Vanleer Elementary Missions and Beliefs
Our Mission:
The mission of Vanleer Elementary School is to collaborate with the
staff and stakeholders provide the building
blocks so all children master the skills to become life long learners and
responsible citizens.
Our Beliefs:
The staff and stakeholders hold high expectations that every student can and will learn.
Growth is facilitated through excellence in process (teaching) and product (testing) using research based information and data.
Students should have an equal opportunity to learn based on
his/her needs, interests, and abilities.
Students are the heart of every decision made at the school.
Students are individuals with unique characteristics and interest that contribute to the global dynamic of the school community.
Education is a shared
responsibility and obligation of all stakeholders.
Commitment to review the school improvement plan and the
implementation of any needed changes must be continuous for student learning.
The school must be safe and child-oriented, while setting high
expectations in preparing all students to become productive citizens.
The Vanleer Pledge:
As a Vanleer student, I will be responsible for my actions at all
times. I will strive to be trustworthy
and fair in and out of school. I will
show respect in everything that I do. I
will do my best to show compassion, love, and understanding to those around me
because I care. I will use what I’ve
learned to be a good citizen throughout my life.
Dear Parents,
Welcome to Vanleer Elementary. The faculty and I are happy to have your
child as a student. Our goal is to help
your child grow academically, socially, and emotionally, therefore, the school’s role in educating your child very complex.
Academics MUST come
first. Vanleer takes pride in being a
School of Excellence. The many other
areas require a partnership of home, school, and community. You, as parents, are a vital resource to us
at Vanleer. We need your support and
guidance as we progress through the school year. We encourage you to visit the school and
become involved in the yearly events, as well as the daily routine of your
child. In order for students to be
successful, open communication between home and school is very important.
Vanleer Elementary is a family. We believe that every student will succeed
and take pride in their accomplishments.
We also believe in teaching responsibility and good decision making
skills.
This handbook is to help you understand school
policies, programs, and procedures. We
would appreciate it if you would take the time to review the policies with your
child. We ask that you and your child
sign and return the colored sheet at the end of the handbook to assure us of
this communication.
We look forward to a successful year and
believe much will be accomplished with your suggestions and support.
Sincerely,
Rachel
Weaver
Vanleer
Elementary School Faculty and Staff 2007-2008
Mrs. Rachel Weaver Principal
Ms. Margo Pickering PreK
Ms. Debbie Albright Kindergarten
Mrs. Karrie Brewer Kindergarten
Mrs. Keshia Jackson Kindergarten
Ms. Christy Smith
First Grade
Mrs. Liz Sanders First
Grade
Ms. Megan McCurdy First Grade
Mrs. Andrieene Karrington Second Grade
Mrs. Jennifer Puckett Second Grade
Mrs. Melissa Rochelle Second Grade
Ms. Jennifer Dubach Third
Grade
Mrs. Andrea Rawls Third Grade
Mrs. Sara Cunningham Fourth
Grade
Mrs. Melissa Southerland Fourth Grade
Mrs. Helen Costa Fifth
Grade
Mrs. Melissa Greer Fifth
Grade
Ms. Cindy Draper CDC
Mrs. Jennifer Wall Resource
Mrs. Pat Pace Title
1 Reading Teacher
Ms. Becky Taylor Title I Math Teacher
Mrs. Emily Woods Speech
and Language
Mrs. Karen Parker Library
Dr. Ron Oakland Guidance
Ms. Kathy Eggers PE
Mrs. Amanda Hughes Art and Music
Mrs. Caroline Gilmore Nurse
Mrs. Janice Corbin Quiet
Room/Café. Monitor
Mrs. Stephanie Barnes Resource
Assistant
Mrs. Rita Nelson CDC
Assistant
Mrs. Wanda Street CDC
Assistant
Mrs. Wanda Chappell Title 1
Assistant
Mrs. Cheryl Eads Title
1 Assistant
Mrs. Lisa Riddle Title 1
Assistant
Ms. Wanda Hayes Pre-K Assistant
Mrs. Kay Ruffino Secretary
Mrs. Frances Self Cafeteria
Manager
Mrs. Charity Adkins Cook
Mrs. Terri Hagewood
Cook
Mrs. Cecilia Grubb Cook
Mrs. Peggy Fulwider Janitor
Mrs. Kathy Hood Janitor
Vanleer
Elementary School
Calendar of Events 2007-2008
August 1, 2008 1st
day of school
August 12, 2008 1st
full day for Kindergarten students
August 18, 2008 1st
full day for all Pre-K students
September 1, 2008 Labor
Day-No School
September 2, 2008 Staff
