Handbook

EastView Elementary Handbook

2021-2022

EastView Elementary Handbook

2020-2021

The faculty and staff are delighted to welcome you and your children to EastView Elementary School. In order to help you better understand the workings and expectations of our school we have developed this Parent/Student Handbook. We hope this handbook will become a quick and useful reference for essential school information. Please familiarize yourself and your child with its content. We encourage you to use our school website, individual teacher or classroom websites, school, and grade level newsletters to keep current on school news and events. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office.

We encourage you to take an active part in your child’s education. We believe that students are the most successful when parents, school, and community work together, and we look forward to establishing this partnership with you and your family.

Mrs. Kelly Ford

EastView Principal

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Greeneville City Schools (“District”) has been exploring different and reasonable ways to provide services to all students. The district worked with state and local agencies, including our local health department, to draft and implement guidelines moving forward regarding cleaning, screening, etc. Though the district and its agents will work hard to implement and abide by those guidelines, neither the guidelines themselves nor even recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) would ever allow the district to guarantee an environment that is entirely free of COVID-19 related risks.

By allowing your child to return to school, you must understand that your child’s attendance will require him/her to physically interact with the district’s staff members, other students, and even some limited volunteers. As such, despite all reasonable efforts on behalf of the district, physical interaction with the public at large may pose some unavoidable risks to you, your child, and your family due to COVID-19 pandemic. While the district hopes that everyone remains safe and healthy during this time, we also want to remain both honest and transparent with our parents about the very real risks posed by COVID-19 both inside and outside of our schools.

Plans for Success

We want every child to experience success at school and you can help your child to do so. Getting your child’s day off to a good start is one of the best things you can do for him/her. You can make sure your child starts each day on a positive note by cooperating with and supporting our efforts in the following ways:

Send your child to school on time, not late, or too early. Our school day begins at 8:15 and ends at 3:15. Door open at 7:15 am for morning bus duty for parents who need an early time. Doors will not open before due to no staff on duty.
Teach your child to respect and obey all school adults. All teachers and other adults (including secretary, custodian, assistants, and other staff) have authority and are responsible for the safety of children and general building order.
Talk with your child about treating other children in the same manner as he/she wishes to be treated (avoid name calling, arguing, etc).
Tell your child to go directly to and from school using the same route or routine every day.
Send your child to school properly washed and dressed, using the dress code and weather conditions as guides.
Discuss with your child all school information so he/she clearly understands what is expected from him/her at school.
Become actively involved in your school. You can do so by participating in the GSIA or volunteering to assist with special school projects.
Above all else, tell your child when he/she is doing a good job in school – praise him/her for good efforts and good behavior at school. We will do the same at school.
It is imperative for us to have up-to-date current contact information (current phone numbers, etc.) for each student. Please make sure that anytime you change your contact information you notify the school and change it within the SchoolCast program. This is to help us contact you quickly in the event of illness or injury.
If your child requires any type of medication, please see our school nurse for the proper paperwork. Please remember, ALL MEDICATION given at school requires a doctor’s statement and must be in its original container. This does include inhalers. The school nurse can answer any questions that you have and will have the documents for you.

This can be a successful learning experience for your child, but it will take a lot of hard work on his/her part as well as your cooperation as parents. It is worth everyone’s best effort and we guarantee to give each child our very best.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

General Information

School Hours

All students, grades K through 5^th, must be at school by 8:15 a.m. Students arriving after 8:15 are tardy and must report to the school office with a parent/guardian before going to the classroom. If students do not go by the school office, they may be counted as being absent. Students are dismissed from the gym at 8:05 am so this arriving before then is helpful.

Students wishing to eat breakfast at school should arrive by 7:45 am in order to have enough time to eat. Students will be dismissed starting at 3:05 p.m.

Drop Off and Pick Up (New Procedures- Please read carefully).

Safety is always our top priority at EastView.

Arrival:

DO NOT PASS CARS BECAUSE KIDS LOAD ON BOTH SIDES. GCPD/SRO can and will write tickets for this violation.

School doors open at 7:15 am at the front and the back for families who need this accommodation. If you do not need this accommodation, we recommend that you do not arrive this early. This time makes for a long wait time for students.

