Student Handbook

Hawthorne Elementary School

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Student Handbook

School Hours

School hours are from 7:45 AM until 2:25 PM. The tardy bell will ring at 7:45 AM, and classes will begin at 7:50 AM.

Unless arriving by bus, students will not be allowed in the school until 7:05 AM. Adult supervision is not available until 7:05. All students should report to the cafeteria upon arrival, and they will be dismissed to the classrooms at approximately 7:30 AM.

Breakfast is available for students from 7:05 AM ï¿½ 7:30 AM. Please see the section regarding the lunch and breakfast program for more details

Dismissal Procedure

Students are dismissed from class according to their mode of transportation home, (walk, car, or bus), which will be designated at registration by the parent(s) or guardian(s). Teachers will dismiss students according to those directions, unless there is a written note from parents indicating a change of transportation for a designated day or days. In the absence of a note from you, your child will be placed on his/her usual transportation. Because of the possible confusion caused by last minute changes by phone, we discourage your calling to make transportation changes. Please DO NOT check out children or make transportation changes by phone after 2:00!!

Parents are not allowed down the hallways from 2:00 ï¿½ 2:45 so that we may ensure a safe, secure environment for dismissal.

Car Riders

Morning Carpool Directions:
1. Be considerate of othersï¿½ time and do not hold-up progress!
2. Do not speed though the parking lot. Children may be exiting cars that are parked in the spaces in front of the school.
3. DO NOT get out of your car if you are pulled along the curb. If you need to get your childï¿½s materials from the trunk or unlatch a car seat, you will need to find a parking space.
4. Children must exit the car on the curb side of the car.
5. Try to close all gaps and pull as far forward as possible before allowing your child to exit the car.
6. Buses and cars share a lane at Hawthorne. Please remember to give buses the Right of Way and NEVER pass a loading or unloading school bus.

Afternoon Carpool Directions:
1. Please wait in the carpool line away from the school until the buses leave AND you are waved forward.
2. Please discontinue any cell phone use while in the car rider line to avoid any unnecessary distractions.
3. Children should be able to enter your car from the curb side.
4. Try to close all gaps and pull as far forward as possible before stopping. Sometimes your child may have to walk back up the side walk to meet you.
5. Buses and cars share a lane at Hawthorne. Please remember to give buses the Right of Way and NEVER pass a loading or unloading school bus.

Afternoon Walkers

If you are walking in the school to pick-up your child, please wait in the front lobby until walkers are dismissed. Please DO NOT meet your children in the hallway or in the classroom. At the appropriate time, a staff member will call your child by Walkie-Talkie to meet you in the lobby.

To facilitate the timely dismissal of our buses and maintain the safety of all our students, all car riders, walkers and day care riders will be dismissed only after the buses have left the loading area.

Tardiness

Parents or a designated adult MUST enter the main office and sign in students who arrive at or after 7:45 AM. Important information is shared at the beginning of each day; therefore, promptness is very important. Students are to be seated and ready to work at 7:50 AM. Students who are tardy will receive a tardy slip after signing the late sheet in the office. The tardy slip should be presented to the homeroom teacher. If a student is late more than 5 times, the teacher, counselor, or social worker will contact you.

Cell Phone Use

In an effort to maintain an environment conducive to learning, all visitors are requested to refrain from using cell phones in the building. Please put phones on silent or off while visiting our school.

Students are not allowed to have cell phones at school. At times, there may be special circumstances where a child needs a phone for after school use. In these incidences, the parent of the student must contact the teacher for permission. The phone must be handed over to the teacher upon the studentï¿½s arrival at school. The teacher will keep the phone secure until dismissal.

Policy Regarding Absences

Lawful absences are defined by Georgia law:
1. Illness of student
2. Death or serious illness in family
3. Religious holidays
4. Instances in which attendance could be hazardous as determined by the DeKalb School System
5. Serving as Page in the legislature
When a student has had three or more unexcused absences the homeroom teacher and/or counselor will contact the home and school social worker for follow-up information.
When the student returns from a lawful absence, he/she is to present the teacher with a written excuse stating the reason for being absent. The student will then have the same number of days to turn in the make-up work as days missed. For example: 5 days out; 5 days to make up work.
Any days missed due to unexcused absences will result in the student receiving a zero for the missed work. This may or may not result in a lower grade for the semester depending on how much work is missed and the childï¿½s overall average at the time the student was absent. Make-up work should be requested only when a student is absent for more than one day. These requests must be submitted to the office no later than 10:00 AM. Assignments may be picked up in the office after 2:30 PM.

