SUSAN MOORE ELEMENTARY

Our mission is to develop a diverse community of well-rounded, responsible, life-long learners. This goal is accomplished by providing a safe, nurturing, learning environment guided by a highly trained, dedicated, and caring staff.

School Wide Improvement Program

A School Wide Improvement Program, written by faculty, staff, and parents, governs Susan Moore Elementary. This group has looked at Susan Moore Elementary School’s strengths and weaknesses and has developed a plan for continued improvement. The money we receive from the federal government is used to benefit every student, not just the ones that meet certain criteria. The amount of money we receive depends on how many students qualify for the breakfast/lunch program. Please fill out an application for free or reduced lunches. You are under no obligation to participate and all applications are confidential.

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A. ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE OF STUDENTS

1. Arrival of Students

School doors open and buses begin unloading each day at 7:30 a.m. All students must go directly to their classrooms or to the cafeteria for breakfast. The first bell rings at 7:45. Students must be in their homerooms by 7:55.

Students who ride in cars must be dropped off under the awning in front of the K-4^th Building and should arrive between 7:30 and 7:54. Students who plan to eat breakfast at school should be in the cafeteria by 7:35 in order to have time for breakfast and not be tardy to class. Parents of students who arrive after the tardy bell rings must accompany their child/children to the office for a tardy slip before the student may go to class. Several staff members monitor students as they arrive for parent drop off in the morning. If there are no staff members in the drop off area, parents should park their cars and accompany their child/children into the office for a tardy slip.

2. Departure of Students

All students K-6 who are picked up by parents/guardians will be dismissed by 2:52 p.m. These students will be dismissed to cars under the awning in front of the K-4^th building. Traffic can become congested at this time of day. To insure the safety of our students and to help everyone get to their destination as quickly as possible, please use the following procedures:

Parents are not to leave their cars unattended.

From Hwy 75 turn onto Susan Moore Road and go past the school to the last driveway to enter.

Follow the line of traffic back in front of the Elementary School where students will be called to load as you pull forward. Exit back onto Susan Moore Road beside the playground after picking up and/or dropping off your child/children.

Students may not be removed from the bus without approval

from the office.

Students are expected to depart from school by the same means

everyday unless they have a note from their parent/guardian that states otherwise. This note must be signed in the office and presented to the bus driver or teacher at parent pick-up for car riders.. There will be no changes in students’ departure proceedings over the phone.

 

All students are dismissed 2:52.

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B. ATTENDANCE

Alabama State Law mandates regular attendance at school of all students who are enrolled in school. All students should attend school regularly and be punctual for class in order to receive the greatest benefit from the instructional program and develop habits of

punctuality, self-discipline, and individual responsibility. There is a direct relationship between poor attendance and class failure. Students who have good attendance generally

achieve higher grades and enjoy school more. Attendance at school shall be one of the factors considered in determining the promotion of a student from one grade to another.

1. Ten absences per semester will be considered the maximum number for receiving a passing grade.

a. More than 3 unexcused absences in 9-week grading period or 5 in a

semester = failing grade for that grading period.

Any absences over ten will be coded unexcused unless there is a verified

medical condition or illness that requires additional absences from

school. Documentation of this medical condition must be on file in the

school office. Absences will be determined in full-day increments.

Excused absences are as follows:

Illness of the student

Death in immediate family

Emergency condition as determined by the principal

Legal quarantine

Summons to court

Prior approval of principal

3. Students may use a parent/guardian note for a maximum of five school days per semester. In addition to the five parent notes, you may use five doctor excuses per semester; otherwise the absence is unexcused and the student is considered truant. Ten absences are the maximum that will be excused per semester. After the third unexcused absence, students are referred to the Blount County Board of Education Attendance Officer, and the parent/guardian will be contacted. If subsequent referrals are made to the Attendance Officer, the parent/guardian and student will be referred to juvenile court. If the parent/guardian and student are referred to juvenile court for three consecutive years, the third referral may result in the parent/guardian being referred to the Blount County District Court to be disposed of as an adult matter.

