2008 – 2009 School Year
Southern Elementary
School
Phone: 859-381-3589
Fax: 859-381-3590
Principal: Freida
Collins
Visit our website at:
2008 – 2009 School Year
Southern Elementary
School
Phone: 859-381-3589
Fax: 859-381-3590
Principal: Freida
Collins
Visit our website at:
Table of Contents
PAGE
Mission Statement, Belief Statement, Guidelines
for Success, School 2
Mascot, School Colors, School Hours
Fayette County Public Schools Important Dates 3
Faculty and Staff 7
PTA Board, SBDM Members 9
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures 10
Absences and Excuses 12
Academic Team 13
Accelerated Reader, Bookstore, Breakfast &
Lunch 14
Bully Prevention Program, Career Day, Cell
Phones, Classroom Deliveries 15
Conference, Discipline Policy, District
Policies, Dress Code 16
Drills,
Grant Programs, Guidance 18
Health/Illness at School, Honor Roll, Homework
Policy 19
Information Cards, Incentives, Inclement
Weather
20
Kindergarten Screening 21
Library, Lost and Found, Lock Down, Meaningful
Work 22
Medication at School, One Community One Voice,
Parties/Treats, Parent Involvement 23
Phone Calls, Progress Reports and Reporting,
Rainbow Review, Request for Make Up Work 24
School Improvement Plan, Specially Designed
Instruction, Student Technology Leadership Program, Talent Pool 25
Testing, Title 1, Visiting Southern Elementary 26
Websites, YMCA Primetime 27
Southern Elementary Policies: Dress Code 28
Communication Policy 29
Parent Involvement Policy 30
Repeating an Instructional Level Policy 33
Wellness Policy 36
The mission
of Southern Elementary School, with a commitment to equity and excellence, is
to educate all students through effective teaching for learning.
We believe
that all students can reach proficient levels.
We will work collaboratively (home, school, and community) to meet
individual needs both academically and behaviorally to teach for learning. We will teach students the expectations for
responsible behavior in all school environments by relating students’ actions
to our Guidelines for Success.
Smile
Practice responsibility
Listen for understanding
Always treat everyone with dignity and
respect, including yourself
Show pride in all you do
Have a positive attitude
Splash, the dolphin
Purple and teal
August
13 First Day of Classes for
Students
August 14 Family Resource Advisory Council Meeting
August 15 Spirit Day
August 18 PTA Fundraising Packets go home
August 21 PTA Meeting
August
22 No School (Non-Flex Records
Day)
August 25 SBDM Meeting
August 27 First Stix Practice (2:35PM-4:00PM)
August 29 First Sound Practice (2:35PM-4:00PM)
Spirit
Day
September
1 No School - Labor Day (Schools and Offices Closed)
September 5 Spirit Day
September 8 PTA Fundraiser Ends
PTA
Reflections Contest Begins
September 9 Muffins for Moms (7:15AM-7:45AM)
Volunteer
Training (8:00 AM – 8:30 AM)
September 12 Spirit Day
September 18 Assessment Informational Night (5:30PM-7:00PM)
PTA
Meeting (7:00PM)
September 19 Spirit Day
September 22 SBDM Meeting
September 23 School Committee Meetings
September 24 Volunteer Training (6:00PM-7:00PM)
Open
House (7:00PM-8:30PM)
September
26 No
School (Non-Flex Records Day)
September 30 KY Kids Day
October 1 Walk Your Child to School
October 2 Family Resource Advisory Council Meeting
October 3 Spirit Day
October 7 Donuts for Dads
October 9 Fall Extravaganza funded by PTA
October 10 Spirit Day
October 15 First Nine Weeks Grading Period Ends
October
16 No School (Flexible Records/Conference Day)
School Wide Conference Day
October
17 No School
October 19-24 Red Ribbon Week
October 23 Math/Literacy Night (Cafeteria)
October 23 PTA Meeting
October 24 Spirit Day
October 27 SBDM Meeting
October 28 School Committee Meetings
October 31 Spirit Day
November
4 No School- Presidential Election Day
November 7 Spirit Day
November 10 Honor Roll Recognition (Gym)
November 10-17 Book Fair
November 14 Spirit Day
November 17 Math-A-Thon Packets Sent Home
November 20 PTA Meeting
November 21 Spirit Day
November 24 SBDM Meeting
November 25 School Committee Meetings
November
26-28 No
School - Thanksgiving
December 1 Math-A-Thon Packets Returned
December 5 Spirit Day
December 11 Family Resource Advisory Council Meeting
December 12 Spirit Day
December 15 Stix/Sound Music Performance
December 17-18
December
19 Last day of classes before
Winter Break (End 1st Semester)
Spirit Day
December
22-Jan 2 No
School (Winter Break)
January
5 Classes resume after