Development Day (No students)
September 19, 2008 Fall Pictures
September 26, 2008 1/2 Day Creekwood High School Homecoming
October 3, 2008 End of 1st Nine weeks
October 6-17, 2008
Fall Break
October 27, 2008 Report Cards sent home
October 30 Parent/Teacher
Conferences
November 26-28, 2008 Thanksgiving
Holidays
December 19, 2008 ½
school day-End of 2nd Nine weeks
December 22, 2008-Jan. 2, 2009 Christmas
Break
January 12, 2009 Report Cards sent
January 19, 2009 No
School-Martin Luther King Day
February 16, 2009 No
School-President’s Day
March 6, 2008 End
of 3rd Nine weeks
March 9-20, 2009 Spring
Break
March 24, 2009 Report
Cards sent
March 31, 2009 Parent/Teacher
Conferences
May 25, 2009 Memorial
Day-No School
May 30, 2009 Last
day of school
Communication
We believe strongly that communication between
the school and the home is critical for student success. We make every attempt
to keep parents informed and gather parental ideas and input about school
activities.
* One of the most
important and effective methods for keeping parents informed is the student’s
folder sent home by the teacher (she will let you know when to look for the
work). Please look for it, go through the contents thoroughly, sign and return.
Notify your child’s teacher if there is anything that you need more information
about.
* The Vanleer Voice,
the school newsletter, is published and sent home every nine weeks. It contains
school news, upcoming dates, events, and school information.
* This handbook is
published every year. Please read it thoroughly, return the necessary papers,
and keep it handy as a reference.
Telephone Usage
The main telephone number for Vanleer
Elementary is 740-5760. Parents should feel free to call the school at any
time. Except in cases of emergency, teachers are not called to the telephone
during school hours. Staff members return calls during planning times and after
school.
Students are allowed to use the telephone only
for emergencies or as requested by a staff member. We believe students need to
learn responsibility and to plan ahead. Students will not be allowed to call
parents to bring forgotten homework or to make arrangements for after school
plans. All plans for after school activities must be arranged prior to
coming to school! We ask
for parental support with this policy.
Parent Concerns
It is our desire to provide an atmosphere of
open communication that encourages parents to share positive comments about
their child’s education, as well as issues and concerns. Experience shows that
effective communication resolves most issues. We request that parents contact
their child’s teacher if they are uncomfortable with anything taking place in
the classroom. We all have our own perceptions of specific situations and feel
it is important that child, parent, and teacher have an opportunity to openly
discuss these situations before following other avenues.
Student Progress
Each student will receive a report card four
times a year. Report cards will be sent home after the end of each nine weeks
grading period. Parents should take time to go over each area of the card and
to give praise and encouragement to the child. The card should be signed and
returned to school the following day. If the report card becomes lost, it will
be replaced for a fee of $1.00.
In accordance with the policy as set forth by
the Dickson County Board of Education, Vanleer
School invests the classroom teacher with the responsibility of deciding
whether or not a student is to be
promoted. The teacher will consider each child’s level of ability,
achievement, and maturity in making her decision, but the primary measure of
the student’s achievement will be the teacher’s determination of the student’s
mastery of the basic skills as set forth by the Tennessee Department of
Education and as supplemented by the local education agency. Board policy will be strictly adhered to in
all cases.
Conferences
Teachers will meet with all parents and
students at least two times during the year. Please make every effort to attend
these meetings. Additionally, parents
may request a conference at other times with their child’s teacher. Teachers
and parents are encouraged to have children be a part of the conference whenever
both feel it is appropriate. Teachers cannot be called out of the classroom
during class time to speak with parents. If you would like a conference with
the teacher, please call the office and
the message will be given to the teacher to arrange a conference and return
your call.