4. No passing grade will be given to any elementary student whose unexcused absences exceed ten days in a school year.

5. Decisions regarding more than 10 absences a semester may only be excused by verified physician’s medical statement of the student's severe medical condition.

6. Three unexcused tardies or unexcused early departures = one unexcused absence for truancy reporting purposes.

7. On returning to school, the student has three days to bring in a written excuse. (Only those specified in 1.b. above are excused.)

8. Attendance policy applies to all students enrolled in school regardless of age.

9. Elementary schools will determine absences in full day increments. Students who check out before 11:30 are considered absent for that day. Students who check in after 11:30 are considered absent for that day.

10. Complete attendance policy information is located at part 5.4 in Student Code of Conduct Handbook.

C. CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES

Excused checkouts are limited to the same reasons listed in 1.b under Attendance

Policy Facts. Parents/guardians should come to the elementary office if it is necessary to check out their child. Students will not be released to anyone but the parents unless the school has received word that can be verified (by phone or signed note) from the parent/guardian. If there is a change in custodial parent during the school year, it is the parent’s responsibility to notify the teacher and the school office with legal, written documentation.

GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

A. PTO

The Susan Moore Parent-Teacher Organization meets at 6:00 on the 4^th Monday night of each month in the cafeteria or library. There are some exciting things planned for this year. Become an active part of the Susan Moore Elementary PTO by joining and being present for every meeting. Together parents and teachers are doing great things for the students at Susan Moore Elementary. Officers for 2006-2007: Lynda Rhymes-President, Kim Morton-Vice President, Kim Eubanks-Secretary, and Jennifer Pannell-Treasurer.

 

B. OFFICE and SCHOOL PHONE

The school office is open during school hours (7:30-3:15) or by appointment. The school phone is for school business. Students will be allowed to use the phone only for sickness or emergencies. Forgetting something is not considered an emergency.

C. PARTIES

Homeroom classes may have two parties during the year. Parents/guardians

D. VISITORS

In order to protect our students and their instructional time at school, it is

mandatory that visitors enter through the office entry and obtain a pass. Someone in the

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office will be able to assist with messages, forgotten items, etc. without having to disrupt classes. If you need to talk with a teacher or staff member, you may make an appointment in the office. In case of an emergency, again the office can assist you best. Visitors without visible passes will be directed to the office. Parents are always welcome but making an appointment in advance insures that you and your child receive the attention you both deserve, and that all students receive the supervision and instruction mandated by the State Department of Education. Students are not allowed to bring visitors to school.

E. VOLUNTEERS

SMES welcomes volunteers at school. Your help is very much appreciated. The

Blount County Board of Education Policies require volunteers be approved by the board. Volunteers attend an orientation on school policies, procedures, and task-related training. You may sign up with your child’s teacher on Meet Your Teacher evening or contact Patricha Owens, Parent Liaison at school for more information about how you can volunteer.

F. DELIVERIES

Vendors, outside organizations, or individuals are prohibited from making deliveries (flowers, balloons, candy, gifts, etc.) during the school day to students.

Students may participate in the breakfast program from 7:30-7:50 each morning.

Breakfast will be available for $.75 or at a reduced price of $.30. Lunches are $1.50 or at a reduced price of $.40. Students may also eat free if an application is on file and has been approved. An application must be on file in the office for each child in a family who would like to be considered for the lunch program. Students may not charge breakfast or lunch. Students may bring a lunch from home but carbonated soft drinks may not be brought to school. Menus are given to students each month.

Students have a snack/break in the afternoon. Kindergarten through third grade snacks includes milk, (white or chocolate), bottled water, and assorted food items.. Fourth through sixth grade student may purchase juice, assorted sport drinks, and bottled water and assorted food items.. Snack prices range from $.50-$1.00.

H. FUND RAISING

School fundraisers are necessary events. Your participation and cooperation in these events are appreciated. All fund-raising events must be scheduled in the office and approved by the principal. Students are not allowed to sell items at school or on the bus that are not school fundraiser items.