Winter Break (Begin 2nd Semester)
January 7 Honor Roll Recognition (Gym)
Science
Fair Night (Cafeteria)
January 9 Spirit Day
January 15 Math/Literacy Night
PTA
Meeting
January 16 Spirit Day
January 19 No School - Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 23 Spirit Day
January 26 SBDM Meeting
January 30 Spirit Day
February I
Love to Read Month
February 4 African American Read Day
February 6 Spirit Day
February 12 Family Resource Advisory Council Meeting
Valentine
Parties
February
13 No School (Non-Flexible
Records Day)
February
16 No School – Presidents’ Day
February 19 PTA Meeting
February 20 Spirit Day
February 23 SBDM Meeting
February 26 Mad Scientist of
February 27 Spirit Day
March 2 Score
4 Incentive Begins
March
6 No School (Flexible Records/ Conference Day)
March 12 Family
Literacy Night
March 13 Honor
Roll Recognition (in the classrooms)
Spirit
Day
March 19 Bagels
with Your Best Buddy
PTA
Meeting
March 20 Spirit
Day
March 23 SBDM
Meeting
March 24 Fourth
Grade Dollars and Cents Program
School
Committee Meetings
March 27 Career
Day (Gym)
Spirit
Day
March
30 – April 3 Spring Break (School and
Offices Closed)
April 6 Students
return from Spring Break
April 9 Family
Resource Advisory Council Meeting
April 10 Spirit
Day
April 16 Family
Literacy Night
PTA
Meeting
April 17 Spirit
Day
April 24 Spirit
Day
April 27 SBDM
Meeting
April 27-30 Teacher Appreciation
April 28 School
Committee Meetings
May 1 CATS
Testing Motivational Day
Spirit
Day
May 4 CATS
Testing Window Begins
May 7 Volunteer
Appreciation Reception
May 8 Spirit
Day
May 15 Spirit
Day
May
19 No School (Flexible Professional Development Day)
May 20 CATS
Testing Window Ends
May 21-22 Field Day/CATS Carnival
M ay 22 Spirit
D ay
May
25 Memorial Day (Schools and Offices Closed)
May 26 Field
Day/Family Picnics
School
Committee Meetings
May
28 Last Day of
School for Students
Awards Recognition Ceremony
Fifth
Grade Promotion
Report
Cards Go Home
* Dates are subject to change*
Freida
Collins Principal
Nancy
Smith PSA
Melanie
Thompson Early
Start
Lynda
Jennings Kindergarten
Blanche
Kelley Kindergarten
Debi
Owens Kindergarten
Annette
Sparks Kindergarten
Tara
Wohlford Kindergarten
Tracy
Deltufo 1
Stefanie
Hauswald 1
Stacey
Henderson 1
Toni
Walker 1
Kennetha
Ensminger 2
Tiffany
Joy 2
Felice
Boyd 2
Tracey
Sanchez 2
Abby
Dewees 3
Rachel
Roland 3
Stephanie
Roth 3
Shea
Terry 3
Linda
C. Williams 3
Christy
Coffey 4
Jackie
Forrest 4
Pacita
Luckey 4
Marty
Tandy 4
Missy
Byars 5
Anna
Fields 5
Melissa
Haggard 5
Pat
Johnson 5
Valarie
Lindsey Guidance
Ginger
Perkins Family
Resource
Felicia
Lindsay Special
Education
Jill
Kaiser Special
Education
Lucy
Overall Title
1
Aladya
Hennemann Writing
Karen
Williams Reading
Coach
Jessica
Potter Speech
Jerri
Doty-Elmore Social
Worker
Pam
Peyton Facilitator
Diane
Turner Interventionist
Jennifer
Bailiff Gifted/Talented
Tara
Bowling ESL
Leigh
Buckley Art
Judi
Reynolds Music
Larry
Blackford Dynamic
Fitness
Science
Susan
Aiken Library
Kaye
Campbell Computer
Kiplan
Warner Orchestra
Johnnie
Bishop Band
Pam
Gilliam Parapro
Shirley
Gray Parapro
Angela
Hadfield Parapro
Hope
Hall Parapro
Sandra
Hardison Parapro
Debbie
Hockensmith Parapro
Deborah
Moberly Parapro
Darlene
Mosley Parapro
Betty
Ross Parapro
Johnnie
Smith Parapro
Judy
Smith Parapro
Kathy
Sizemore Parapro
Linda
Tabor Parapro
Debbie
Thomas Parapro
SAFE
Dawn
Anestis Attendance
Clerk
Debbie
Bowdy Library/Office
Clerk
Karen
Davis Secretary/Bookkeeper
Trish
Dawson
Debbie
Kerns School
Nurse
Valarita
Raglin Lead
Custodian
Eric
Robinson Custodian
Josh
Stigall Custodian
Patti
Collins Cafeteria
Manager
Cathy
Smith Cafeteria
Betty
Bailey Cafeteria
Maggie
Nelson Cafeteria
Michelle
Resnick Cafeteria
President Kristy Nichols 245-7740 nichbk@aol.com
1st Vice
President Scarlett
Southworth 273-0373
2nd Vice
President Tracy Deltufo
(Teacher Rep) 381-3589 tracy.delfour@fayette.kyschool.us
Recording
Secretary Sandra Palmer 272-8332
Corresponding
Secretary Dawn Wallin 271-5185 edwallin@alltel.net
Membership Marsha Ensor 273-4110
Treasurer Melissa Castle 272-1908 pmnc@insightbb.com
Freida Collins Principal - Chair 381-3589
freida.collins@fayette.kyschools.us
Laureen Vassil Parent 245-5918
lvassil@alltel.net
Tricia Brooks Parent 245-3785
Christy Coffey Teacher 381-3589 christy.coffey@fayette.kyschools.us
Judi Reynolds Teacher 381-3589
judi.reynolds@fayette.kyschools.us
Toni Walker Teacher 381-3589
toni.walker@fayette.kyschools.us
ARRIVAL AND
