Bethpage Elementary Student Handbook

 

Bethpage Elementary, as other schools, has certain rules and regulations. These standards will act as a guide for student safety and conduct. These regulations do not constitute all situations that may happen during the school year. Various school policies will be changed or added by the school administrator and staff if the need arises.  

SCHOOL HOURS FOR STUDENTS

School doors will open daily at 6:40 a.m.

Kindergarteners:  7:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.   

1st – 5th Graders:   7:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.(Kindergarteners may be picked up at 1:00 p.m.)

 

TARDIES/EARLY DISMISSALS

Students are to be in their classrooms by 7:15 a.m. Any student that is not in his/her classroom at the 7:15 bell MUST report to the office to get a tardy slip.

 

A tardy is anytime after 7:15 a.m., and an early dismissal is anytime before buses are called.

 

STUDENT ATENDANCE

Bethpage Elementary will implement the following guidelines for Student Absenteeism as set by the Sumner County Board of Education Attendance Policy.

 

WHEN STUDENTS ARE ABSENT

Parents need to contact the school office daily by 9:00 a.m. at 841-3212. If the school does not receive a phone call, the school will make every effort to contact the parent each day that the child is not at school. For absences to be considered excused; a written note from the parent, guardian, or a doctor must be provided. Trips must be pre-approved by Mr. Johnson to be excused. Any trip that has not been pre-approved will be unexcused. This is a Sumner County School Board Policy.

If your child is out sick and the parent requests make-up work; the request must be made before 9:30am and will be available for pick up after 1:00pm. If the parent calls to request make-up work—please make sure it is picked up.

 

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

After a student arrives on the school campus in the morning, he/she will not be excused to leave the school grounds before the school day is over unless a parent or guardian comes to the school office to secure the student’s release from school. TEACHERS WILL NOT RELEASE STUDENTS BEFORE BUSES ARE CALLED UNLESS THEY ARE NOTIFIED BY THE OFFICE. Parents/grandparents, etc. must stop by the office to check out a student early. The office personnel will call the student to the office. This will not only prevent disruption in the classroom but will also provide for a safer school environment.

 

Students need to be in school the entire day to receive a good education. This will help provide a better education foryour child. Arrange doctor or dental appointments after school hours. Students who are not walking or riding a bus must be picked up immediately after dismissal at 1:00 for kindergarteners or at 2:15 for 1st – 5th graders.

 

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONFERENCES

Parents/guardians are not go to their child’s classroom to conference with the teacher before school starts.  Parents are asked to stop by the office and write a note to or request an appointment with the teacher.  Teachers have planning to do in the mornings. Students are dismissed to go to their classrooms at 7:12 a.m.  Teachers need to give their full attention to their students.  Remember, the school day begins at 7:15 a.m. and ends at 2:15 p.m. (1:00 p.m. for kindergarteners).

 

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS

ALL visitors and volunteers MUST come through the school office, sign in, receive a visitor badge, sign out, and return visitor badge. To visit with the classroom teacher, you must arrange an appropriate time with the teacher. We ask that you DO NOT go to the classroom for any reason without permission from the front office FIRST. This policy provides a safer school for everyone.

 

SCHOOL WIDE CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE PLAN

1.     Student’s name on board                    Warning

2.    Name and 1 check                                10 Min. Separation Time

3.    Name and 2 checks                              20 Min. Separation Time

4.    Name and 3 checks                             30 Min. Separation Time and Contact Parents

5.    Name and 4 checks                              Contact Parents and go to the Principal’s Office

6.    Severe Problem                                   Sent to the Principal’s Office

·         Separation time will be time out of Special Assemblies, Teacher Activity Period, Lunch Room Separation, or Center Time.

·         Punishment for severe problems will be left to the Principal’s discretion (i.e., in-school or out-of-school suspension).

·         Students that serve In-School or Out-of-School Suspension will not be allowed to go on field trips with their classes.

