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Florida-Kansas Elementary School
90 West Olive Avenue Memphis, TN 38106 (901) 416-7874 Telephone (901) 416-7887 FAX
“Remember, at Florida-Kansas, Our children come first!” Parent/Student Handbook 2008-2009
Tracie Boyd Greer, Principal
Dear Parents,
The purpose of this Handbook is to provide students and parents with knowledge of policies and procedures of the Memphis City Schools system as they relate to Florida-Kansas Elementary.
It is the intent of the faculty and administration that each student becomes familiar with the information provided in this Handbook. It will be of great value in helping the students adjust in our school and become an integral part of the Florida-Kansas Elementary School.
After reading this Handbook, please feel free to contact the school at 416-7848 if additional information or assistance is desired.
Who’s Who in the Office
Principal…………………………………………….. Mrs. Tracie B. Greer Instructional Facilitator……………………..…… Mrs. Marceia L. Ashe Literacy Leader……………………………………. Mrs. Tosha N. Maples Financial Secretary…………………………...….. Mrs. Kennya Stockard General Office Secretary………………………... Mrs. Odessa McChriston Guidance..............................………………….... Ms. Vicky Brown Bldg. Engineer………………………………..…… Mr. Clannon Williams Cafeteria Manager…………………....…………... Ms. Laverne Williams
School Colors: Red and Green
School Mascot: Eagle School Uniform Colors: White or Red Short or Long Sleeve Polo or Oxford Shirts. Navy, Khaki, Black Pants, Skirts, Skorts or walking shorts that are arm length.
“Memphis City Schools does not discriminate in its programs or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, handicap/disability, sex or age. For more information, please contact the Office of Equity Compliance at (901) 416-6670.
Table of Contents
AYP Status 7 Mission/Vision 8
Enrollment and Admission 9
Student Attendance 11
General Information 13
Evaluation of Student Progress 18
Discipline 21
MCS Calendar 22
Student Supply List 25
Title I: NCLB Information 27
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students:
Welcome to a new school year at Florida-Kansas Elementary School where we seek to provide a challenging academic program and a fight free environment for every child. Teamwork among students, parents, and staff is essential in providing the best educational setting for Florida-Kansas Elementary students. By joining the Parent-Teacher Association, the Leadership Council, or volunteering in a classroom, you can help to make our vision possible.
This school year offers new opportunities and challenges for all of us. We are a school regulated by the NCLB guidelines and Reading First, a state funded program. Our focus this year will be to continue to implement the math curriculum Houghton Mifflin Math Tennessee, continue to cultivate our reading program and provide our students with technological experiences that enhance our curriculum. Also, we will continue to improve our Blue Ribbon Plan to promote positive behaviors.
I look forward to a successful and productive year for all the students of Florida-Kansas and the opportunity to work with you. Thank you in advance for all your support.
Sincerely,
Tracie B. Greer Principal
August 5, 2008
To the Florida-Kansas Community: As you know, our school and district are dedicated to ensuring that our students succeed. While we have always held high expectations for our students, the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) has set new standards for students to meet. This summer, our state released a report on the progress our schools are making toward achieving proficiency for 100 percent of our students under NCLB. The report identifies whether schools have made “Adequate Yearly Progress” (AYP) – a simple yes or no grade based on a complex set of measurements. To make AYP, each school district must achieve targets: areas of test participation and performance measured across subgroups of students (grouped by such categories as race, language proficiency, and disability). In addition, schools must meet graduation rates and attendance targets. If just one subgroup misses just one target, an entire school does not make AYP. Our school, Florida-Kansas Elementary School, met the target. Please know that many good schools did not make AYP, that doesn’t mean they’re not successful. AYP is an all or nothing proposition, but student achievement is not. Academic success is measured in many ways, including classroom tests, teacher observations, report cards, homework, and standardized tests. But AYP focuses only on state tests. Entire schools can miss the target if too many students are absent on a test day or if students who aren’t yet fluent in English miss the reading and writing goals. I am firmly committed to achieving our goal of success for every child, and I recognize that we must continually improve. We currently have the following programs in place to help improve scores: Before and after school tutoring, curriculum nights and parent workshops. Our school is filled with outstanding teachers and support staff, who regularly update their skills and participate in training to help them meet the needs of all students. I invite you to arrange a visit to any classroom in the school to see for yourself. I urge you to examine the results and look closely at the progress our school is making. Most important, I encourage you to join me in addressing our challenges and applauding the great work students and staff is doing in classrooms throughout the district. As Always, I welcome your comments, suggestions, and involvement in our schools and in the challenges our students face. Yours truly, Tracie B. Greer
VISION Florida-Kansas students will receive a quality education to help prepare them to be productive citizens. Students will work cooperatively to solve academic and social problems, and to use technology to enhance their performance. School personnel and stakekholders will make decisions that support student learning and promote quality leadership for academic success. MISSION Florida-Kansas’ mission is to educate all students so they may achieve excellence academically, socially and developmentally involving all stakeholders in daily activities, communications, and expectations to maintain productive learning environments.
