The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint you with some of the opportunities you have at Northwest Laurens Elementary and to familiarize you with our school routine. While you are here I challenge you to commit yourself to our educational programs giving your best effort at all times. I encourage you to pursue your academic goals with enthusiasm and to become involved in various school activities. Let us together have the spirit and pride to do things that will make Northwest Laurens truly outstanding.

John M. Warren

Principal

MISSION STATEMENT

Northwest Laurens exists to provide the best educational process possible for each student. We want all students to acquire necessary skills to grow, intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and to become productive, responsible members of society. The school provides an integrated curriculum in a conducive learning atmosphere to meet this goal.

Northwest Laurens exists to educate students by providing them with opportunities to develop the abilities that their potential and efforts will allow. The school recognizes individual differences and needs, and it seeks to provide for these through a comprehensive curriculum. A variety of extracurricular activities and events promotes social growth and progress. We believe that the total education of a child must be shared by the school, the students, the parents, and the community.

It is important for students to show respect toward adults and classmates. Student behavior that disrupts the class and keeps others students from learning is unacceptable. The teacher will work with parents and administrators to eliminate inappropriate behavior.

Research has indicated that there is a distinct relationship between students’ attire and their classroom behavior, attitude and achievement. A dress code which prevents a student’s appearance from distracting the important business of learning is enforced. Teachers will make a personal appearance check of their students each day. Any attire deemed inappropriate will be called to the attention of both the student and parent, and then the student will be referred to the office to make arrangements for a change of clothing. Failure to secure proper clothing may result in In-School Suspension.

• Shirts / blouses must be buttoned, snapped or zipped to prevent mid-section / chest from showing.
• Pants must be worn at natural waist.
• Shoes must be worn at all times (tied, buckled or otherwise secured to feet). Tennis type shoes are recommended for PE class.
• Halter tops, muscle shirts or tank top are not permitted.
• Girls’ skirts should not be shorter than two inches above the top of knee.
• Shorts should be walking length.
• Sunglasses are not permitted except by a doctor’s prescription.
• Hats and caps are not permitted to be worn in the building.

Students attending school for 180 days will be awarded a certificate for perfect attendance. Students who sign out of school before 2:30 more than five (5) days will not be eligible for a perfect attendance certificate.

LEAVING SCHOOL SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES

Students may leave school under the following conditions:

1. A telephone call from a parent to confirm early dismissal.

2. A note from home approved by an administrator.

3. Parent, guardian or designee must come into the office to sign a student out.

4. Students will be called from class over the intercom rather than parents going to the classroom. Please follow this procedure to help us with your child’s safety.

5. Do not come to the office to sign students out after 2: 15 P.M. Students that are picked up after 2:15 should be picked in either the front car rider area or the back car rider area.

Upon returning to school the student will have three (3) days to present the necessary documentation to have the days absent to count as excused. Failure to present this documentation within three (3) days will result in an UNEXCUSED absence. Phone calls will NOT be accepted as excused absences.

Excused absences include:

1. Personal illness
2. A serious illness or death / funeral in the student’s immediate family. (Immediate family is defined as parents / guardians, grandparents, siblings, and other persons living within the child’s residence.)
3. A court order or an order by a governmental agency.
4. Celebration of state recognized religious holidays.
5. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student health of safety.

In order for an excuse to be accepted, the following information must be included:

1. Current date
2. Date (s) of absence
3. Student name
4. Reason for absence
5. Parent or guardian’s signature.

After ten (10) TOTAL days absent (excused or unexcused), a doctor, court, or agency excuse will be required to excuse the absence.

After five (5) UNEXCUSED absences, a letter will be mailed to the parent explaining the Laurens County Policy on absences and consequences of further unexcused absences.

After ten (10) UNEXCUSED absences, an attendance team meeting will be held with the parent or guardian at the school to address any issues preventing the normal attendance of the student.

Any further UNEXCUSED absences will result in a referral to juvenile court and / or state court and / or to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) for concerns of educational neglect.

Students who encounter long-term illness may be eligible for the Hospital Homebound Program and should make application for this program when they anticipate being absent for 10 or more days due to personal illness. Students with excessive absences will be referred to the Laurens County School Board Office.

Tardy / Early Dismissal Guidelines

After five (5) UNEXCUSED tardies / early dismissals, the student will receive one (1) UNEXCUSED absence. Refer to Attendance Guidelines for consequences for unexcused absences.

