Dear Parents and Students,
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you and your student(s) to the 2011-2012 school year at Bon De Croft Elementary. We hope that your summer has been filled with fun family activities. We eagerly await welcoming our new families and students and catching up with great summer stories and memories with returning families and students.
We have had some great changes here at BDC in our faculty and on our campus. Mrs. Hope Brown is our new Title 1 teacher and Ms. Relva Lewis returns as our Resource teacher. We are looking forward to working with both Mrs. Brown and Ms. Lewis. BDC has had some physical changes to our building also. Our front office has been remodeled to help with the security of your children and improve services to our community. The front doors will be locked from 8 am to 3:15 pm. Visitors will now have to come into our school through our new front entrance. The new entrance is to the right of the old front doors.
As I begin my third year as principal of BDC, I will continue to work diligently with parents and faculty to foster an atmosphere that promotes a learning community characterized by child centered instruction and decisions, academic excellence, trust, respect, community involvement, excellent communications, and recognition of both student and staff achievement. I am committed to working in collaboration with you to continue to develop and implement this shared vision. Working together as a team we will move forward in our mission this new school year to create a nurturing, disciplined, and challenging environment in which all students can learn at optimum levels and become responsible members of society. We have so much to be proud of as a staff, family, and community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Larry Thompson
BONDECROFT
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mission Statement
BonDeCroft Elementary School is to provide a climate for learning that will foster the creation of motivated, literate, and value-conscious individuals.
2011-2012 School Year
This Parent-Student Handbook has been prepared to provide essential information to the students who attend BonDeCroft Elementary School and their parents. Pease review the contents.
White County Schools
2011-2012 School Calendar
August 6 Back to School Celebration 8-10 A.M. Ag Complex
August 11 Student Registration 8:00 – 9:30 A.M.
August 15 First Full Day of School
August 18 County Wide Open House 3:15 – 6:15 PM
September 5 Labor Day (Schools Closed)
September 30 K – 12 Report Cards
October 11 WCHS Parent/Teacher Conference 3:15 – 6:15 P.M.
October 14, 17 Fall Break
October 20 WCMS Parent/Teacher Conference 3:15 – 6:15 P.M.
November 15 K – 12 Report Cards
November 21 PreK -5th Parent/Teacher Conference 3:15 – 6:15 P.M.
November 23, 24, 25 Thanksgiving Holidays (Schools Closed)
December 6-8 End of Course Exams - WCHS
December 16 Semester Test Day
Christmas parties in elementary classrooms 2:00 P.M.
January 3 Schools Re-open
January 6 K – 12 Report Cards
January 16 Martin Luther King Day (Schools Closed)
February 1 Writing Assessment – Grades 5, 8, & 11
February 20 President’s Day (Schools Closed)
February 28 K – 12 Report Cards
March 6 PreK -5th Parent/Teacher Conference 3:15 – 6:15 P.M.
March 9, 12 Spring Break (Schools Closed)
March 15 WCHS Parent/Teacher Conference 3:15 – 6:15 P.M.
March 20 State ACT Exam - WCHS
March 22 WCMS Parent/Teacher Conference 3:15 – 6:15 P.M.
April 5 Dismiss at 9:30 A.M. Easter Break
April 6, 9 Easter Break (Schools Closed)
April 17 K – 12 Report Cards
April 26, 27, 30, May 1 TCAP Testing (Grades 3 – 8)
May 1 – 3 End of Course Exams - WCHS
May 22 Last Day of School (Dismiss at 9:30 AM
Philosophy and Objectives
The BonDeCroft Elementary School faculty and administration believe in the capability and worth of every student. The purpose of the school is to provide a diversity of educational opportunities whereby the faculty will provide instruction and innovative programs designed to enable each student to reach individual academic potential. Through a cooperative partnership with the family, school, and community, each student will be given opportunities to become a positive, contributing citizen in today's society.