HEALTH AND SAFETY OF STUDENTS

Drugs, both prescription and nonprescription, can be very dangerous to children

when not utilized as directed. The following policies governing delivery, administration, and disposal of medication to students at school are for everyone’s safety. Please read carefully so you and your child know what procedures to take in case he/she should need medication at school. The school nurse is located next to the office. She can be contacted directly by dialing 466-5202.

 

1. PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

The Parent/Prescriber Authorization Form must be completed and signed by the physician (prescriber) and the parent/guardian for all prescription medication that is to be taken at school. The school nurse will not give medication until a completed form is received with both parent/guardian and physician’s signature. The parent is responsible for having this form completed and delivered to the school nurse. Medication must be in a correctly labeled prescription bottle/container or the school nurse will not administer the medication. The parent/guardian/designated responsible adult must deliver all controlled substances to the school nurse. The nurse and parent/guardian/designated responsible adult will count and document receipt of all controlled substances together when delivered to the school.

2. NONPRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

A daily dose of nonprescription medication may be brought to school when necessary. It must be limited to one daily dose and be in the original container with a note from the parent/guardian. The note must give permission to administer, instructions for administering, and must be signed by the parent/guardian.

*Parents are responsible for picking up all unused medication at the end of the school year. Any medication that is not picked up will be destroyed.

 

**Students should NOT have any medication in his/her possession at school. Any student having medication in his/her possession will be subject to suspension or expulsion. Giving away, selling, or attempting to give away/sell medication will mean automatic suspension.

 

The guidance program at Susan Moore Elementary School is designed to

enhance the education of all students, not only those experiencing problems. Group counseling sessions are provided regularly in each classroom to help students in their

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physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. A variety of techniques is used to facilitate discussions of numerous topics.

In addition, students who are experiencing difficulties--academic, social, or family

related--can meet individually with the counselor. Teachers or parents may refer students for private sessions, or the student can request a meeting.

Students will be screened for Pediculosis on a regular basis according to the State

of Alabama Health Administration guidelines. We call the parent/guardian if evidence of Pediculosis is found. Parent/guardian must pick up their child when called and follow the Blount County Board of Education guidelines for treating Pediculosis. The student is excused for the day he/she is picked up early. Any other consecutive days absent for Pediculosis are considered unexcused. Parent/guardian must bring the student to school on his/her return and the student must be cleared before riding the bus or going to class.

New students enrolling after school begins in the fall of 2005-2006 must be

screened for Pediculosis prior to school admittance. Positive findings of Pediculosis will result in non-admittance until clearance is obtained from the school nurse.

Please be aware that anyone can get head lice. Our procedures are an effort to help

D. SCHOOL INSURANCE

School accident insurance is available for purchase at the beginning of

the year. Purchase of this program is optional. ALL KIDS is a FREE program that is also available for all children who qualify. Information about this program is available in the school office.

Students will be taught and will practice procedures for all safety drills the first

IV. CURRICULUM

 

A. HIRING OF PERSONNEL

Blount County School District personnel will actively recruit highly qualified

B. CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

SMES does not take requests for our students to be assigned to a particular

 

C. PROMOTION AND RETENTION GUIDELINES

Promotion and retention guidelines for Blount County students can be found in the Blount County Board of Education Policies Manual and maybe accessed in the school library..

D. REPORT CARDS

Computer-generated report cards are issued to first through sixth grade

students at the end of each nine (9) week grading period. Students should take them home, get them signed, and return them to school promptly. If a report card is lost, a new one will be issued to parents at a charge of $1.00. Report cards are not to be written

on or defaced in any way by students. Attendance records for each nine-week grading period will be recorded on the report card.

Kindergarten report cards are standard and must be signed on the back and returned.

 

E. EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

Special classes for exceptional children who are unable to profit from regular

classroom instruction will be organized by the superintendent through the coordinator on the basis of needs. All special classes will conform to the state plan set up by the State Board of Education. This program will be kept in close relationship with and become a part of the regular school program.

All children thought to be exceptional will be referred for proper evaluation. The guidelines developed by the State Department of Education will be used for placement of children in each program. Periodic re-evaluation of each child should be done at least once every three years, with yearly diagnostic tests recommended. Persons employed to teach the special classes must meet requirements for Alabama certification in special education.