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
For the safety of all children, the following procedures
will be followed during arrival and dismissal:
WALKERS:
Walkers:
Car Riders:
Students are
required to attend regularly and punctually the school in which they are
enrolled.
Any pupil
who has been absent from school without valid excuse for three days or more,
or tardy without valid excuse on three
days or more, is a truant. A pupil who has been reported as a
truant two or more
times is considered a habitual truant. Habitual truancy is defined as
having six
unexcused absences or
six
unexcused tardies. Absence for 60 minutes or less
shall be considered tardiness.
A student
is considered tardy if he or she arrives after the designated school start time
or leaves before the end of the instructional day. Students must be checked in
or out of school by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult. Late arrivals or
early dismissals will be counted as an absence or tardy according to the
arrival/departure time. The process for determining whether tardiness to school
is excused or unexcused is identical to that for excused and unexcused
absences.
An excused
absence or tardiness is one for which work may be made up, such as:
All other
absences shall be considered unexcused; and no make-up work shall be allowed
for unexcused absences. However, for students with unexcused absences with
reasons other than suspension from school, make-up work may be permitted if the
Principal (after consultation with the teacher) approves the make-up work.
Please send tardy and absence notes to
your child’s teacher, send a fax to 859-381-3590, call the office at 381-3589,
or send an email to dawn.anestis@fayette.kyschools.us.
To report the illness prior to 7:30 a.m. leave a message with the office
informing us of the student name, teacher name and date the student will be
absent. If we do not hear from you,
Southern Elementary will contact you in the morning to confirm the student’s
absence.
ACADEMIC
TEAM/PRIMARY ACADEMIC TEAM
The Southern
“Splash” Academic Team provides an opportunity for fourth and fifth grade
students to showcase their academic prowess in a variety of ways. Team competition in Quick Recall and Future
Problem Solving, as well as individual written competition in subjects such as
math, language arts, arts and humanities, etc. is offered. The Primary Academic
Team is an opportunity for second and third grade students. They participate in
Academic Challenges. Academic Team members are chosen on the basis of a written
assessment, with teacher input also considered. Practices are held on Monday afternoons.
Accelerated
Reader (AR) is a computer program where students read designated books and take
tests on them to earn points. (These
books have orange tabs on them in our library.
The teachers also have a list of books available for Accelerated Reader
testing.) The library promotes and
rewards student participation in AR by giving prizes each time students earn an
additional 5 points. A list of the
currently available prizes can be seen in the library. Beginning in January, Accelerated Reader
points earned by students are displayed on the bulletin board in the front
hall, with weekly updates. Parents can also access the AR list on the internet;
it is located in the library section of the school website.
We’re proud to offer a daily nutritious breakfast and
lunch. You may also choose to bring your lunch from home. Please teach children to be responsible for
bringing their lunches or lunch money.
Each student has a lunchroom account.
FCPS has contracted with MealpayPlus -- your source for convenient,
secure meal account management. They make it easy to apply funds to your
account and check the account balance for your child's cafeteria program. Go to www.mealpayplus.com to open or update an
account. Parents may deposit money into
this account in any amount or may continue to send money to school, if they
prefer. As students purchase meals, the
account is debited. Once there is no longer money in the account, your child’s
hand will be stamped as a reminder to send in more money. If the account is depleted, and children
must charge their lunch, please repay the cafeteria the next day. Do not ask teachers to loan your child lunch
money. Parents are encouraged to pay on
their child’s account in advance. Parents are welcome to eat lunch in the
cafeteria.
