Student & Family Handbook

Parents:

Together, we can and will make a difference in the lives of our children at Pooler Elementary School. As a school, we ask that you support our commitment to provide an excellent educational opportunity to your child by reading and sharing the policies, procedures, and expectations that we have established in this handbook with your child.

Students entering Georgia public schools in kindergarten must be five years old by midnight of September 1 of the school year for which they are enrolling. A student must be six years old on or before September 1 to enter first grade. Students must attend the school in the attendance area in which the parent/guardian lives. Students enrolling in a Georgia public school for the first time must provide the following:

1. Georgia Certificate of Immunization
2. Eye, Ear and Dental certificate-Georgia Form
3. A certified copy of the Birth Certificate
4. A current proof of residence
5. Student's Social Security Card

State law requires that your child be immunized against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, mumps, polio and rubella. If your child has had the complete series of all immunizations as a baby, he/she may now need a “booster” immunization upon entering school. Immunization and the Georgia Certificate of Immunization may be obtained through your private physician or the Chatham County Health Department.

School officially begins at 9:15 a.m. If your child is not in the front door by 9:10 am they are  late, and you must report to the office with your child to get a tardy slip .This gives them 5 minutes to get into class and to be settled and seated. It is the parent’s responsibility to have students present and on time. Late arrival interferes with instructional time. Please do not allow your child to arrive at school before 8:45 a.m. Bus students are the only exceptions to this. No school official will be available before 8:45 a.m. to supervise your child. Please make necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of your child.

     8:45 a.m. Breakfast/ Drop Off Begins

          9:15 a.m. Breakfast Ends 

          9:15 a.m. Classes Begin 

          3:15 p.m. Early Sign-Out Ends

          4:00 p.m. Dismissal Begins

Parents should plan for proper child supervision upon school dismissal. If you must pick up your child early, please come to the office to sign him/her out. You may sign your child out up until 3:15; we will not permit early sign out after this time. Teachers are instructed not to release students without office approval.

Regular attendance is essential to a student’s success in school. Children are encouraged to attend school daily. Students must be present and on time to achieve. A written excuse is required for all absences. The minimum number of hours in a school day for which a student may be counted present is 3½ hours. Excessive absences will lead to a visit by the school system’s social worker.

Any child in grades K-5 who during the school calendar year, has more than ten (10) days of unexcused absences, is considered truant. The school is responsible for informing the parent/guardian of the child’s absences and/or truancy. After the parents have been notified and the child is deemed truant, the school’s social worker can file charges in juvenile and/or State Court against the student and/or parent. Excessive tardiness and/or early dismissals may also result in a referral to the school social worker for an investigation as to the cause.

Students in grades K-5 who accumulate more than fifteen (15) excused or unexcused absences in a year, will not be promoted unless the site-based attendance committee recommends, and the principal approves the attendance waiver.

All students enrolled in public schools shall be in attendance each school day, except for the following excused absences: personal illness, serious illness or death of a student’s immediate family member, observance of religious holidays, active-duty military family leave, orders of governmental agencies, conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety, or participation in approved school activities.

Parents,  we can accept up to 5 written notes from you to excuse 5 days absent due to illness. Please write your child’s name, their teacher’s name, date, sign and put the date that your child was absent in the letter or email a letter with this information to Georgianna.stevens@sccpss.com

Refer to Board Policy JBD-R for more information on attendance, truancy, excuses and

withdrawals.

When a child transfers from Pooler during the school year, a minimum of two days is needed to prepare the necessary withdrawal forms. Please notify the teacher and office in writing regarding transfers. Please note the last day your child will attend our school and where you plan to enroll them upon leaving our school. Return all textbooks and/or library books your child may have before leaving.

Carpool riders must arrive and leave at the front of the school. Please do not form double lines, drop off students on the side of the road, park on the hill or on the sides of the street to let your child cross the carpool line. Cars must remain in a single line and wait for personnel to open/close car doors. Parents will be given a car pick up tag that must be visible or attached to the rearview mirror.

Please use Highway 80 to Durden Street, take a right on Symons Street, make a quick left back to Durden Street, then take a right on Holly Street to access the carpool arrival and pick-up line. Please do not break the carpool line by using side streets that are NOT listed above. This is unsafe for our students and causes family frustrations. You will exit and leave the neighborhood the same route that you used to come to school. Please do not block driveways and be courteous and safe by staying off your cell phones, keeping your music down, and not littering.