·         Students with continuous discipline problems will be referred to the School Discipline Committee.

 

BOOKSTORE

Bookstore supplies will be sold in the commons area from 7:05 a.m. - 7:12 a.m. each morning. There will be no charges in the bookstore. Students who owe fees to the school will only be allowed to purchase paper or a pencil.

 

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES AND POLICIES

The following school rules are in effect for the safety and well being of all students so they may receive the maximum benefits from their school day. These rules apply to ALL students:

1.     No loafing or playing in the restrooms.

2.    Students are NOT to bring any items to school that are dangerous or hazardous to people. There is ZERO TOLERANCE OF WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS.

3.    Students are NOT to bring any type of toy to school without proper permission. Virtual reality pets, Pokémon toys, silly string, or trading cards of any type are NOT allowed at school. No laser pointers are allowed.

4.    Students are NOT to trade, sell or purchase any items from other students at school. The school is not responsible if a student does not abide by this rule.

5.    Students are NOT allowed to bring glass bottled drinks to school.

6.    Students may NOT chew gum at school.

7.    There will be NO fighting of any nature at school.

 

SCHOOL RECORDS

According to state law, all students in Kindergarten through 5th grade must have a Permanent Tennessee Certification of Immunization card, a copy of their Certificate of Live Birth and the Birth Certificate number, and their Social Security number on file in their permanent folders at the school.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements will be made only at the beginning or ending of the school day unless it becomes absolutely necessary to make an announcement during other parts of the school day. Announcements to be made must be turned in to the office before 7:00 a.m. Students are responsible for the information passed on to them in the announcements.

 

BUS RULES

Riding the bus is a privilege, not a necessity. All pupils on the bus are under the authority of the bus driver. Students MUST obey the driver and the bus rules. Failure to do so can result in a child not being permitted to ride a school bus. All students that ride school buses are to ride the same bus everyday. Students will not be permitted to change buses unless the parents change residence. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO REMAIN AT SCHOOL AND RIDE THE SECOND BUS. Disciplinary action may be taken on students who break the following rules.

1.     Disorderly conduct

2.    Use of improper language

3.    Out of their seat when the bus is in motion

4.    Refusal to obey the bus driver’s directions

5.    Have their head or arms out of the bus

6.    Tamper with bus parts

7.    Make unnecessary noise

8.    Other causes as determined by the bus driver

 

IMPORTANT NOTICES

Cubbies and other storage areas and containers and packages brought into the school by students or visitors are subject to search for drugs, drug paraphernalia, dangerous weapons, or any property which is not properly in the possession of the students or the visitors. 

 

Vehicles parked on school property are subject to search for drugs, drug paraphernalia, or dangerous weapons.

 

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

The Bethpage Elementary Cafeteria maintains the highest possible rating from regular inspection by County, State, and Federal agencies. Breakfast will be served from 6:40-7:05 daily. After 7:05, the cafeteria doors will be closed in order for the cafeteria staff to begin preparing lunch. Students may purchase breakfast and lunch daily. You also may send money weekly or monthly in a sealed envelope with the student’s name, the teacher’s name, and whether you would like the money applied to your child’s breakfast, lunch, or special items accounts. If paying with a check, lunch/breakfast money must be sent in a separate check to the cafeteria than any other monies you may be sending to the school. Applications for free and reduced prices are available through the office. 

 

If sending your child’s lunch, please remember students are NOT to bring GLASS CONTAINERS, KITCHEN KNIVES OR PLASTIC KNIVES, or carbonated drinks (in a bottle or can)from home. Proper behavior and manners are to be exercised at all times in the cafeteria. 

 

See the Cafeteria's web page for cost of breakfast and lunch. 

 

PARENTS OF BUS RIDERS

Students who ride a bus will alwaysbe placed on the bus unless the office staff or the student’s teacher is notified by phone or by letter. If you need to notify a student about a change of plans concerning how or where they are to go after school, these messages must be received by the school office before 1:30 p.m. to assure message delivery.

