Pocalla Springs Elementary School
Making the World a Better Place
2015-2016 Parent and Student Handbook
Pocalla Springs Elementary School 2060 Bethel Church Road Sumter, South Carolina 29154 (803) 481-5800
Welcome to Pocalla Springs Elementary School
The information in this handbook is subject to change based on directives of the Superintendent and/or Sumter School District Board of Trustees. Board policy may be found at the district.sumterschools.net.
MISSION STATEMENT MOTTO THEME The mission of Pocalla Springs Elementary is to ensure the best education for every child. Aim for Success! Making the World a Better Place
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION Sumter School District does not discriminate in any of its educational programs, activities, or employment policies on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, or marital status; nor does it discriminate on the basis of sex, as required by the Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL Arrival Breakfast is free to all students and is served between 6:50 and 7:15. Beginning at 6:50 a.m., car riders are dropped off at the car rider port beyond the main office. All students who arrive before 7:15 will report to the cafeteria. Students who arrive after 7:15 a.m. will go to their homerooms. Students are tardy at 7:30 a.m. and parents are asked to come inside to sign in their students. Dismissal Afternoon dismissal is at 2:05. Car riders in grades K-1 should be picked up at the car rider port past the main office (gate 2). Car riders in grades 2-5 should be picked up at the car rider port beyond the cafeteria (gate 1). After 2:30, parents must come to the main office (with proper ID) to sign out their student. Early Sign Out. The principal will authorize early dismissal only when it is requested in person or in writing by the student’s parent/legal guardian. Being on a student’s emergency contact list does not constitute privileges for early dismissal. Early sign-out ends at 1:30. After 1:30, students will report to their grade-level parent pick-up zone at the end of the day. Safety First Drivers must abide by South Carolina and Sumter County laws at all times and are subject to fine for failure to obey the directions of the crossing guard and staff. All students must have a car-rider tag and all parents must have a corresponding car number on display in the front window of their vehicle. We are a smoke-free campus.
ATTENDANCE It is imperative that students arrive on time and attend school regularly. While some absences for illness are unavoidable, nothing can replace the educational, cultural, and social contacts students experience through regular participation in class. Students with good attendance achieve more than students who are often absent. Attendance is also a major criterion in preparing students for the world of work. According to state law, students must attend a minimum of 180 days of school a year. If a school closes due to inclement weather, the school year may be extended to allow students to make up the missed days. Of these 180 days, students cannot miss more than ten days per year including excused and unexcused absences. The parent or guardian must contact the school when it is necessary for their children to be absent and send a note explaining the absence when the child returns to school. Reasons for excused absences are illness, death in the immediate family, emergencies, and recognized religious holidays. Any written excuse from an attending physician must be submitted within five days after returning to school, or it will be considered an unlawful absence. No parent or doctor’s excuses will be accepted beyond the legal limit; a medical note for absences past the accepted ten days may be excused on a case by case basis after a conference with medical personnel. If a school closes due to inclement weather, the school year may be extended to allow students to make up the missed days to meet the 180 day requirement. In the event of inclement weather, school closings will be announced on television, radio, the district website, Twitter, Facebook, and through Edulink phone calls. For further information on attendance laws, contact Coordinator of Attendance Services Maria Thomas at 803 469-6900, ext. 414.
AWARDS There will be programs during the school year to recognize students who have outstanding performance across the curriculum. We recognize students and promote high self-esteem for students in many ways. Possible awards: Writers Award, Science Fair, Golden Feather, Math Award, Perfect Attendance, Priority Club, Accelerated Reader, Student of the Week
BOOK BAGS Students using rolling book bags should use only standard sized book bags with rollers. A standard measure book bag according to transportation regulations must fit in students' laps when riding buses. Larger bags pose a hazard in halls and classrooms as well as violate transportation regulations. Students must not bring rolling suitcases to school.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT Any teacher, nurse, counselor or other school professional acting in an official capacity who thinks a child under age 18 has been subjected to or adversely affected by physical, mental or emotional abuse/neglect is required to report this ot the Department of Social Services or appropriate law enforcement agency in accordance with the SC Child Protection Act of 1977. . COMMUNICATION Reminders for parent-teacher meetings, field trips, and other activities are sent home with the children throughout the school year. School events are also posted on the school marquee and website (pses.sumterschools.net). Also, teachers send home weekly classroom newsletters and monthly school newsletters. Occasionally, you may receive a school message via the school Edulink telephone system, Peachjar email system, or Remind text messaging. Please make sure the school office has a working telephone number and email address.