Breakfast – Students (paid) – $1.35
Adults-$1.75
Lunch- Students (paid) – $2.00
Adults – $3.50
The Bully Prevention Program is an effective tool that
educators can use to decrease bullying at Southern Elementary and help students
build more positive relationships with each other. The Steps to Respect Program is a research
based program that will be utilized at Southern and is designed to show that
friendship protects children from the harmful effects of bullying. The Bullying Prevention Program will teach
students how to recognize bullying, skills for coping with bullying, using
assertive or replacement behaviors to respond to bullying, and reporting
bullying to adults. Bullying can have
far reaching implications for children’s emotional well being and general
school safety, therefore, the Bullying Prevention Program will be a part of
Southern’s Comprehensive Plan to create a safe, caring and supportive environment
where students can learn and grow.
Additional programs such as Second Steps, Kelso’s Choice, Talking about
Safety and Character Education lessons will be provided to assist with
increasing positive relationships and building character.
All students
participate in Career Day. Teachers
present lessons prior to Career Day containing practical living and vocational
studies curriculum. Parents receive a
letter asking them to participate as presenters. Community members are also encouraged to
participate.
Per district
policy, cellular phones shall not be
used, turned on nor activated by students as follows: (1) during the school
instructional day; (2) while being transported at any time on a Fayette County
school bus; or (3) while attending school-sponsored or school-related
activities that are held during the instructional day. Students found in violation of this policy
will have their phones confiscated. Parents may retrieve the phone from the
front office.
Please bring
items that need to be delivered to your child or your child’s classroom to the
office. We will deliver those items to
your child’s room. Please teach your child
to be responsible for homework assignments, lunches, lunch money, musical
instruments, and field trip money.
It is
recommended that parents have at least 2 conferences with each child’s teacher
during the school year. Your child’s
teacher will contact you to schedule a conference and you are always welcome to
contact the teachers about a conference.
Students are
expected to follow school rules and classroom rules. The school rules are:
Each classroom
teacher has his/her own discipline plan.
Students know the rules and the consequences for breaking the
rules. Typical consequences are: warning, time out, parent contacted. If the behavior is not corrected the student
may be sent to the principal, assistant principal or counselor. SAFE referrals, in-school suspension, and/or
out-of-school suspension are all discipline options for continual disruptive
behavior. The student will do work provided by the teacher.
For specific
district policies relating to discipline, refer to the Student Code of Conduct
or you may view them online at the
The dress code
is meant as a guide and cannot possibly cover all situations. Students are to be neatly dressed and well
groomed at all times. The school
administration reserves the right to prohibit any attire it deems disruptive or
inappropriate. The dress code prohibits
pants or shorts with holes and pants that drag the ground more than one inch.
Shorts and skirts must be longer than fingertips when hands are at student’s
side. All baggy pants must be worn with
a belt. No halter-tops, bare midriffs, tank tops without t-shirt underneath are
allowed. No clothing with inappropriate
designs or slurs is allowed. Shoes with wheels (“wheelies”) are not
permitted. The school administrator
may allow special attire for special days.
Once a month
fire drills are held. Severe weather
drills, earthquake drills, and lockdown drills are conducted on a regular
basis. Teachers review these procedures
with students.
(859) 381-3659
The
Classrooms go
on field trips based on curriculum.
Permission slips must be signed and returned for each field trip before
students can attend. Permission by phone is not acceptable.
FLOWERS/BALLOONS/PARTY INVITATIONS
Flowers and
balloons may not be delivered to students at school. Please save these for home. Exchanging birthday party invitations is not
appropriate at school as they can get lost and cause hurt feelings with other
students. If a birthday treat is brought
to school, it will be eaten during the child’s lunch time so it will not
interrupt the instructional day. Our
cafeteria manager can prepare snacks – cupcakes and juice for birthday
celebrations. Please contact Patti
Collins at 381-3593 for further information or to place an order.
The
following grants are currently being implemented at Southern:
The
Steps to Respect program is a research based program that will be utilized at
Southern, and is designed to show that friendships protect children from the
harmful effects of bullying.
Students at
each level are involved in an on-going guidance program. The Guidance program is an integral part of
the educational system that assists students in their personal development. The Guidance program strives to alleviate
barriers that interfere with students having productive learning experiences by
providing various support services for the physical, emotional, social and
intellectual needs of students. We encourage parents to call 381- 3589 to make
an appointment with our child guidance specialist when problems arise. Children are counseled both individually and
in small groups.