Unloading: Please practice buckling/unbuckling and try to unload 3 cars at a time. Once you are at the front entrance or the back sidewalk you may begin unloading. You do not have to be the first car in order to unload.

Younger Students: Younger students will need your helping getting them out of the car and loaded with backpack, lunch box, etc. and to the safety of the sidewalk before leaving. Staff will not be available to help unload cars.

Tardies:

School doors are open in the front and the back until 8:15 am. At 8:15 am doors are locked. PARENTS MUST BRING STUDENTS IN THIS YEAR AND SIGN THEM IN WITH THE SECRETARY OR NURSE. Students are counted tardy after this time and will need to be brought to the front to be signed in the adult bringing them to school. 5 unexcused tardies = 1 unexcused absence

Breakfast:

Breakfast is served from 7:30-8:00. Breakfast is FREE TO ALL but please arrive by 7:45 in order to have time to eat in the cafe.

Dismissal

DO NOT PASS CARS BECAUSE KIDS LOAD ON BOTH SIDES. GCPD/SRO can and will write tickets for this violation.

Please make sure your child and teacher knows your child's dismissal plan (bus, front car rider, or back car rider. Must pick one and not switch unless the office is notified.

Front Riders- This is the front of the school facing the Splash Pad (Bernard Ave) CAR LINE OPENS AT 2:30 PM If you arrive earlier, you are considered a trespasser and will be asked to leave and return. (per Greeneville Police Department/Greeneville City Schools)

Back Riders - This is the back of the school facing the baseball fields. PRE- K DISMISSES AT 2:30 PM. CAR LINE OPENS AT 2:40 PM (NEW!!!!) If you arrive earlier, you are considered a trespasser and will be asked to leave and return. (per Greeneville Police Department/Greeneville City Schools)

Due to traffic issues on Bernard and Barton Ridge, we typically begin loading cars at 3:05 pm.

NEW THIS YEAR: ONLY STUDENTS IN GRADES 2-5 can cross the back parking lot to the parked cars in gravel. Students in K/1 will not be allowed to cross, so the main line will be a better choice for your family.

Car Tags:

We will be checking all cars for car tags. If you do not have car tags (new students and kindergarten) they will be available on Aug. 4th at the parent meeting, or in the EV office afterwards. If you need more car tags they can be purchased in the office for $2.00.

If you do not have a car tag, you will be asked to park until we can get clearance from the office based on your driver's license information. THIS PROCEDURE IS TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD. We never want to make a mistake in this area of safety.

All students should be picked up by 3:30 pm. If you need childcare after 3:30 pm, please make arrangements for ESP, EastView's after school care. Ms. Connie can get you the enrollment information. The YMCA also picks up students from EV each afternoon.

Currently, we will have an after school program at the Rec. We also do not have bus transportation to the Boys and Girls Club.

Breakfast/Lunch

A nutritious breakfast and lunch is served daily in the cafeteria under USDA (Provision 3) guidelines. This year due to a grant provision all students eat free breakfast and lunch. Students may purchase extra items. Adult and guest lunches are $3.25. Prices are subject to change. Amounts are subject to change. Visitors are typically allowed to join students for lunch. At the current time, this is not an option due to Covid guidelines and limited visitors.

Attendance

Attendance is one of the most important parts of your child's education since learning cannot take place if the child is not at school. Poor attendance patterns in the early grades continue through middle school, high school and eventually employment. Children should not be kept home for minor ailments (headache, stomachache, etc.).

Attendance Policy:

Attendance is a key factor in student achievement and therefore, students are expected to be present each day school is in session.

Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal or his/her designee. A total of three (3) parent notes per semester may be used to excuse a student’s absence for any reason. Any days beyond those three (3) allowed by parent note or other will be recorded as unexcused days. Once a student is tardy 5 times, they will receive an unexcused absence.

Excused absences shall include:

Personal illness
Doctor excuse
Illness of immediate family member requiring the student to give temporary help
Death in the family
Religious observances

Parents are held legally responsible for keeping their children in school. Five (5) unexcused absences, truancies, or excessive absences will result in a referral to the Attendance Coordinator and the Greeneville Truancy Board.

STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT

A parent or guardian should contact the school before 8:30 a.m. on the day of the absence by calling or emailing the school. Upon returning to school, the student should have a written note signed by the parent or guardian. This note should include the following information: child's name, date, day(s) of absence, and reason for the absence. This should be submitted to the teacher. If you do not send a written note to school or doctor’s note within two days, it will be considered an unexcused absence.

If the school has not been contacted by the parents regarding a child who is absent, the school will attempt to contact the parents either at home or at your work location by an automated phone call.

Students are expected to ask the teacher for make-up assignments the day of their return to class, or parents may request homework by phone the morning of the absence and the assignments can be picked up after 3:15 that day in the school office. Make-up work will be given to all students who are absent except for absences due to truancy, out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

Students are responsible for making up work within five days of returning to class. Assignments that are not made up may be reflected in the grade.

VACATION WITH FAMILY DURING SCHOOL

Such absences are not encouraged or condoned. School calendars are made public a year in advance so that family vacations can be planned around school attendance. The only days that will be excused will be if the three parent notes have not been used. No excused absences will be granted during State testing windows.

STUDENT CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT POLICY

Students must be present three hours and sixteen minutes to be counted present for that day. Parent(s) or guardian(s) must go to the school office and sign the student IN or OUT. Please do not check your child out early unless it is necessary. This counts against the child’s attendance and the child misses important end-of-the day instructions, assignments, and reminders

The Greeneville City School System maintains high expectations that our students will conduct themselves appropriately at all times. At the heart of the Code of Behavior and Discipline are the virtues found in our character education program. Students are expected to use the Character Education Virtues of the Greeneville City School System to model positive behavior. In order to assist student, parents, teachers, and administrators understand what is expected by positive behavior, the Character Education Virtues are defined as follows:

KINDNESS - The desire to show genuine sympathy and interest on others' well-being.

COURTESY - The ability to display positive behaviors that may be interpreted as being considerate, respectful, generous, polite and mannerly in school, home and community.

FAIRNESS/JUSTICE - The conviction to consider the individual work of each citizen as an important contribution to the common good of the school or the community.

HONESTY - The conviction to say and/or do the morally right thing, regardless of public rejection.

SELF-DISCIPLINE - The ability to control one's self for the sake of improvement.

RESPECT - The recognition of the basic worth and value of all human beings, which results in an individual relating to others in a manner which reflects dignity and honors humanity.

COURAGE - The internal strength to actively support convictions and beliefs.

PERSEVERANCE - The ability to pursue worth-while goals in spite of obstacles and distractions.

SELF-RESPECT - The ability to use a belief in self-worth to recognize that choices exist in all situations and to resist negative peer pressure in making positive choices.

In order to ensure that students, behave in an appropriate manner and to insure that all students and teachers can learn and teach in a safe school environment, the Greeneville City Board of Education has established a Code of Behavior and Discipline. Teachers, administrators, or any school personnel are authorized to take just and reasonable measures to establish effective school discipline. The authority to control student behavior shall be extended to buses and all activities of the school. Each school principal shall be responsible for implementation and administration in his/her school. He/she shall apply the Code

The following levels of misbehavior and disciplinary procedures and options are standards designed to protect all members of the educational community in the exercise of their rights and duties and to maintain a safe learning environment where orderly learning is possible and encouraged.2 These misbehaviors apply to student conduct on school buses, on school property, and while students are on school-sponsored outings. Staff members shall ensure that disciplinary measures are implemented in a manner that:3

Balances accountability with an understanding of traumatic behavior;
Teaches school and classroom rules while reinforcing that violent or abusive behavior is not allowed at school;
Minimizes disruptions to education with an emphasis on positive behavioral supports and behavioral intervention plans;
Creates consistent rules and consequences; and
Models respectful, non-violent relationships.

Zero-Tolerance Behavior

In order to assure a safe and secure learning environment free of drugs, violence, and dangerous weapons, any student who engages in the following behaviors will be subject to suspension for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. Expelled means removed from the pupil's regular school or removed from school attendance all together. Nothing in this code shall be constructed to prohibit the assignment of expelled students to the alternative school. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis

Rights and Responsibilities:

The Board expects all school staff, students and parents to assume the responsibility for appropriate behaviors in the school.