CONFERENCES Teachers and administrators schedule conferences with parent if they have concerns about a student’s progress. If a parent desires a conference, he/she should send a note to the teacher or call the school (481-5800) and ask to speak with your child’s guidance counselor. Ms. Donna Johnston is the counselor for K-2; Ms. Myra Dyson is the counselor for grades 3-5.
DELIVERIES The school does not accept deliveries (flowers, balloons, etc.) for student birthdays or other special occasions. If you would like to do something for your child’s birthday, speak to the teacher at least two weeks in advance. He/She may be able to offer suggestions for a small celebration.
DRILLS Safety and emergency preparedness is of primary concern at Pocalla Springs Elementary School and our goal is to ensure safety and security at all times. We will be conducting the following drills throughout the school year—Bus Evacuation, Fire, Lockdown, and Severe Weather. If you have any questions regarding any of these Safety Drills or other safety concerns, please contact Ms. Roberta Montgomery or Dr. Candy Richburg (assistant principals).
EMERGENCY CARDS For the safety of children, it is extremely important that all parents complete emergency cards. These cards should contain up-to-date information at all times. Critical time can be lost if all the necessary information is not provided. Parents must designate on the emergency card the names of adults whom they choose to sign out their children when they are sick or in case of emergency. ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS Children must be four or five on or before September 1 to enroll in preschool or kindergarten, respectively. State law mandates that children ages five to 17 must be in school. Upon registration, parents are required to provide school personnel with the child's official birth certificate, proof of residence, and immunization records. Parents of children transferring from another school district are encouraged to bring the child's latest report card. According to state law, if your child is transferring from an out-of-state school, his/her health certificate information must be on a South Carolina form. Out-of-state certificates may be taken to a doctor or clinic in South Carolina to inquire what previous information can be transferred to the South Carolina form. Students new to Sumter School District must complete SC Immunization Form DHEC 2740. South Carolina Certificates of Immunization issued on the DHEC 1148 prior to 1/1/2014 are considered valid (or until expiration), and a DHEC 2740 does not need to be issued to replace this document unless vaccine status changes. All children are required to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, mumps, chicken pox, red and German measles, and Hepatitis B. One dose of the Tdap vaccine is required for all seventh and ninth grade students. Tdap is routinely administered at 11-12 years of age; however, if Tdap is needed at an earlier age, a dose administered on or after the seventh birthday will meet this requirement. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Pocalla has a number of extra-curricular activities to offer. Participation will enhance your child’s social, academic, and physical growth and will contribute to his/her positive attitude toward self and others. Be sure to speak with your child’s teacher or guidance counselor about available opportunities. Multiplication Bee Art Fall Festival Drama Just Say No Club Safety Patrol Grade level field trips Pocallapalooza Chorus Red Ribbon Relay for Life
FAMILY LITERACY Pocalla Springs offers parenting workshops, family nights, educational home visits, and other activities to support family involvement for student success.
GRADING For a comprehensive explanation of the grading policies, please refer to the Sumter School District grading manual on the district website. District.sumterschools.net. Parents have access to their student’s grade through Parent Portal. If you need help with your account, contact your child’s teacher or our technology facilitator, Ms. Krista Jennings.
GUIDANCE The counselors are available to discuss personal and academic development with students. They maintain permanent records, standardized test scores and referral papers. Students may schedule visits with the counselor to discuss personal problems, schoolwork, and other problems. Parents are also encouraged to utilize the services of the counselors and should call the guidance office (481-5800) to schedule an appointment. Ms. Donna Johnston is the counselor for K-2; Ms. Myra Dyson is the counselor for grades 3-5.