School
Wide Discipline
Our goal is to promote responsible and
respectful student behavior. We must provide students with both the freedom of
choice for making responsible decisions, as well as carefully defined expectations
that allow our school to be a safe and orderly place for learning. Any type of physical or verbal contact that
poses a serious danger or threat to others will not be tolerated. A police report will be made each time a
threat is made to another person. Fighting (whether real or pretend) will not be
tolerated. All persons involved in such
actions are subject to disciplinary action,
regardless of the cause. Each classroom and all supporting teachers develop
a list of classroom rules, rewards, and consequences which are grade and age
appropriate. A copy of these rules will be sent home at the beginning of each
year for the parents to read. Parents are asked to go over these with their
children, and then return the acknowledgment of the rules back to the teacher
with parent and student signatures.
Office Referrals
Referrals will be written for severe
infractions which involve any of the following:
Fighting, destruction of property, possession
of controlled substances or weapons, harassment or threats, adult defiance,
repeated offenses, and cursing. Parents will be notified each time a child
comes to the office.
Visits to the Principal’s Office-When
it becomes necessary to send a student to the office, the following steps will
be taken.
1st
Visit- Warning and referral to Guidance Counselor
2nd
Visit- Quiet Room- One half day
3rd
Visit- Quiet Room - One full day
4th
Visit- Quiet Room - Two full days
5th
Visit- Student will be assigned to after school detention or be assigned
to one day of Saturday
School.
6th
Visit- Students will be assigned to after school detention or two days
of Saturday School.
7th
Visit- Parents will be called as soon as possible. Parents will be
requested to pick up their child or discuss other forms of discipline. Students
may be suspended for the remainder of the day and possible other days. Students
may be assigned to New directions Academy.
Climate for Learning
Registration
All students entering Pre-K in
the Dickson County School System must have reached their fourth birthday by
September 30th of the current year. Students entering kindergarten must have
reached their fifth birthday by September 30th of the current year. Students
entering first grade must have completed a year of kindergarten and have reached
their sixth birthday by September 30th of the current year.
In order to enroll in school a student must
provide proof of immunizations, present a birth certificate to show positive
proof of the child’s date of birth, and have a social security card. The social
security number will be recorded on the permanent record and will serve as the
student’s ID number throughout their school career
.Provision of Textbooks
The parent agreement slip must be signed and
returned to the teacher before books will be issued. Each student will be
furnished with a sufficient supply of books for all his/her subjects. At the
end of a unit of study, all books previously distributed will be returned to
the teacher. The teacher will examine the books, and if it has been in any way
abused, mutilated, lost or destroyed, a charge will be issued against the
student. He or she will be expected to pay for the damage as soon as possible.
The
School Day
Arrival
The school day will start at 7:50 each day.
Students are expected to be seated in the bus room at this time for
morning assembly. Students should arrive at school no earlier that 7:10 each
day. Students are not allowed into the building before this time unless
they are enrolled in Daycare. School personnel will not be responsible in any
way for children who arrive prior to that time. Morning bus room is held in the
gym from 7:10-7:50. A monitor is present. Children are seated by home rooms and
are not allowed to go to the classroom. The student must have permission before
going to the restroom. If the student arrives by car and eats breakfast
students must go directly to their designated class area, leave their things,
and go to breakfast if they are eating. Children will be reading
silently each morning from 7:30-7:45 AM. Please help by reminding the students
to always have a book in their backpack. Headphones are not permitted and
no eating or drinking is allowed in the gym. Students are not permitted to get
up, bother others, or their things, and the level of noise will be controlled
by the monitor. Children who are disruptive will be moved to a quiet area.
Children who continually disrupt will be given a permanent seat away from their
classroom.
Bookstore
From 7:30 until 7:45 students will be called by
grades to go to the bookstore. The bookstore is located in the end corner of
the gym. Children who need supplies should be here before 7:45.
Dickson County Elementary Division Tardy/Early Check Out Policy
Recognizing that punctuality and the
opportunity to learn affects the academic progress of a student at school, the
Dickson County elementary principals and supervisor have adopted the following
tardy and early check out policy.
School begins promptly at 7:50 AM. Any student
arriving after the 7:50 bell is
considered tardy and issued a tardy slip. Parents
must bring the students into the office and sign them in after the starting
time of 7:50 AM. School ends at 2:55
PM. Students leaving before this time will be documented as checking out
early. Tardy and early checkouts slips are filed and maintained in the office.
