FAIRHOPE ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL 2016-­2017

Parent/Student Handbook

“Children Need Models More Than They Need Critics”

408 North Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532

(251) 928-­8400

Fax (251) 928-­9709

www.fairhopeelementary.com

Principal…………………………………………..………….Julie Pierce Assistant Principal…………………………………………Wanda Logan Assistant Principal…………………………………………Averette Hale

2

Table of Contents Baldwin County Board Policy…………………………………………………… 5 Arrival and Dismissal…………………………………………………………….. 7 Attendance………………………...……………………………………………… 9 Birthdays and Classroom Parties………………………………………………. 10 Care of Student’s Property……………………………………………………… 11 Checks -­ Returned……………….………………………………………………. 11 Communication with Parents…….....……………………………………………11 Conferences………………………………………………………………………. 12 Electronics……..…………………………………………………………..…....... 12 Emergency Procedures…………………………………………………………. 12 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)…………………………13 Field Trips………………………………………………………………………… 13 Food………………….……………………………………………………………. 13 Gifted Referrals……………………………………………………………………14 Health Information…………..…………………………………………...………. 15 Homework………...………………………………………………………………. 16 Parent Teacher Corporation (PTC)……………………………….………........ 16 Parent Volunteers…………………………………………..……………………. 16 Positive Pledge Statements…………………………………………………….. 5 Promotion Standards……………………………………………………….……. 17 Report Cards……………………………………………………………………... 17 School Calendar………………………………………………………………….. 6 School Song………………………………………………………………………. 20 School Staff……………………….………………………………………………. 3 Sexual Harrassment/ Anti-­Harrassment Policy……………………………….. 17 Student Rules………………………………………………….……………….… 18 Tardiness…………………..……………………………………………………… 19 The FES Purpose………………………………………………………………… 5 Toys and Games……………………….………………………………………… 19 Uniforms..................………………………………………………………….…. 19 Visitors…………………………………………………………….………………. 19

3

School Staff Administration Julie Pierce-­Principal Wanda Logan-­Assistant Principal Averette Hale, Itinerant Assistant Principal Office Staff Mitzi Brett-­Bookkeeper Mary Elizabeth Brock-­Registrar Katie Ludlow-­Clerk March Penn-­Clerk Susan Simmons –Clerk Guidance Counselors Kate Wellborn-­K/1 Counselor Dianna Wolchina-­2/3 Counselor Jeremy Smith-­Social Services Media Specialist Kiki Sealy Pre-­K Teachers Beth Little Angela LoPresti Kindergarten Teachers Lindsay Burress Brandi Corbett Rachel Crocker Mary Rose Downing Hailey Duell Sarah Ford Kelly Hayes Katy Madson Kate Robertson Gail Rolle Lisa Street Amy Turner Rose Tynes First Grade Teachers Sarah Boyett Carolyn Buckley Debbie Carnley April Cork Christina Cox Sarah Grimes Tonya Mills Haley Norris Katherine Norris Hope Sawyer Kristi Segars Carla Smith Rebecca Stoddard Second Grade Teachers Jenny Douglass

Tori Erdossy Lara LeFever Wynn Nobles Charlotte Norris Helen Rivenbark Lindsey Roberts Gail Sarchet Debbie Simmons Susan Sims Amy Smith Sheri Turner Angela Vincent Marla Warner Third Grade Teachers Nicole Arnold Lesley Davis Julie Gerstenschlager Jennifer Gilmore Jaymie Gregg Leslie Haas Michelle Harding Wilson McDuff Chris Miller Elizabeth Mitchell Kateri O’Connor Elizabeth Orfanello Crystal Phelps Emilie Workman Jamie Wren Special Education Teachers Laura Bishop-­Resource Jodi Blohme-­Resource Jill Bumpers-­Jubilee Krislyn Dienes-­Physical Therapy Toni Haidt-­Speech Melanie Ikerman-­Speech Julie Leazott-­Resource -­Speech Angel Rhodes-­Resource Brenda Richardson-­Resource ESL Teacher Stephanie Sannes Enrichment Teachers Dell Edwards-­Music Judy Humphrey-­Art Kacie Hardman-­Pelican’s Nest Instructional Coaches Heather Hapworth, Reading Coach Caroline Hollowell, Reading Coach Hilary McKinney, STEM Coach/Technology