The administration, faculty, and staff of BonDeCroft Elementary School will strive to:
1. build academic skills in order that students can function in society at their greatest potential;
2. help promote a positive attitude toward becoming a productive member of society;
3. nurture and enhance the creative ability of each student by providing motivational experiences in the visual and performing arts;
4. assist students in the development of self-discipline resulting in responsible work habits and social skills;
5. develop the ability of each student to communicate in both written and oral forms in order to express ideas effectively;
6. provide learning experiences using problem-solving skills which will lead to the development of responsible decision-making;
7. encourage school and community communication to ensure cooperation in meeting student needs;
8. provide support for quality physical development in order to promote good health practices;
9. build positive self-image, respect for others, and a value for property to foster the responsible citizenship of each student;
10. provide opportunities which will enhance student awareness of occupational and social roles within the immediate community and throughout the state, nation, and world; and
11. promote student awareness related to the use of leisure time and the potential benefits for becoming well-rounded individuals.
Each student should:
1. obey all teachers and adult staff members.
2. always be on time.
3. always help keep the school building and grounds clean and free of litter.
4. use proper language at all times. Curse words, unkind remarks to or about other students, parents, teachers, or personnel are not allowed.
5. always walk inside the school buildings unless participating in supervised physical education activities.
6. never disturb other classrooms while walking in the halls.
7. always get along with others. Fighting is not allowed. You should report any fights or attempts to fight to a teacher. Bullying will not be tolerated.
8. not chew gum at school.
9. always dress appropriately for school. Clothing should be clean, with no obscene language or references to alcohol or tobacco. Excessively short skirts or shorts should not be worn. In general, shorts and skirts should be longer than the ends of the student’s fingertips when their arms are held straight down. Additionally, tank tops and shirts with “spaghetti straps” should not be worn. No “roller skate” shoes or cleats are allowed.
10. not bring radios, mp3 players, etc. or valuable personal items or toys to school. Trading cards must not be brought to school. Students should never bring excess money to school.
11. never bring weapons of any kind to school.
12. not leave school premises without permission from the office.
13. never damage or take school property or property that belongs to another.
14. not wear a hat/cap in the building.
CONSEQUENCES
for violations of school rules may be as follows:
For minor infractions (such as classroom disturbances, tardiness, cheating, failure to do assignments, etc.):
1. Counseling the student
2. Restricting activities
3. Requiring special assignments
4. Time out (removal of student temporarily from classroom)
5. Behavior modification activities
6. Denial of class privileges
For infractions whose frequency or seriousness disrupts the learning climate of the school (such as continuation of items in the above, disruptive classroom behavior, truancy, etc.):
1. In-school suspension
2. Detention after school
3. Suspension from school sponsored activities
4. Suspension from riding the bus
5. Corporal punishment
For infractions that are directed against persons or property (such as fighting, vandalism, stealing, etc.):
1. Temporary removal from class
2. In-School suspension
3. Detention after school
4. Corporal punishment
5. Out-of-school suspension
For infractions that result in violence to another person or property or which pose a direct threat to the safety of others in the school (such as assault/battery, etc.):
1. Out-of-school suspension
2. Expulsion
3. Other action by the Board of Education
These consequences are in accordance with School Board Policy.
NOTE: According to the philosophy of the White County School Board, “corporal punishment has a place in school discipline” (White County System Improvement Plan, 2001-2005). If parents object to the use of corporal punishment, such objection must be made in advance and in writing, to the principal. The principal may suspend a student, whose parents object to the use of corporal punishment, when and if it is deemed necessary by the principal.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
Parents should complete a Corporal Punishment Permission Form (available from your child’s teacher). These forms will be kept on file in the principal’s office. This form will satisfy the written requests of the parent. Until form is returned, the school will assume permission to paddle.