Students who are chronically late or checked out early will be assigned the
following consequences:
3 Tardy/ Early Check Outs: Written reminder of
the policy to the parent
4 Tardy/Early Check Outs: Second written reminder
with a post script from principal
5 Tardy/Early Check Outs: 30 Minutes student recovery time and principal makes a telephone call to parent (Optional 1 hour parent volunteer)
6 Tardy/Early Check Outs: 30 minutes student recovery time and a parent conference is requested at the 7th occurrence (Optional 2 hour parent volunteer)
Subsequent unexcused tardy/early checkouts-School Attendance Review Committee will meet to discuss the issue and make recommendations to remedy the problem. Principal should forward minutes of this meeting to Board of Education. Student may be required to continue to recover unexcused time.
The
cycle starts over at the beginning of the second semester. (January)
Dismissal
It is necessary for the school to have reliable
information about how your child is to go home in the afternoon. You will be
asked by the teacher to provide this information when your child enters school.
After that, any changes in the regular routine (such as being picked up early,
or by a different person or riding a different bus, etc.) requires a note from
the parent. If we do not have a note, we will send the child home the way
they are normally transported home.
Phone calls from parents to change the
afternoon routine must be made before 2:00. Messages are
delivered at 2:45 each day. Car riders and walkers are dismissed at 2:55 at
the front door. We ask that you do
not check students out after 2:45.
This is only 10 minutes before the bell rings for dismissal. Your child
will be walked to the vehicle when you drive up. Every effort will be made to
get your child to the car quickly to avoid delays. Please remain in your car in line and
your child will be brought to your car.
This is to ensure the safety of all students. Car riders must be
picked up by 3:10. Car riders not picked up by this time will be sent to After
School Care and parents will be charged appropriate fees. Please confirm
with your child in the morning that he/she is to be a car rider. Walkers are to
leave the school grounds. They are not to loiter on the playground.
Bus riders will wait in the cafeteria and back
hallway. Buses will be loaded by 3:40 and the building locked. There are
unavoidable times when a bus is delayed due to mechanical problems. Children
will not be allowed to call home for other rides. This creates additional
confusion and disruption. The bus garage will make every effort to get a replacement
bus here as quickly as possible.
Parents picking up children or coming into the
building between 8-3:00 must come to the front of the building. All of the
other doors to the building will be locked during the day. This is for the
safety of the students. Parents picking up children from After School Care
should enter at the gym door.
Physical Education
All
students are expected to take PE on a regular basis. Any students who cannot
take PE because of medical reasons should make certain their teacher and the
office is aware of this fact. A doctor’s excuse must be presented if the
student is excused for more than five (5) consecutive days. Please send a pair
of tennis shoes that can be used for PE.
Recess
Recess is an important part of the school day
and is provided for all students. Playground equipment is provided for your
child to use during recess times. Children should not bring toys from
home to play with at school. This
includes items such as Walkmans, radios, Game Boys, etc. Occasionally,
classroom projects and activities necessitate bringing items from home to
school. Should this be necessary, teachers will notify parents of their
acceptability.
Attendance
and Reporting Absences
Regular attendance is an important ingredient
in a student’s overall school success. We monitor students’ attendance
carefully and contact parents if a pattern of frequent absence (10 or more
days) or tardiness exists. A doctor’s note will be required after the
student has missed 18 school days.
If your child has a medical problem that may hinder his or her school
attendance, a note from your doctor would be helpful to us. In some cases, a
written doctor’s excuse may be required. Written notice is required for all
absences of which you have prior knowledge. When your child is sick and
needs to remain at home, a note is required the day he/she returns to school.
The written note from the parent must be presented to the teacher and
should include the following information:
*Date of note *Reason for absence
*Date or dates of absence *Signature of parent or guardian
The note is expected the day the child returns
to school. If a note is not sent within three days, the absence will be
unexcused. All unexcused absences will result in zeros for the student’s work.
We strongly discourage taking your student out
of school for family vacations, but we recognize that these are unusual
opportunities and exceptions can be made. In order for vacation time to count
as an excused absence, two things must happen:
1) Parents must request and receive the
principal’s approval.
2) Arrangements must be made for the student’s
missed assignments to be completed.
Parents are encouraged to contact the principal
to work out a plan so that their student’s absence is not considered “Unexcused.”