 

 

PARENTS OF CAR RIDERS

**The safety and well being of our students are important to us.

Please observe the following rules and the speed limit on our campus. **

1.     NO STUDENTS ARE TO BE DROPPED OFF IN THE PARKING LOT.

2.    You may park in the parking lot at the front or at the rear of the building if you need to come in to the school.

3.    NO STUDENTS ARE TO CROSS THE CROSS WALK UNESCORTED. PLEASE! It is very dangerous for students to cross between buses and other motor vehicles.

4.    NO PARALLEL PARKING IN THE PARKING LOT AND NO CURB PARKING.

5.  Due to security measures - PARENTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COME INTO THE SCHOOL AND WAIT FOR THEIR CHILD TO DISMISS.

 

If buses are not present, students must be dropped off at the curb in front of the building.

 

If buses are present, students must be dropped off at the sidewalk near the first grade classrooms. Cars are to then drive through the parking lot and exit the campus.

 

BATHROOM RULES

The following rules are to help prevent students from being injured.

·         DO NOT CLIMB on the commodes, the toilet paper holders, the urinals, the stall walls, the doors, the sinks, the waste baskets or any other fixture in the restroom. 

·         DO NOT SWING on the stall doors. 

·         DO NOT CRAWL under the stall doors or walls.

·         DO NOT RUN, PLAY, OR THROW any objects in the restroom area. 

·         DO NOT PURPOSELY DAMAGE, destroy, or misuse any restroom fixture.

·         DO NOT WRITE on the walls.

·         DO NOT OVERUSE paper products or soap in the restrooms.

Students are asked to report any rule violations immediately to their teacher, to Mr. Harry, or to Mr. Johnson.

 

 HEAD LICE POLICY

All Sumner County Schools have a “No Nit” policy. Under this policy, students identified with Pediculosis (head lice) will not be allowed back in school until they are nit free and have a signed statement by a health official (i.e., nurse, doctor, Health Department, etc.). Students in each classroom will be checked periodically for head lice. Students found with head lice will be sent home immediately.

·         Head lice are a world wide problem. Please check your child often.

·         Never wear someone else’s cap or use another student’s comb or brush

Other health policies to follow:

·         Never drink after another student from a bottle, can, glass, or cup.

·         Never take a bite of someone else’s food.

·         Never touch a rash or sore on someone else.

·         Always cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze.

·         Always wash your hands after using the restroom and after P.E.

 

 

SCHOOL BOARD POLICY ON MEDICATION

All prescription drugs given at school shall be prescribed by a licensed prescriber on an individual basis as determined by the child’s health display.

 

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION must be brought to school in the original, pharmacy labeled container. The container shall display the following information.

·         Child’s Name

·         Prescription Number

·         Medication Name and Dosage

·         Administration Route or Other Directions

·         Date

·         Licensed Prescriber Name

·         Pharmacy Name, Address, and Phone Number

 

All prescription medications require a completed parental/guardian request signed by the doctor. This form is available in the school office. A copy is also attached to this handbook.

 

All prescriptions for long term medication shall be renewed at least annually.

 

Changes in prescription medication shall have written authorization from the licensed prescriber and from the parent. The change will be noted on the medication administration record. Only an RN or an LPN can make changes on the medication administration record. Changes can include but are not limited to time, dose, addition, discontinuation, etc.

 

NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION GIVEN IN SCHOOL

·         Shall be brought in the original, unopened container with the label listing the ingredients and the dosing schedule and with the student’s name affixed to the container.

·         Require a completed parental/guardian request which is available in the school office. 

 

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued at the end of each six weeks grading period. This report indicates all academic grades and other pertinent information. When letter grades are given, the following scale applies.