The DeKalb County Truancy Project enforces Georgia law regarding school attendance. The official Code of Georgia Annotated 20-2-690.1 Mandatory education for children between ages six and 16.
Every parent or guardian having control or charge of any child or children between their sixth and sixteen birthdays shall enroll and send such child or children to a school or a home study program. If the childï¿½s failure to enroll and attend is caused by the childï¿½s parent or guardian, the parent or guardian shall be responsible. Violators of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $100 or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both, at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction. Each dayï¿½s absence from school constitutes a separate offense.
The solicitorï¿½s office contacts parents directly whose children have a chronic absence record. Absences over 15 days, excused and unexcused, contribute to the schoolï¿½s Adequate Yearï¿½s Progress (AYP) under the provisions of the No Child Left Behind law. Vacations and appointments must be planned during school vacation days. The school counselor can provide additional information and assistance to families upon request.

Withdrawal From School

Contact should be made with the homeroom teacher and administration several days before the intended withdrawal. Information needed to complete withdrawal procedures include the date of the last day of attendance, new home address, and name and address of new school. Upon withdrawal all textbooks, library books, and lunch charges must be cleared. Parents MUST pay for all books not returned when withdrawing.

Inclement Weather/School Emergencies

When severe weather creates hazardous conditions, the daily school schedule may be modified. It is the parentï¿½s responsibility to monitor news reports on television and radio. Announcements are normally broadcast between 6:00 AM and 6:15 AM. Hawthorne School is part of the DeKalb County School System; therefore, it will adhere to all DeKalb School closings and/or early dismissals.
If, in a parentï¿½s judgment, weather conditions represent a threat to the childï¿½s safety, the parent will keep the child at home.

Sudden Emergencies

DeKalb School officials meet sudden emergencies caused by storms or tornadoes with precision and concern for the safety of students and staff members. However, it is most important that parents be aware that they are responsible for their children if dismissal from school takes place early. Alternate arrangements must be made by parents to house a child in case parents cannot be at home. When severe weather watches are announced, immediate emergency procedures are taken for student safety in schools or for dispatch of students to homes. DeKalb School Superintendent or the designee makes the final decision whether or not to dismiss school. (The DeKalb School System never dismisses students without authorization.) The school principal makes key decisions about the safety of all personnel and students under supervision. Emergency contact information kept in the main office must be current. Please cooperate by providing up-dated information as necessary.

Fire/Tornado Drills

Every precaution is taken to insure the safety of students during normal school hours. Periodic fire and tornado drills are executed to make certain students learn the proper way to exit the building and adhere to all guidelines and procedures. Intruder alert drills are conducted to give students specific safety measures that avoid contact with an intruder.

School/Classroom Visitation

Hawthorne classrooms are open for observations that are scheduled in advance. The Assistant Principal, Mrs. Jones will schedule the observations. All visits must begin at the school office where the visitor will sign in. At this time the principal or designated person will explain the guidelines for observation. Guidelines are for the protection of the students and instructional time. During observations, the teacher will not be available for conferences. An administrator will be available during the observation to answer any questions. Observations are limited to 20 minutes per observation.

Lost and Found

Parents are strongly urged to label all possessions with the childï¿½s name. Any lost and found articles of clothing or belongings are placed in a box in the cafeteria. Any lost textbooks are given to the textbook coordinator. All unclaimed articles will be donated to a charitable organization the last Friday of each month.

Lunch/Breakfast Program

The cafeteria staff serves well-prepared meals for $1.55* per day. This money is collected daily or weekly. Money will be received by the cashier each morning before school begins. Checks for the week or month should come on the first day of the week or month. If there is more than one child in the school, one check may be written to cover all meals. Please write the names of all students covered with the check in order for the cashier to credit them properly. Extra milk is $.50*.

Applications for free or reduced price lunches are available all year long from the office. Reduced meals for students are $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch.