4

Physical Education Cammie Adams-­PE Cathy Hudson-­PE Kelly Trull-­PE Paraprofessionals Elizabeth Chadwick Sheila Holcomb Adell Jackson CeCe Johnson Brenda Kelly Allison Kendall Beth Knight Kelly Parker Cynthia Pegues Jamie Smith Dale Wilson Teresa Wooten

Cafeteria Linda Cowart-­CNP Manager Alison Adams-­Assistant CNP Manager Donna Baker Claudia Carrizales LaTasha Jackson Jan Spratlin Custodians Mike Hutchinson-­Building/Grounds Manager Khari Kalonji Cassandra Rodgers Catherine Sledge Willie Smith School Nurses Dolores Clements-­Nurse Miriam Willis-­Nurse

5

The FES Purpose Why we are here!

Our purpose is to challenge each student and prepare them for their next level of learning in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.

Positive Pledge Statements The faculty, staff, and community stakeholders of Fairhope Elementary School pledge the following:

• To make student learning our chief priority everyday;; • To value each student as an individual with their unique needs and talents;; • To establish a positive relationship and a mutual respect with each student so they will

perform at their highest academic level;; • To offer varied instructional approaches to each student at their point of need;; • To be actively engaged daily with each student in meaningful teaching/learning activities;; • To make continuous improvement for each student a daily priority so they can become

confident, independent learners;; • To challenge each student academically;; • To never give up on a child;; • To be positive so that everyone can be better…today and every day;; • To have a positive influence on students, co-­workers, and the school community;; • To share more smiles, more laughter, and more encouragement with everyone and, • To provide a safe and orderly environment for students.

.

Baldwin County Board Policy

• The Baldwin County Board of Education adheres to the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 regarding students’ records. A copy of this policy is available in the school office.

• It is the official policy of the Baldwin County Board of Education that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, national origin, age, or creed be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or employment.

• It shall be the policy of the Baldwin County Board of Education (“the Board”) that no student shall be denied the benefit of any educational program or educational activity on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, limited English proficiency, immigrant status, migrant status, or homeless status. A free and appropriate education is available to all students with disabilities. It shall be the policy of the Board that barriers to enrolling and retaining homeless students shall be removed. All programs offered by schools within the school district shall be open to all students in compliance with statutory and judicial requirements.

6

2016-­17 FES School Calendar For more up-­to-­date calendar information, please go to the Fairhope Elementary School website at www.fairhopeelementaryschool.com and the Baldwin County Board of Education website at www.bcbe.org.

August 22 First Day of Classes August 30 Get The Facts Night 1st -­ 3rd Grades – 5:30 pm September 5 Labor Day August 29 School Pictures [Fall] September 23 Skate Day -­ Grades 1-­3 only $5.00 November 2-­3 Blood Drive November 7 Santa Pictures November 7 – 18 AL/AU Food Drive November 11 Veterans’ Day Holiday November 18 Skate Day -­ Grades 1-­3 only $5.00 November 21 – 25 Thanksgiving Holidays December 19 – January 3 Christmas Holidays January 4 Classes Resume January 16 King/Lee Holiday February 22-­23 Blood Drive February 27 – 28 Mardi Gras Holidays February 16 School Pictures [Spring] February 24 Skate Day -­ Grades 1-­3 only $5.00 March 17 Field Day March 27 – 31 Spring Break April 12 Kindergarten Cap and Gown Pictures April 12 ACT Aspire STATE TESTING -­ Science April 14 Good Friday April 18 -­ 21 ACT Aspire STATE TESTING -­ Reading/Math April 28 Skate Day -­ Grades 1-­3 only $5.00 May 25 Last Day for Students Mid-­Quarter Reports Go Home Report Cards Go Home

September 16 October 21 November 18 January 6 February 10 March 17 April 21 May 25

7

Arrival and Dismissal #1 No child, for any reason, can be dropped off or picked up on Section Street,

Fairwood, Bancroft or Bayou Drives. If a child is a car rider, parents must use the appropriate car line.