A = 93 - 100                          D = 70 - 74

B = 85 - 92                            F = 0 - 69

C = 75 – 84

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

For safety purposes, students shall NOT wear hard soled shoes, boots, cleats, or croc or croc-type shoes in the gym for physical education class. NO HEELIES – TENNIS (ATHLETIC STYLE) SHOES ARE REQUIRED.  Students may want to keep a pair of tennis shoes at school. 

  

FUNDRAISERS

Fundraisers are necessary for the survival of our school. The proceeds will be used to provide essential learning materials and supplies. Information concerning any fundraisers will be sent home with each student.

  

MONEY

Any money sent to school should be in an envelope with the student’s name, teacher’s name, and purpose written on the envelope. If you are sending a check to school for lunch/breakfast, it must be separate from any other monies sent to the school. Students should not bring large amounts of extra money to school. Most money is lost through carelessness. If you bring money to school, take care of it. The school is not responsible for money that is lost or stolen. 

  

STUDENT INSURANCE

Sumner County Schools do not provide insurance for accidents or injuries. Insurance will be available to students through Scholastic Insurer. Your child will be given an information sheet to bring home.

 

SCHOOL WIDE CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE PLAN

1.     Student’s name on board                    Warning

2.    Name and 1 check                                10 Min. Separation Time

3.    Name and 2 checks                                              20 Min. Separation Time

4.    Name and 3 checks                                             30 Min. Separation Time and                                                             Contact Parents

5.    Name and 4 checks                                             Contact Parents and go to                                                                  the Principal’s Office

6.    Severe Problem                                   Sent to the Principal’s                                                                         Office

·         Separation time will be time out of Special Assemblies, Teacher Activity Period, Lunch Room Separation, or Center Time.

·         Punishment for severe problems will be left to the Principal’s discretion (i.e., in-school or out-of-school suspension).

·         Students that serve In-School or Out-of-School Suspension will not be allowed to go on field trips with their classes.

·         Students with continuous discipline problems will be referred to the School Discipline Committee.

  

BOOKSTORE

Bookstore supplies will be sold in the commons area from 7:00 - 7:12 a.m. each morning. There will be no charges in the bookstore. Students who owe fees to the school will only be allowed to purchase paper or a pencil.

 

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES AND POLICIES

The following school rules are in effect for the safety and well being of all students so they may receive the maximum benefits from their school day. These rules apply to ALL students:

1.     No loafing or playing in the restrooms.

2.    Students are NOT to bring any items to school that are dangerous or hazardous to people. There is ZERO TOLERANCE OF WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS.

3.    Students are NOT to bring any type of toy to school without proper permission. Virtual reality pets, Pokémon toys, silly string, or trading cards of any type are NOT allowed at school. No laser pointers are allowed.

4.    Students are NOT to trade, sell or purchase any items from other students at school. The school is not responsible if a student does not abide by this rule.

5.    Students are NOT allowed to bring glass bottled drinks to school.

6.    Students may NOT chew gum at school.

7.    There will be NO fighting of any nature at school.

 

8.    Students are NOT to leave the school without proper permission through the office.

9.    All school staff members will be addressed by students as Mr., Mrs., or Ms.

10.  Every student in school is to follow the instructions of all teachers and staff at all times and in all places.

11.   Students are NOT to run in the school building except in scheduled gym classes.

12.  STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BRING RADIOS, TAPE PLAYERS, C.D. OR D.V.D. PLAYERS, ELECTRONIC/ VIDEO GAMES, MP3 PLAYERS, IPODS, ETC. ON THE BUS OR TO SCHOOL.

13.  Students are NOT to bring tobacco products, alcohol products, or narcotic drugs to school or on the bus.

14.  Students are NOT allowed to bring cell phones or pagers to school.

15.  Siblings will not be placed in the same classroom after 1st grade except in special or medical circumstances.

 

Confiscated items may be picked up by the parent!

 

 

 

FIRE DRILL PROCEDURE

The signal for a fire drill is the continuous tone of the P.A. System. Students should do the following things quietly.

