Revised 7/25/19

Event /Topic Month Description

Attendance

When your child is absent from school, a note should be sent with them on the day they return to school. Please make sure the note contains your child’s name, date(s) of absence, and a brief explanation. A doctor’s note is not required unless requested by social worker. Automated absence phone call from Cobb County School District (CCSD) will be received daily until your child returns to school. To be counted present, a student must be at school until 11:00 or at least 3 hours and 15 minutes

Arrival

Students may arrive at Pitner as early as 7:15am. Students must be in the classroom promptly at 7:50am or they are tardy. If tardy, they are required to be signed in at the front office by a parent to receive a tardy slip. No early arrivals prior to 7:15am are allowed.

Pitner

Elementary

A-Z

Revised 7/25/19

ASP

After School Program (ASP) is available every school day from dismissal until 6:00 pm. ASP offers students opportunities to explore or expand interests ,arts, physical fitness, clubs & etc. There is an annual $10 registration fee per child with a daily attendance fee of $7.

Bedtimes, Books, Brownies & Bots

Bedtime , Books , Brownies & Bots is a Pitner tradition. It is a night of story telling, activities, and of course milk , cookies and brownies. It is an event for the whole family.

Book Fair

Fall & Spring

The Pitner Book Fair is a huge school event which occurs twice a year. Students can purchase books, book related materials, games, & poster. The Book Fair is always located in the media center.

Revised 7/25/19

BowTie Tuesdays

Every Tuesday is Bowtie Tuesday at Pitner. Our Principal Patriot #1 wears his bow ties on Tuesdays and encourages students to wear a bowtie ( boys & girls) or a bow.

Bookbags/back packs

Backpacks Please ensure your child always brings a suitable-sized backpack for transporting homework, books, snacks, etc. Make sure to clearly label your child’s backpack with first and last names. Remind your child to pack everything they need each day – returning to the classroom after school has been dismissed is not allowed. No rolling backpacks.

Bus Pass

When your child is a guest bus rider, you must send in a note with your child the morning of the change. The note must be approved, logged, and stamped in the front office. The pass will be given to the bus driver in the afternoon. No child will be granted permission to ride a different bus without written consent and office approval.

Revised 7/25/19

Car rider line

Carline runs in front of the school outside of the main entrance from 7:15-7:50am and 2:15-2:35pm. Any student arriving after 7:50am is considered tardy and any student not picked up by 2:35pm will be placed in ASP. For safety, all car rider families are issued one car tag for free.

Tags must hanging in the car in order to pick up your child or you must park and provide ID in the front office.

CogAT testing

Sept Cognitive Abilities Test, or CogAT, is a nationally standardized non-referenced test (NRT) for 1st and 3rd grade only. The CogAT measures reasoning and problem-solving skills in three different areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. Reasoning skills develop gradually throughout a person’s lifetime and at different rates for different individuals. Reasoning abilities are good predictors of success in school and are important outcomes of good schooling. CogAT does not measure such factors as effort, attention, motivation, and work habits, which also contribute importantly to school achievement.

Revised 7/25/19

Computer Lab

Pitner has one computer lab which teachers sign up to use as a class and we use for testing . We also have computers in our media center and each grade level has a cart of laptops for classroom use.

Conference Week

Oct Parent-Teacher Conferences are held in October. Your child’s teacher will discuss your child's accomplishments, strengths, and overall progress. Dismissal will occur 2 hours early each day during conference week. ASP is open during this week until 6:00 pm. If you have concerns throughout the year, contact your child’s teacher to schedule an additional conference.

Dances

Pitner PTA hosts our annual Sweet Hearts Dance in February for Student and families. Based on the success of this dance, other potential dances may be planned for the school year.

Revised 7/25/19

Dinner with Santa

Dec Dinner with Santa is PTA Annual event. It has entertainment, dinner for your family, basket raffles,vendors, the Holiday shop , entertainment and of course Santa is available for photos!

Dismissal Changes

When there is any change to your child’s normal transportation method, you must send in a written note to your child’s teacher the morning of the change. If a change is necessary during the day, you must notify the front office. You must call the office to ensure they received the change no later than 1:45 pm.

Dress Code

Dress Code Students should come to school in clothes appropriate for learning. The school day is active with daily opportunities for recess and frequent movement. Tennis shoes are recommended and clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for the playground, PE, Art, STEM Lab, Innovation Lab and learning that could be a little messy. We advise that your child dress in layers during the winter months. Please label all outdoor clothing with your child's name.