#2 All parents of kindergarten and 1st grade students must use Fairwood Drive

FROM Fairhope Avenue or Patlynn (not Section Street), go past the Armory, and turn left into the school driveway.

#3 HOV cars must turn right onto Section Street when exiting. #4 All parents of preschool, 2nd and 3rd grade students should use Bayou Drive

FROM Bancroft Street (not Section Street), go in front of the Nix Center and turn left into school driveway. Right turn from Bayou Drive into school driveway is discouraged. Please take turns if this entrance becomes congested. Let's model for our children cooperative and courteous driving!

#5 All cars must turn right onto Fairwood Drive when exiting the school driveway. #6 Crossing guard will be stationed on Fairwood Drive near the basketball court

where cars will enter and exit the school driveway. Cars will only be allowed to turn right when exiting.

#7 Entrance onto Bayou from Section is discouraged when arriving. #8 Buses will deliver and pick up students in front of the gym. They will enter from

and leave on Bayou Street. #9 You are encouraged to carpool. #10 Walkers will dismissed at 3:00 from the side door nearest the cafeteria. Parents

must request a walking pass from the front office. Walking passes must be presented to teacher on duty before student will be released. No student will be released without a walking pass. Parents will be required to report to office and show ID in order to obtain a walking pass.

8

Arrival

§ Students report directly to their class line outside their classroom. Bus students and 2/3 car riders enter through the side gym door. K/1 car riders enter through the 2nd grade or kindergarten door nearest the “circle” drive.

§ Students must sit quietly until their teacher moves them to the room. § School begins promptly at 7:40 a.m. § Students are tardy at 7:50 a.m. Late students will not be allowed to enter class without a

tardy slip from the office. § Parents may not accompany children to their classrooms;; if exceptions are needed,

please clear through an administrator. § Children may not be dropped off nor picked up in the parking lots, on the street, or in the

bus line. § All outside doors will remain locked until 7:15 a.m. Students must not be dropped off at

any location before 7:15 a.m.

9

Dismissal

***NO RIDE CHANGES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 2:00 P.M.***

Student dismissal information: **2:45 – First Wave Buses, HOV, Car Riders **2:50 – Second Wave Buses, Walkers, Extended Day

§ Students should get water and use the restroom prior to dismissal. § Extended Day students will go to the cafeteria. § Students will walk in “transition position” to their assigned area and remain there in an

orderly fashion. § Car riders MUST be picked up no later than 3:15 p.m. When there are no cars in the

carline, remaining students will be taken to the office for pick-­up.

Attendance General Information/Make-­up Work Regular attendance is essential for a student’s success at school. State law stipulates that absences are to be classified into two categories – excused and unexcused. Parents are allowed to excuse 9 absences through a simple note from home. If a student misses more than half of the school day (after 11:30 am,) a full absence will be accumulated. Absences may be excused for the following permissible reasons:

• student illness • inclement weather which makes it dangerous to attend school (as announced by the

Superintendent) • legal quarantine • death in the immediate family • emergency condition as determined by the principal or superintendent • observance of traditional religious holidays of local, national, or international origin when

verified by the student’s minister or religious leader.

There is no maximum allowed number of physician excuses for absences. Vacation days, not exceeding 3, are available with principal permission in advance of day(s) absent – excluding state testing days. Examples of unexcused absences are truancy, parental neglect, student working, or simple failure to turn in proper written excuse within three days of an absence. Five unexcused absences will require attendance to the Early Warning Truancy Program. Excessive unexcused absences will result in referral to the Early Warning Truancy Program and may result in referral to court or retention of student.

When a student returns to school after being absent, parents have 3 days to email, fax, or send a statement with an explanation of the reason for the absence and the date of the absences.

Each day, automated phone calls are generated to notify parents their child was absent from school that day. Students with excused absences may make-­up schoolwork. Students are responsible for requesting work. Students are given three days to complete and turn in make-­up work. When a student is out for an extended period of time, call the school to arrange for assignments to be collected. Please allow twenty-­four hours for teachers to gather books and assignments.