ATTENDANCE
ATTENDANCE (New Policy adopted 7-15-09)
Absences
The scholastic achievement attained by any student is directly related to his/her pattern of attendance. Parents, it is extremely important that your child be present every day possible. White County schools expect every child of school age to be in attendance, and on time, each day school is in session unless prevented by an excused absence. White County Schools has a 95 percent attendance guideline. If a student fails to meet this standard, then the student will be referred to the Supervisor of Attendance for White County.
Absences shall be classified as excused or unexcused as determined by the principal or his/her designee. Excused absences shall include:
1. 1. Personal illness
2. 2. Death in the family
3. 3. Religious observances
4. 4. Circumstances which, in the judgment of the principal, create emergencies over which the student has no control.
Absences will be excused by a doctor’s note or a hand written note by the parent. The school will only accept 5 parent notes per semester as excused. After five parent notes, only a doctor’s note will be excused. Excuse notes from parents should clearly state the reason that the student has been absent or tardy. When a student accumulates 5 unexcused absences an attendance letter is sent to the parents and the Supervisor of Attendance. If more unexcused absences continue, the parent may be called to a conference with the principal. When 10 unexcused absences are reached, a second letter is sent to the parents by the Supervisor of Attendance and parents may be called to a meeting with the Attendance and Discipline Committee. If unexcused absences continue then a referral will be made to the court. State law, TCA 49-6-3009, states that a parent or guardian whose child violates the mandatory attendance law commits a Class C misdemeanor and will be subject to 30 days incarceration and a $50 fine for each unexcused day.
All missed class work or tests for excused absences may be made up provided the student makes the request immediately upon returning to school. Class work must be made up in a reasonable amount of time based upon the number of days absent. Principal and teacher will determine whether class work can be made up when absence is unexcused.
TARDIES
Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. are considered tardy. Anyone arriving after 8:00 a.m. must report to the office for admission to school. Students who have 10 or more tardies/checkouts during the year will not be eligible for perfect attendance awards. Additionally, three tardies in a single six weeks will remove the child from that six weeks’ perfect attendance. Cases of excessive tardies will be reported to the Attendance Supervisor and will be treated in the same manner as truancy cases.
STUDENT SCHEDULE
7:00 Students admitted to school.
7:20-7:40 Breakfast
7:45 Students dismissed to classroom.
8:00 Classes begin.
2:55-3:15 Afternoon recess
3:00 End of School Day
3:15 Students assemble in gym for buses.
SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS:
Students should not arrive at school before 7:00 a.m. The school will not be opened until a teacher arrives for bus duty.
CHECKOUTS
Students will be allowed to leave school early for the same reasons that excused absences are granted. Please use checkouts for legitimate reasons only. Excessive checkouts will be treated the same as tardies in regards to perfect attendance. 10 or more tardies/ checkouts will disqualify a student from perfect attendance award. A parent (or other adult listed on the student’s information sheet) may check the student out of school by signing the check out sheet in the front office. Only those persons listed on the student’s information sheet will be allowed to pick up a child from school. Additions or deletions from that list need to be made in advance and in writing to the principal.
PARENT PICK-UP
Students who do not ride a bus should be picked up between 2:55 and 3:15. Parents (or other adult listed on student’s information sheet) should report to the front hall of the school where a school employee will call for the child. Parents please do not go to the playground or directly to your child’s classroom to get your child.
Classes are in session from 8:00am until 2:55pm. Afternoon recess begins at 2:55. Please do not pick up your child before 2:55 unless it is for a legitimate reason (doctor appointment, etc.). Remember, any checkout prior to 2:55 is recorded and treated as a tardy.
WITHDRAWALS
Students who plan to withdraw should notify school officials as soon as possible. Records will be transferred to the student's new school by mail upon receipt of a request for records by the new school. Before leaving BonDeCroft School, all textbooks and library books must be returned to the school and any and all fees must be paid in full. Records will not be sent to the new school until all fees are settled.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
BonDeCroft School collects Box Tops for Education. These are found on products made by General Mills. Cut these labels out from products you buy and send them to school. We can receive about 10 cents per box top. Box tops will be turned in to your child’s teacher.