1.     Go with their teacher to the designated area in an orderly manner.

2.    Remain there until the all clear signal is given.

3.    Return to their classroom in a single file line.

 

TORNADO DRILL PROCEDURE

The signal for a tornado drill is a series of short tones on the P.A. System. Everyone will go to his/her assigned area in the hall. When students are asked to assume the Tornado Position, they are to do the following.

1.     Face the wall down on their knees.

2.    Remove glasses.

3.    Place their hands behind their head, and put their head down to their knees.

 

** ALL ALARMS WILL BE TREATED AS REAL EMERGENCIES SINCE PROPER RESPECT FOR A DRILL COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE. **

 

POSTPONEMENT OF SCHOOL DUE TO BAD WEATHER/OTHER REASONS

If it becomes necessary to postpone school due to bad weather or for any other reason, the announcement will come from the Director of Schools. The announcement will be made over the radio and on television. Do NOT call the teachers, staff, or principal as they get the announcement in the same manner. 

 

In the event that school closes early, it is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school if any transportation changes need to be made.

 

 

 

SUMNER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

STANDARDIZED DRESS CODE

 

THE FOLLOWING SHALL NOT BE WORN TO SCHOOL:

·         Caps or hats (except on special days)

·         Snap-up-the-side pants

·         Bike shorts

·         Cut off jeans that are frayed or have pockets showing

·         Spandex or body shirts

·         Leggings or leotards unless worn with an appropriate length top or dress

·         Clothing with suggestive slogans, pictures or advertisements for tobacco, drugs or alcohol products

·         Strapless dresses or blouses

·         Spaghetti strap dresses or tops

·         Bare midriffs, halters, flip flops, or cleated shoes

·         Clothing related to gangs

·         Scarves or bandannas

·         Extreme hair color

 

In addition, the following guidelines also shall be enforced:

·         Mesh may be worn with t-shirts

·         Garments must cover the shoulders

·         Jewelry must not be distracting, disruptive, or unsafe

·         No backless sandals or shoes, strapless Crocs and no flip flops

·         No sunglasses

·         No clothing that drags the floor or sags to expose underwear.

 

BETHPAGE ELEMENTARY STUDENT DRESS CODE

Grades K-3:

·          Students may wear shorts, jogging suits and tank tops.

·          NO flip flops, backless sandals or shoes, cleated shoes or shoes with rollers.  Crocs or croc-type shoes may be worn with back strap but not in P.E. class (only tennis shoes are allowed in P.E. class).

·          NO pajamas.

·          NO dangling earrings.

·          NO fake fingernails.

·          NO pants, shorts, or skirts with writing on the back side.

 

Grades 4-5:

·          Students may wear shorts no shorter than their finger tips when standing with arms at their sides with normal posture.

·          Dresses or skirts worn by girls must meet the same criteria as shorts.

·          Students may wear jogging suits.

·          NO bike shorts or pants.

·          NO dangling earrings.

·          NO tank tops, muscle tops, see through mesh shirts, or tops with spaghetti straps unless they wear a shirt under or over them.

·          NO pajamas.

·          NO flip flops, backless sandals or shoes, cleated shoes or shoes with rollers.  Crocs or croc-type shoes may be worn with back strap but not in P.E. class (only tennis shoes are allowed in P.E. class).

·          NO fake fingernails.

·          NO pants, shorts, or skirts with writing on the back side.

·          All garments MUST cover the shoulders.

·          NO cut off shirts or shorts.

·          Tops and jeans must cover mid-section (NO under garments showing).

·          NO clothing advertising drugs, alcohol or tobacco products or with suggestive slogans.

·          NO gang related clothing.

·          NO miniskirts.

·          Shirts must have sleeves unless manufactured without sleeves.

·          Shoes are to be worn at all times.

 

Any article(s) not covered in these dress code policies is subject to approval by the School Climate Committee.  Students not following the dress code policies will have their parents contacted.  If parents cannot be reached, the school will provide some type of clothing for the student.