CREED I believe in myself and in my ability to do my best this day. I will think. I will listen. I will read. I will write. I will respect others and myself. I will do all these things with one purpose in mind-To do my best and not waste this day, for this day will not come anymore.
SCHOOL SONG Florida-Kansas, Florida-Kansas This is my school. Florida-Kansas, Florida-Kansas I love my school
And show our might As we work together with our teachers. We have joy and pride, Working side by side, It’s the best school of all. Florida-Kansas, Florida-Kansas This is my school Florida-Kansas, Florida-Kansas I love my school Our community, works with you and me, With support and love, and unity Yes we thank our parents for being here, To help make our school. (Chorus) We will learn-All we can We will soar like an Eagle As a team-and with me Together we can
Florida-Kansas, Florida-Kansas I love my school
ENROLLMENT AND ADMISSIONS
Children entering public schools for the first time in Memphis must present the following documents to school authorities:
The state of Tennessee requires students in the Memphis City Schools to have the following number of required immunization listed below: Varicella (chicken pox) Three (3) doses of hepatitis B Four (4) doses of polio Four (4) doses of diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DPT) Two (2) doses of measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) Both doses of the MMR must be given any time after a child’s first birthday. In addition to the immunizations, all children entering kindergarten for the first time must have a medical examination before beginning school. Both the immunizations and the medical examination should be recorded on the green Tennessee Child Health Record. Your doctor will have these forms in his/her office. This information will be placed in your child’s permanent school record. Fourth grade students must show proof of two (2) doses of measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) before or at registration. The Tennessee Certificate of Immunizations (green card) must be filled out and signed by a private physician or Health Department Clinic. If you have questions, call Memphis City Schools, Health and Social Support at 416-5810.
State Department of Education regulation requires all children entering kindergarten or first grade for the first time to have a complete medical examination within six months prior to the beginning of school.
A child entering kindergarten must be five years of age on or before October 1st of the school year for which he or she enrolls. A certified copy of birth certificate is required. Mother’s copies will not be accepted. Birth certificates for children born in Shelby County may be obtained at the Health Department or the certificate may be obtained by mail. Send the child’s full name at birth, date of birth, mother’s full maiden name and a $10.00 money order or check to: Vital Records Memphis and Shelby County Health Dept. 814 Jefferson Avenue, Room 101 Memphis TN 38105 (Telephone: 544-7388) If the child was born in Tennessee but not in Memphis or Shelby County, send the same information and $10.00 to: Vital Records Tennessee Department of Health Cordell Hull Building Nashville TN 37227-0350
General Information Toll free: 1-900-772-1213
In order to establish a legal address for school registration, parents should provide a minimum of two verifiable documents. For example, a recent Memphis Light, Gas and Water bill, rental agreement or a voter’s registration card. Keep in mind an address in our district will result in your child counted in next year’s enrollment, unless there is a boundary change, and then you must apply for transfer for your child to return.
The student’s report card from the previous school year must be presented at registration.
TCAP scores must be presented at registration for all new students entering grades 1-5. First grade TCAP scores if applicable.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
School Hours The school doors open at 6:45am a.m. for students eating breakfast and classes begin promptly at 7:15 a.m. School is dismissed at 2:15 p.m. Students are considered tardy after 7:30. Your child will be considered late at 7:31a.m. Early Dismissal The school is responsible for the safety and welfare of each child from opening until closing. When students are to be dismissed from school early, a parent or guardian must report to the office and sign the student out. Students will not be allowed to walk home unaccompanied before regular dismissal. Students who need to check out for any reason will be checked out using the computer on the front counter in the main office. Absences All children are expected to be in attendance and on time each day. The following reasons are established as excused absences:
All other absences are considered unexcused. Steps to follow for absences:
Chronic Illness Teachers and office personnel should be made aware of chronic illnesses such as asthma, rheumatic fever, diabetes, AIDS, allergies, etc. We need definite written instructions on file should an emergency arise.