Normally the school does not send homework for students who are only out for a
day or two. Instead, they will be given an equivalent number of days to make up
work they have missed when they return.
Parents may request that the student’s
assignments be sent to the office for someone to pick up.
Leave During the School Day
If your child must leave school early due to
special circumstances such as a doctor appointment, please report to the school
office where upon the student will be called from his/her classroom for
dismissal. Parents will always sign students out at the office when they are
picked up prior to the regular dismissal time. No student will be permitted to
leave the school with any other adult unless the parent or guardian has given
permission to release the student in that person’s custody. Identification may
be required in these situations.
Student Withdrawals
Let us know as soon as possible if your will be
moving. Withdrawal forms are found in the office. It is imperative that your
child return all school-owned books and materials, and any money owed for lunch
or lost textbooks. Early notification will enable your child’s new school to
receive his/her records more promptly.
Programs
For Learning
Special Education Services
The Dickson County School System offers special
programs for students with learning or
speech/language disabilities, visual impairments, emotional disabilities,
health impairments and developmental delays. Special Education also offers the
Gifted Program.
Tutoring
Before and after school tutoring is available
during the school year contingent on extended contract teachers.
Library
The Vanleer Elementary School Library functions
as a vital component in the educational process. It provides all forms of
materials to support the teaching, learning, and interest components of
Vanleer’s staff, students, and parents. The library is open to all students,
staff, and community members each school day. Children visit the library weekly
for story time, check out, and research. There are also times each day when
students are allowed to check out additional books. In case of lost or damaged
books or materials, replacement costs will be paid for by the student/patron
damaging or losing the material. In honor of your child’s birthdays, we
encourage students to donate a book to the library in place of or in addition
to bringing treats for the class. This is a memorable way to celebrate the
occasion throughout the year and to give a gift that keeps on giving.
Technology
All students have access to computers.
Computers are available in each class room.
There is also a regularly scheduled learning lab
for students in grades K-5. Students are
tested at the beginning of the year and have individual programs to work on.
Any class may come to the lab for additional time.
CO-Curricular
Activities
A and A/B Honor Roll
Periodically, field trips are scheduled to
provide children with hands-on learning experiences not readily available in
the classroom.
4H Club:
Students in grade 4-5 meet monthly with the 4H
leaders from the county.
Perfect Attendance:
Students who are not tardy, checked out early
and do not miss a day will receive perfect attendance awards each nine weeks.
Students who have never been tardy, checked out early or missed a day
all year will be honored on Honors Day.
Student Council:
This council consists of student
representatives chosen by their peers from the 5th grade and is facilitated by
staff members. The SC works as a team to plan school activities, give
input regarding school wide policies, and provide services to the community.
*WOW Club- Stands for
Wildcats Outstanding Workers. The student will:
PreK-2nd
Grade:
1. Uphold standards for classroom discipline
plan set by the teacher
2. Has not been referred to the principal’s
office
3. Does not have unexcused absences
4. Does not come in tardy or leave early more
than 3 times in a 9 weeks period
3rd-5th
Grade
1. Does not have unexcused absences
2. Does not come in tardy or leave early more
than 3 times in a 9 weeks period
3. No negative notes or phone calls home
dealing with behavior
4. Cannot miss 5 or more homework assignments
5. No visits to
the principal
Lunch
Program
Cafeteria Procedures
Classes are given 30 minutes for lunch. A
cafeteria monitor is present to assure order and to provide help. Students will
be expected to complete their meal in the allotted time and will not be allowed
to take food out of the cafeteria.
Letter from the Nutrition Staff
Dear Parents:
Due to
the changes that USDA have made to try and improve the overall health and
increased obesity of our young children, we will only serve and sale the items
that are approved by USDA. All items sold in the cafeteria will be on that
list. We also ask your help in keeping with the rules. If your child brings
their lunch from home, please send only milk, juice or a healthy drink with
them, (or they may buy a drink at school.) We ask that no sodas of any
kind be sent with lunch or be brought into the cafeteria during lunch times. The future health of our children is
everyone’s responsibility. If you have any questions please call 740-5761.
Thank your for your cooperation.
Cafeteria Staff
Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast is served from 7:10-7:35 AM each day. Prices will be announced or be in the lunch
packets sent out at the beginning of school. If you have more than one child
you may send lunch and breakfast money only (no snack money) for
all children in one check, please be
sure to put the children’s name on the envelope.