Each Student has the right to:

Have the opportunity for a free education in the most appropriate learning environment;
Be secure in his/her person, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizure;
Expect that the school will be a safe place;
Have an appropriate environment conducive to learning;
Not be discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin or disabilities; and
Be fully informed of school rules and regulations.

Each student has the responsibility to:

Know and adhere to reasonable rules and regulations established by the Board;
Respect the human dignity and worth of every other individual;
Refrain from libel, slanderous remarks, and obscenity in verbal and written expression;
Study and maintain the best possible level of academic achievement;
Be punctual and present in the regular school program;
Dress and groom in a manner that meets reasonable standards of health, cleanliness, modesty and safety;
Maintain and/or improve the school environment, preserve school and private property, and exercise care while using school facilities;
Refrain from behavior which would lead to physical or emotional harm or disrupts the educational process;
Respect the authority of school administrators, teachers and other authorized personnel in maintaining discipline in the school and at school-sponsored activities;
Obey the law and school rules as to the possession or the use of alcohol, illegal drugs and other unauthorized substances or materials; and
Possess on school grounds only those materials which are acceptable under the law and accept the consequences for articles stored in one’s locker.

Greeneville City School System – Elementary Schools

Suggested Standards for Dress and Appearance

Appropriate dress and grooming is always encouraged. It is desirable that all students dress comfortably and in good taste. The home and school need to cooperate very closely in the matter of dress. School is the child’s place of business and children who are dressed in appropriate school clothing seem to do a better job. Students’ attire and personal appearance shall not be disruptive to the learning environment or endanger the safety of themselves or others. We ask that students follow these guidelines regarding their appearance:

Make-up is inappropriate for students at the elementary school level.
Halter tops, tops with spaghetti straps, tank tops, and mesh tops may be worn with a shirt under them.
Tee shirts should be free of suggestive language, alcohol, and drug advertisements and any endorsement of violent/aggressive behavior.
Tennis shoes and socks are to be worn for physical education classes. Sandals and platform shoes are discouraged in the building due to safety issues.
Hats and other head coverings are not to be worn inside the school building.
Pants are to fit at the student’s waist with the hem not touching the floor.
Skirts and shorts must be at a proper length (fingertips at side must not touch skin).
The only form of body piercing allowed is earrings.
Any jewelry worn should be small and not detract from the educational setting.

If inappropriate clothing is worn to school, parents will be contacted to bring appropriate clothing before the student will be allowed to attend classes.

Reporting Student Progress

Report cards are issued at the end of each nine weeks. Interim reports are sent home for third, fourth, and fifth grades at the half-way mark of each nine weeks. It is the parent’s responsibility to sign and return interim and nine-week report cards to your child’s teacher.

Kindergarten-Second Grade

The following codes are used to report your child’s achievement.

1 Needs Improvement: is not making expected progress toward grade-

level expectations.

2 Progressing: progressing toward mastery and grade-level expectations.

3 Mastery: grade-level expectations are achieved.

A box not marked indicates that the skill has not been taught.
Skills that are circled indicate that they have been taught.
Skills increase in difficulty each nine weeks and build on skills

previously taught.

Science and Social Studies are integrated with English/Language Arts, Reading and Math.

Third-Fifth Grade Grading Scale

A = 100-93

B = 92-85

C = 84-73

D = 74- 70

F = below 70

If you have any questions about your child’s grades, please contact the teacher.

Parent Meetings and Conferences

All parents are encouraged to attend regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences and meetings. Teachers may call, email, or send a note home if they need to schedule a conference. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the teacher through our school office or teacher email. Your child’s teacher will return phone calls or respond to emails during grade level planning time or after school.

GUIDANCE SERVICES

Counseling services are available to every student at Highland. These services are offered through large and small groups, as well as individual sessions for students with special interests and needs. The counselor welcomes opportunities to work with students, parents, and teachers on a wide variety of issues, such as social, personal, school, and educational needs. A Parent Resource Center is also available in our Guidance Office. Please contact our school guidance counselor to set up an appointment to discuss concerns or to check out materials from our Parent Resource Center. The guidance counselor can be reached through the school office at 638-6351.