1. An unexcused absence will be given to the student for each increment of five unexcused tardies or early dismissals.
2. The conditions for excusing a tardy or early dismissal will be the same as an absence.
3. In the event of a healthcare or agency appointment (vision, dental, counseling, etc.), the tardy or early dismissal will be counted as excused with written documentation of the appointment from the physician or agency.

Attendance has a vital bearing on the educational process. It should not be encouraged to the point of keeping children in school who are sick, but should be insisted upon to the point of maintaining interest and facilitating progress.

Educational progress and accomplishments must be evaluated and recorded in terms of numerical grades. The following criteria will be used to establish uniformity:

1. Passing grades range from 70-100.
2. All work to be made up by the student must be done within five (5) school days after return from absences.
3. An incomplete (I) will be shown on the report card, but will not be recorded on permanent records. An incomplete will automatically become an F (failure) if the work is not made up during the allotted five (5) days.

Report card will be issued to each student at the end of each nine (9) week grading period by the homeroom teacher.

PE, art, music, computer and conduct will receive a grade of S (satisfactory), N (needs improvement) or U (unsatisfactory is below 70.

Students in the 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grades with a 90 or above overall average in Reading, Language Arts (language arts: writing, spelling, and English), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies will be recognized as honor roll students. These students will be given an HONOR ROLL sticker after the first nine weeks to place on the family vehicle. A second sticker may be purchased for $ 1.00 each to place on additional vehicles.

Laurens County Schools provide breakfast and lunch at no cost for students in grades PK-5. We encourage all students to participate in our school food service program. If a parent chooses for their child to not participate in the school food services program, they may sign an opt-out from available in the office. If a student chooses to eat two meals, the second breakfast will coat $ 1.50 and the second lunch will cost $ 2.00. Extra items such as ice cream, cookies, pizza, and drinks may be purchased on a cash basis. If a student chooses to bring food or beverages from home to consume in the cafeteria, it must be transported in a lunch box or bag. Beverages in glass containers are not permitted. Car riders who are eating breakfast at school must in the cafeteria by 8:00 a.m.

All medication must be left in the clinic for safekeeping. Students will be allowed to take prescribed medicine by going to the clinic to get their medicine at the prescribed time. Send all medication in original or prescription containers. Be sure that the child’s name is on the container. (See School Clinic page in this handbook.)

Counseling is provided in elementary schools to help students develop academically, personally, and socially. The counselor is available to meet the needs of all students pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Students may participate in individual counseling a student will talk to the counselor alone. In group counseling, a student may talk to the counselor with other boys and girls abut similar concerns. All students in a classroom participate during guidance classes, discussing topics such as study skills, values clarification, peer relationship, decision-making skills, etc. The counselor works with administrators, teachers, parents and community resource personnel for the betterment of the student’s life.

The Media Center has a flexible schedule. Teachers may bring their classes whenever and often as it is needed. Teachers sign up for a time slot on a calendar posted in the Media Center. The Media Center is open to individual students and classes during the entire school day, each day of the school year. The Media Specialist is responsible for audio-visual equipment used throughout the school.

The telephone is for business use only. No social calls are to be made or received on the school telephone. Students will not be called to the office for a phone call. The office will take messages which are important and deliver them by intercom at 2:20 p.m. Students are allowed to call home only if they are sick. Unless an emergency arises, students should be given instructions for after school departure before leaving home each morning rather then parents calling the school with messages during the day.

Visitors and parents are welcome on campus, but should sign in at the office and receive a visitor’s sticker before going to the classroom.

Students are not to bring toys, tapes, CDs, pagers, cell phones, or any electronic devices to school.

In compliance with the requirement of the No Child Left Behind statute, the Laurens County Board of Education informs parents of their right to request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher (s) and paraprofessional (s). The following information may be requested: (1) teacher certifications, (2) college major / certification or degree (s), and / or (3) paraprofessional qualifications. If a parent wishes to request information concerning their child’s teacher (s) and / or the paraprofessional (s) that provide educational services, the parent must provide a written request to the school principal.

A.M. Students may be dropped off in the front car rider line from 7:40 – 8:05. Students should not be dropped off in the parking lot.

P.M. Students will move from their rooms to the cafeteria at 2:30 in preparation for front pick up. A teacher or paraprofessional will escort Pre-K and Kindergarten students to the cafeteria. Siblings and carpools will be placed together in the cafeteria. The time for front car rider pick up is 2:40 – 3:00.

A.M. Students may be dropped off in the back car rider line from 7:45 – 8:05. Do not enter the back gate before 7:45. Buses must be allowed to enter the lot without vehicles obstructing their path.