Accidents and Illness If a student is injured or becomes ill at school, parents will be notified immediately. If the parent cannot be reached, the emergency number listed on the registration card will be the next telephone call made. Please be sure to update any changes in numbers on the registration form as the year progresses. Remember, we cannot keep seriously ill students at school. Students severely hurt or ill will be transported to LeBonhuer Children’s Hospital and accompanied by a member of the staff. Medication If a child is to be given medication in school, all medication must be brought to the office by the parent (not be child), with the written directions from the physician to indicate the frequency and dosage of the prescribed medication. The medicine must be in the original container prepared by the pharmacist. The condition for which the child is being treated should also be listed. At the time the medication is brought to school, a written authorization must be filled out and signed by the parent. A school nurse is on campus on Thursdays in case of emergency. Tardiness Students are considered tardy if they arrive in their classrooms after 7:30a.m. Students can go to class without a tardy slip until 7:45am. Daily records of students who are tardy are kept in the office. Exceptions are made for students who ride the Memphis City School buses. Truancy See attendance policy on the following page. Withdrawal Students are withdrawn only at the request of the parent or legal guardian. All textbooks and library books must be returned first, any fines must be paid, and all other school obligations are to be cleared before the withdrawal is final. Please notify the office at least one day in advance in order to give the classroom teacher time to complete the withdrawal. NOTE: Classroom instruction time will not be interrupted to complete withdrawals and an address must be presented to the secretary for the withdrawal papers to be completed.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Special Activities
Arrival and Dismissal School begins at 7:15 a.m. The cafeteria will be open at 6:5 a.m. for students eating breakfast. Students can only enter and exit the building from the front doors. Students will be dismissed each day at 2:15 p.m. Students should be completely off campus by 2:30 p.m. unless accompanied by a teacher for a specific activity. Parents are requested to make arrangements for timely transportation of their children. Please be aware that the safety of your child is at risk each time he/she is left unsupervised. Doctor and dental appointments should be scheduled around school hours. If this is not possible, please do not check the student out before 10:45 a.m. This keeps your child from losing credit for a day’s attendance. Parents must check students out of school through the office. For the student’s safety, office personnel will not release any student to individuals who are not identified on the official registration form, NO EXCEPTIONS, so we ask that parents please refrain from using negative remarks toward office staff, or sending unauthorized persons to walk through the halls to obtain your child(ren). This will be considered trespassing and MCS security will be called. A note to your child’s teacher is helpful when early dismissal is necessary. You may update your child’s registration form at any time to reflect other people to pick your child(ren) up from school. Inclement Weather Parents and students should have a plan in case of dismissal due to inclement weather.
Mandatory School Uniforms – Board Policy #5150 Students are allowed to wear black, navy or khaki pants, shorts, skorts, skirts and dresses; white or red polo and oxford shirts. All shirttails are inside pants with belts every day, all day. This will be strongly enforced. Students will not be allowed in classrooms, lunchrooms, or assemblies, etc. with shirts tails out. Only shirts made to wear on the outside of pants will be the exception. This school rule applies to boys and girls. Lunch Program Eligibility for free or reduced priced lunches will be determined as quickly as possible. An application must be on file to determine eligibility. Free and reduced priced lunches will be served the first ten (10) days of school to those students who were eligible during the 2007-2008 school year. The price for students who pay full price is $1.50 a day. The cafeteria does not accept personal checks. Adult lunches cost $3.00. Students who do not have their lunch money will be sent to the office. They may “borrow” their lunch money for that day. A log will be kept of money owed and a notice will be sent home to the parents so money can be repaid to the school. Report cards may be held if lunch loans are not repaid by the end of the school year. Student Transportation Bus transportation is a privilege. Improper conduct results in having this privilege denied. Only students eligible for transportation are allowed to ride buses. Each child who rides the bus must read and sign a copy of the Transportation Rules. Parents are requested to read the Transportation Rules with their child; sign and return the form to school. Students who are assigned to ride a school bus or day care bus will be sent home on that bus unless the homeroom teacher is notified by the parent in writing. The note should specify who and how your child would be picked up by that day.
TelephoneStudents may use the telephones located in the main office and the classrooms for emergencies only. Important messages for students will be delivered to the teacher after the reading block or earlier if needed. The intercom will not be used to interrupt classes to deliver messages to students. Please make all afternoon pick-up arrangements prior to the school day. When calling for a teacher, you will be directed to their voicemail box and the teacher will return your call.