10

Early Warning Truancy Program

Please See the Student Code of Conduct Handbook for full details on the Early Warning Truancy Program.

Trips Parents are discouraged from taking their children on trips during regular school days. Parents are to submit to the principal a written request for an excused absence prior to the requested excused absence. A maximum of three days per year may be excused for trips.

Tardiness It is essential for the orderly start of the day that each student is on time. School begins at 7:40 a.m. The tardy bell rings at 7:50. Students are expected to be in their homeroom classrooms at that time. Students who ride the school bus will be on time for school each day.

Check Outs Parents/guardians may be allowed to check a child out of school early for a valid reason (i.e. sickness, doctor appointments, etc.) Written, faxed, or emailed permission from the parent/guardian is required to authorize someone other than the parent to check out a child. A picture ID is required. For your child’s safety and security, no exceptions will be made to this policy. Students leaving campus before 11:30 a.m. will be counted absent all day. Please limit check outs after 2:00 p.m. to only emergencies. Sometimes, it is difficult to know when your child is sick enough to stay home from school. Here are some county guidelines that might help:

• Any temperature over 100.5 degrees WITH symptoms should stay home. • Students should be fever or vomiting free for 24 hours before returning to school unless

otherwise cleared by a physician • MRSA skin infections

Birthdays and Classroom Parties Halloween, Christmas, Valentine, and End-­of-­the-­Year parties are permitted. All parties begin at 1:30 p.m. Talk with the teacher concerning the details. Birthday parties are prohibited. However, you may send a small treat to the school for all the students in the class. The treat will be served at break time. The teacher must be notified in advanced. If party invitations are distributed at school, each child in the class must receive one. Gifts/flowers may not be delivered to the classroom.

Bus Procedures The policy of Baldwin County Board of Education (BCBOE) requires students who ride a bus to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior. If a student does not conduct himself properly on a bus, a referral to the office will be made by the bus driver. The principal or assistant principal will discipline the student as deemed appropriate. A student who becomes a serious discipline problem on the school bus may have transportation privileges suspended or terminated.

11

While BCBOE offers a system of student transportation, it requires parents to accept responsibility for supervision until the student boards the bus in the morning and after the student leaves the bus in the afternoon. Only at the time a student boards the bus does he/she become the responsibility of the school district.

Due to bus overcrowding, no students may ride a bus that is not assigned to that bus based on the 911 address. In case of an emergency, administration may allow a bus change if space is available.

Care of Student’s Property

§ Label all school supplies (book bags, sweaters, jackets, etc.) with your child’s first and last name.

§ Students are responsible for the care and safekeeping of all personal and school materials, books and money, including all electronic devices.

§ Students will be required to pay for lost and/or damaged materials issued by the school.

§ Please check the “Lost and Found” for any lost items.

Checks – Returned The Baldwin County Board of Education has an agreement with Envision Payment Solutions for the collection of all returned checks issued to all locations. The Board will require the following on all checks:

Full Name Street Address (No P.O. Box) Home Phone #

If your check is returned for NSF, account closed, etc., it will be automatically forwarded by the Baldwin County Board of Education’s bank to Envision Payment Solutions. Envision will contact you in order to collect the face amount of the worthless check plus a collection fee. The amount of the collection fee is currently $35.00. This fee is subject to change as allowed by law. If you do not properly respond to Envision, or if Envision is unable to contact you, Envision will re-­present your check to the bank electronically. Fees could also be deducted from the same account.

Communication

Teachers are expected to return phone calls, answer notes/letters, and respond to emails within 24 hours.

Information is communicated to parents through the following ways:

• School Messenger -­ emergency and non-­emergency phone calls and emails -­ no sign up necessary

• http://www.fairhopelementaryschool.com/-­ local school website • www.bcbe.org – district school website • INow Home Portal: www.bcbe.org/HomePortal • The Pirate – monthly school newsletter sent home with students and posted on the local

school website • Fliers – special event announcements on colored paper • Each grade level uses a variety of communication methods like emails, texts,

newsletters, Remind101, Waveside

12

Conferences Teachers’ contracted day is from 7:30 a.m. until 3:10 p.m. If you wish to request a conference, you may contact your child’s teacher by sending a note, email, or calling the school office (928-­8400). Teachers will meet before/after school hours or during their planning time. Parent/teacher conferences are required for all students. If you are unsuccessful in getting a conference set, call the office and one will be set one for you.