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
BonDeCroft School strives to have an active PTO. Please get involved and help us make the school even greater for our children. Watch your child’s “bring home” information for dates and times.
The following roads must be clear and will be run as snow routes:
- Highway 70
- W. Ravenscroft Rd.
- Coal Bank Rd.
- Old Bon Air Rd.
- Eastland Rd.
If schools are open and buses are running snow routes, BonDeCroft will open at 6:30 for parents to leave students. If roads clear during the day, students may be transported home in the afternoon. Contact the school for more information. If roads do not clear, students that are transported by parents in the morning must be transported that afternoon by parents.
When running snow routes, buses will remain only on the roads listed above. Contact the school if you have questions.
Parents we need an early dismissal plan. Please make sure to notify us when any changes occur on your student’s information sheet.
GRADING SYSTEM
93 - 100 A Outstanding
85 - 92 B Above Average
75 - 84 C Average
70 - 74 D Below Average
0 - 69 F Unsatisfactory
An "I" on the report card denotes the grade as incomplete and must be made up before the next grading period.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards will be issued on the fifth school day following the end of each six-weeks grading period.
HONOR ROLL
An Honor Roll will be announced each six-weeks. Students will make the Honor Roll who have all A's or all A's and B's during a grading period. This includes all subjects for which grades are earned and citizenship. Students who are on the Honor Roll each six-weeks will be recognized at the end of the school year.
PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 1127
SENATE BILL NO. 3427
By Finney, Kelsey, Stewart, Tate, Black
Substituted for: House Bill No. 3545
By Maddox, Maggart, Harwell, Towns; Mr. Speaker Williams; Hardaway, Naifeh,
Richardson, Ramsey, Brown, Eldridge, Fincher, Ty Cobb, Kevin Brooks,
Coleman, Camper, McDonald, Barker, Litz, Dunn, Haynes, Winningham, Lynn,
Montgomery, Fitzhugh, Carr, Todd, Lollar, Yokley, Evans, Harry Brooks,
Hensley, Stewart, McCormick, Campfield, Weaver, Shaw, Bone, White,
Curtis Johnson
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to student
assessments.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 1, Part 6, is
amended by adding the following language as a new section:
§ 49-1-614. Each local board of education shall develop a policy by which
student scores on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program's grades
three through eight (3-8) achievement tests shall comprise a percentage of the
student's final grade for the spring semester in the subject areas of mathematics,
reading/language arts, science and social studies. The percentage shall be
determined by the local board from a range of no less than fifteen percent (15%)
and no more than twenty-five percent (25%). The policy shall utilize performance
levels determined by the State Board of Education and be developed and
implemented for the spring semester of 2011.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Each child is required to participate in physical education unless a doctor's statement can be furnished. PE classes are on rotation schedule. We will let the students know about PE day. Students should always dress appropriately on these days by wearing sneakers or tennis shoes (no black soles) and clothing that will not prohibit them from participating in all activities (dresses, etc. are not appropriate on PE days). Students must participate in physical education activities in order to maintain an acceptable grade.
RECESS
Each grade is assigned specific recess times on a daily basis. If your child needs to stay in from recess, please send a note to the teacher. Three consecutive days is the maximum length of time that a child may be excused from recess without a doctor’s statement.
LIBRARY
All classes will have library for a thirty-minute period at least one time each week. Students are allowed to go to the library at other times with permission of their teacher. Books may be checked out for one week. Students are encouraged to use the library to check out books and as a place to study. Therefore, excessive talking and play is not allowed since it might distract students from studies.
BOOKS
Students should be careful not to damage textbooks or library books. However, if schoolbooks happen to be damaged or lost, parents will be asked to pay for repair or replacement.