HEALTHROOM Taking Medication at School If a medication must be given at school, a permission form must be completed by the parent and healthcare provider. Prescription medication (medication filled by a pharmacy) and over the counter medication (medication that you buy off the shelf at a drug store) require the signature of the healthcare provider and the parent before it can be given at school. The medication must be in properly labeled container that states the medication name, dosage and time to be given, as ordered on the permission form. Do not send pills or medication that have been removed from the original packaging to school. These medications will be confiscated for proper disposal or parent pick-up. No medications received in envelopes, foil or other make-shift containers will be given to the student by school personnel. The school health room does not stock any medications. The parent/guardian must bring needed medications to the school. Do not send medication to school via student. Student Care in the Health Room Student concerns and complaints are evaluated upon arrival to the health room with the goal of returning the student to class as quickly as possible. This is to ensure that the child does not lose valuable instructional time. In the circumstance of severe illness or injury, the school will notify the parent, guardian or alternate contact person to pick-up the child. It is important to ensure that the school has working contact numbers for the parents or guardians and at least one other emergency contact that has agreed to pick your child up from school in the case of an urgent need. The school health room is a short term first-aid center. If your child requires more than this as a result of illness or injury, he/she should be cared for at home and/or receive medical attention; such as, a doctor’s office or urgent care center. Notify the school if your child has any type of illness, chronic condition or special health care need which will require our assistance. Notify the school if your child’s health changes during the school year.
HOMEWORK The teachers at Pocalla assign homework to their students on a regular basis. Most teachers assign homework Monday-Thursday nights. We believe homework provides a vital communication link between school and home. It also gives children the opportunity to practice skills learned that day and teaches responsibility, self-discipline, and good work habits. Homework is formative and no grade is recorded in PowerSchool. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM Teachers at all levels plan the learning program appropriate for their particular grade level, age group, and their group of students. Reading, writing, social studies, mathematics, science, and health are the primary areas of focus across the curriculum. Reading materials (books, newspapers, magazines), hands-on activities (science experiments, projects, field studies), and inter-related problem solving experiences will be used frequently. Assessments of learning will take many forms: paper and pencil tests, presentations, journals, teacher observations, class work, individual/group projects, etc.
INSURANCE In order to participate in school-sponsored field trips, students should have insurance coverage. Coverage may be purchased easily online at www.BollingerSchools.com. As an alternative, parents may call the school for an application form that would be returned to Bollinger Specialty Group, PO Box 398, Short Hills, NJ 07078.
LOST AND FOUND A lost and found area is maintained in the hallway near the media center. To help minimize lost articles, put your child’s name on jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, etc. In addition, be sure to put names on book bags, lunch boxes, and other personal property. Unclaimed items are donated to charity during the winter break and two weeks after school ends for the year.
MEAL PROGRAMS All schools in Sumter School District offer well-balanced and nutritious breakfasts and lunches in compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. A standard breakfast will include a protein such as sausage, cheese, or egg, low-fat milk, fruit or fruit juice and a variety of whole wheat grains (bread). The standard lunch includes a choice of meat or other protein, at least two vegetables, fruit or fruit juice, whole wheat grains (bread), and milk. Pocalla also participates in the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables program which offers a healthy fruit/vegetable snack several times per week. All meals in Sumter School District are free of charge to all students. No meal applications are required or will be accepted. Lunches are available for purchase for those who do not want to accept a free meal. Students use a personal ID number to account for their meals and allow their individual account balances to be maintained for al a carte meals. Parents may put money on their student’s account by the quarter or through the entire school year. If you would like to eat lunch with your child, you will sign in at the main office and wait until your child’s class arrives at the cafeteria. The cost of an adult lunch is $3.50.
LIBRARY The library provides students with a rich environment for reading and research. The library is available to all students. Upon returning the Library Permission Form, library resources are available to students, and a library card will be issued to them. The library is open 30 minutes before and after school for additional student, parent, and teacher use.
MONEY When sending money by children, put the money/check in an envelope with the child’s name and what the money is for on the outside. When paying by check, always include the child’s name on the memo line. Parents of children who lose or damage textbooks, workbooks, or library books will be responsible for paying for them before another book will be issued to the student. Money owed to the school must be paid before report cards will be issued. .