Electronics

Electronic reading devices i.e. Kindle, Nook, etc. may be used at school. These items are the sole responsibility of the student/parent.

Emergency Procedures (Fire, Tornado, Lockdown) Drills are conducted periodically during the school year. Fire drills are conducted 5 times throughout the year. Severe weather drills and lockdown drills are conducted bi-­annually. Parents may NOT check out students during emergency conditions unless instructed to do so. Standard emergency procedures will be followed. Parents should not call the school during emergency situations or inclement weather as the telephone lines must remain clear. Emergency information will be most quickly disseminated using the Baldwin County Board of Education mass phone calling and email system. Accurate phone numbers and email addresses are critical in making sure you receive critical information. Emergency Dismissal-­ Off Campus Reunification In the event an emergency requires police or other officials to secure the grounds and restrict public access to the campus, students will be moved to an off campus site for checkout and dismissal. Fairhope Elementary School, in cooperation with Fairhope Police Department and Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department, will set up an orderly procedure for students to be safely moved and taken to the Fairhope Civic Center. Procedure:

1. The police or other officials will direct all traffic away from the school and to the Fairhope Civic Center.

2. Designated office staff will check off the names of students as parents sign out each student with picture ID.

3. An area will be designated for the parents to wait, and non-­homeroom teachers will bring the student to them.

4. Parents will not enter the student waiting area. Emergency Dismissal-­ On Campus Whenever an emergency makes it impractical or dangerous for regular dismissal or checkout procedures, the following emergency plan will be implemented:

1. Parents and guardians who desire to pick up their student at this time will follow normal pick-­up traffic patterns.

13

2. The office will page the student and he/she will report to the cafeteria to sign out and leave immediately.

3. Bus procedures will be followed as directed by emergency personnel.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. Generally, schools may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, and telephone number. However, schools must tell parents about directory and allow parents a reasonable amount of time to request such information not be disclosed. Fairhope Elementary School will allow a parent 10 days to notify the registrar to “opt out” of “directory” information disclosure.

Field Trips Field trips are considered to be an extension of classroom learning. You will be notified in advance of the date a trip will be taken, the cost of the trip, and the deadline for payment. Often, the deadline is several weeks before the actual date of the trip. For most events, reservations and payments are necessary to ensure seats. Payments are to be made by deadline date. Refunds cannot be given after arrangements, reservations, and payments have been made. Field Trip Reminder

§ The permission form and money must be sent in by the deadline date. § Permitting calls home on the day of the field trip will be determined on an individual

basis. § A permission slip signed by a parent or guardian is required for all field trips. § The permission form and money should be sent together. § You should keep the top portion of the permission form so you will know the date of

the field trip and what your child needs for the trip [sack lunch, drinks, etc.]. § Field trip money must be sent separately from all other monies. § When writing a check, make it payable to Fairhope Elementary School for the exact

amount of the field trip. We are not able to 'make change' from a check. § Brothers and sisters may not accompany a sibling on a trip. § If a student has a behavioral issue, he/she may possibly not be allow to attend a field

trip. § Official chaperones will accompany the entire length of the field trip to maintain safe

supervision of students. § Official chaperones will need to sign the form explaining the specific guidelines and

expectations of official chaperones. § Checkouts from field trips must be arranged with the teacher at least 48 hours before

departure.

Food Applications for free or reduced lunches may be obtained from your child’s teacher or the office. Breakfast/lunch must be paid until free/reduced application is approved. Meals may be paid for yearly, monthly, weekly, or daily. Please put the money in an envelope and provide the following: Student’s first and last name, teacher’s name, use of money, and keypad number. Example – ($12.50);; John Doe;; Mrs. Friendly Teacher, Lunch, 2768. Students are responsible for snack money.

14

Lunch Program Online payments may also be made at www.myschoolbucks.com. Lunches nor snacks can be charged.