Revised 7/25/19

Early Dismissal /Early Release Days

Early Dismissal October, August, December, March, May There are several Early Release Days built into the school calendar. On these days we release at 12:30. That is 1 hour and 50 minutes earlier than our normal dismissal time of 2:15pm.

Early Intervention Progam(EIP)

Early Intervention Program (EIP) is designed to serve students who are at risk of not reaching or maintaining academic grade level (in reading, writing and math only). The purpose of the Early Intervention Program is to provide additional instructional resources to help students who are performing below grade level obtain the necessary academic skills to reach grade level performance.

Emergency Drills

Once a month

Emergency Monthly Emergency drills (fire, tornado and code red Drills lockdown) are held throughout the year. All students will participate and are expected to follow safety procedures

Revised 7/25/19

ESOL

ESOL The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program’s mission is to help ensure the English language development and academic success of English Learners (ELs). The ESOL Program aims to work with all teachers at all grade levels and administrators of ELs to provide high-quality instructional programs designed to develop proficiency in English, while meeting challenging State academic content and student academic achievement standards.

Fall Festival

Oct. PTA sponsors our Fall Festival. There is music, games, vendors, prizes , inflatables and our Annual Chili cook off.

FBI Dads

Pitner Fathers Being Involved (FBI). Our Dads volunteer and work together to support our school. The FBI Dads run our morning Car rider line on Fridays.

Revised 7/25/19

Feeder Schools

The feeder middle school for Pitner is Palmer Middle School. It is for grades 6th-8th and is located at 690 North Booth Road | Kennesaw, GA 30144 | 770-591-5020. The Website is : http://www.cobbk12.org/Palmer/ The Feeder high schools for Pitner are Kell High School & North Cobb High Schools. They are for grades 9th-12th and Kell is located at 4770 Lee Waters Road Marietta, GA 30066 Phone: 678-494-7844. The website is http://www.cobbk12.org/Kell/ North Cobb is located at 3400 Old 41 Highway,

North, Kennesaw, 30144 Phone: 770-975-6685 The website is https://www.northcobbhigh.org/

Field Day

May Field Day is a fun day at the end of the year for all students showcasing many of the different activities taught during PE classes as well as some activities just for fun. There are lots of parent volunteer opportunities, or you can just come to watch.

Revised 7/25/19

Field Trips

Throughout the school year there will be different field trips which are offered for classes and grade levels. Information and permission slips will be sent home by the homeroom teachers with details about the trip and the cost or donation associated with the trip.

Forgotten Items

Forgotten If your child forgets a backpack, lunch, items,glasses etc. at home, you may bring them to the front office and they will be delivered to the classroom in a timely manner.

Ga Milestones

April-May

GA Milestones April The Georgia Milestones Assessment System is a comprehensive summative assessment program spanning grades three through high school. Georgia Milestones measures how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state adopted content standards in language arts, mathematics (3- 5), science, and social studies (5th only). The Georgia Milestones End of Grade Assessments (EOG) will be administered to all 3rd through 5th grade students each spring.

Revised 7/25/19

GKIDS

Sept-May

GKIDS Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills. This is a state assessment program for Kindergarteners that will be administered one-on-one throughout the school year. Your child will be assessed on important kindergarten skills 3 times a year. Parents will receive the final assessment report with your child’s final kindergarten report card.

GrandParent’s Day

Sept Our Annual Grand parents Day is a day we welcome our Grandparent Patriots to our school for a treat with their Patriot. The day usually correspond with our Fall Book Fair and is usual split into 2 days.

Here Comes the Bus App

Cobb County has launched the Here Comes the Bus app. This program allows you to know the time your bus is expected at your bus stop as well as any delays or double routes. Download the app in your app store or from the CCSD website .

Revised 7/25/19

Illness

Children function more effectively in the classroom when they are healthy. The question of when to keep your child home from school is often a difficult one, especially when decisions must be made first thing in the morning. It is important, however, to keep your child home if he/she is ill. You can refer to the CCSD “School Health Services” site to read the, “Is my student well enough to go to school” rule. Students will be sent home from school with low-grade fever if other symptoms (e.g. cough, sore throat, headache, abdominal discomfort, etc.) are present

Inclement Weather

Emergency closings and delayed openings are broadcast on major radio and television stations. If an emergency occurs during the day, information will be announced through radio, television, CCSD website, CCSD Mobile Alerts and email (time permitting). Due to time constraints during an emergency release, individual phone calls to parents cannot be made and Pitner will follow your directions on your child’s Inclement Weather card. When school is closed/cancelled, ASP is closed/cancelled

IOWA Testing

Sept - Oct

The Iowa Assessment (Iowa) is administered to 3rd and 5th grade only. The purpose of the Iowa is to obtain information about how the performance of Cobb students compares with that of other students across the nation. Results of these tests will also be used by schools to help improve instruction.