TECHNOLOGY The computer labs use SuccessMaker software which provides a personalized path for reading and mathematics mastery. SuccessMaker contains embedded assessments and highly- interactive individualized instruction. We also utilize iPads and Chromebooks in our curriculum.
TELEPHONE The telephones in the school are for school business. Students are asked to use the telephones only in cases of illnesses and emergencies. Please be sure transportation issues are taken care of before school as we cannot be held responsible for students getting messages of transportation changes.
TOYS Students should leave toys at home. The school is not responsible for toys, games, cars, etc. brought to school by children.
VISITOR POLICY We hope you will feel welcome when you visit Pocalla Springs Elementary. Our school policy for visiting during the school day is based upon our desire to provide a secure environment for the students and staff, as well as an environment conducive for learning. To insure that this occurs, our practices include the following: 1. Permission to go to any area other than the main office must be secured from the administration or the office staff. Depending on the situation, visitors will be asked to wait in the office or will be directed to the classroom. 2. All visitors are to wear a ―Visitor‖ sticker while in the school. 3. Visitors have permission to visit only those areas approved by the office staff. Violation of this could result in a request to leave the campus immediately. 4. Visitors may not interrupt, disturb or otherwise interfere with the school’s instructional program. 5. Visitors may not photograph or audio-video tape students without the prior permission of the principal. 6. Conferences must be arranged by appointment. VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Working as a school volunteer can be exciting and fun. Your volunteer efforts help meet the needs of children in many ways. There’s a special place which only you can fill. Call the school for more information. Ms. Gadson is our Parent Facilitator and Volunteer Coordinator.
WEATHER During periods of unsafe weather conditions, the school district has several options including closing school, opening schools one hour late, or opening schools two hours late. Decisions will be announced no later than 5:00 a.m. on the day in question on the following stations: WIBZ 95.5 FM, WKHT 93.7 FM, WICI 94.7 FM, WNOK 104.7 FM, WDXY 1240 AM, WTCB 106.7 FM, WCOS 97.5 FM, WLJI 98.3 FM, WWDM 101.3 FM, WHXT 103.9 FM and WMHK 89.7 FM. The television stations used are WIS TV 10, WOLO TV 25, WBTW 13, WACH 6, and WLTX TV 19. Announcements are only made through the media if there is a delay or closing. We recommend your family plan now for persons to pick up your child in the event of an early dismissal and make sure that person is on the emergency pick-up list. No child will be released to anyone not listed on the emergency list.
DISCIPLINE
The Sumter School District Discipline Policy is followed at all times. Violations of the policy may result in an immediate discipline referral and/or removal from the classroom setting.
At Pocalla Springs, we also have school-wide positive behavior expectations that apply to every person on our campus. Each morning, our students recite the Pocalla Pride Pledge and throughout the day, teachers teach and remind students of the expectations.
When a student fails to meet the positive behavior expectations, the teacher or paraprofessional will redirect the behavior.
Parents are notified through email by our ABE behavior system and Class Dojo. If you need help setting up this notification system, contact your child’s teacher or our technology facilitator, Ms. Krista Jennings.
State Board Regulations state that a school must transfer a student’s disciplinary record to the public or private school to which the student is transferring.