Adult lunches are $2.50*. Please notify the teacher if you are planning to have lunch. While it is a wonderful treat for your child to have you for lunch, we do ask that you only visit beginning the first week in September. We also ask that you not come during the last week of school. These weeks are hectic and are times when we try to teach effective cafeteria procedures. Your presence can be a distraction to our efforts.

A breakfast program is available for $1.00 per breakfast* ($1.50 for adults). Breakfast is served daily from 7:15 ï¿½ 7:40 AM each school morning. No charges will be permitted for breakfast.

Charging will be allowed for lunch on an emergency basis only. Charges must be paid the following day. There can be no charges the last three (3) weeks of school. Unpaid charges will result in students receiving an alternative nutritious sandwich lunch, but not the menu items. Students who owe money for lunch or breakfast will not be allowed to purchase ice-cream. If paying for breakfast and/or lunch is a financial burden, please contact the school lunch manager, Estella Bryant, for information. *Checks written to the school for lunches or other charges are subject to a $20.00 fee if deposited and become Insufficient Funds (NSF) checks. This policy will be enforced.

Fast food and carbonated soft drinks should not be brought to the students at any time during the school day. Beverages in glass or metal containers are prohibited.

Student Insurance

Accident insurance is available to students for a reasonable cost. The forms are available at registration and in the main office during the school year. Students who participate in overnight trips and after school sport activities are required to have proof of insurance in order to participate.

Telephone

The school telephone number is (678) 874-2802. It is a business phone and should not be used for personal reasons. Delivering messages to students consumes valuable time and is disruptive to classes in session. The following suggestions are made:
1. Messages will be delivered only if it is an emergency.
2. Do not ask that the student or teacher be called to the telephone during school hours. Parents may leave a number on the teacherï¿½s Voice Mail for teachers to call when they have an opportunity.
3. Establish your childï¿½s after school schedule before he/she leaves for school that morning.
4. Lunches may be charged until the next day when money is forgotten. It is not necessary to call the school to ask that this be done.

Toys

All toy and ï¿½toy likeï¿½ items must be left at home including laser pointers, handheld video games, CD players, and game cards. Such items are frequently distracting to the instructional program. The school will not be responsible for any item(s) brought to school and misplaced. Teachers will collect these items that will be returned to the parents. All items left at the end of the school year will be given to a charitable organization.

Textbooks/Library Books

Textbooks are furnished to each student by the DeKalb County School System on a loan basis and should be treated as borrowed property. Students must pay full price for lost or damaged books. This applies to library books, also. Library and textbooks have a special binding that is expensive. Textbooks or full price of book must be returned upon request. The average cost of a single textbook is $40. Studentsï¿½ textbooks are checked out to each student using a bar code system to track. Replacing textbooks is a major school expense. Responsibility for borrowed books is a character trait that parents can reinforce with textbooks.

Medication

Hawthorne School staff is prohibited from administering any medication, including aspirin, to any student except as authorized by the parent/guardian in accordance with the following guidelines:
1. A DeKalb consent form to administer medication must be signed and placed on file in the school office.
2. A physicianï¿½s statement that includes the name of the medication, dosage to be administered, possible side effects, and duration must be on file in the office.
3. Medicine containers must be clearly labeled by the pharmacy or manufacturer. Do not send medication to school in containers other than its original packaging.
4. Medication MUST BE HAND DELIVERED to the office by the parent/guardian

Calling 911

In the event that your child is having a medical emergency, we will call 911 immediately. For students with asthma, we will call 911 if your child is in a crisis and medication is not in the clinic. Any allergic reaction involving the respiratory system will trigger an immediate 911 call. In the event that your child has an extreme temperature, loses conscientiousness or is seizing, we will call 911.

The emergency responders do not charge for visiting the school; however, there may be a charge for you related to transporting your child to the hospital.

Deficiency Reports

Deficiency reports are a means of reporting to parents/guardians that the student is not progressing satisfactorily, either in academic work or in conduct. We will inform parents/guardians any time it is believed the student is in danger of failure or is not producing what he/she is capable of doing.

Progress/Report Cards

Progress reports will be sent home in intervals during each semester. Report cards will be sent home at the end of the eighteen-week semesters. This is a means of informing parents/guardians of the studentï¿½s progress, or lack of progress in each subject. Elementary Report cards will be issued January 2010 and June 2011.