Legal Issues

Legal issues such as custody or visitation rights should be brought to the attention of the school upon enrollment. Copies of legal documents should be given to the school. Requests for additional copies of student report cards, letters, etc. should be made in writing to the school.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

CHILD ABUSE

School personnel are required by law to report any suspicion or evidence of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Human Services. The school is required to and will cooperate 100% with law enforcement officials.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS, DELAYS, EARLY DISMISSALS

In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies that may necessitate a school closing, delay, or early dismissal, the Greeneville City Schools will communicate with parents and students by radio. Please listen to WGRV AM, WIKQ FM, or WSMG AM. Please do not call the radio station or the school. Messages will also be sent via SchoolCast and will be posted on the Greeneville City Schools website.

Arrangements must be made in advance for students in case of early dismissal. Make sure that your child and his/her teacher are aware of arrangements for early dismissal. Students will not be permitted to call home in most cases, and parents may not be able to reach the school because of a busy phone line. Remember that the elementary buses will run first if there is an early dismissal due to weather.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT

In order to handle emergency situations, the school must know how to reach parents quickly. It is the responsibility of the parent to keep correct contact numbers updated with the school office. If your child becomes ill (vomiting, fever, or symptoms of a communicable disease) or injured, we will get in touch with the parent or person indicated on the Emergency Form as soon as possible. Parents or the person designated by the parent, who is contacted because of a child's illness, are requested to pick up the child immediately.

FAMILY AND MEDICAL INFORMATION UPDATES

Parents should immediately notify the school when there are any changes in a student's address, phone number, or any other information, which is included on the Enrollment Form.

If the family status changes because of divorce or legal separation, or if the child lives with someone other than his/her natural mother and father, proof of custody or guardianship must be provided to the school office.

FEES

The Greeneville City Schools provide all basic texts at no cost to the students. All lost or damaged text books or library books must be paid for by the parents. Each year a school fee of $15.00 is requested from all students. The money is used for writing paper, art materials, subscriptions, and other school materials. The fee money should be sent to school as soon as possible the first week of school in an envelope with the child’s name and teacher’s name on the outside. If paying by check, make checks payable to Highland Elementary School and indicate on the check “Fee Money.” Do not include fee money in the same check with lunch money, field trip, or GSIA money. Over the Counter medications can be purchased for $5.00 which includes many medications your child might need while at school during the school year. See the school nurse for details.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are a major component for learning and an integral part of the curriculum at Highland. Field trips may be scheduled during the day, after school, or on weekends. We hope that all students will participate in all class field trips. A signed parent permission form is required for each field trip. At times, classroom teachers may ask parents to attend a field trip and help chaperone. Only adults may attend field trips as requested. No siblings are allowed to attend with the adult. If a field trip expense is a problem, please talk with your child’s teacher. We encourage all students to participate. The same rules which apply to behavior expectations at school are expected on field trips also. Field trips are a privilege, not a right, and can be taken if appropriate behaviors are not demonstrated at school.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Our school has a strong belief that students make the most progress when the school, family, and community build strong partnerships to work together to help students succeed. We welcome these partnerships with families and encourage family members to take an active part in their child’s education. Throughout the school year several special family events are planned which may include special family activities relating to the Book Fair, or family Literacy/Math Nights. Numerous community Partners in Education support our school as well.

GREENEVILLE SCHOOLS IN ACTION (GSIA)

Two parent organizations exist within the Greeneville City School System. Our GSIA is the local parent-teacher organization within the school. The GSIA Council is composed of presidents for the individual GSIA chapters, two additional parents from each school, a board of officers, principals, the Director, and the Superintendents. The purpose of the GSIA council is to provide a forum for sharing ideas among the member schools.