We share the
concerns that parents have for the health of their children. Efforts are made at school to maintain a
healthy environment. Parents can help
this effort by:
If your child
becomes ill and cannot remain at school you will be called immediately. A telephone
number where you can be reached must be on file in the school office. Please notify us throughout the year of any
address or telephone number changes.
Homework
involves any or all subject areas. The
work may involve a written project, studying, or reading. (
How You Can Help Your
Child with Homework
Homework
provides essential practice for needed skills, develops necessary ability for
independent study, and research, and offers opportunities for self-direction
and responsibility. Homework assignments
and time needed for completion will vary from grade level to grade level. The following suggestions may be helpful:
INFORMATION CARDS/ TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Parents will be
asked to complete an information card twice a year for each student. If addresses or home/work phone numbers
change, call the office with the new information. Please be sure to list relatives and friends
who have your permission to assist with your child in an emergency. Please note any special needs of your
child. For safety reasons current information is essential.
Students are
recognized each nine weeks for achieving honor roll, perfect attendance, good
citizenship, and progressing toward their goals in reading and math.
Decisions
regarding school closure due to inclement weather conditions are announced
between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. Listen to the
major radio stations and TV stations, specifically Channel 13, for school
closure announcements. It is important
to remember that weather conditions can vary dramatically throughout the city,
and closure decisions are made to ensure the safety of all
Snow Days
Your child’s safety
is our top priority, so on snowy or icy days a team of district employees
drives the streets beginning at 2:30a.m. to assess road conditions. School
leaders (in consultation with meteorologists, the Lexington-Fayette Urban
County Streets and Roads Division, and other officials) consider street safety,
outdoor temperatures and the weather forecasts in order to make a decision as
early as possible about cancelling or delaying school.
If school is cancelled, all afternoon and evening activities are
cancelled as well. However, should conditions improve to a point where
activities could be held safely, that decision will be made and announced by
early afternoon. The school calendar will be changed to make up lost
instructional days.
If school is delayed, afternoon and evening activities will
continue as planned unless weather conditions worsen. There will be no Early
Start sessions. Decisions about making up the time missed will be made on a
case by case basis in accordance with current state guidelines.
If school is dismissed early, all afternoon and evening activities are
cancelled as well. Students in the morning Early Start session, which normally
dismisses at 10:30a.m., can either be picked up at school, by their families or
they will be brought home on the bus along with the other students from their
elementary schools in accordance with the early dismissal schedule. Decisions
about making up the time missed will be made on a case by case basis in
accordance with current state guidelines.
School closings
or delays are broadcast on Channel 13, local television and radio stations and
the district website at www.fcps.net. If the
weather turns dangerous during the school day, decisions about closing school
early are made with careful deliberation, and announcements are distributed
through the local media as well as on Channel 13 and the district website as
quickly as possible. Every effort is made to contact families of elementary
school students directly. Students will be supervised until the last child is
picked up.
Each year, in early August, all incoming Kindergarten students will be screened to assess the skills each student has already achieved prior to starting school. Your incoming student must be screened before being placed in a classroom. Each student will be assessed in the areas of early literacy skills and math skills. Please bring your child at the designated time, and plan to stay to fill out a parent survey.
Library books
are checked out weekly and may be renewed.
Please encourage your child to read and be responsible for the care of
the books. Lost books must be paid for. The library is open throughout the day, at
lunch, and after school most days until 3:15 p.m.
All lost
clothing and lunch boxes are placed in a designated area. Purses, jewelry, glasses, and small items are
turned into the office. Unclaimed items will
be donated to charity on a monthly basis.
Parents are encouraged to check the lost and found area frequently. Please mark lunch boxes, coats, books, etc.
with the student’s name and room number. If you have a question about a lost
items please contact the
Lockdown is a procedure used to protect building
occupants from potential dangers in the building. When there is a lockdown, students will be
cleared from halls immediately and taken to the nearest
classroom. All windows and doors will be locked and no
one will be allowed to enter or leave the building until the Fayette County
Public Schools Law Enforcement or Lexington Fayette Urban County Government
Police gives notice to clear the building.
Meaningful Work
is a school-based jobs program designed to increase student responsibility and
give students an increased sense of purpose and belonging in the school. Some of the jobs include: tutor, breakfast helper, library helper,
recycling assistant and science lab assistant.
Most of our workers are fourth and fifth graders. They must apply for the jobs and be
recommended by their teacher. Students
meet with the supervisor to learn the job and expectations. A behavioral contract is signed. Workers meet with their supervisor regularly
to discuss problems and concerns.
Medication
should be given at home whenever possible.