Revised 7/25/19

Lost & Found

Lost & Found We have a Lost and Found area outside of the Gym. We encourage parents and children to check the lost and found collection for any missing items. Every Break we donate unclaimed Lost and Found items to local charities. Please write your child’s name in all clothing items to prevent items being lost. At the end of each semester , all unclaimed clothing will be donated to Goodwill.

Lunch

Children may either purchase their lunch or bring it from home. A monthly menu is available on the CCSD web site. You may send in a check payable to Pitner Elementary or cash to add money to your child’s lunch account. You may also add money to their account online. Please visit www.mealpayplus.com

Lunch with your Child

You are welcome to eat lunch with your child after Labor Day. Please sign in at the Front Office, present your ID and wear a visitor tag. No outside food permitted. Wait for your child at the door of the cafeteria. You may purchase an adult lunch in the cafeteria ($3.50) or you can bring a lunch from home. Parents dining with their children are asked to take only their child to the guest table or sit at the main table with the entire class.

Revised 7/25/19

Mascot

We are the Pitner Patriots.

Media Center

Pitner has a media center with computers and technology for students to use as well as books and reading material for students to check out. Each teacher has a media center time schedule weekly.

Medication

Medications must be in the original container and labeled with the child’s name and not expired. It must be appropriate for the child’s age and must have the proper forms completed. There are certain types we are not allowed to give to a student without a doctor’s order. You can get answers to Medication Questions at the CCSD ‘School Health Services’ site by clicking on the link ‘Questions and Answers’ http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/stude ntsupport/schoolhealth/medicine.aspx

Revised 7/25/19

Mission

Our mission at Pitner is to make sure that all Patriots are RESPECTFUL ,RESPONSIBLE, & EMPOWERED everyday.

Money

Money When sending money to school, it is very important that the student’s first AND last names are legibly printed on an envelope. Also, please make sure that the purpose of the money is indicated on the envelope as well (remember, no change can be returned). Lunch money, ASP money and field trip money cannot be combined.

Parent Teacher Association PTSA

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) provides supplies for the school and school upgrades and improvements. The PTA also sponsors several community building events throughout the year such as: Valentine’s Dance, Fall Festival, Spirit Night, Staff Appreciation Week and many more! The PTA holds 3 main fundraiser each year. For more information on the PTA visit website: https://ptsapitner.com/

Revised 7/25/19

Parent Volunteers

Pitner is lucky to have great volunteers. Many Volunteers hours are spent each month keeping the school running, and no opportunity is too big or too small. There are opportunities to help in the classroom, outside of the classroom and throughout the PTA. If you want to volunteer but aren't sure where to start, email anyone on the PTA or your child’s teacher.

Parent Vue

Parent Vue is the CCSD program which allows parents to see students grades as they go into the teacher’s grade book. You must show ID in the main office to get your password and set up your account.

Patriot News Network (PNN)

PNN is our daily news morning announcement broadcast. PNN is run by selected 5th grade students and airs across the school at 7:45-7:55 each day. Soon you will be able to view PNN broadcast from link on our website.

Revised 7/25/19

Positive Behavior Intervention & Support (PBIS)

Our PBIS program is developed to reward and encourage positive behavior from our Patriots in the form of competitions, rewards, recognitions, etc.

Recess

Recess Students go outside for a 15-20 minute recess every day (weather permitting). Please keep this in mind when your child is dressing for the day. As the seasons change, please dress your child in layers and clearly label coats, jackets, and sweatshirts.

Reflections

Jan. Reflections September The National PTA Reflections Program welcomes students of all grades and abilities to explore and be involved in the arts in the classroom and at home. Students reflect on the theme for that year, create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts and earn positive recognition for their achievements

Revised 7/25/19

Report Cards

Every 9 weeks

All students receive report cards each nine weeks. The first report card will be distributed during your Parent-Teacher Conference in October. Kindergarten through 3rd grade have a standards-based report card. 4th and 5th grades receive letter grades.