The safety of our students is our top priority. Identification is REQUIRED to pick up a student if a car tag is not visible to our carpool staff. You MUST come inside with an ID to sign student out in the office. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! Please get a car tag during open house even if your child usually walks or rides the bus for emergencies and rain days. This will speed the daily dismissal process for us all. We issue new numbers each year so throw all old tags away.

Note: Unless a parent/guardian sends an advance written notice about transportation changes or is present when the school day ends, the student will go home as “usual” at the dismissal time

Please remember TRANSPORTATION CHANGES are not allowed over the phone. We must have it in writing sent with the student to school in the morning.

No Exceptions.

Georgia law requires every person under the age of 16 to wear a bicycle helmet while operating a bike or riding as a passenger. Any student who rides a bicycle to and from Pooler Elementary School MUST wear a bicycle helmet. All bicycles must be secured at the bicycle rack.

Walkers are students who leave the school campus by walking away. These students are not allowed to walk across the street to enter illegally parked vehicles or vehicles parked on resident’s property. All walkers and bike riders are dismissed through the front entrance and directed to cross only at the crosswalk. Family members must remain off campus in the triangle park in front of the school to meet children. No adults will be allowed to wait outside the entrances or in the hallways of the school. Students 8 years and under must have an adult to walk with them, to and from school. No parking on any streets around the school for the safety of our walkers.

Students have the privilege of utilizing the transportation services of this school district. A student who fails to maintain appropriate conduct while on the bus, waiting for the bus, or walking to or from the bus stop may be suspended from riding the bus or may be subjected to other necessary action. Good behavior is a requirement for safe transportation.

Students who live more than 1.5 miles from their assigned school by the shortest route are eligible for bus transportation to and from school. Bus schedules, stops, and routes are published in local newspapers in July and on the district website at www.sccpss.com.
Unless a parent/guardian sends advance written notice about change, the student will ride his regular bus home at the dismissal time

Each student may ride only the bus assigned to him or her. If an emergency arises concerning this policy, please contact the principal. Changes in this policy must be cleared with the principal and the bus driver.

1. Keep the same seat every day unless the driver suggests a change. 
2. Be quiet and orderly on the bus. Talk in low tones, no playing, hitting back and forth or tussling.
3. Always keep arms and head inside the bus.
4. Profane or vulgar language is not permitted on the bus.
5. Weapons are not allowed on the school buses.
6. Eating or drinking is not allowed on the school buses.
7. Smoking is not allowed on the buses.
8. Be courteous and polite.
9. The driver is in complete charge of the bus and must be obeyed by all students.

10.Throwing things out of the windows is prohibited

Repeated disregard for any of the bus rules or policies will mean that a child will be suspended from riding the bus. BUS RIDING IS A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT. Repeated offenses may also result in subsequent termination of bus privileges.
                                 
                                                  

Any changes in transportation, pick- up time, or other things related to dismissal of your child for a specific day must be given in writing to your child’s teacher to be approved by an administrator, as needed. Daily changes are NOT taken over the phone (except in extreme emergencies). The parent/guardian must speak with an administrator, in the event of an emergency. Please be sure that your child knows what to do in the event of bad weather. If your child walks or rides his/her bike home each day be sure he/she knows what to do in the event it is raining at dismissal time. Have a back-up plan in place. Communicate this plan to your child’s teacher.

All students at Pooler Elementary School can eat breakfast at no charge. Breakfast is free through a district nutrition grant. A hot, well-balanced lunch is served in our lunchroom each day. The following guidelines will help promote a smooth lunch period:

1. Swapping food is prohibited.
2. Always use good manners.
3. Outside food from restaurants is not allowed in the school cafeteria.
4. No soft drink or “coke” of any kind are allowed in school                                                                                                                          

Parents are asked to send the correct amount of lunch money by the day, week, or month on Monday mornings or visit the district website, www.sccpss.com and set up an account with “My School Bucks.” Any student without lunch money will be served another option. If there is more than one child involved, please see that each child has his/her correct amount of lunch money. Glass lined thermos bottles present a safety hazard; children are to use plastic, unbreakable bottles. Applications for free or reduced price lunches are available in the school office or can be filled out online at www.sccpss.com under the Family and Students section- School Nutrition. . Every parent is given the opportunity to apply each year and we encourage all parents to apply for this program..

Apply for a Free and Reduced-Price meal in person at your child’s school or by going online to www.myschoolapps.com. Parents are asked to support our lunch program. You will not be allowed to bring commercial foods in the cafeteria, such as Burger King, Pizza Hut, etc. If you would like to eat lunch with your child and bring in outside food, we can arrange a place for you to eat other than the cafeteria.
Our district website: www.sccpss.com, Family and Students: School Nutrition has all the information and links to assist you with My school Bucks accounts, menus, free and reduced lunch applications and much more.