Policy/Procedures
Due to the difficulty in collecting money for
outstanding charges, the county has adopted a “one charge only policy. No A LA
Carte items will be charged. Anyone needing financial assistance with lunches
may fill out an application for free or reduced meals. Information concerning
the school lunch program should be directed to Mrs. Frances Self, the cafeteria
manager at Vanleer. The phone number is 740-5761.
Extras:
Snacks can be purchased with cash only at
designated times of the day. The cost of snacks ranges from $.25
to $1.00 depending on the item selected. Students may not use lunch accounts to
purchase snacks. Prices for snacks from the cafeteria will be announced.
Lunchroom Conduct
We expect our lunchroom to be a refection of
proper meal-time manners and courtesies taught and expected at home. Children
are expected to use proper manners, quiet indoor voices and follow all
lunchroom rules because of the number of students gathered together.
Special
Programs
Extended Child Care Program
This program provides educationally enriching
quality care for students during the hours when there may not be adult
supervision in the home. (See Form in the Back) The site director is
Mrs. Janice Corbin. She can be reached at 740-5762.
Student
Safety
The safety of students at Vanleer is of primary
concern to all personnel at school. Rules and procedures to maintain safety
have been established in the following areas.
Bus Safety
The bus rules are explained in the handbook
provided by the Dickson County Board of Education. Please read the rules with
or to your children and return the signed form in the back of the book.
School Entrances
Anyone entering the building during the school
day must use the main entrance and
report to the school office before proceeding
elsewhere.
All doors will remain locked during the day to ensure student
safety.
All Pre-K students will be picked up between
2:55-3:10 at the side door by the CDC Room.
Playground Equipment
During school hours, playground and sports
equipment is used with designated adult supervision. The school does not
provide adult supervision on the playground either before or after school.
School Visitations
For the safety of our students, all visitors
must report to the office upon entering the building and obtain a visitors
badge. Parents are welcome visitors at school anytime. These visits give
youngsters the feeling that they are “number one.” Parents are welcome to stay
in the bus room, but we must ask that you follow the same rules as the
students: No talking. Teachers will
be seated with their students and are not able to have a conference in bus
room. If you would like to visit the classroom, as a matter of courtesy and to
maximize the effectiveness of your visit, please contact your child’s teacher
ahead of time to determine that day’s activities. While visiting in the
classroom, keep in mind that children are easily distracted by conversation
between adults. Discussions should be saved for a conference time that the
teacher will be happy to schedule with you.
Damage to Property
Damaging property in any way will be met with
suitable punishment, and the student will be expected to reimburse the school
for whatever damage was done. Any property directly connected to the school,
including school buses, is covered by this rule.
Severe
Weather Procedures
School Closure/Delayed Openings/Early Dismissal
In the event of severe weather, listen to your
radio or television for notification of school closing, delayed opening or
early dismissal. The Director of School determines whether or not school will
be open. WDKN, the local radio station and the Nashville TV stations will be
notified by the director. The snow number for Dickson County is 441-1994.
Parents should use the above for information for schools not opening as well as
closings before the regular time.
It may be necessary to dismiss students early
because of bad weather. Elementary students should be prepared in advance in
the event of early dismissal. Please work out a plan and discuss it with your
child. Information sheets will be sent home at the beginning of the year for
parents to return with special instructions if school closes early. If changes
are made to the plan later, be sure to update the information with the teacher.
These plans should be made in advance rather than calling the school on that
day. Students will follow the plans and will not be allowed to use the phone to
make arrangements.
Health
and Medical
Vanleer Elementary has been assigned a nurse
for two days each week. She is concerned with any health related aspect of the students’
education and well being. She will work with school and community health
agencies to strengthen and improve the health status of the students. Emergency
cards will be completed at the beginning of school. When an illness occurs,
parents will be notified and the student will be made as comfortable as
possible until someone comes to get the student. In case of a serious injury,
the ambulance will be called to transport the student to the hospital listed on
the emergency card. At the same time, parents or guardian will be notified. If
parents or guardian cannot be located immediately, and the family physician is
not available, the emergency room attendants in the hospital will call an
available physician. The teacher and principal will gather all information
relative to the accident or injury indicating time, witnesses, etc. and
complete the accident report. The report will be sent to the office of the
Director of Schools.