P.M. Students will be taken to the back car rider area by their teachers as bus riders are dismissed between 2:30 and 2:35. Students may be picked up in the back car rider allowed to enter the lot without vehicles obstructing their path.

The car rider procedures are designed to provide a safe and orderly environment for students to be transported to and from Northwest Laurens Elementary School. We thank you in advance for your adherence to these procedures.

Amended on October 25, 2002

A copy of the school bus code of ethics will be amended to the student handbook.

The behavior of students while riding Laurens County School buses is one of the most important factors concerning transportation safety. A school bus driver’s attention should always be on the conditions of the road. Students too often distract the driver, sometimes to the point that drivers must focus all their attention to discipline problems instead of driving. Students can follow a few rules to make riding buses safe and enjoyable. Violation of these rules may subject the offender to disciplinary action, for example, revocation of riding privileges for a period of time.

Any violation of these rules will bring into force the following procedures:

1^st offense Student counseled and warned about behavior (written warning.)

2^nd offense Parents are notified concerning bus behavior (written letter.)

3^rd offense Student suspended from the bus for two days.

4^th offense Student suspended from the bus for three days

5^th offense Student suspended from the bus for five days.

6^th offense Student suspended from the bus for seven days.

7^th offense Student suspended from the bus for ten days.

8^th offense Student suspended from the bus until a tribunal hearing is held.

Corporal punishment / ISS may be used for the 3^rd, 4^th, or 5^th offense to the discretion of the administrator or the parent.

1. Code section 20-2-751.6 Fighting on the bus.

2. Verbal assault or being disrespectful to bus driver or school personnel.

3. Possession of tobacco products, lighters, or matches.

4. Vulgar language.

5. Undue sexual familiarity.

6. Harassment of other students or bus driver.

7. Verbal assault or harassment of other students or bus driver.

8. Disrespectful conduct toward students.

1^st offense Suspended from the bus for three days.

2^nd offense Suspended from the bus for five days.

3^rd offense Suspended from the bus until a tribunal hearing is held.

Bullying is defined in Senate Bill 291 code section 20-2-751.4 which states any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so or any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.

1^st offense Suspended five days from the bus.

2^nd offense Suspended from the bus ten days.

3^rd offense Suspended from the bus until tribunal hearing.

Students shall be prohibited from using any of the following electronic devices during the operation of the school bus:

Students should be prohibited from using mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective devices in a manner that might interfere with the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.

1^st offense Students warned and parent conference

2^nd offense Students suspended from the school bus for one day

3^rd offense Students suspended from the school bus for three days.

Administrative discretion may be used in these offenses.

Vandalism of a school bus (burning, cutting, punching holes in seats, etc.) will result in suspension from the bus until the damage is paid.

Possession of any weapon or objects used a weapon, other than a firearm, will result in suspension from the bus until a parent conference or tribunal hearing is held.

Possession of any firearm, drugs, or alcohol will result in suspension from the bus and school until a tribunal hearing is held.

When a student is suspended from riding the bus, written and / or verbal contact must be made with the parent.

A meeting will be held between appropriate school officials and the parent or guardian of any student found to have engaged in bullying, physical assault or battery on a school bus for the purpose of forming a school bus behavior contract for the student. The contract must provide for progressive age appropriate discipline, penalties, and restrictions for student misconduct on the school bus. The provisions are not to be constructed to limit the instances when a school code of conduct or local board of education may require use of a student bus behavior contract.

In reference to the Georgia Senate Bill 291, provisions have been included governing students’ school conduct and penalties. Discipline and classroom control requires the joint effort of the school and the parents. For details and a complete version of Bill 291, see www.nwle.com or obtain a copy at Northwest Laurens Elementary School.

Code Section 20-2-751.5 refers to student codes of conduct and safety rules on school buses.

Each student code of conduct shall contain provision that address the following conduct of students during school hours, at related school functions, on the school bus, toward teachers, administrators, bus drivers, students, and other school personnel.

1. Verbal or non-verbal threats of violence.
2. Inciting others to engage in acts of violence.
3. Physical assaults with intent to hurt another person.
4. Defying and disrespecting authority, directives, and school rules.
5. Using abusive language or gestures.
6. Criticizing other’s race, disability, gender, or physical stature.
7. Having continuous disruptive classroom behavior.

The following consequences may be initiated for offenses if a student is allegedly engaged in violation of student conduct.