The GSIA provides support and assistance to EastView Elementary School through the cooperation of parents, teachers, and administrative staff. Our GSIA conducts various fund-raising projects to purchase equipment and educational materials. The GSIA also sponsors Open Houses, Fun Festival, Field Day, Fun Day, Teacher Appreciation Luncheons, Book Fairs, and school T-shirts. The GSIA membership elects co-presidents, a vice president, a treasurer, a secretary, and a parliamentarian in the spring of each year. These officers, together with the teacher representative, form the governing board of GSIA. The GSIA board meets bi-monthly. The GSIA board takes this opportunity to provide the membership with a treasury report of funds raised and disbursed, progress made on various projects, and any other information that the board deems necessary for the membership to know. As with any volunteer organization, the effectiveness of GSIA is dependent on the participation of the parents. Please consider supporting your child and our school through your active participation in GSIA meetings and events.

In addition to the many opportunities to volunteer at the numerous GSIA events, parents can also volunteer to work in classrooms or on other special projects around the school. If you would like to be a school volunteer on a regular basis, contact our school office

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

In compliance with Tennessee law, no pupil shall be admitted to school unless such pupil presents written evidence that he or she has received the required immunization by such means as may be approved by the Department of Health. For the purpose of compliance with the law, the following minimum immunizations are required:

Children enrolling in pre-school, pre-Kindergarten

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) - age younger than 5 years only
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) - age younger than 5 years only
Measles, Mumps, Rubella - 1 dose of each, normally given together as MMR
Varicella - 1 dose or credible history of disease
Hepatitis A - 1 dose, required by 18 months of age or older

Children enrolling in Kindergarten
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV) - final dose on or after the 4th birthday
Measles, Mumps, Rubella - 2 doses of each, usually given together as MMR
Varicella - 2 doses or credible history of disease
Hepatitis A - total of 2 doses, spaced at least 6 - 18 months apart
Children who are new enrollees in a TN school in grades otherthan Kindergarten
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV - final dose on or after the 4th birthday
Measles, Mumps, Rubella - 2 doses of each, normally given together as MMR
Varicella - 2 doses or credible history of disease

A student with a temperature of 100 should stay at home. If a child becomes ill during the school day we will notify the parents. Students with a temperature of 100 or higher will be sent home. If we are unable to reach the parent or guardian we will call the emergency contacts listed on the enrollment form. A student should be fever-free for 24 hours, without fever-reducing medication, before they return to school.

MEDICATION AND DRUG POLICY

Many students are able to attend school regularly only through effective use of medication in the treatment of chronic disabilities or illnesses that will not hinder the health and welfare of others. Any student who is required by a physician's order to take medication during the regular school day must comply with the following policy:

Prescription drugs to be taken at school must be accompanied by a doctor's order, labeled with all necessary information including the student's name, the date, the name of the drug and time intervals to be taken. The form for Administration of Prescription Drugs must be used for providing the school with the necessary information. This form can be picked up in the office.
Medication must be brought to school by the parent in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician. DO NOT allow your child to bring any type of medication to school in their backpack.
A release form and/or written permission from the parent/guardian of the student requesting that medication be given or taken during school hours must be presented.
Prescription medication to be taken at school will be stored in an enclosure, out of view, in the school office. (Refrigeration will be provided when necessary)
The parent or guardian must pick up any unused medication at the end of the treatment regimen or end of the school year. No medication will be sent home with the student.

Note: Parents are responsible for informing the school of your child’s medical needs.

In the case of bee sting or some other severe allergies, the parents are responsible for providing the school with the proper medication and a doctor's statement about how the medication is to be administered.

Legal references: TCA 49-5-415

“Guidelines For Use of Healthcare Professional And Health Procedures In A School Setting” Tennessee Department of Education and Tennessee Department of Health

September, 1996

The school's role in the administration of this policy is one of cooperation with the parent and student and we will take responsibility for the administration of medication only after the above guidelines have been followed. Medicine will only be administered to the student through the school office and by the secretary or other appropriate person appointed by the building principal. If you have any questions regarding medication or your child’s health or medical needs, please contact our school nurse through the school office at 638-6351.

TRANSPORTATION

The school bus is an extension of school activity; therefore, students shall conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with the established standards for safety and classroom behavior. Students are under the supervision and control of the bus driver while on his/her bus, and all reasonable directions given by him/her shall be followed. Video cameras may be used to monitor student behavior on school vehicles transporting students to and from school or extracurricular activities.

Students in violation of bus conduct rules shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with established Board policy and regulations governing student conduct and discipline.

