district compliance officer shall
investigate the complaint within five working days after receipt. The complainant shall be notified of the
decision of the district compliance officer.
Step
3: If the complainant is not satisfied
with the decision in Step 2, he/she may submit a written appeal to the director
of schools within five working days after the receipt in Step 2. The complainant shall be notified of the
decision of the director of schools.
Step
4: If the complainant is not satisfied
with the decision in Step 3, he/she may submit a written appeal to the McNairy
County Board of Education within five working days after receipt of the
decision in Step 3. The decision by the
McNairy County Board of Education shall be rendered to the complainant within
30 working days following the completion of the hearing.
J.
Teacher
Qualifications
Parents may request information about
the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teacher.
25. Parent-Teacher Conference
One Parent-Teacher Conference is scheduled in the
school calendar in October of each year, and other conferences are encouraged
as either the parent or teacher feels the need.
Communication between the parent and teacher is extremely useful in
providing information to assist in the overall development of the child. A conference may be scheduled by calling the
school office or sending a note to your child’s teacher.
26. Parent-Teacher Organization
The Selmer Elementary PTO has been exemplary in
supporting the programs of our school. – approximately $25,000 is raised
annually for the school copier, new computers,
art supplies, Accelerated Reader, and other school needs. All
parents, grandparents, guardians, and interested citizens are encouraged to
become members of this worthwhile organization and to attend PTO meetings. The annual membership drive is held in
August. The PTO meets four times per
year. Meeting notices will be sent home
by students prior to each meeting.
27. Playground Rules
Students are scheduled for thirty minutes physical
education each day. When weather does
not permit students to go to the playground, the gym is used for indoor
organized activities. The following
playground rules are necessary in order to insure the safety of each child:
Ø
Walk quietly in a line to and from physical
education.
Ø
Use playground
equipment properly.
Ø
Take turns on
playground equipment.
Ø
Students must not
climb on the fence.
Ø
Stay within the
fenced area.
Ø
If unsure about
an activity or someone’s behavior, make the P.E. teacher aware.
Ø
Line up quietly
at the end of PE. and wait for a teacher
to escort class back to classroom.
Ø
Remember, classes
are going on in rooms all along walkway.
Show respect by going quietly to and from physical education classes.
Ø
If a child is
unable to participate in P.E. classes, he/she must have a signed note from
parent or doctor.
28. Promotion and Retention
In accordance with the McNairy County Board of Education
policy, the professional staff at Selmer Elementary is expected to place
students at the grade level best suited to the student’s academic, social, and
emotional development. Students will
normally progress from grade to grade.
Retentions will be made when, in the judgment of the teacher and
principal, such retentions are in the best educational interest of the students
involved. Retentions will be made only
after prior notification to each student’s parent or guardian.
For students to be promoted to the next grade level
they must satisfactorily complete the following subject requirements: Kindergarten
through Grade Four – Students must demonstrate satisfactory knowledge and
skills in grades K-2 and score a minimum of at least 70 in grades 3-4 in
Reading, Mathematics, and Language (Spelling, grammar, writing, vocabulary,
etc.) Failure to meet these benchmark expectations will result in students
being retained or attending the summer academy.
The student’s classroom teacher or teachers will make the
recommendation for retention to the school administration. The school administration will make the final
decision. Parents that disagree with the
decision may appeal as follows:
Step
1: Promotion committee (3-member
committee consisting of a county supervisor, teacher, and guidance counselor.
Step
2: Director of Schools
Step
3: Board of Education
Tuition for summer academy
will be charged per Selmer Elementary student at a rate of $50.00 for the month. Students who receive free/reduced meals may
ask that tuition be waived,
Student transportation to and from the summer academy
will be the responsibility of the parents/guardian.
Rules for successful completion of the summer academy
will be completed by the summer academy committee and communicated to all
students that attend. Regular attendance
is required.
29. Report Cards – Grading
Report cards are issued four times each year. These evaluations will indicate the student’s
progress and performance levels for each grading period. The report card must be signed by the
parent/guardian and returned promptly to school.
The Board of Education believes that the issuance of
grades serves to promote continuous evaluation of student performance, to
inform the student and his/her parents of the student’s performance, and to
provide a basis for bringing about a
change, when necessary, in student performance.
The basic grading system for Grade K shall be::
+ Knowledge
and skills are well-developed and can be applied independently.
Knowledge
and skills are developing satisfactorily; additional practice needed.
Basic
knowledge and skills have not been developed satisfactorily.
The
basic grading system for Grade 1 and
Grade 2 shall be:
E Exemplary
S Satisfactory
N Performance in Need of Improvement
U Unsatisfactory
A
percentage grading system shall not be used in K-2.
Conduct
for K-2 shall be marked as follows:
E Exemplary
S Satisfactory
N Performance in Need of Improvement
U Unsatisfactory
The
grading system for Grade 3 is
as follows:
The basic grading system for
Grade 3 in reading, English, spelling, and math are the same as grade 4.
The basic grading system for
Grade 3 in science, social studies, and health and safety, handwriting, music,
art, and physical education shall be the same as grade 2.
Citizenship grades are based on
behavior and should not be deducted from scholastic grades. Citizenship grades shall be marked : Good,
Fair, Poor.
The promotion/retention
policy adopted by the board of education states that a student in K-4 who does
not have satisfactory performance will be required to attend a summer academy
during the month of June.
30. School Safety Inspections
and Safety Plans
Your child’s safety is a priority. The school has carefully formulated fire and
tornado plans and conducts drills regularly.