On the following pages you will find the school-wide expectation report, the school-wide matrix for behavior and the Sumter School District Code of Conduct. Additionally, each teacher has his/her own matrix for classroom expectations. Pocalla Springs Elementary School Schoolwide Expectations Behavioral Restrooms Hallways Cafeteria Playground Dismissal Dismissal Bus Classrooms Expectations Car Riders Bus Riders
Get permission Keep up with the Know my number Be ready with all Know my car Know my bus Enter and exit Bring materials person in front of personal items number number bus quietly me Be ready with my Listen and be alert Be Ready menu choice Listen for dismissal Remain in line on Listen for
the way out instructions from
Stop at the yellow the driver square
Keep hands and Respect and speak Keep hands and Keep hands and Keep hands and feet Keep hands and Keep hands and Enter and Exit feet to myself clearly to cafeteria feet to myself feet to myself to myself feet to myself feet to myself Quietly staff Follow directions Follow directions Follow directions Follow directions Follow directions Follow directions Knock first the first time Say please and the first time the first time the first time the first time the first time Respect Others thank you Follow directions Sit quietly so the first time Stay in my space everyone can hear
the numbers being Follow directions called the first time
Flush Walk quietly Keep place in line Line up when Sit quietly in the Wait quietly in the Sit in assigned teacher calls you appropriate area appropriate area seat Obey all Obey all Obey all Obey all expectations and Act Responsibly expectations and expectations and expectations and Obey all Obey all Obey all Obey all procedures procedures procedures procedures expectations and expectations and expectations and expectations and procedures procedures procedures procedures
Wash hands Follow Be a friend Listen and follow Listen and follow Follow the Do my best at all instructions Get everything I instructions instructions instructions of times need as I go Solve problems the driver through the line with kind words Keep belongings in Keep belongings Solve problems Value Myself my bookbag in my bookbag with kind words Clean up after myself Listen for my car number
Wait until Observe students Try something new Share Observe my Observe my Follow bus rules Participate instruction is over work without surroundings surroundings Enjoy Learning (unless emergency) touching Listen to others when they speak
Enter & exit quietly
Walk Look ahead Walk quietly Use e and return Walk to my Walk quietly to Stay seated, Sit and walk equipment assigned seat and to my bus facing forward appropriately Report problems Report spills appropriately my vehicle Stay in line until Report Problems Stay Safe Clean up after Chew with my Be alert dismissed to my myself mouth closed bus Stay in designated area
Sumter School District Code of Conduct
It is the opinion of the board that acceptable student behavior, including the following criteria, is to be expected from all students. respect to peers, faculty and staff exhibited through actions and speech pride in personal and school property exhibited by taking care of the physical building and respecting the property rights of others desire and effort toward educational achievement are to be priorities as exhibited by following teacher/staff direction; reporting to class promptly and consistently; and being prepared to work without interfering with instruction obedience to all laws, discipline code, rules and community norms The board believes that all students should receive fair and consistent discipline when school rules are violated. Therefore, this definitive code on student discipline was developed with the assistance of parents/legal guardians, students and administrators from Sumter School District. This code will be in effect at bus stops, en route to and from school or school activities, on school buses or in any other school vehicles, on school grounds, at school and at all school-sponsored activities, both on and off campus, and at any time or at any place where the conduct has a direct and immediate effect on maintaining order and discipline in the District schools, buildings, or grounds. Copies of this code, or a summary thereof, will be transmitted at the beginning of the school year to the parents/legal guardians of each student attending schools in the district. School staffs, students and bus drivers will be trained in this discipline system each year. Students in grades Pre-K through 12 will participate in Code of Conduct instructional sessions. Teachers and students will document that instruction has occurred. After instruction has been completed, principals will sign and submit an attestation form to the Discipline Office. Each school will provide intervention strategies that address or redirect maladaptive behaviors. Student conduct away from school grounds or school activities The Board expects administrators to take appropriate action when information becomes available about student misconduct away from school grounds or school activities that may have a direct and detrimental effect on or seriously threaten the discipline, educational environment, safety or general welfare of students, faculty, staff, and/or administrators of the District. When assessing the impact of out-of-school behavior on a school, the administrator will take into consideration the seriousness of the alleged out-of-District offense and the protection of students, faculty, staff and administrators from the effects of violence, drugs and/or disruptions. Administrators are directed to evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis. At a minimum, administrators or their designees should meet with the student upon his/her arrival at school, give the student notice of the concerns based on the reported out-of-District behavior, and allow the student an opportunity to present his/her side of the story. Based upon all of the circumstances, including a finding that the alleged conduct will have a direct and immediate effect on the school or threatens the discipline, educational environment, safety or general welfare of students, faculty, staff and/or administrators of the school, the administration may either permit the student to attend classes as usual or may take appropriate disciplinary action including, but not limited to, in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension in order to conduct an investigation into the matter. The parents/legal guardians of students will be notified of any action taken by the administration and offered the opportunity for a conference. In the event the student is arrested or incarcerated based on his/her out-of-District conduct, the principal or his/her designee will notify the student that s/he is to meet with the administration prior to returning to school. At the conclusion of the inquiries to obtain more information on the matter, the administrator or his/her designee will take appropriate action, which may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following. returning the student to his/her normal class schedule and removing all evidence of suspension; placing the student on probation and allowing the student to resume his/her normal class schedule; placing the student on probation, allowing the student to continue class work, but restricting the student’s participation in extracurricular activities and/or designated school activities, e.g., clubs, study halls, pep rallies, student government, etc.; suspending the student; recommending expulsion of the student from regular school and placement in the District’s alternative program; recommending expulsion but allowing access to virtual school programs through the District’s alternative school; these students are only allowed on campus for exams that require a proctor in a virtual school accessed through the District’s alternative program, and students not able to successfully enroll will be expelled for the remainder of the school year; or, recommending expulsion of the student for the remainder of the year. The disciplinary action taken must be supported by the evidence and take into full consideration the impact of the student's presence at school on the discipline, educational environment, safety or general welfare of other students, faculty, staff and/or administrators.