RULES FOR BUS RIDERS

Be at your bus stop on time.
Wait off the traveled portion of the highway.
Use the handrail when you board the bus. Do not crowd and push.
Take your seat quickly.
Do not block the aisle with your personal belongings.
Never put your head, arms, or hands out the window.
Do not throw things in a bus, at a bus, or from a bus.
Be quiet and obey the driver. The bus is his/her classroom.
Do not horse around! Horseplay could distract the driver and cause an accident.
Be careful leaving the bus. Keep away from the side of the bus. Cross at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus so the driver can see you.
Changes in transportation must be submitted in writing.

REMEMBER - Riding a school bus is a privilege, not a right. Failure to obey these rules could result in your losing the privilege of bus riding.

Students will be required to wear at mask at the start of the school year. Changes to this requirement will be announced by the district.t

VISITORS

Visitors are still limited at EV at this time. Volunteers will be allowed on a limited basis and will be approved and requested by the principal. Parents and other visitors are required to report to the school office before going to the classroom. All Visitors are required to present a driver’s license or valid ID. This is for the protection of all our children. Guest tags shall be issued for all persons other than students and employees of the school.”

COMMUNICATION

Home/School Communication

Most grade levels also send home weekly folders containing information about student grades, behavior, etc. Please attend grade level meetings to learn the expectations regarding these home/school communication tools and contact your child’s teacher if you have questions.

Web Site Address

You can find important information about our school system and Highland by regularly visiting our web site at www.gcschools.net. In addition, many of our teachers or grade levels maintain websites. Check with your child’s teacher for information about websites and teacher email addresses. Important reminders about school events, deadlines, and school highlights are located on our school website. Links to numerous parent resources and Meal Pay Plus are also on our website.

Newsletter

The school newsletter will be emailed weekly and will also be posted to the website. The newsletter contains dates to remember, upcoming events, activities, classroom news, and important reminders. Please read the newsletter and keep it for future reference. The latest edition of the school newsletter is also posted on our school website.

SwiftK12

SwiftK12 is an messaging system that our school and school system use. In the event of an emergency, school delay or early school closing, to remind parents about school events or other unexpected events, we use SchoolCast to notify parents. It is very important that your emergency contact information be kept accurate. You must set up your account and keep the information current.

LEGAL NOTICE

PARENTAL NOTIFICATION UNDER EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT (ESSA) Information regarding ESSA can be accessed at www.ed.gov. One responsibility of schools is to help parents stay current on ESSA and to provide information especially as it pertains to certain areas. Information regarding the Greeneville City Schools Board of Education policies can be found at www2.gcschools.net or by requesting this information from an individual school or the Greeneville City Schools Central Office.

HOMELESS CHILDREN In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), children and youth who lack a fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence qualify for services and support through the Greeneville City Schools Homeless Education Program (HEP). The McKinney-Vento Act’s definition of homeless includes children and youth whose families temporary reside with others due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason – as well as those living in shelters, motels, campgrounds, automobiles, and/or inadequate housing. The provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act also apply to unaccompanied youth who are living in a homeless situation without a parent or legal guardian present. Families and students may apply for services by contacting the Homeless Education Program anytime during the school year when a loss of housing occurs. Students who qualify for McKinney-Vento services have the right to remain in the school of origin (the school they attended when they lost housing) or they may enroll in the school zoned for their temporary address. ESSA states school systems are to presume that remaining in the school of origin is in a homeless student’s best interest unless that is contrary to the request of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth. If the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth wants to transfer the student to the school for which the temporary address is zoned, then the receiving school is legally required to enroll the student in school immediately even if he or she lacks documentation generally required for enrollment (such as a birth certificate, proof of school immunizations/physical, or school records). While the lack of these records will not delay a homeless student’s enrollment, Greeneville City Schools requests that homeless children’s immunizations be up to date and noted on the TN Immunization Form within thirty (30) business days from the time of enrollment. Parents or guardians should contact the Coordinator of Homeless Education Program immediately if they experience difficulty in completing this task. Additional services and support available to McKinney-Vento-eligible students include, but are not limited to, transportation assistance to and from the school of origin, school supplies, school meals assistance, and referrals for resources. If you have additional questions or are in need of assistance, contact information for the Coordinator of Homeless Education Program is available on www2.gcschools.net or may be obtained by calling the Greeneville City Schools Central Officer at (423) 787-8000

ENGLISH LEARNER (EL) PROGRAM If your child is identified for participation in or is participating in an EL program, you have the right to know: ▪Why the child is placed in the program and the child's level of English proficiency?