• Lunch: $2.50 • Reduced: $0.40 • Extra Milk $0.50 • Adult/Children Lunch Visitor: $4.00

Breakfast Program

Breakfast will be served from 7:15 – 7:40 a.m. All breakfast students will go directly to breakfast from their drop-­off point.

• Breakfast: $1.75 • Reduced: $0.30

Snack Students may purchase a snack in the morning by paying their homeroom teacher. Snacks cost $0.50 per unit. See The Pirate for a list of available snacks. Tardy students may not be able to purchase snack because the order has been processed for the day. Exact change is helpful. Parents may also send a snack from home. Snacks may not include candy bars, gum, or soft drinks. Healthy snacks like fruit, cheese, pretzels, water and juices are preferred. A labled water bottle is allowed at PE. Only water may be brought to P.E. Peanut butter may be prohibited in some classrooms due to extreme allergies. Please pre-­arrange special snacks with the teacher in advance. Different grade levels have different routines and procedures for special snacks and holidays. Snack is not connected with the Child Nutrition Program;; therefore, snack must be paid for separately.

Gifted Referrals

Gifted students are those who perform at or have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Students possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities may refer a student. Additionally, all second grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist. For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance. The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services. To make a referral

§ Tell your child’s teacher or the school’s Gifted Education Program teacher you would like to refer your child for the Gifted Education Program.

15

§ The Gifted Education Program Teacher will then begin the referral process by sending a Notification and Consent for Gifted Screening home for you to sign. This gives permission for the school system to look at previous test results and achievement information. It also allows the system to administer achievement tests, vision and hearing screening, and ask the classroom teacher/s to complete an evaluation of gifted characteristics observed in the regular classroom.

§ Next, a committee at the local school will review all data and determine if there is enough information to continue with the referral. The referral is then sent to Loxley Satellite Office for processing.

§ If screening scores are at the appropriate level, the referral will continue. If screening scores are not at the appropriate level, a letter will be sent to parents.

§ After testing is completed, parents will receive information on the results and eligibility requirements for the program. For more information on gifted referral procedures and eligibility requirements, please contact our Gifted Education Program Teacher or Special Services Supervisor, at 972-­6858.

Health Information The school nurses provide several opportunities throughout the school year to educate, screen, and evaluate the students in Baldwin County. These programs include, but are not limited to, control of communicable disease, hand washing, vision, hearing, dental screening, and health and hygiene classes.

Accidents Neither the local school nor the Board of Education is responsible for a student’s medical bills which result from accidents that occur during the school day or at school functions. School Day Accident Insurance is available in the school office and should be purchased by students whose parents do not have medical insurance. This insurance must be obtained at the beginning of the school year.

Contagious Conditions Head lice, ringworm, impetigo, and pink eye are contagious conditions. If your child is sent home because of such, the condition must have been treated and covered or a note must be written by a physician stating that the child is no longer contagious before he/she can be readmitted to class. If you are called, regarding such a condition, your child must be picked up immediately. If a child is sent home with fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, they may not return to school for 24 hours after symptoms are gone. All medicine, including over-­the-­counter medicine, must be brought to the office by an adult and will be administered by the nurse or those persons designated by the principal. It MUST be in its original container with the student’s name on it (no zip lock bags with loose medication accepted). Parents are required to fill out a “Request to Administer Medicine” form before medication will be administered. Important Information on Meningococcal Disease and Vaccine What is meningococcal disease? Meningococcal disease is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-­18 years old in the United States.

16

How is the disease contracted? The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease are very common. The disease is most common in children and people with certain medical conditions that affect their immune system. The disease is spread through exchange of respiratory droplets or saliva with an infected person including kissing, coughing, sneezing, and sharing drinking glasses and eating utensils. In a few people, the bacteria overcome the body’s immune system and pass through the lining of the nose and throat into the blood stream where they cause meningitis. Meningitis is a term that describes inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. What are the symptoms of the disease?