Selmer Elementary is inspected annually by the State Fire Marshall. Students practice fire drills. All staff has a plan of action in the event a
fire should occur. A tornado plan is practiced in the classrooms, and all staff
members are aware of their responsibilities in the event of a tornado watch or
warning.
A
Health Inspector regularly inspects the cafeteria and all buildings and
walkways throughout the school. An
inspection report is on file in the school office and is posted in the
cafeteria.
The school has a detailed plan in the event a
disgruntled or armed person enters the campus.
The plan is outlined in the Faculty Handbook and has been discussed
frequently during faculty meetings.
In the event of a bomb threat, students will be
evacuated using the fire evacuation routes.
All teachers are informed to take students as far away from buildings as
possible.
Signs are posted to inform persons of weapons’ laws –
state law prescribes a maximum penalty of six years imprisonment and a fine not
to exceed $3000.00 for carrying weapons on school property.
Selmer Elementary is a smoke-free campus. Adults may not use tobacco within fifty feet
of any building.
Cameras have been installed to monitor the
campus. A fence encloses the
campus. Gates are locked between
31. Special
Programs
A
special education resource program is available fore those students who have
learning disabilities. Referrals
may be made by teachers or
parents. Following a six-week
intervention period in which the classroom teacher modifies instruction to
accommodate learner needs, parents will meet with a team to determine if
special education screening is needed.
Further testing will be administered by a licensed psychological
examiner.
Speech and language therapy is available for those
students who have identified speech and language problems. Referrals may be made by teachers or parents.
Learning center reading and math classes are
available for those student having skill areas that require remediation. Students may be referred by teachers and
parents.
A TACS class is available for those students who
excel academically and who meet requirements set forth by the State Department
of Education.
A guidance program is implemented at
A
Student Assistance Program (SAP) is available to identify, intervene, and
assist students whose problems
affect performance in
academics and behavior in the school environment.
32. Student Dress
Although Selmer Elementary has no formal dress code
and leaves the responsibility to parents for dressing and grooming their
children, the cooperation of parents is expected.
Students will be expected to keep themselves
well-groomed and neatly dressed at all times.
Any form of dress which is considered contrary to good hygiene, or which
is disruptive in appearance and detrimental to the purpose or conduct of the
school, will not be permitted. Shorts of
appropriate size and length are acceptable for all grades. Bare midriff tops and halter tops are not
permitted. Hats, caps, and bandanas
cannot be worn at school. No wrestling
or apparel which depicts violence is permitted.
Shirts with offensive language or pictures are not acceptable. Muscle tank shirts and mesh shirts are not
permitted.
33. Telephone
Students can not used the telephone unless given
permission by the school office personnel.
Permission will be granted for illness, emergency situations, or with
written request by the child’s parent or teacher. Students cannot possess cell phones at
school.
34. Transfer Option for Students
Victimized by Violent Crime at School
Dear Parents:
On
Under the Tennessee State Board of Education’s Unsafe
School Choice Policy, any public school student who is a victim of a violent
crime as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 40-38-111 (g), or the attempt
to commit one of these offenses as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated
39-12-101, shall be provided an opportunity to transfer to another grade-level
appropriate within the district.
Additional information regarding this option may be
obtained by contacting Charlie Miskelly, Director of Schools at 645-3267, or
Liz Redmon, Title IV Director, at 645-4191.
35. Transportation Change
Parents must call the office or send a note to the child’s
teacher when there is any transportation change, specifically riding a
different bus. If no notification is received, you child will follow his/her regular
method of getting home.
Parents are required also to send a note if a person
other than the parent is picking up the child.
Parents cannot drop off car riders earlier than
36. Visitors
All visitors on the Selmer Elementary campus must
report first to the school office.
Visitors, including parents and volunteers, will sign
in at the school office and pick up a “Visitor’s Badge”. Upon leaving the campus, the visitor will
return the badge to the office and sign out.
Visitors are welcome anytime, but an appointment keeps interruptions to
instruction at a minimum.
Brothers, sisters, and friends are not permitted to
visit with the student during the school day.
Parents may bring younger children to assembly programs and special
events (Fall Carnival, Spring Fling).
A forgotten item, such as a lunchbox, an assignment,
or a book should be brought to the school office. Classes may not be interrupted after
37. Weapons and Dangerous
Instruments
Students shall not at any time possess, handle,
transmit, use, or attempt to use dangerous weapons in school buildings, on school grounds, in
school vehicles or buses, or at any school-sponsored function or event whether
on or off school grounds.
Students are further forbidden to use any
instrumentality or substances such as chemicals, pencils, scissors, razors, or
compasses when they are used or attempted to be used in a manner which renders
the item dangerous or with the intent to do harm.
Students who violate this policy shall be subject to
suspension and/or expulsion.
Upon information that a student is suspected of
violating this policy, the principal of the school shall be notified
immediately.
The principal shall notify the student’s parent or
guardian, and the appropriate law enforcement officials will be notified
immediately.
After inquiry and obtaining the facts of the
accusations, the principal shall take appropriate action in compliance with
Board policy “Code of Discipline and Behavior.”
38. Withdrawal and Transfer
Procedure
The procedure for withdrawal and transfer of students
is as follows:
Ø
Obtain
appropriate forms at the school office.
Ø
Have forms
completed by the classroom teacher, return all books and school property, and
be sure all fees are paid.
Ø
Take completed
forms back to the school office for final clearance.
Ø
If all textbooks
and library books are returned, and all debts are paid, records can be sent
immediately to your child’s new school.