Note Regarding Special Education Students: Administrators must ensure that all procedural safeguards afforded to special education students are also implemented in such circumstances.
Level of Offenses Listed below are the four discipline categories for offenses with Category I as the least serious offenses and Category IV as the most serious offenses. Each category also has a listing of corresponding administrative actions.
Discipline - Category I offenses bus violation (see transportation) inappropriate affection littering detention violation inappropriate language other offense (minor) excessive noise inappropriate materials violation of class rules
Category I actions - Violations in this category may result in, but not exceed, the following administrative actions: Grades Pre-K through five 1st - 3rd offense – parent/legal guardian notification/conference 5th - 10th offense – one to three class days out-of-school suspension 4th offense – school counselor referral
Discipline – Category II offenses aiding others driving violation loitering throwing objects cheating failure to comply with disciplinary obscene gesture tobacco confrontation/altercation action off limits (in a restricted area) unauthorized use of an electronic cutting activity gambling other offenses (minor) device cutting class horseplay phone violation vandalism cutting school ID violation profanity dishonesty inappropriate affection refusal to obey/defiant disrupting class larceny/theft running dress code violation leaving class tardy
Category II actions - Violations in this category may result in, but not exceed, the following administrative actions: Grades Pre-K through five 1st offense – warning conference or administrative detention 55th offense – three to five class days out-of-school suspension 2nd offense – administrative detention and school counselor referral 66th offense – five to seven class days out-of-school suspension 3rd offense – administrative detention and parent/legal guardian conference 77th offense – recommendation for expulsion 4th offense – one to three class days out-of-school suspension
Discipline –Category III offenses bite/pinch/spit forgery leaving school refusal to obey/defiant bullying* gang activity* loitering simple assault* computer violation harassment* major disruption threat contraband hit/kick/push obscene gesture trespassing cyberbullying* inappropriate physical contact other minor infractions vandalism fighting* intimidation* profanity fireworks larceny/theft property misuse
Category III actions -Violations in this category may result in, but not exceed, the following administrative actions: Grades Pre-K through 12 1st offense – one to five class days out-of-school suspension and school counselor referral 2nd offense – three to five class days out-of-school suspension and parent/legal guardian conference 3rd offense – five to seven class days out-of-school suspension 4th offense – recommendation for expulsion The following aggressive offenses: *bullying, cyberbullying, fighting, gang activity, harassment, intimidation, and simple assault and any combination of these seven offenses may result in a recommendation for expulsion with the second offense.
Discipline - Category IV offenses (most serious offenses) aggravated assault drug usage kidnap/abduction alcohol/liquor law violation embezzlement non-forcible sexual offense arson extortion other offenses – (serious) bomb threat fire alarm pornography bribery fireworks prostitution burglary forced sexual offense robbery computer violation fraud sexual harassment contraband gang activity sex violation contract violation harassment simple assault disturbing school homicide threat drug distribution indecent exposure vehicle theft drug possession intimidation weapons (refer to Policy JICI)
Category IV actions - Offenses in this category require a suspension and an administrative hearing that may result in expulsion from school. Decisions will be based upon the maturity level and age of the student.