§ Fever § Headache § Stiff neck § Red rash § Drowsiness § Nausea and vomiting

Meningococcal vaccine: Who should get the vaccine and when? Please consult your physician or local health department for the needs of your family. For more information on this and other vaccine recommendations go to: www.adph.org/immunization.

Homework

Homework allows parents to become actively involved in their child’s education. With very few exceptions, it should not exceed 30 minutes a night.

Parent Teacher Corporation -­ PTC

The Fairhope Elementary School Parent Teacher Corporation (PTC) raises funds to distribute to our school and Fairhope Intermediate. Parents are encouraged to join the PTC and take an active with this organization.

Fairhope K-­6 PTC Officers 2016-­2017 President: Lee Tapscott Secretary: Lisa Trotter Treasurer: Jaime Rux

FES VP: Joanna Busby and Jennifer Leathers Fundraising: Courtney Klotz School Kits: Emily Henderson Membership: Nicole a Will

Pirate Dash: Jenny Blakeney and Holly Johnson Public Relations: Christa Weinberg

Spirit Night: Ann Dorman

Parent Volunteers Parents are encouraged to volunteer at school on an appointment basis. They may assist by preparing instructional materials, helping in the library/media center, volunteering in the cafeteria, and helping teachers and students in the classroom at each teacher’s discretion. If you would like to help, contact your child’s teacher, the media specialist, the cafeteria manager, or the office. No children may accompany an adult while volunteering.

17

Promotion Standards

The decision to promote a student is based on the student’s performance during the school year. The decision is a professional one and is the responsibility of the professional personnel of the school;; however, parental input is desired and will be considered. Students must meet criteria established by the Baldwin County School Board for each grade level.

Report Cards Baldwin County Schools operate on a nine-­week reporting system. Parents should review the report card carefully and schedule a conference, if necessary. Grades can be accessed online through INow using your child’s access code. You may call the front office to obtain your child’s access code.

Sexual Harassment

(Because of the length of the Baldwin County Board of Education policy, this section has been condensed.) The Board recognizes that harassment on the basis of gender is a violation of both federal and state discrimination laws. It is committed to providing learning and co-­curricular environments that are free from sexual harassment where all students and employees can work together comfortably and productively. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated from students, employees or non-­employees, including volunteers and suppliers, who have contact with employees and students in the workplace, school, school sponsored events, or any event sanctioned by the Baldwin County Board of Education. All students are assured that they may file a complaint or assist in an investigation without fear of retaliation by any Board employee, peer, or alleged harasser. Complaints of retaliation will be promptly investigated and perpetrators will be subject to disciplinary action. Complaints and cases of sexual harassment will be investigated and handled promptly. Any student found guilty of sexual harassment, or in violation of this policy, shall be subject to disciplinary action according to the findings of the investigation. Disciplinary action may include: a written warning, suspension, or expulsion. Definition Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s school performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment at school or school sponsored events or any event sanctioned by the Baldwin County Board of Education. Forms of sexual harassment include

§ Verbal harassment, such as derogatory comments, jokes, or slurs;; § Physical harassment, such as unnecessary or offensive touching, impeding or blocking

movement;; and, § Derogatory or offensive posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti, drawings or gestures.

Anti-­Harassment Policy The Baldwin County Public School System is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect.

18

Harassment, violence, and threats of violence are prohibited and constitute unacceptable behavior that will not be tolerated. (Approved: June 17, 2010)

Student Rules

School-­Wide Rules Fairhope Elementary has implemented a School-­wide Positive Intervention and Support Program, PBS. Expectations are built upon following the Golden Rule… “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” “PRIDE” expectations include being:

§ Positive § Responsible & Respectful § Independent § Diligent § Excited about learning

Bus Rules

§ Remain out of the road while waiting for the bus. § Cross in front of the bus while it is stopped and the stop sign is out. § Keep hands and head inside the bus. § Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. § Remain seated while bus is moving. § Keep the bus litter free. § Respect and be courteous to the driver. § Be obedient…follow the rules. § If a child ordinarily rides a bus, a written note to the teacher is required on

days he will be a car rider. § Bus riders will only be transported to the 911 address. The bus driver will not

accept new riders without written authorization from the office. Consequences of Bus Referrals

A student who is uncooperative or does not follow the rules may be suspended from the bus. Parents may be required to attend a conference with the principal. Lunch Room

§ Enter and leave the cafeteria in “transition position.” § Students are expected to talk softly using their 12” voices. § Practice good table manners. § Line up quietly to empty and return trays. § Lunch and breakfast must be eaten in the cafeteria. § Leave tables, seats, and floors clean.