Grading Scale

The grading scale used by the DeKalb County School System is as follows:
Kindergarten Grades 1-6
S: Satisfactory progress A: 90-100
I: Improving B: 80-89
N: Needs to improve C: 71-79
X: Not introduced D: 70
F: below 70
X: exempt

Academic Recognition

Students who demonstrate above average academic performance will be honored by being added to the Honor Roll or the Principalï¿½s List. In order to be included on the Honor Roll, a student must make all Aï¿½s, Bï¿½s, Sï¿½s, or Eï¿½s in all academic areas. In order to be included on the Principalï¿½s list, a student must make all Aï¿½s, Sï¿½s, and/or Eï¿½s.
Students will have many additional opportunities to receive recognition such as:
Accelerated Reader Social Studies Fair
Perfect Attendance Spanish Club
Science Olympiad Spelling Bee
Student of the Month Reading Bowl
Citizenship Most Improved
Chess Club Elementary Scholars Program
ESOL

Computer Network

All students in grades Pre-K - 5 have access to and are expected to use computers. Computer programs provide individualized instruction in all subject areas. Hawthorne Elementary School has a computer lab where students enhance their skills through individual and group publishing activities.

Students are expected to abide by the Internet User Agreement. Additionally, they are to treat the equipment with respect. Failure to comply can result in a suspension of your childï¿½s ability to use technology at Hawthorne.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Conferences must be prearranged either by leaving a voice mail, an email or writing a note to the teacher. The teacher is expected to return calls within 2 days. It is recommended that parents schedule a minimum of two (2) conferences each year. Conferences are scheduled before or after school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, provided the teacher does not have an in-service class or scheduled meeting. Conferences are not to interrupt planning time, instruction time or supervision. Please refrain from impromptu ï¿½hallwayï¿½ conferences regarding matters pertaining to your child or of other matters of significance.

Teachers have been instructed not to have conferences in the presence of students because of confidential information, instructional time limitations and supervision responsibilities.
Conferences can also be scheduled on conference evenings held four (4) times a school year. Conference evening hours are 3:00-5:00 PM. These hours are available by appointment only.

Physical Education

Physical Education is a structured, skill-related program. Students will attend physical education classes 2-3 times per week in addition to daily outside time with the classroom teacher.

Because most classes are outside, students should wear jackets during cool weather, shoes for running/easy movement, and clothing that fits appropriately. Flip-flops, Crocs (or similar shoes), and open-toed shoes are not allowed for PE.

All students will be required to participate unless a doctorï¿½s statement is presented. If, on a particular day, your child cannot participate, please send a signed note to your childï¿½s homeroom teacher. A daily note will be satisfactory for up to three (3) consecutive days. After that time, a doctorï¿½s statement will be required to excuse a student from the physical education activities. An alternate activity may be assigned.

Special Services

In order to provide an appropriate education for all students, referrals for special services can be made by staff members, parents, or guardians. Testing and evaluation are conducted by trained personnel. Psychological and other diagnostic testing is confidential. Special Education programs are available to those Hawthorne students who qualify. If you feel your child needs special help, please contact the homeroom teacher, counselor, or assistant principal.

Parties

Two homeroom parties are permitted each school year ï¿½ one at the end of each semester. These parties are scheduled school-wide and should remain secular in nature.

Student birthday parties are not allowed at school, although small treats (cupcakes, for example) may be distributed during your childï¿½s lunchtime with prior teacher permission. Party invitations may not be brought to school under any circumstances, even if everyone in the class is invited.

Hawthorne Media Center provides Birthday Books as a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your childï¿½s birth

Transportation

School bus transportation is provided for all students who reside more than 1.5 miles from the school. Students are to ride only the bus assigned to them. Unruly behavior on the bus will not be tolerated. The safety of all students on the bus is jeopardized when a student misbehaves. A student who refuses to abide by the rules will be suspended from riding the bus.