Parents or legal guardians registering children in special classes at the Blount County Multi Needs Center must accompany students at the time of their enrollment.

Each handicapped student will be given the opportunity to participate in all extra-curricular activities and field trips that are offered to his/her non-handicapped peers. GIFTED REFERRALS

Gifted students are those who 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.

A student may be referred by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student's abilities. 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 following three areas:

1. Aptitude

2. Characteristics

3. Performance

We are proud of our school, students, and faculty. It is the responsibility of all students to respect the property of others, as well as, our common property at school. Students are expected to do their part to keep the buildings and grounds clean and neat.

They are expected to immediately report anyone who defaces school property. Students and their parents are responsible for malicious damage done to school property. When all of us work together in a spirit of respect for one another and our personal and common property—we all benefit.

 

A. COMMON AREA RULES

1) Walk at all times and in all areas except as instructed at P.E.

2) Walk on the right side of the hallways and use the right hand door when

entering or exiting the buildings.

Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

Be silent in the halls and restrooms unless talking to an adult and use an appropriate voice in assemblies, lunchroom, and break areas.

Use facilities appropriately and with care.

6) Follow instructions that are given by faculty/staff.

B. GYM

Students are not to be in the gym unless they have a class there, an assembly, or another event is scheduled and an adult is present and approved by the administration. Never use PE equipment unless you are under the direct supervision of a teacher. The gym is closed after school and on weekends. For students to enter at these times, without supervision or permission, is trespassing.

C. HALLS/PASSES

Students should have permission and a pass if they are not with their teacher/class. Having a pass is especially important if an elementary student must go into the high school building or onto the high school area of the campus. Students are strictly prohibited from being in the high school, going through the high school before or after school, or being on the high school campus without permission. Students who are found to be out of their assigned area without a pass are subject to suspension.

D. LIBRARY

The library is available for student use. Students must assume responsibility for books checked out. Fines may be charged for overdue books. Students are expected to pay for lost or damaged books. Library privileges will be taken away if library obligations are not respected.

E. TEXTBOOKS

All basic textbooks are loaned to students for their use during the school year. Textbooks are to be kept clean and handled carefully. Students/parents will be required to pay for lost and/or damaged books.

F. LANGUAGE

The use of profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, and/or the possession of obscene or pornographic material will result in disciplinary action such as Saturday School assignment or suspension.

G. FIGHTING OR VIOLENT BEHAVIOR

Fighting or violent behavior will not be tolerated and could result in suspension,

H. BUS CONDUCT

Riding a school bus is a privilege. It is the parent/guardians’ responsibility to see that students exhibit good behavior at all times. Students who do not follow the bus rules will have their riding privilege taken away. The bus driver has the authority to seat students on the bus in the manner he or she thinks best. Students are assigned their bus when they enter school each year. To change to a different bus on a permanent basis, students must have permission from the principal. If a student needs to go home by any means other than his/her usual transportation, he/she must present a note from home to the office to be signed and then given to the bus driver or the teacher at car pick-up. Glass bottles or other dangerous objects are not allowed on the bus.

I. CONDUCT AT AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Students attending after school activities such as football or basketball games, dances, programs, etc. are still under the authority of the school. When at these activities, students are to behave in such a way as to reflect well upon themselves, their parents, and their school.

J. THEFT OF PROPERTY

Any student found guilty of taking public or personal property will be subject to

disciplinary actions up to and including suspension. Academic cheating is covered under theft of another person's property and will be handled with similar consequences.

 

K. VANDALISM

Any student who is proven to have vandalized the school during or after school hours is subject to legal arrest and expulsion from school for the remainder of the school year.

L. ARTICLES PROHIBITED AT SCHOOL

Students should not bring anything to school that is hazardous to the safety of others, interferes, or disrupts school instruction and procedures. Articles that are specifically prohibited from use on the school campus or buses include, but are not limited to, chewing gum, any form of tobacco, toys, trading cards, electronic communication devices (such as pagers and cellular phones), laser lights, knives, sharp objects, guns (including toy guns), or weapons of any kind. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. Prohibited items confiscated at school will be held until the last day of school.