Grades Pre-K through 12 referral to the hearing officer suspension until the hearing before the hearing officer which shall take place within 15 days of the written notification at a time and place designated by the hearing board see administration actions addendum students with identified disabilities - notify school psychologist; see discipline for students with identified disabilities addendum
Administrative actions – Categories I-IV The Board of Education and its administration will treat all students with fairness during the resolution of disciplinary matters. Administrative actions may vary based upon the seriousness of behavior and developmental age of the student. The board directs the administration to adhere to due process requirements when making decisions directly affecting students’ protected rights under federal and state law in accordance with Policy JIA (Students Due Process Rights). Actions may range from in-school suspension to permanent expulsion. Administrators must do the following. give rudimentary hearing - oral notice of charges to student - explanation of evidence against student - student given opportunity to tell his/her version require notification to parent/legal guardian require payment for damages, if applicable make referral to school counselor or counseling program (required for Category I, Category II, and Category III offenses) consider a possible referral to outside agency, as required consider a possible referral to law enforcement agency require the student to make up class work missed while on suspension in accordance with the district's make-up policy require conference with parent/legal guardian when student's behavior results in suspension inform the parent/legal guardian that the hearing officer will conduct hearings in accordance with state law and in compliance with board policies (JKE and JKE-R), as required investigate alcohol or drug related offenses; see procedures for investigation (JICH and JICH-R); guidelines for drug/alcohol related offenses as provided by the school intervention program
NOTE: Grades Pre-K through five, parent/legal guardian conference may be used at the discretion of the principal or at schools without an in-school suspension program for Categories I – III.
Extenuating, mitigating or aggravating circumstances The board confers upon the superintendent or designee the authority to consider extenuating, mitigating or aggravating circumstances that may exist in a particular case of misconduct. Such circumstances should be considered in determining the most appropriate action. The board realizes extenuating circumstances occur in which a student may bring an unauthorized item to school. Upon realizing the item is in his/her possession, he/she must notify immediately a teacher, staff member, administrator, or school resource officer. However, if the student chooses not to submit the unauthorized item to school officials, and he/she is found in possession of the item, the student must follow the disciplinary process outlined in this administrative rule.
Transportation The preceding student discipline code applies to student behavior en route from the bus stop to and from school and back to the bus stop on a school bus or other school vehicle. In addition to discipline procedures outlined in this code, principals may add or substitute the following sanctions. Actions based on the number of offenses Grades Pre-K through five 1st offense – warning 4th offense – three class days bus suspension 7th offense – recommendation for permanent bus 2nd offense – parent/legal guardian conference 5th offense – five class days bus suspension suspension* 3rd offense – one class day bus suspension 6th offense – 10 class days bus suspension *At the end of the first semester, principals may recommend probation if the student has been suspended from the bus for more than 45 days. If a student on probation receives one referral, the student will receive permanent suspension from the bus for the remainder of the school year.
Discipline for students with an identified disability Students identified as disabled pursuant to the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (―IDEA‖) will be disciplined in accordance with federal and state law as set forth in special education procedures developed by the administration.