Dress Code

The purpose of a good dress code policy is to ensure time on task. Therefore, students should dress in a manner conducive to learning. If a studentï¿½s attire or appearance represents a danger to his or her health, or attracts undue attention to the extent that it becomes a disruptive factor in the school, the principal or his or her designee will ask the student to make necessary changes. Students inappropriately dressed will be required to call home for a change of clothes. Students unable to make contact with parents/guardians may be required to spend the remainder of the school day in an alternative location. Supervision and class work will be provided. In the event the change does not take place in the time allowed, the student may be charged with refusal to follow instructions (offense #12 in discipline handbook). The following guidelines are in the interest of instruction, health, safety, and cleanliness:

ï¿½ At any time when a studentï¿½s appearance endangers the studentï¿½s health or safety, or that of others, or otherwise interferes with the educational process and mission of the school, the school will exercise its right and responsibility to intervene and take corrective action.
ï¿½ Students are expected to follow all school rules governing safety in specialized programs that may require the wearing of protective clothing, safety glasses, or other similar requirements.
ï¿½ In all matters, relating to individual dress and grooming, students are required to exercise good judgement, exhibit responsible behavior, and endeavor to reflect respect for themselves, their school, and their community. Therefore, the following are not allowed: baggy pants, bare midriffs, halter tops/tank tops, short shorts, ï¿½netï¿½/see through garments and dresses, pants, or skirts with high splits.
ï¿½ The wearing of clothing that shows offensive and/or vulgar words, pictures, diagrams, drawings, or includes words or phrases of a sexual nature, or words or phrases that are derogatory regarding a personï¿½s ethnic background, color, race, national origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, or disability is unacceptable.
ï¿½ Body tattoos and body piercing (other than earrings) are unacceptable because of disruptions to learning and because of health concerns. Fake tattoos are not allowed if they cause a disruption to the learning environment.
ï¿½ The wearing of clothing or accessories that represents any group, gang organization, or philosophy that advocates violence or disruption, or has any history of violence or disruption is unacceptable (bandanas, logo t-shirts, hats, necklaces, rolled pants, etc.)
ï¿½ All students must wear shoes at school. No Heelies allowed! Flip-flops are not appropriate for school since they do not offer enough foot protection or allow for active play.
ï¿½ Students are not allowed to wear hats (except approved event or activity), bandanas or head scarves. The principal may adjust or modify the dress code requirements on special occasions, such as on school spirit day, field day, or in emergency situations.
ï¿½ Jewelry must be tasteful and non-distracting. No dangling or hoop earrings.
ï¿½ Button-down shirts must be tucked in.
ï¿½ Skirts and shorts must be mid-thigh length.
ï¿½ Please refrain from any hair coloring that causes a disruption.

Discipline

Hawthorne Elementary School participates in a school-wide discipline program. Administrators and teachers are committed to this program because it reinforces good behavior and redirects undesirable behavior. The Hawthorne Code of Conduct represents universal expectations of all students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The overall philosophy is to encourage students to make positive choices in behavior. Negative choices will result in immediate and certain consequences. Every classroom will have a Code of Conduct posted. Any violation of the code will result in sure and certain consequences. After repeated offenses, students are referred to Detention. Detention is a staffed room that allows the student time for quiet reflection, character lessons, and to do school work. Offenses that cause a classroom disruption, a minor violation of property or person, or repeated offenses may result in an immediate referral to Detention. This discipline program helps guide most students in the school setting. The school-wide discipline plan at Hawthorne aims to create an orderly and safe atmosphere conducive to teaching and learning.

The DeKalb County discipline handbook, Students Rights and Responsibilities, addresses specific violations of major offenses. Students will be tested on its contents the first month of school. Any major violations will be addressed following that guide.

Hawthorne School also strives to teach students communication skills through mediation and guidance classes. The program, Conflict Mediation, is highly effective and is available to students upon request. The School Counselor assists with early intervention activities and conducts guidance classes.

PTA Information

Parents are a vital part of Hawthorne School. The PTA provides many opportunities for Hawthorne students that are only possible with everyone working together.
ï¿½ Join - PTA membership is $5.00 per member
ï¿½ Volunteer - opportunities for working parents and flexible schedules
ï¿½ Contribute - be a Patron of Building & Grounds Beautification, Classroom Support, Cultural Arts, Library, Music/Art/P.E./Spanish or Technology Patron, (donations of $5.00 or more make you a patron)
ï¿½ Attend - PTA information and monthly meetings, the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of most months. All meetings are open to everyone.

The Five Watches

Watch your thoughts;
they become words.

Watch your words;
they become actions.

Watch your actions;
they become habits.

Watch your habits;
they become character.

Watch your character;
it becomes your destiny.

Frank Outlaw