School Nurse

Nurse Baily’s office is located just past the front office on the main hall. She is available from 7:30 am until 2:30 pm daily and the clinic phone number is ext. 229. The children go to Nurse Bailey for persistent complaints, injuries, and illnesses. She will contact you if needed based on your child’s symptoms. Nurse Bailey dispenses necessary medications to children during the school day. If your child requires medication, please see “Medications” section above.

School Supplies

All grade level school supply lists are posted on the Pitner website starting in June. School supplies should be brought with you either to Pitner Preview or the 1st day of school.

Revised 7/25/19

School Store

Our school store is not for school supplies like paper , pencils & erasers BUT for rewards! Students earn Pitner Bucks in their classrooms for good behavior, rewards, & academic performance. Pitner Bucks are redeemed for items in our store.

Science Fair

January Science Fair is a wonderful way for elementary-aged students to participate in and experience a scientific project. Each science fair project must consist of a student- led scientific investigation following accepted scientific methods. Parents are encouraged to guide students, but not build the project. Models, including volcanoes or robots, and “research only” projects on general interest topics are NOT acceptable projects. Projects should be experiment-based with data-driven results. Our school competition is every January, and the top projects will go on to the Cobb County Science Fair in February

Signing your child in or out of school

If your child arrives at school late or is returning from an appointment, he or she must sign in at the office. If you need to pick your child up for an appointment during the school day, please come into the front office. You must you’re your ID. Please do not go directly to your child’s classroom. It is helpful to send a note to your child’s teacher telling him/her of the change.

Revised 7/25/19

Social Media

Social Media Below are links to the various Pitner social media pages. Be sure to follow us for the latest information: Twitter:@PitnerPatriots Facebook: For Dr. Hosey Twitter : @DrABHosey Instagram : dr.hosey

Specials

Specials at Pitner consist of Art, Music, Physical Education (PE), STEM Lab, and Math Lab. Students go to one of these classes every day for a 45 minute segment.

Spelling Bee

We have our Annual Spelling BEE for 4th & 5th grade students. Students compete in their classrooms, then the school level and then at the District. At the end of the year we have a Spelling Bee for 1st Graders.

Revised 7/25/19

Spirit Night

Monthly Spirit nights sponsored by PTA . The spirit nights are hosted at a local restaurant or business . Check out the Pitner website and the PTA website for updated activities.

STEAM

STEAM is one of our instructional pushes at Pitner. We strive to increase student engagement, learning and rigor by infusion STEAM( Science, Technology, Engineer, Arts, & Math) into the classroom lessons.

STEAM Night

STEAM night is a night where we bring our families in to learn about STEAM and how our students are learning using it. It is a fun engaging experience for the whole family. We usually have 1 in the fall and 1 in the spring.

Revised 7/25/19

Student Leadership

Sept-May

Pitner wants to develop our student leadership by giving students the opportunity to learn and lead in our school community. Our Student Leadership Team starts in Sept after homeroom nominations and selections.

Talent Show

May Pitner’s Annual Talented show is held in the spring to showcase Pitner’s talented students. Students audition for the Talent show to a panel of judges.

Target

Target (aka Advanced Learning Program “ALP”) is Cobb County’s primary elementary gifted service model. Students meeting state criteria receive services one day a week. The Target day focuses on cognitive and affective growth through process-based curriculum

Revised 7/25/19

Teacher Appreciation Weeks

Through out the year we pause to appreciate the great job our teachers do every day. Our PTA leads the charge by creating theme days and encourages family donations and treats for our teachers.

Transportation

Transportation Any change in transportation must be communicated via a written note and received no later than 1:45 pm. Verbal instructions cannot be followed (with one exception- keeping a child in ASP.) Do not send an email to your child’s teacher or front office staff regarding transportation changes. Staff may be absent or may not always have the opportunity to check email before dismissal. If no written note is received, your child will be sent home by his/her usual method of transportation. This is for the safety of all the children. Please see DISMISSAL

Vision

Our School vision is Building a Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning.

Revised 7/25/19

Visitors

For security, all visitors must sign in at the Front Office and wear a visitor’s sticker. This is required beginning at 7:15 a.m. The presence of the sticker will help identify visitors to all faculty and staff. You must present your ID.

Website

It is updated frequently to provide Pitner families with information about events going on at the school. There are links to the PTA, Cobb County School District (CCSD) website, educational opportunities on the web, etc. Additionally, each teacher maintains a blog that is linked to from the Pitner website.

Zoophonics Parade

Oct. Our kindergarten classes celebrate their completion of learning the phonics by alphabet by having a Zoo Parade through the school while our parents & other students cheer them on.

Revised 7/25/19