WORKBOOKS AND SUPPLIES
At the beginning of each school year, students will be given a list of supplies they will need and also the amount of money needed to purchase workbooks. Workbook fees should be paid as soon as possible after enrollment. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch will not be required to purchase workbooks. The White County School System will provide them. A price list is included at the end of the handbook.
TELEPHONE
Students are allowed to use the school telephone only in case of emergencies. Teachers must give permission for students to use the telephone. In order to minimize classroom interruptions, students should only be called at school for emergency reasons, and then, the office staff will take a message.
VISITORS
All visitors must report to the school office upon entering the school building. Visitors will be issued a visitor’s badge that should be worn throughout the visit and returned to the office upon departure. Parents are welcome to visit the school at any time, however, to avoid interrupting classroom instruction, please make an appointment when possible. Parents should not go to the playground during a recess period.
Parents please do not go directly to your child’s classroom. You must check in at the front office. This is for the safety and well-being of all students and staff.
CAFETERIA
We will be continuing the “offer vs. serve” system. At lunch, students will be offered five items and may take three to five of them. At breakfast, they will be offered four items and may take three or four of them.
BonDeCroft School provides a well-balanced breakfast and lunch each day. Students must exhibit good manners and behavior in the cafeteria. Parents are welcome to eat lunch at school, but the cafeteria should be notified in advance in order to prepare enough meals.
Lunch money must be deposited with the cafeteria manager. You will be notified when your child’s account needs to be replenished. If a student must charge a meal, the cafeteria manager must give permission.
Parents, please refrain from bringing outside food (McDonald’s, etc) into the cafeteria. If you must, we will ask that you eat with your child somewhere other than the cafeteria.
Meal Prices**
Day Week Month
Lunch (Full Paying) $1.25 $6.25 $25.00
Reduced Lunch $0.40 $2.00 $8.00
Breakfast (Full Paying) $0.75 $3.75 $15.00
Reduced Breakfast $0.30 $1.50 $6.00
Extra Milk $0.30 $1.50 $6.00
Staff Lunch $2.00 $10.00 $40.00
Visitors $2.00
Workbook Prices
Kindergarten $20
First Grade $27
Second Grade $27
Bookstore Prices**
1st Grade Zaner-Bloser Tablet…..$1.25
2nd Grade Zaner-Bloser Tablet…..$1.25
3rd Grade Zaner-Bloser Tablet…..$1.25
Pencils…..$0.25
Erasers…..$0.05
Pocket Folders…..$0.50
Filler Paper…..$1.00
1st Grade Broken Line Tablet…..$1.25
2nd Grade Broken Line Tablet…..$1.25
Poster Board…..$0.75
Mechanical pencil….$0.75
**Prices are subject to change.
MEDICATION
If a child is required to take medication during the school day and the parent cannot be at school to administer the medication, only the principal or the principal's designee will administer the medication.
Written instructions for medication must be signed by the parent and include:
1. Child's name
2. Name of medication
3. Purpose of medication
4. Time to be administered
5. Dosage
6. Possible side effects
7. Termination date for administering medication
A form is available (one is included at the back of this handbook) that includes all this information. According to State Guidelines, we cannot administer any medication without this written authorization.
School personnel will not administer other oral medication, such as aspirin, to children under any circumstances.
The school retains the discretion to reject requests for administration of medicine.
BUS BEHAVIOR
Loading
1. Students must be at the designated bus area at the time the bus is scheduled to arrive.
2. Students must stand a safe distance off the road while waiting for the bus.
3. Students should follow the Rules of Conduct while waiting for the bus.
Riding
1. Students shall take seats promptly after boarding the bus. There are no reserved seats on school buses. Drivers may assign students to a seat. Students are required to follow the bus driver's instructions. Bus passengers must remain in their seats unless boarding or exiting a bus.