Electronic communication devices (ECD) The board believes that the possession of electronic communication devices (ECDs) by students during the school day is a privilege which may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms and provisions of this policy. For purposes of this policy, electronic communication devices are defined as any electronic equipment that emits an audible signal, vibrates, sends and/or receives a message (voice or text) or displays a message or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to or from the possessor. Examples of ECDs include, but are not limited to, cellular and wireless telephones, laptops or mini computers, cameras and/or camera phones, personal digital assistants (PDA’s), e-readers, Wi-Fi enabled or broadband access devices, two-way radios or video broadcasting devices and other devices that allow a person to record and/or transmit, in real time or delayed basis, sound, video or still images, text or other information. In addition to instructional use of ECDs in the classroom/instructional setting, students are permitted to use ECDs in free-zone locations that are defined as designated areas for ECD usage on school campuses during non-instructional times. Examples of free-zone locations include, but are not limited to, the cafeteria, gymnasium, hallways and/or outside areas. Principals have the authority to determine the appropriate free-zone locations on individual campuses. In addition, students are prohibited from using ECDs in a manner which would constitute an ―invasion of privacy‖ or in violation of the Sumter School District Code of Conduct. Violations of policy JICJ (Possession/Use of Electronic Communication Devices) may result in disciplinary action, confiscation of ECDs and/or referral to law enforcement. Disciplinary action will be imposed in a progressive manner based upon previous violations and/or the circumstances pertaining to the specific infraction. Students may forfeit the privilege to use ECDs for the remainder of the school year if multiple infractions occur. All ECDs which are confiscated by school personnel will be kept at the school in a secure location by the principal or designee. While in school custody, school officials will not search or tamper with ECDs unless they reasonably suspect that the search is required to ascertain evidence of a violation of the law or other school rules. The search will be conducted in accordance with policy JIH (Student Interrogations, Searches and Arrests). The student assumes the responsibility to maintain and secure the ECD. District and school officials recommend that students do not share or exchange ECDs for personal use outside of the instructional setting. Neither district nor school officials are responsible for the damage, loss, misuse, theft or vandalism to ECDs brought onto its property.
Title I Information 2015-2016 Parent Involvement Policy 1. Pocalla Springs Elementary believes that parents and schools are partners when it comes to the education of our children. Studies show that when parents are more involved, students are more successful inside and outside the classroom and have: • higher test scores, grades and graduation rates; • lower rates of school suspension; • better school attendance and attitudes toward schoolwork; • decreased use of drugs and alcohol. • increased motivation and self-esteem; 2. The Pocalla Springs Elementary Title I Parent Involvement Policy has been developed jointly with, and distributed to, the parents of participating students. Parents will be invited to an annual Title I meeting at the beginning of the school year to plan, review and revise the policy as needed. 3. Participants identified the following as goals of the parent involvement policy: • Encourage parents, guardians, and grandparents to be involved with their child’s education and to encourage high achievement. • Open lines of communication between parents and schools; • Remove or prevent barriers between the school and economically disadvantaged families; families with limited English proficiency and/or limited literacy; families with special needs or disabilities; and families of any racial or ethnic minority background. 4. Parent conferences and meetings are held during different times of the day throughout the year. 5. Title I funds are used when necessary to enable parents to participate in school meetings, training sessions, and parent involvement activities. Funds may be used for transportation, child care, home visits. 6. Parents will be invited to an annual Title I meeting in the spring to review and make recommendations to improve the Title I school program and to assist in the development of the next year’s Title I plan and School Renewal plan. 7. A variety of workshops and family nights will assist parents in understanding and supporting Pocalla Springs’ academic and behavioral expectations. 8. Opportunities for feedback and suggestions are provided year-round: conferences, meetings, roundtable sessions, principal email (principal will respond within a reasonable time). 9. Pocalla provides opportunities for all parents, regardless of disability or English proficiency. If needed, a translator will be provided.
Parents’ Right to Know Under NCLB, parents/guardians have the right to obtain information regarding the qualifications of their child's teachers. Most of this information is accessible through the State Department of Education's Division of Quality Website, http://ed.sc.gov/agency/ie/Federal-and-State-Accountability/Title-II/ParentsRighttoKnowRequirement.cfm. You may search for this information by entering the teacher's name directly or by accessing a listing of all teachers by district or school name. If a child attends a Title I school and is taught four consecutive weeks by a teacher not meeting the criteria of Highly Qualified, the school will send a letter home explaining the teacher’s qualifications. The notice and information provided to parents must be in an understandable and uniform format and, to the extent practicable, provided in a language that the parents can understand. This applies to all teachers teaching core academic subjects in a Title I school, regardless if the school has a school wide or targeted assistance program. If parents do not have access to the Internet or wish to receive additional information, please send a letter of request addressed to the child's school principal giving the name of the teacher and the grade or subject the person teaches, as well as the specific information you are requesting. The information will be provided to you within a reasonable period of time, normally within three weeks of receiving your request.