Parking LotIn the interest of student safety, we must restrict parking to designated parking spaces only. This is especially important at dismissal (2:15pm). At that time, hundreds of small children will be crossing the street or walking home. Their safety is our greatest concern. Therefore, it is imperative that no one parks on the lot at dismissal. Please do not move the orange cones put in place for our students’ safety. After 2:00 p.m., please do not park in the Handicapped Parking spaces or the bus loading zone. Cars are only allowed to park onnKansas Street or Pennsylvania.
Textbooks, Library Books, Etc. Textbooks are loaned to students for their use during the school year. Before the textbooks are issued, the parent and child must read and sign a copy of the Textbook Rules. Textbooks are to be kept clean and handled properly. They are labeled with the student’s name, grade/section, and the name of the school and downloaded as checked out to your child in the computer system. The textbooks are on loan to the student and the condition of those books is the responsibility of the parent and child. Fines will be assessed for lost or damaged textbooks. Parents are encouraged to help their children understand the responsibility in caring for textbooks.
Policy #6134 Subject: Policy for Lost and Damaged Textbooks POLICY STATEMENT Lost Textbooks Principals will require pupils, parents or guardians to pay for textbooks which are lost. The following sanctions shall be imposed by the principal against a pupil who fails or refuses to pay for lost textbooks: 1. Additional textbooks shall not be issued until restitution is made. 2. All report cards, certificates of progress or diplomas will be withheld from the pupil, parent or guardian until restitution is made. 3. A suspension (in-school, home or Board) may be issued in extreme circumstances or when students are involved in transferring between schools. The following schedule will be followed when determining the amount to be charged for a lost textbook: ANY NEW BOOK - 100% OF REPLACEMENT PRICE ANY USED BOOK - 75% OF REPLACEMENT PRICE
Damaged TextbooksSchools are obligated to collect appropriate damage fees from any pupil, parent or guardian for abuse or improper care of textbooks. Principals will have the authority to impose the same sanction for damaged textbooks as is outlined in the policy for lost textbooks. The amount to be charged for a damaged textbook shall be determined by the principal or his designated representative. The charge in no case shall exceed guardian shall have the option of paying the damage fee or purchasing the book according to the schedule of the policy for lost textbooks. Books on which a damage fee of less than 75% is collected shall remain the property of the Board of Education and will remain with the school for further use. Restitution may be waived in instances where the judgment of the principal is that the child is the victim of unusual circumstances. GuidanceGuidance services are provided to help all students with personal, academic and behavioral problems. A teacher or the principal may refer students to the guidance counselor. Parents or students may also request guidance services. You may call the counselor office at 416-3010 to schedule a conference or to speak with the guidance counselor.
VisitorsUpon entering the building, all visitors must report to the office immediately. You must sign in using the computerized Check In System and obtain a visitor pass. Upon leaving, parents and visitors must return to the office to sign out. We invite you to visit the school and observe in your child’s classroom after the two hour reading block. You are always welcome to have lunch with your child but report to the office to obtain a visitor pass.
School VolunteersParents who are interested in becoming school volunteers should complete the required MCS Volunteer form in the guidance office or on the MCS website. The Guidance Counselor of our volunteer program will contact you. All volunteers must go through a background check and be approved by the Board of Education to volunteer. Parental involvement is always appreciated!
Parent Teacher AssociationThe PTO encourages families to help their children, their school, and their community by becoming an active member. The dues are $5.00 per family and you may pay these dues during registration and throughout the year.
Book Store SuppliesThe bookstore is maintained for the convenience of the students and will be open from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. each morning. Parents should assume the responsibility of seeing that their children have the necessary school supplies. The bookstore prices are below:
Special Occasions Please do not send or bring large balloons, flower arrangements or have other type deliveries sent to the school for your child. If you would like to celebrate an occasion such as a birthday or any other special event, we ask that it take place outside of school.
EVALUATION OF STUDENT PROGRESS
CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTThe assignment of students and classes to teachers is made by the principal in collaboration with the classroom teachers.
GRADING SYSTEMGrades are indicated by letter to express a student’s academic performance and conduct. The following grading scale is used in all elementary grades: A 93-100 E Excellent B 85-92 S Satisfactory C 75-84 N Needs Improvement D 70-74 U Unsatisfactory F Below 70 (indicates failure)
GUIDELINES FOR ASSIGNING HOMEWORKThe total amount of homework assigned should depend upon the grade level of the student and the number and type of courses in which the student is enrolled. The amount of homework normally increases as student’s progress through school. Homework assignments are every day. Our students receive a homework assignment daily and are assigned a weekly homework sheet requiring your signature. Students are expected to read or be read to 10-20 minutes each evening.
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