2. Students are not allowed to extend any part of their body outside the bus windows.
3. In addition to the above, the following actions are prohibited:
- Smoking
- Disturbing the driver
- Littering
- Making loud or unnecessary noises
- Eating or drinking
- Bringing pets or weapons on a bus
- Transporting any other items, which may endanger the health or safety of other passengers.
Unloading
1. Students must walk. Running is prohibited.
2. Students should get off only at their designated stop.
3. Upon arrival at school in the morning, students must report directly to the hallway next to the cafeteria.
4. Students will be assigned an area in the hallway to report to upon arrival. Everyone is expected to sit in their assigned areas.
5. The time between 7:00 and 7:50 A.M. should be used to read library books or do other school work.
6. At the appropriate time, students should go directly to the cafeteria for breakfast. After completing breakfast, they should return immediately to their assigned areas in the hallway.
BonDeCroft School will offer a yearbook for sale. It will be a hard-covered, color annual. The cost of the yearbook will be $25 - $30. A yearbook can be reserved with a minimum $5 deposit. The balance can be paid when the yearbooks arrive or installment payments can be made throughout the year.
School pictures will be taken in the fall and spring. Individual pictures will be taken in the fall. Individual and class pictures will be taken in the spring. Picture packets are available after each session and range in cost up to $40.
These pictures must be paid for or returned. Parents will be responsible for paying for any individual sheets removed from the packet.
Effective this school year, there will be a $10 service charge on returned checks paid to the cafeteria.
Additionally, parents will be responsible for the value of the check and any and all service charges incurred by the school for a returned check. These charges vary, but are currently in the $16-$20 range. The school will not accept any other checks until the returned check and fees have been paid.
White County School System
Parent Information
“No Child Left Behind”
Mrs. Sandra Crouch, Director of Schools
136 Baker St.
Sparta, TN 38583
Phone (931) 836-2229
The White County School System is committed to providing the best education possible for each student. We realize that parents play a vital role in the accomplishment of this mission so we encourage their involvement and strive to keep them informed of their rights.
1 White County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or handicap in the provision of educational opportunities, activities, or other administered programs.
2 A parental involvement policy and parent-teacher-student compact will be distributed to parents by each Title I school. A copy of each document may also be obtained by contacting the school office. In schools eligible for Title I funds, a written parental involvement policy will be developed jointly with and distributed to parents of children participating in Title I programs. Each Title I school will also hold at least one annual meeting for parents to inform them of the school’s participation in programs funded under the No Child Left Behind Act. All elementary schools in White County are identified as school-wide Title I schools.
3 Parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of classroom teachers who instruct their children. If students are provided services by paraprofessionals, parents may also request information regarding the qualifications of the paraprofessionals. Teacher certification information can be found by accessing the Tennessee Department of Education Teacher Licensing Web site (www.k-12.state.tn.us/tcertinf) or by contacting the school principal or the school system’s federal projects director.
4 Parents must receive notification if their child has been assigned or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.
5 Parents will have access to system and school report cards as developed by the State Department of Education (usually available in late fall of each year) through the web site (www.state.tn.us/education) or at the school and/or system office. Results will also be publicized through local media.
6 Parents must receive information on the achievement level of their child on each of the state academic assessments as soon as is practicably possible after the test is taken. Assessment results will be distributed by the child’s school.
7 Parents have access to district and school information and reports through the media (local newspaper an radio), the System/School Report Cards available on the State Department of Education website (www.state.tn.us/education), or at the school or system’s administrative offices.
8 Parents may visit the State Department of Education web site (http://tennessee.gov/education/ci/standards/index.php) or visit the school to access a description of the Tennessee Curriculum Standards, assessment information, and proficiency levels students are expected to meet.
9 Parents must be notified if their child is enrolled in a school identified for improvement, corrective action, or restructuring. Currently, no school in White County has been identified as in need of improvement.
10 If a school fails to make adequate yearly progress parents will be informed regarding the availability of school choice options and supplemental education services.