Medication
It is recommended, whenever possible, that
students take medicines before and after school rather than during the school
day. All medications administered at school must be kept in the office and
dispensed from there. The office keeps a written record of all medications
given at school and will notify parents when a child’s prescription is running
low.
No student should ever bring prescription or
non-prescription medicines to school.
Dickson County has a policy concerning
medicines and how they are to be given at school.
Schools must have an authorization form completed
by their doctor before any medicine can be
given. Changes in prescriptions must be
documented in writing by your physician so that we can accommodate the new
dosage.
Communicable Diseases
It shall be the duty of the school authorities
to exclude from any public, private, or church-related school, any child who is
infected with or suspected of having any of the following diseases: measles,
mumps, rubella, infectious hepatitis, chicken pox, pediculosis, scabies, head
lice and other illnesses designated by the local health officer as requiring
exclusion.
If a teacher suspects a child has one of the
above communicable diseases, he or she will notify the principal. The principal
will seek verification of the disease by one of the following means depending
on the circumstances of each case;
1. Notify the parents or guardian of the
student involved and ask that they have a physician examine the student.
2. Notify Dickson County Department of Public
Health and ask them to make a school
visit for the purpose of examining the student.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any Dickson County School property nor
at any school event.
Dress
Code
Safety is the primary concern for all students
in Dickson County. It is our belief that our dress should reflect one’s self dignity
and should not be a disturbing influence on either the wearer or observer.
Student, Faculty, and Staff members’ dress should be appropriate, clean, and
neat. Proper dress and personal hygiene are essential elements for appropriate
interaction in everyday life. It is essential that those who attend Vanleer
Elementary School abide by the previously stated Principle. Therefore, the
following rules have been established to guide your choice in the purchase of
appropriate clothing.
Dress Code Rules:
1. All students must remove hats upon entering
the building.
2. Clothing selections must cover the midriff
and back as well as being appropriate in
length. (No short skirts, dresses or short-shorts allowed). Length can
be no shorter
than
finger length when hands are held by the side. Tank tops and biking shorts,
tops with
spaghetti straps, bandannas, are not acceptable attire for school.
Sleeveless shirts and tops
must have at least two (2) inches and fit
snugly around the arm.
3. Clothing should fit properly- not
excessively tight or loose. Under no circumstances should
students wear clothing that is obviously too
large(especially pants). Droopy or
sagging
pants are UNACCEPTABLE. At no time is it appropriate
for any underwear to be showing
on
either male or female students.
Students who wear long tailed shirts or shirts that fall below the
hipline must be
tucked in.
4. No clothing or accessories will be allowed
which advertise drugs, alcohol, sex, gang
activity, violence (all professional wrestling), tobacco, or any
clothing or accessories
that
promotes disrespectful attitudes.
5. No tattoos on the face.
6. No blue, green, pink, purple, etc, hair that
distracts other.
To
alleviate these problems, faculty members shall refer students to office to
determine
appropriate disciplinary actions. Parents will
be expected to assist the school in dealing with any infraction of the school
dress code. Failure to do so may result in the following consequences;
1st Violation- Incident documented
2nd Violation- Parent called for
change of clothes
3rd violation- Student assigned to
quiet Room - 1 Day
4th Violation- Student may be
suspended – 1 day.
Vanleer Elementary School
Student
Handbook
2008-2009
Statement
My child and I
received a copy of the Vanleer Student Handbook.
________________________________________________________________
Signature of Parent Date
_________________________________________________________________
Signature of Student Date
_________________________________________________________________
Signature of Teacher Date
Vanleer Elementary expects students who
are able to read this handbook to do so and that parents will go over the handbook
with students who are unable to read the material. The school also has an
obligation to go over these policies with students. While we realize that the
discussion of all policies will be too difficult for younger students, parents
and teachers are advised to discuss student expectation, as well as
inappropriate behaviors and their consequences, with all students.
All threats will
be taken seriously. Please advise your child not to make jokes about safety
issues.
Note: If you do NOT wish to have your child’s name or picture
released for honor roll, academic or other school related functions, please
check NO and sign below.
_____ No
________________________________________
Parent Signature
Date