If medication must be taken at school, the following procedures should
be followed:
Under no
circumstances will a student be allowed to take the medication without written
authorization from a parent or guardian.
The One
Community, One Voice Achievement and Closing the Gap Community Committee was
established by the Fayette County Board of Education. The committee was created
to provide support and enhance efforts to close the achievement gap among all
students.
The children
will celebrate two parties per year. PTA
homeroom parents work together to provide activities and treats for these
special celebrations. On your child’s
birthday, cupcakes or cookies may be sent.
The class will share these treats during lunch.
Parent involvement is a
critical component in helping students reach high levels of achievement and
research shows that when parents and families are involved, students and
schools are more successful. Therefore, Southern encourages parent involvement
through various opportunities such as:
being a parent representative on the Family Resource Advisory Council,
Site Based Decision Making Council, School Committees, being a PTA member,
assisting on field trips, library helper, homeroom helper, stuffing Friday
Folders, assisting with Red Ribbon Week, reading for African American Read Day,
helping with Field Day, setting up a booth at Career Day, helping other students
with homework, helping with Academic
Team, Stix and Sound Practices, being a Science Fair Judge, helping with Fourth
Grade Dollars and Cents Program, CATS Motivational Day, and much more.
Phone calls to
the classroom will not be transferred to the room unless it is during the
teachers planning time. During
instructional time, the office will forward your call to voicemail or take a
message. No phone calls will be put back
for any student.
Listed below
are the dates for the end of each grading period, the record/conference days,
and the dates the grade reports are to be sent home. It is recommended that parents have at least
2 conferences with their child’s teacher(s) during the school year.
|
Grading period ends |
Report cards sent home |
Days in grading period |
|
October
14, 2008 |
October
24 |
42 |
|
December
19, 2008 |
January
15 |
42 |
|
March
16, 2009 |
March
26 |
47 |
|
May
28, 2009 |
By
June 5 |
46 |
*Please see forms attached in the back
of the handbook for new Primary Report Cards.
Rainbow Review
is our daily, student run morning program, which has been proudly showing for
the past 17 years. Every classroom tunes in on its own TV to watch the
show. We begin each program with a flag
salute, the National Anthem and daily announcements. Rainbow Review features
5th grade students as anchors in rotating teams. All students may appear on Rainbow Review,
displaying their talents or hobbies.
Some past features have included Classroom Spotlights, Student
Spotlights, Question of the Week, Art Words for the Week, Drama Performances
and Accelerated Reader Awards. Students interested in appearing on Rainbow
Review should come to the library for details.
Requests for
assignments will be honored on the SECOND day of illness, or
thereafter. Call the office (381-3589)
before 9:30 a.m., and the assignments will be ready for you to pick up in the
office after 2:00 p.m. If you call after
9:30 a.m., the assignments will be ready for you to pick up the next day after
8:00 a.m.
The School
Improvement Plan (SIP) consists of four components: Parent/Family Involvement, Equity, Literacy,
and Other Academic Indicators. The main
initiatives of this plan are to increase and maintain effective parent/family
involvement, ensure equity in all facets of the school so all students perform
at or above the proficient level on the Kentucky Performance Report to effectively
implement Reading First initiatives, and to achieve proficiency in all subject
areas. The SBDM Council approved the
plan in June, 2006 and will review progress three times a year based on testing
data. A copy of the SIP is available at
the school and is housed in the Expanded School Report Card available in the
office. The SIP can also be obtained on the web page at www.southernelem.fcps.net
Specially
designed instruction refers to modifications and adaptations needed by special
education students to be able to meet their individual learning styles and
needs. If you have questions concerning
special education, please contact the facilitator Pam Peyton at 381-3589.
STUDENT TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM 
The
Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) is for all intermediate students
that have an interest in technology.
STLP is a statewide program, elementary thru high school. In STLP students learn to become technology
leaders in the school and community.
They share what they already know and help each other learn to use various
software programs, digital cameras, etc. Students use their knowledge to
complete projects and help other students, teachers, and parents with
technology issues. STLP meets on
Thursday’s after school from 3:00-4:00.
Students must complete an application of interest.
Southern
Elementary School identifies and provides services to gifted and talented
students in K-5 in the following categories: General Intellectual Aptitude,
Specific Academic Ability, Creativity, Leadership, Visual and/or Performing
Arts. Teachers and/or parents may
recommend students for services.
Eligibility is determined by the school's gifted and talented committee
based on documentation.