11 Parents of a student identified as having limited English proficiency (ELL – English Language Learner) must be notified in a timely manner of the child’s participation in the ELL program, details of the program, right to waive participation, and specific information on the child’s level of English proficiency.
12 Parents will be notified of their child’s eligibility for service in migrant, homeless, or Limited English Proficiency programs.
13 Parents must be informed of and involved in violence and drug prevention efforts including program content and activities. Parents may request in writing their child’s exemption from participation in such activities.
14 Parents will be notified regarding their rights before any third-party surveys are distributed to students.
15 Schools in which at least 40% of the children are from low-income families have school-wide program authority under which schools may consolidate funds from federal, state, and local sources to upgrade the entire educational program of the school.
16 Parents of secondary school students have a right to request that their child’s name, address, and telephone number not be released to a military recruiter without their prior written consent. Requests should be addressed to the federal projects director at the address shown above.
17 Federal law affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to educational records. School Board Policy relating to student privacy and parental access to information is available in the School Board Policy Manual located at each school and at the central office. Notification of Rights and Release of Directory Information under FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) will also be conducted through local media announcements.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
No public school student shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination on account of the student’s race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or disability under any program or activity of the White County School System.
If you feel you have been discriminated against in any educational programs or activities, you are encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of the school principal. Every attempt will be made to resolve the complaint at the school level. If, however, the matter cannot be resolved at the school level, you are encouraged to pursue your complaint with the Superintendent of the White County Schools.
BonDeCroft Elementary School
Family Involvement Policy
BonDeCroft Elementary School, along with the White County Board of Education, are committed to providing a quality education for every child in the district and endorses the concept that parents and school personnel must work together to improve the quality of education for all students. When schools and parents form strong partnerships, all children’s potential for academic success improves significantly. BonDeCroft Elementary School will follow all requirements of the Title I regulations including involvement of parents in all aspects (planning, implementation, and evaluation) of the district’s Title I program. The school will exert effort to identify the desires of parents and will act responsibly when considering those desires.
This policy is a working document and will continue to develop, as circumstances require. It will be reviewed annually and distributed to parents by way of handbooks, annual meetings, etc. A copy of this policy will be on file in the Title I director’s office.
The LEA (Board of Education) will provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist the school in planning and implementing this policy. Support may include funding, materials and other resources, staff development, and parent training.
The LEA will also assist in coordinating and integrating Title I parental involvement with other programs including Head Start, Even Start, Adult Basic Education, and White County Health Department. This coordination will include provision of information to parents about each program and information to each agency pertaining to parent involvement programs/ activities as required by Title I law. Space for meetings and computer labs for training will also be provided.
Through parent meetings and / or surveys, the school and the LEA will conduct annual evaluations of the parent involvement program to (1) determine the effectiveness of the program in increasing the participation of parents, (2) identify barriers to greater participation by parents in such involvement activities, and (3) design strategies for school improvement and revision of parental involvement plans if necessary.
Not less than 1.5% of the school’s Title I allocation shall be reserved to carry out parental involvement activities. Through surveys, questionnaires, and/ or meetings, parents of participating students will be involved in the decisions regarding the allocation of these funds.
White County Board of Education
Family Involvement Policy
The White County Board of Education is committed to providing a quality education for every child in the district and endorses the concept that parents and school personnel must work together to improve the quality of education for all students. When schools and families form strong partnerships, all children’s potential for academic success improves significantly. Research has shown that when families and community stakeholders support education, the following student results are evident: improved attendance; increased motivation and better self-esteem; higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates; decreased usage of drugs and alcohol; fewer instances of violent behavior; and fewer suspensions from school. The White County School System will follow all requirements of the Title I regulations including involvement of parents in all aspects (planning, implementation, and evaluation) of the district’s Title I program. The LEA will exert effort to identify the desires of parents and will act responsibly when considering those desires.