▪How that level was determined and the status of the child's academic achievement? ▪Methods of instruction in the program in which your child is placed and those of other available programs. ▪How the program will meet the educational needs of your child? ▪How the program will help your child learn English and meet age-appropriate requirements for the program? ▪In the case of a child with a disability, how the program meets the child's IEP objectives and information about parental rights? FAMILY ENGAGEMENT Under the Supervisor of Federal Programs, the school system shall provide the coordination and technical assistance to plan and implement the Title I Program according to the guidelines set forth by law. There will be at least one annual meeting for Title I schools and an additional meeting for the planning, review and improvement of Title I programs. Information regarding the school parent involvement policy and school parent compact will be available at the meetings. INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT / PARAPROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS If your child attends a Title I school and is provided services by instructional assistants; you can request information concerning his/her qualifications.

FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives parents of minor children and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student's educational records. Parents and eligible students have the right to:  Inspect and review the student's educational records. Requests to review educational records should be made to the school office and will be addressed within 45 days.  Request the amendment of the student's educational records if the parent/student feels the records are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student's privacy rights.  Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's educational record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records, including directory information. Directory information means information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes, but is not limited to, the student’s name, address, telephone listing, email address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, honors and awards received, and the most recent educational agency or institution attended. Unless the parent or guardian notifies Greeneville City

Schools within ten (10) calendar days after September 12th, 2019 (or the first day of enrollment), consent is implied for Greeneville City Schools to release directory information. IMPLIED CONSENT includes the release of student directory information, as well as non-directory information including, but not limited to: STUDENT WORK, FOR USE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:  On the Greeneville City Schools website and/or social media channels.  The website/social media channels may include the student’s first name only. Personal information, such as home address, phone number, or names of family members, will not be used. Any information that indicates the physical location of a student at a given time other than attendance at a particular school or participation in school activities will not be used.  Schoolwork may include, but is not limited to, art, written papers, class projects, and computer projects. MATERIALS PRINTED BY THE SCHOOL, BY GREENEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS OR BY PUBLISHERS OUTSIDE GREENEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS:  Printed material may include a child’s full name.  Printed material may include, but is not limited to, school directories, yearbooks, programs, brochures, newspaper articles, print advertisements, and electronic newsletters. ▪ Parents and eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school district to comply with the requirements of FERPA with: Family Policy Compliance, Office U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-5901.

SCHOOL-WIDE PROGRAMS Greeneville City Schools has five (5) schools designated as Title I schools. Each of these schools consolidates federal and local funds to promote reform in the core instructional program. This includes high quality teaching and learning strategies for students in high-poverty schools so that these students can meet the state’s challenging content and performance standards. The schools involved are Hal Henard Elementary, Highland Elementary, Tusculum View Elementary, Greeneville Middle and Greeneville High School. These schools are eligible for School-Wide status. These Title I schools all offer 21st Century Community Learning Center, before and after school, programs to advance academic achievement. The results of periodic evaluations shall be made available to the public upon request. ESSA WAIVER REQUESTS If a school district requests the U.S. Secretary of Education to waive any provision or regulation of the ESSA, it must provide notice and information about the waiver to the public in the manner in which it customarily provides public notice.

Nondiscrimination Policy

The Greeneville City School System does not discriminate in employment, admission, or participation in educational programs on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, or handicap.

The Greeneville City School System complies with the provisions of the Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Assistant Superintendent of Administration is Title VII, and Title IX Coordinator for the Greeneville City School System.

Director of Student Services is Title VI Coordinator, Disabilities Coordinator, and 504 Compliance Officer.

Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to:

Director of Special Programs

Greeneville City Schools

P.O. Box 1420

Greeneville, TN 37744-1420

Please notify Jeff Townsley at (423) 787-8009 if you require special assistance while participating in a school activity or function.