It is imperative that current information is maintained on students’ records. Please keep an up-to-date address, telephone, and email record in the school office. Notify the office immediately regarding any pertinent student information. All students must have emergency numbers in the office. Pooler Elementary utilizes the phone out system and Peachjar that are linked to your information so please make sure you keep us informed so you do not miss out on any important information.

Two celebrations are held for the children each year, Winter Break and an End-of-the

Year celebration. Parents are encouraged to help with these celebrations by working with the teacher and room mother.

Special Snacks can be brought for birthdays. Please communicate any plans with your child’s teacher. We do not allow deliveries of flowers, balloons, etc for students.

Individual parent-teacher conferences are a part of the academic success of our students. The most effective method of keeping a parent informed of a child’s progress is through parent-teacher conferences.

Our teachers are available for conferences upon request, before or after school. Teachers will also request conferences when needed. You may arrange a conference by writing a note or calling the teacher.

If you are unable to attend a scheduled conference, please let your child’s teacher know as soon as possible.

Any student disrupting the educational process of another student or himself/herself should expect to be disciplined. The rules apply to all students. Parents should contact the office if ever there is a question about discipline.

School is a place to learn. We adhere strictly to the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Code of Conduct at Pooler Elementary. Every family will receive a copy of the Student/Parent Handbook for Success. This book details the responsibilities of all parties involved in the educational process of our learners. Parents must read and discuss the book with their student(s). The signature page of the Student/Parent Handbook for Success must be returned signed to the classroom teacher. All students are informed of basic rules and consequences for misbehavior during orientation sessions at the beginning of the school year. While the plan may seem restrictive, it is fair and equal for all students. An important part of our discipline plan is to catch students being good.

Refer to the Student/Parent Handbook for Success and become familiar with misbehaviors and consequences. Strongly encourage your student(s) to follow all rules. Maximized learning opportunities occur when we all work together to ensure a positive learning climate free of disruptions and distractions.

Students or parents who wish to express a grievance should first consult with their child’s teacher. If the issue is not resolved with the teacher. However, if the issue is not resolved the next points of contact: assistant principal and principal. At Pooler Elementary we strive to address any concerns from parents as quickly and effectively as possible. We encourage parents and guardians to remain in close contact with the teachers and the school staff.

Pooler Elementary students must wear daily:

Solid khaki or black shorts, skirts, skorts, jumpers, capri pants or pants/ slacks (no knit pants, leggings, jogging or cargo pants; no zippers or pockets on pant legs). Uniforms must be worn and belted at the natural waist and made of standard uniform material (cotton and/or twill). Denim jeans, skirts, etc. are not a part of the uniform. Shorts, skirts, skorts and jumpers must be no shorter than three inches above the knee.

Solid white and red color(s) shirts are our choices for tops.

Tops may be polo-style shirts, collared blouses or turtlenecks. The shirt may have the school insignia, if one is available, but no other ornamentation is permitted. All shirts must be tucked.

All shoes must be enclosed and fastened/tied properly.

Solid white or solid navy/black socks or tights.

Solid colored sweaters (black or red), vests or sweatshirts may be worn over uniform shirts. No hooded sweatshirts.

No hats, caps or sunglasses may be worn in the building.

Coats and jackets must be worn open in the building.

Extreme hair color/style that causes a disruption or interferes with the learning environment will not be allowed.

An exemption may be requested for medical, religious, or other justifiable reasons. A written request may be submitted to the school principal using the Application for Exemption form. The school principal will meet with the parents to conference about the exemption before one can be granted.

Disciplinary actions will be implemented for students who do not follow the mandatory uniform policy. Help is available for those families who need assistance in acquiring the needed items for the mandatory uniform. Please see the principal, teacher, counselor or school nurse for information.

Out of uniform days will be established throughout the school year at the discretion of the principal. During out of uniform days, appropriate dress is required. Out of uniform days are a privilege and can be denied due to discipline.

A clear and/or mesh book bag is the appropriate bag for student use.

Various types of drills are conducted once a month. All students are informed of practice escape routes and expected procedures for each drill.
In the event there is a tornado threat or other disaster during the school hours, all radio and television stations will be notified by the district and/or school to make the announcement of school dismissal changes.

Students will receive folders weekly containing schoolwork and correspondence from the classroom teacher and/or the office. Please sign your child’s folder indicating you have reviewed the work. With this plan, parents will be kept informed regarding their child’s academic standing. Folders are due back to teachers on Monday. Two unsigned or not returned folders result in a request for a conference by the

teacher with the parent. Weekly school correspondence will be sent to parents using the district’s electronic platform called PeachJar. Sign up by clicking the link that is sent through your email that you provided the school.