M. TOBACCO

Use or possession of tobacco in any form is expressly prohibited on school premises and school buses including any form of public transportation when used for school trips at all times, regardless of whether school is out or in session. On the first offense the student will be suspended. On the second offense, the student will be given a two-week placement in Alternative School. Any subsequent offenses will require the student to appear before the Blount County Board of Education with a recommendation from the principal concerning punishment.

 

N. HARASSMENT AND BULLYING Students will not engage in conduct constituting bullying or any form of harassment (sexual or other). Actions that constitute bullying or harassment will not be tolerated. Sanctions against students who engage in bullying or harassment may include, but are not limited to, suspension or explosion.

 

STUDENT DRESS

Good grooming and personal appearances are essential elements in the teaching

and learning process. Therefore, it is expected that students will dress in a manner that will ensure health and safety and not detract from the learning environment. Dress and personal appearance are not to be disruptive or interfere with the educational interests and welfare of the students or the purposes of public school education.

Any student violating the dress code may be suspended for the remainder of the school day and may receive unexcused absences in the classes missed. The principal or his/her designated person(s) has the authority to determine inappropriate dress.

Repeat offenders are subject to further disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the principal/designee.

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A. Student Dress Code

All students in grades K-6 are expected to dress in neat, clean clothing that is suited for school activities.

Excessively loose clothing, including shirts, tops, pants, and shorts, is prohibited.

Pants should be of the appropriate size in the waist and inseam. Pants are not allowed that sag off the hips.

Clothing, or any item attached to or worn on clothing or on a person’s body, with pictures, symbols, or writing conveying a message about alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, having a sexual connotation, containing any obscenity, or containing any foul or abusive language is prohibited on the school campus.

Clothing with writing on the back (seat) of pants, jeans, shorts, sweatpants is prohibited for K-12 boys and girls and includes cheerleaders and athletes.

Shoes or sandals must be worn. (For safety purposes it is highly recommended that students wear athletic shoes for P.E.)

Hats, headwear, or head coverings, and sunglasses are not to be worn inside the school buildings.

Trench coats are prohibited.

Students are prohibited from wearing anything that is inappropriate or disruptive to the learning environment as determined by the principal.

Students in grades 4-6 are prohibited from wearing short shorts, short

culottes, sheer mesh or net clothing, backless clothing, extremely tight pants, tank tops, or muscle shirts, or clothing that exposes a bare midriff, cleavage, or underclothes. Shirts must be buttoned. Clothing, cuts, slits, or tears in clothing must not exceed four inches above the knee. Extremely tight clothing is prohibited.

Teachers teach, model, and have students practice appropriate behavior everyday. Students are allowed many opportunities to learn and practice appropriate behavior before anything but a warning is issued. Your child’s teacher will publish and send home his/her policies, rules, and consequences at the beginning of the year. Do not hesitate to talk with the teacher if there is anything that you do not understand.

A. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Corporal punishment will be used as deemed necessary by the teacher

the Alabama School Code of Law. Corporal punishment is only one of the means used to deter inappropriate behavior which persists.

 

B. SATURDAY SCHOOL

Saturday School may be assigned to students in an effort to deter behavior

problems when other consequences have been unsuccessful. (Saturday School gives students a chance to experience the setting of the alternative school without having to miss a regular school day.)

C. SUSPENSION/EXPULSION

In-SCHOOL suspension

A student may be placed in isolation during the school day. He or she will be allowed to complete assignments while in isolation. Assignments not completed while in in-school suspension will receive a zero.

OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION

A student may be suspended for as many as five days if other methods fail or the act is severe enough to warrant suspension. Any disciplinary action resulting in suspension will require the parent/guardian to accompany the student to school before being readmitted. If a student is suspended, he or she will not be allowed to make up work missed during the suspension. Days missed for suspension are UNEXCUSED.

EXPULSION FROM SCHOOL

This can only be administered by the Board of Education on the recommendation of the principal.

Students may be assigned to the Blount County Alternative School when