All testing is
completed to measure individual student growth and to plan instruction for all
students. At Southern, all primary students are given the Grade & Dibels
tests to assess reading skills. Upper primary students (third graders) also
take the MAP, which measures progress in all areas and the CATS test in the
spring. In addition, third graders will
take the Metropolitan Achievement Test and the Otis Lennon School Ability Test
during the fall. All intermediate
students take the MAP and MST (Math Standards Test) three times during the
school year. The CATS test is given in
the spring to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
During the testing period, “Quiet Hours” are enforced and student attendance is
essential. Doctor and dental
appointments should not be scheduled during testing times. The spring testing window is May 4– May 20,
2009.
The Title I
grant is awarded by the federal government to provide additional instruction to
lower achieving students. In applying for this grant, Southern Elementary chose
to target the areas of reading in the second and third grades and writing in
the fourth grades. This provides additional reading or writing instruction for
students in these grades who have demonstrated a need based on assessment of
annual standardized reading tests or fourth grade writing portfolios. It will
not replace or detract from any instruction in the regular classroom – it is
not a pullout program. Title I instruction takes place in small groups in the
student’s regular classroom on a daily basis.
A major
component of Title I is parent involvement. This includes providing ways for
you to help your student at home as well as supporting a positive learning
environment at school. Each parent is required to sign a learning contract,
which outlines positive learning at home and at school. Additionally, parents
will be invited to attend a variety of activities at school with educational
components. These will include activities in all content areas and an
informational night on testing.
Fayette County
Board Policy states that all visitors must first report to the office upon
entering the building. Each school has
this policy posted on the doors. All
procedures are based on the safety and care of the important people who spend
all day at Southern. Listed below are
the procedures for visitors:
You may find
websites for teachers at www.southernelem.fcps.net to locate the website of a particular teacher
click “staff” and then click on the globe next to the teacher’s name and this
will direct you to the specific site of that teacher. You may also access the
school calendar, lunch menu, and other school information from the above site.
Volunteer Instructions
The Volunteer
Background Check Request form is now in an electronic format.
Volunteers must
now fill out their request on-line at:
https://webapps.fcps.net/volunteer/
The form can
also be accessed from the web site by going to “Parents and Students” then to
“Volunteer Application”.
YMCA
PRIME TIME
Southern
Elementary offers the YMCA Prime Time program after school from dismissal until
6:00. This is a joint after school care
venture with the YMCA and
SOUTHERN
ELEMENTARY POLICIES
The dress code
is meant as a guide and cannot possibly cover all situations. Students are to be neatly dressed and
well-groomed at all times. The school
administration reserves the right to prohibit any attire it deems disruptive or
inappropriate.
The dress code
prohibits pants or shorts with holes and pants that drag the ground more than
one inch. Shorts and skirts must be
longer than the fingertips when hands are at student’s side. All baggy pants must be worn with a
belt. No halter tops, bare midriffs,
tank tops without t-shirts underneath are allowed. No hats, caps, bandanas or sunglasses are
allowed. No clothing with inappropriate
designs or slurs is allowed.
The school
administrator may allow special attire for special days.
If a student
wears something inappropriate to school, the teacher will allow the student to
call for appropriate clothing to be brought to school. If the parent cannot bring clothing, the
|
STEP |
PROCESS
|
COMPLETION |
PURPOSE
|
The
purpose of the Communications Policy is to improve communication between home
and school. |
Ongoing |
|
SCOPE |
Southern Elementary Students Early Start thru 5th grade |
Ongoing |
DEFINITION
|
Communications
involves ·
Sharing information about each student’s progress with the student’s
family ·
Offering training, information, and/or suggestions to families on how
they can support learning at home ·
Including parents and community members in the decision making process
through membership on committees and consultation opportunities ·
Recruiting and supporting adult volunteers to work with students ·
Providing weekly or monthly classroom updates to parents |
Ongoing |
PROCEDURE
|
·
A written report on student’s progress using report cards every nine
weeks. ·
Minimum of two conferences each school year. The first will be held
after the first nine weeks reporting period and the second will occur after
the third nine weeks. In the event that conferences are not held after three
attempts, the Principal and/or designee from the Leadership team will be
notified to determine a course of action, and a home visit may be scheduled ·
Additional conferences may be scheduled by teachers or teachers as
needed ·
Distribution of e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, and planning times
so families can communicate effectively with their children’s teachers ·
Provide information on the content students will learn through
newsletters, websites, and class announcements. ·
All school communications for Friday Folders should be submitted by the
end of the school day on Wednesday ·
Student work will be distributed at the discretion of the teacher ·
Folders will be filled by the PTA ·
School communications will be distributed on Friday in Family Folders |
Ongoing |
|
STEP |
PROCESS
|
COMPLETION |
PURPOSE
|
At Southern Elementary School we want each child to have a successful learning experience. In order for this to happen, we will develop and support a parent involvement process that demonstrates a parent-friendly environment, two-way communication between school and home, and parent outreach programs. |
A survey will be distributed to parents
annually to determine if the focus of the Title I Parent Involvement Policy
is still accurate.