Restroom

§ Respect one another’s privacy. § Keep the restrooms clean by:

1. Flushing toilets. 2. Putting paper towels in trash cans. 3. Avoid splashing water. 4. Keeping soap off the floors and fixtures.

19

Tardiness

School begins promptly at 7:40 a.m. The first assignments for the day are given at this time. If your child is late, he/she starts the day behind and creates a real problem for him/her and the teacher. Students are considered tardy at 7:50 a.m. They are required to get a tardy slip before going to class.

Toys and Games Students may not bring any toys or games to school. If they do, the item will be confiscated and may be picked up by a parent. They may bring electronics for reading purposes only to school.

Uniforms Baldwin County requires students to wear uniforms. The policy can be found at www.bcbe.org.

Out Of Uniform Reward Days: Below are some definitions of what clothing is appropriate on Thursdays, Fridays and other special reward days:

• Every Thursday -­ Fairhope/Pirate Pride -­ shirts honoring city and pirate pride. • Every Friday – 16-­17 Friday/Field Trip Spirit Shirt. The shirts are on sale in the office for

$10. • On occasion, Out of Uniform – top and bottom of choice following BCBOE guidelines for

length, no inappropriate wording or spaghetti straps;; shoes must follow BCBOE policy due to safety concerns.

• On occasion, we will have Blue Jean Friday – blue jeans, denim shorts or skirts with a uniform or field trip spirit shirt.

• Scout troops may wear their uniforms on meeting days.

Visitors

We welcome visitors to our school! Please schedule all visits with the teacher. Drop in visitors cannot be accommodated due to the need for uninterrupted instructional time. Teachers need uninterrupted instructional time in order to promote the most effective learning environment possible. For your child’s safety, it is necessary for everyone to come to the office to sign in before visiting the classrooms. A visitor’s sticker will be provided to clearly identify visitors. When completing a visit, please return to the office and sign out. Office personnel will take care of getting forgotten lunches, books, money, etc, to your child. Be advised that visits will be monitored as to the number of visits and the length of those visits. Things to Remember When Visiting FES…

§ Set an appointment for a visit. § Sign in at the office before visiting a classroom. § Small children must not go to the classroom during instructional time. § Teachers must not be interrupted during the instructional day. § Observe quietly. § Sign out when visit is complete.

20

VOLUNTEERS

Your volunteer time is very much appreciated by the staff. Teachers may need a variety of assistance in the classroom. Please arrange with your child's teacher during the first weeks of school days and times when you are available. Prearrange through an appointment when you will volunteer so the teacher can be ready and not distracted from instruction. To ensure safety and confidentiality of all our staff and students, volunteers must sign the Volunteer Policy.

1. Please follow sign-­in procedures. All volunteers should sign-­in and sign-­out at the office counter and wear their badge when in the building. Always enter and leave the building through the front office entrance.

2. Please visit only your volunteer areas when in the building. It can be distracting if you visit other classrooms or your child’s classroom without a scheduled conference with the teacher. We must protect instructional time. Please set up a conference time with your child’s teacher using the teacher’s procedures.

3. Please refrain from parking in areas that might block the car line, buses, or loading zones.

4. Background checks must be completed for any volunteer who will have access to any child without others being always present.

School Song

Fairhope Elementary, that’s the school for me, Where reading, writing, and arithmetic are what we

do each day. The more you know, the further you go

That’s a fact you’ll see. Fairhope Elementary, that’s the school for me.

We have field day **clap clap** We have free play **clap clap**

We have so many fun things to do **clap clap**

Fairhope Elementary, that’s the school for me, Where I’ll always try to do my best

And be nice to people I see. So come along and sing this song And you will see it’s true, that

Fairhope Elementary, that’s the school for you.