Student progress is evaluated by classwork, homework, and assessments for grades 3-5 (50-40-10). Student progress is evaluated by classwork and assessments for grades 1-2 (50-50). Board of Education Policy #1021 states that the following grades will be used to report student progress.

Grades 1 - 5

E – 90-100 (Excellent) 

S – 80-89 (Satisfactory)

N – 70-79 (Needs Improvement)

U – 69-Below (Unsatisfactory, Failing)

Academic Status Reports are given at the mid-quarter grading period to all students. Reports are to be signed by the parent and returned to the teacher. This is a way for parents to check their child’s progress. Report cards are sent home at the end of each nine-week marking period. Please refer to the SCCPSS website for additional grading information.

Students in grades 1 – 5 will be listed on the nine weeks honor rolls in keeping the following conditions and requirements:

Honor Roll

Honor roll status includes students who have met the guidelines of the attendance policy (JBA), earned a 90 or above in at least four content courses from language arts, reading, mathematics, social studies, and science (two of which must be in Language arts, reading or mathematics) and who have earned at least an 80 or “S” in all other courses including conduct. The principal may withhold a student’s name from the honor roll if the student has a Level II or Level III offense as defined in the Student Code of Conduct.

High Honor Roll 

 High Honor Roll status includes students who have met the guidelines of the attendance policy, earned a 90 or above in language arts, reading, mathematics, social studies, and science and an “S” or better in art, music, physical education, band, computer, foreign language, conduct and any other course. The principal may withhold a student’s name from the honor roll if the student has a Level II or Level III offense as defined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Homework is important. It is an extension of the learning that takes place in school. Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday.       

          Homework for grades K-2 will not be counted for grading purposes. Homework is not to be used as a form of 

          punishment under any circumstances  It provides practice, drill, opportunities for independent study, research,       

          and creative thinking. Parents can help their children by arranging a quiet comfortable place for the students to   

          work and seeing that assignments are completed.

The following guidelines are offered as approximate times a child at each grade level should spend nightly   

                     on homework, based on  his/her assignments. 

The Board of Public Education endorses the use of homework to promote student learning. Valid purposes 

for utilizing homework are the following:

                           a. to promote growth in self-responsibility and self-direction in learning; 

                           b. to enrich and expand creative opportunities for learning; and 

                           c. to promote essential practice in developing skills.

The teacher will assign homework as necessary to meet instructional objectives and to use the homework in a timely manner to evaluate and monitor student progress. The teacher must provide feedback to students and must provide time for discussion and questions by students about homework assignments.

Homework becomes more valuable when there is a strong partnership - between home and school. 

The role of the school is to assign meaningful homework. Homework assignments will be checked 

for completion and accuracy. So that homework assignments will not be excessive or prove to be an 

undue burden on students, consideration should be given to extra-curricular and community 

                      activities, and cultural pursuits when planning homework.

 In case of illness or injury, a student will be cared for temporarily by the school staff. School personnel will render minimum first  aid assistance only. If emergency medical treatment is necessary, the parents will be contacted. If parents are not available, the student will be transported via ambulance to the hospital emergency room.

If your child is found to have an oral fever of 99.5 or higher, they will be sent home and cannot return to school until they have been fever free for twenty-four (24) hours without taking any kind of fever reducing medication  such as Tylenol or Motrin.  Do not send them to school if they have a fever of 99.5 or higher.  And they must stay home until they have been fever free for 24 hours without taking any kind of fever reducing medications.

School insurance will be offered at the beginning of each school year. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this service. 

Regulation JGCCA-R(0): Head Lice Status: Last Reviewed Date: 08/12/2020 (District Policy)

 1. If it is suspected that a student has head lice, they will be sent to the school nurse for further assessment. The dignity and privacy of students should be preserved when screening for head lice. 

2. When an infected child has siblings (brother, sister, etc.) in the same school, the siblings should also be examined by the school nurse.

 3. The school nurse will send a letter containing recommendations for treatment home with the student. 

4. Upon return to school, after the initial treatment, the school nurse will examine the student. After this initial examination, further examination for the student will be on an as needed basis for ten days.

Please put your child’s name on his coats, sweaters, caps, and other personal items so that we may help in returning lost items to the rightful owner. The lost and found articles are in the cafeteria if you need to check for lost items. Unclaimed items are not carried over from one school term to the next.