1. Warning / counseling with a school administrator or counselor.
2. Loss of privileges or removal from class or activity.
3. Parent notification.
4. Behavioral contracts.
5. Bus assigned seating and / or both bus contracts.
6. Suspension from riding the bus.
7. Corporal punishment.
8. In-school suspension (ISS) or out-of-school suspension (OSS).
9. Tribunal

Code Section 20-2-271.4 Policies prohibiting bullying: In accordance with Georgia Law, bullying is defined as:

1. Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person.
2. Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.

1. Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person.
2. Use or possession of dangerous devices with the intent to hurt self or others.
3. Fighting and failure to stop fighting, thereby, endangering others.
4. Changing grades.
5. Inappropriate sexual touching with underlying intent.
6. Stealing or attempting to steal teachers, students, and other school personnel.

All students must have a completed and signed Permission and Health History Form before any treatment other than emergency care and basic fist-aid can be given. In the event of serious illness or injury you will be notified immediately and appropriate care given.

Medication should not be given at school unless absolutely necessary. Medications are a parental responsibility. An adult must bring and pick up all medications. Under no circumstance should medication be transported by bus.

All medications other than the ones listed on the permission form for occasional use, (Tylenol, Tums etc.) will require written instruction and signature. Medication must be in the original container. Pharmacists will gladly make extra, labeled bottles for prescriptions medication to be used at school. Any medication not in original containers (baggies, envelopes etc.) will not be administered and held for pick up by an adult.

Parents are responsible for supplying medications, keeping medication and contact information current, and supplying any device needed to administer the medications. Students are responsible for coming to the clinic at the correct time to take medications. The school cannot be held responsible for missed doses, although we will try our best to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Any child who is to carry emergency medication, epi-pens or inhalers, must have emergency care plans and authorization forms completed and signed by their doctor. These may be picked up in the clinic.

The following will require a Medication Authorization Form filled out and signed by a physician: These forms are available at the school and on www.nwle.com.

1. All prescription medications, antibiotics prescribed three (3) times a day should be given at home unless the doctor specifies a time and reason to give at school.
2. Any over-the-counter medication that is not age appropriate or any dosage that is greater than recommended standards. Read all labels.
3. Any over-the-counter medication that is given routinely for longer than one week.

Students are not permitted to use cell phones / wireless communication on school grounds during school hours or on the regular bus routes. If a cell phone / wireless communication is visible, rings, sounds off or is used during prohibited times, then the following punishments will be administered:

1^st Offense Cell phone / wireless communication taken up and parent or guardian may pick up after conference with administrator.

2^nd Offense Parent may pick up cell phone / wireless communication after paying $ 15.00 fine.

3^rd Offense Parent may pick up cell phone / wireless communication after paying $ 25.00 fine.

4^th Offense Parent may pick up cell phone / wireless communication after paying $ 30.00 fine and student will serve three (3) days in ISS.

5^th Offense Parent may pick up cell phone / wireless communication after paying $ 35.00 fine and student will serve three (3) days in OSS.

6^th Offense Student will be referred to Tribunal Hearing.

These offenses and punishments are cumulative during an entire school year.

Crossroads Alternative School and the Performance Learning Center may have a separate policy.

Cell Phone policy adopted May 11, 2006

Please read the following carefully. This is a legally binding document. Internet access is available to students and teachers in the Laurens County Schools. Our belief is that the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal is to provide this service to teachers and students and to promote educational excellence at Northwest Laurens Elementary (NWLE) 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:

1. Electronic mail communication with people all over the world. (Teachers Only)

2. Information and news.

3. Public domain and shareware of all types.

4. Access to any informational catalogs.

With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. The Technology Coordinators have taken available precautions to restrict access to inappropriate materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all material and an industrious user may discover inappropriate information.

Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If an NWLE user violates any of these provisions, their access will be terminated and future access could possibly be denied. The Signature (s) at the end of this manual is (are) legally binding and indicates the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand (s) their significance.

PARENT OR GUARDIAN: As parents or guardian of this student, I have read the Terms and Conditions for Internet access. I understand that this access is designed for educational purpose and that NWLE and the Laurens County Board of Education have taken available precaution to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the NWLE and the Laurens County Board of Education to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold the NWLE or the Laurens County Board of Education responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting. I hereby give my permission to grant access for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.

Northwest Laurens Elementary School offers a gifted and talented program for students who demonstrate a high degree of intellectual and / or creative abilities. A student may be referred for consideration for these services by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self or other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities. The student will be assessed and must meet the state requirement to be eligible for the REACH program.