|
|
SCOPE |
All students at Southern Elementary are eligible to receive Title I services in any content area. All parents of Southern Elementary students are encouraged to participate in the successful learning experience of their child. |
Ongoing |
|
POLICY |
Parents and school staff have agreed on and developed the
following Parent Involvement Policy for Southern Elementary School, which
will be posted in the school In order to build an effective, successful home-school partnership, Southern Elementary School will provide the following: ü Parents will be encouraged to volunteer and participate in learning activities throughout the school. ü Literature supporting the home-school connection will be distributed during academic nights to promote Parent and Child Togetherness (PACT). ü An annual orientation meeting where parents will meet their child’s teacher, have an opportunity to meet the school staff, learn about the school’s participation in, and the requirements of, the Title I program and be given the opportunity to become involved in their child’s education. ü Additional meetings and activities throughout the year, in conjunction with the P.T.A. and/or the Family Resource Center, to provide assistance to parents in understanding the Federal and State academic content and student achievement standards, as well as local academic assessments. Meetings will also concentrate on how parents and teachers can work together to monitor student progress in order to improve student achievement. ü Information on training for parents/family members about School Based Decision Making (SBDM) practices, recruitment and SBDM committee involvement. ü Materials and specific training for parents to assist them in working with children. ü A varied schedule for meetings in order to accommodate the needs of parents (including home visits and/or off-site conferences). ü A minimum of two scheduled parent conferences, where the progress of the student will be discussed as well as grade level expectations, school curriculum, testing information/results, and any other concerns the teacher or parent may have. ü Newsletters informing parents of activities, programs, and other school-related timely information. Newsletters including parenting tips and suggestions will be provided. All invitations will be sent in a timely manner with an additional follow-up reminder. ü A student-school-parent compact designed by parents and school staff that will outline how students, teachers, and parents share the responsibility for student achievement. ü A minimum of two meetings during the school year where parents have an opportunity to help review, plan for and make suggestions to improve the Title I program, Parent Involvement Policy, and Parent-School Learning Compact. ü A survey for parents to express opinions about school climate, student achievement, and suggestions for school improvement will be distributed each year. ü Title I funds may be used to pay expenses associated with parent involvement activities to enable parents to participate in school related meetings and training sessions. Parents and community members are always welcome at Southern Elementary School and every effort will be made to communicate with them. |
Ongoing |
Repeating
an Instructional Level
|
STEP |
PROCESS
|
COMPLETION |
PURPOSE
|
Repeating an
instructional level will be considered only in instances where there is a
strong likelihood that the student will benefit academically, socially, and
emotionally. Promotion and retention decisions will not be based on a student’s
race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, mental or physical
handicap, but solely on whether a student will benefit academically,
socially, and emotionally. |
|
|
SCOPE |
All instructional
levels |
|
|
IMPLEMENTATION |
Parents should be
involved both early and often in the process/discussion of consideration for
repeating an instructional level for a child.
The attached
procedures for recommendation of repeating an instructional level will be
followed. The attached
student promotion/retention worksheet will be filled out on all
students recommended for repeating an instructional level whether they are
promoted or retained. |
See
timelines designated on procedures sheet.
|
Procedures
for Determining Repeating of an Instructional Level
|
Procedure |
Date(s) |
Notes |
|
Before the end of
the first 12 weeks: 1. Teacher identifies student as failing to
make normal progress and notifies the SAT team and principal. |
|
|
|
2. Student is discussed by the SAT team. The team proposes initial intervention
strategies to be implemented by the teacher and defines indicators of
success. |
|
|
|
3. Teacher communicates with parent to discuss
specific areas of concern and review initial intervention strategies: 1. 2. 3. 4. |
|
Parent response: Result of each
strategy: 1. 2. 3. 4. |
|
During the second
twelve weeks: 4. Teacher completes the following:
5. Teacher meets with parent after winter
testing to discuss progress, to date. |
|
|
|
At the beginning
of the third twelve weeks: 6. Another SAT meeting will be held with
attendance of the principal for the purpose of filling out the student
promotion/retention worksheet. 7. A parent conference will be held to review
results of assessments, interventions, and recommendation of promotion or
retention. If the SAT team recommends
that the child repeat an instructional level, parents will either sign
consent or disagreement with the committee decision. |
|
Decisions: Parent response: Agreement: Refusal: |
This policy
insures compliance with Senate Bill 172 which requires the following:
Implementation:
WELLNESS POLICY, CON’T