The purpose of the media center is to support and enrich the school curriculum through the acquisition, maintenance, and circulation of general and specialized educational resources. The media center operates on a flexible schedule to provide accessibility to media staff, facilities, and library resources throughout the day. The Media Center is open during school hours daily. Students may use the media center to read, conduct research, and check out books. They are responsible for the upkeep and returning of the book(s) to the media center when they are due. Parent(s) must pay for lost or damaged books.

Students are not allowed to bring any medication to school, over the counter or prescribed medication. Parents must bring it into the school and sign it in with the Nurse. Bringing any medication to school could result in suspension and possibly expulsion.

If a student is required to take medication during the school day, the following requirements must be met:

1. All medications must be brought to the school by a parent. Prescription Medications must be brought to the school by the parent in the prescription bottle with the prescription intact.
2. The prescription must be current, and medication must be in a medicine bottle (not plastic bags).
3. A Medication Record form completed, dated, and signed by the parent must accompany the medication, giving the child’s name, dosage, amount, specific dosage times and other instructions if necessary.
4. The school nurse or principal’s designee will administer medication.

Students should not bring money to school except to pay for lunches or to purchase school supplies. Teachers cannot be held responsible for extra monies lost or misplaced. Parents will be notified if extra money is needed at school. Money should be sent enclosed in an envelope with the student’s name, room number, and teacher’s name written on it.

School newsletters containing items of interest and important dates to remember will be sent to parents September through May. Look for newsletters and other important communication items sent electronically through your email with Peachjar, Bright Arrow Call out/Email System or our Facebook page.

Physical Education is an important part of our curriculum. Every child, in grades K - 5, is expected to participate in P.E. A doctor’s permit will be necessary to exempt a child from P.E.

Pooler Elementary takes pride in having an active PTA, involved in educational enhancement. The PTA will meet several times during the school year. We want to develop and maintain a vital, ongoing parent-teacher association. Please join PTA and be INVOLVED! We look forward to seeing you. Meeting dates and times will be determined and communicated during the first weeks of the school year.

Pooler Elementary uses the MTSS/RTI process to help all students who might be struggling academically or behaviorally in the classroom. RTI is a 3-tiered process, which provides instructional and behavioral support for those students who need extra support. We provide interventions to support the areas of struggle and monitor these weekly to track the data to measure their progress. At tier 3, students who are not making adequate progress will be discussed with the team, and parents and could then move into the Student Support Team (SST) process which provides individualized help for students. During the RTI process, parents are encouraged to attend all scheduled meetings and we are available at any time to discuss any questions, concerns or issues that a parent may have with the RTI process. A plan will be developed and implemented and communication with the parents is essential to this process and supporting your child.

According to board policy, “Group and individual testing programs will be used to serve the needs of the instructional program.” Parents are encouraged to schedule appointments with the teacher, counselor, or principal to discuss the testing program for the Savannah-Chatham Public Schools and Pooler Elementary School. Parents will be notified of upcoming tests through the weekly communication folders and Peachjar. The testing schedule for the year is also published on our district website: www.sccpss.com.

Any toys or other non-essential items brought to the school may be taken from students. Teachers may keep the items until the last day of school. If the items in question causse a disruption to the class, or if the teacher must repeatedly warn the student, the items in question will be sent to the principal. Any item that is sent to the principal WILL NOT be returned until the last day of school or the parent will have to make an appointment to discuss this issue and to collect the item at this meeting. The school system Code of Conduct prohibits the use of cell phones and electronic devices in the school unless approved by the principal

All visitors must report to the front office when entering the building. Visitors, including parents, should make an appointment prior to visiting a class or teacher. The purpose is to keep classroom interruptions at a minimum so students can concentrate on their studies and eliminate trespassing of strangers. Teachers cannot conference with parents during instructional time. You must have a picture identification and be listed on registration to visit your child at school. Remember when you enter that Pooler Elementary is a learning environment. Any visitors who disrupt the learning environment will be asked to leave the building immediately.

All visitors will be asked to go through the metal detector and personal items will be searched.

We welcome parent and community volunteers. If you would like to volunteer in the office, media center or classroom in various ways, please visit the Operation Beacon webpage located on the SCCPSS website. Upon arrival, volunteers should sign in at the school office and report to the volunteer coordinator or our PTA Representative.

Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools policies and procedures can be found on the system website: http://www.sccpss.com

Parents may request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher(s). The following information may be requested:

1. Whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
2. Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived.
3. The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher.
4. Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.
5. To request information concerning the qualifications of your child’s teacher(s), please contact the principal.

SCCPSS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or sex in its employment practices or in any student programs or in its dealing with the public. It is the policy of the Board of Education to comply fully with the requirements of Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the regulations there under.