Through surveys, meetings, and/ or personal consultation, this policy has been developed with and agreed upon by parents of participating students. This plan will be reviewed annually and updated as needed and will be distributed to families by schools each school year through handbooks, annual meetings, etc. If the LEA plan is not satisfactory to the parents of participating students, the school district will submit any parent comments with the plan when the school district submits the plan to the State Department of Education. Each Title 1 school has its own family involvement policy that will also be reviewed annually and will be distributed to families at the beginning of the school year.
The LEA (Board of Education) will provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist schools in planning and implementing effective family involvement programs and in building schools’ and families’ capacities for strong family involvement. Support may include funding, materials and other resources, staff development, and parent training.
The LEA will also assist in coordinating and integrating family involvement with other programs including Head Start, Even Start, Pre-Kindergarten, Adult Basic Education, and Homeless Education. This coordination will include provision of information to parents about each program and information to each agency pertaining to family involvement programs/ activities. Space for meetings and computer labs for training will also be provided.
Through family meetings and / or surveys, the school and the LEA will conduct annual evaluations of the family involvement program to (1) determine the effectiveness of the program in increasing the participation of families, (2) identify barriers to greater participation by families in such involvement activities, and (3) design strategies for school improvement and revision of family involvement plans if necessary.
Not less than 1% of the LEA’s Title I allocation shall be reserved to carry out family involvement activities. Through surveys, questionnaires, and/ or meetings, families of participating students will be involved in the decisions regarding the allocation of these funds.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND
UNSAFE SCHOOL CHOICE POLICY
The No Child Left Behind Act requires this notice.
Under the Tennessee State Board of Education’s Unsafe School Choice Policy, any public school student who is the victim of a violent crime as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 40-38-111(g), or the attempt to commit one of these offenses as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 30-12-101, shall be provided an opportunity to transfer to another grade-level appropriate school within the district.
Additional information regarding this option may be obtained by contacting Cindy Langford at (931) 836-2229.
It is the policy of the White County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability in its educational programs or employment policies as required by Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX (1972 Educational Amendments), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Inquiries or complaints regarding compliance with Title VI, Title IX, or the Americans with Disability Act should be directed to:
Title VI and Title IX Coordinator for
Kemberly Marcum
And/or
Lesley D. Farmer, ESQ, Director
Office of Civil Rights
Tennessee Department of Education
And/or
The Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
PO Box 204B, 04-3010
Atlanta, GA 30301-2048
Inquiries or complaints regarding Section 504 should be directed to:
David Copeland
And/or
Tiffany Baker Cox, ESQ, Director
Office of Civil Rights
Tennessee Department of Education
And/or
The Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
PO Box 204B, 04-3010
Atlanta, GA 30301-2048
To: Parents
From: Sandra Crouch, Director of Schools
Re: White County School System Non-Discrimination Policy
Please review the following information:
White County School System affirms that it will comply with Title VI
Of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI states:
No person in the United States shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
Anyone who believes that the school system has discriminated against them or another individual may file a complaint. The complaint can be sent to:
White County School System
And/or
Lesley D. Farmer, ESQ, Director
Office of Civil Rights
Tennessee Department of Education
And/or
The Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
PO Box 204B, 04-3010
Atlanta, GA 30301-2048
To: Parents and Community
From: Sandra Crouch, Director of Schools
White County Schools has been inspected in compliance with AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) and the results of the inspection, along with the Management Plan, are on file at the White County Board of Education Office. The report and plan may be reviewed during office hours. Call (931) 836-2229, to schedule a review and to discuss the cost per copy.
An additional copy is available at each school
Resources for Families
Tennessee Chapter of Children’s Advocacy Centers
1266 Foster Ave.
Nashville, TN 37210
Upper Cumberland Children’s Advocacy Center
30 E. 1st Street, Cookeville, TN 38501
Children Advocacy Center for 31st District
1350 Sparta St., McMinnville, TN 37110
Bon De Croft
Elementary
2011-2012
Parent/Student Handbook