Heritage Elementary
International Baccalaureate Primary School

Student Handbook
2009-2010

"Growing and Learning Together"
Heritage Elementary School
1592 Geer Highway
Travelers Rest, SC  29690
(864) 355-6000

Ms. Martha Kinard, Principal
Mr. George Champlin, Assistant Principal
Ms. Becky Hughes, Instructional Coach

A Message from Ms. Kinard

Heritage Elementary intends to be "the best" school to serve the needs of each of our students!  Academic excellence and high behavior standards are expected.  Love, support, creativity, and positive reinforcement combine to create the environment where learning is a joy.

CODE OF CONDUCT: STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
     A responsibility is an obligation one has to ensure that the rights of all are protected.

ALL STUDENTS HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:
Attend school to receive an education
Schools cannot educate students who do not attend school.

Attend school daily unless ill or legally excused
South Carolina law requires a student to attend school until his seventeenth birthday.

Be on time for all classes
 Students who enter a classroom after a lesson has begun are interfering with the rights of others to learn and study.  Punctuality is a habit that students must develop if they are to succeed in the world of work.

Come to class with necessary materials
A teacher should not have to delay instruction because a student has come to class unprepared.  This is interfering with the rights of others to learn and study.

Complete all in-class and homework assignments and meet deadlines
The full responsibility for student learning does not rest solely with the teacher.  Education cannot be effective unless students participate in class and complete outside assignments.

Homework
Homework is an extension of the classroom.  It helps provide needed practice while developing responsibility and maturity.  Students will have homework each day, except Friday.  The parent role with homework is to provide time and space for quiet, productive work.  It is also the responsibility of the parent to provide encouragement and reinforcement if the child encounters difficulties.

Report Cards
Report cards indicate a student's progress for nine-week period.  Academic progress, citizenship, and attendance are reported
.

  Grading Scale Information 

Teachers will have conferences with parents during the first quarter of the first grade to communicate the progress of first grade students.

Beginning with the second quarter of first grade, teachers will use the following grading scale in all subject areas to communicate the progress of first grade students.

E – Excellent

S – Satisfactory

N – Needs Improvement

U – Unsatisfactory

The equivalent ranges will be printed on the report card:

E – Equivalent to A range: 100 – 93

S – Equivalent to B/C range: 92 – 77

N – Equivalent to D range: 76 – 70

U – Equivalent to F range: 69 and below

Teachers in grades 2 through 5 will use numerical grades, according to the State’s Uniform Grading Policy, to communicate student progress in all subject areas with the exception of elementary related arts and elementary handwriting.

Definitions of grades given for participation in elementary related arts and elementary handwriting are:

E – Excellent

S – Satisfactory

N – Needs Improvement

U – Unsatisfactory

The equivalent ranges will be printed on the report card:

E – Equivalent to A range: 100 – 93

S – Equivalent to B/C range: 92 – 77

N – Equivalent to D range: 76 – 70

U – Equivalent to F range: 69 and below

(0.5 and above will be considered as the next highest whole number.)

Interim Progress Reports
Interim progress reports will be sent home between regular report cards.  Teachers use interim progress reports for all of their students in an effort to keep parents informed.

Parent-Teacher Conferences
All parents are encouraged to participate in their children's education through regularly scheduled conferences with the teacher.  Either the teacher or the parent may request a conference.  However, conferences are required for students who score Below Basic on any part to the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT) so that the teacher, parent and child can make a plan for improvement in the child's academic area of need.  If parents refuse to participate, the State Department of Education specifies appointment of a mentor in the child's educational plan since promotion to the next grade is based in part on PACT results.
Sometimes a problem may come up that cannot be handled satisfactorily through a parent-teacher conference.  The parent then may schedule a meeting with the principal.

Other
Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers by phone or note whenever there is information the teacher needs to know or when the parent has a question as to the child's educational progress.  Generally, teachers are unavailable to talk on the phone during the school day but will return a parent's phone call after classes are over for the day.  The use of e-mail is also a quick and effective way of communicating with your child's teacher.  E-mail links are available on the Faculty page of the Heritage Web Site.
http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/heritage

Obey school rules and school personnel
No one has the right to interfere with the education of others.  Rules are designed to allow a school to meet its obligation to educate students.  Students are required to obey and be courteous to everyone who works in our schools.
Discipline Code (Revised Code of Conduct)

Heritage Elementary will be an orderly, disciplined school where students are responsible and accountable for their actions.  Students are expected to act with respect for each other and for the teachers.
 

School Rules:
1.  Students will walk (not run) between classes.
2.  Students will talk quietly in the building.
3.  Students will respect and obey teachers' instruction.
4.  Students will respect other students, school staff, and property.
5.  Fighting, use of profanity, sexual harassment and intimidation
     of others are not allowed.
6.  Knives and other weapons will not be brought to school.  Such
     items will be taken form the student.  The School District of 
     Greenville County policy dictates suspension for students in 
     possession of these objects.  
7.  Toys and valuable items must not be brought to school.
8.  Chewing gum is not allowed at school
9.  Students are not allowed in the teachers' lounge or workroom
10.  Students will remove hats upon entering the building.
11.  Remember Rolling Bookbags are not allowed, unless you have a doctor's excuse.

Cooperate with school staff
Every community depends upon its citizens to uphold the rules by which everyone has agreed to live.  Students have the responsibility to provide truthful information when asked by school authorities.

Respect the person and property of others
Treat people and their property with respect.

Respect public property
Schools are a community investment and resource for young people.  People who damage school property will be held responsible.

See that school correspondence to parents reaches home
Education is a partnership between home and school.  Students must do their part by not intercepting or destroying progress reports, attendance information and report cards, and by delivering home any school correspondence.

Newsletters
Each Tuesday teachers send weekly up-dates to the parents of his/her students telling about upcoming events in the classroom.  Information that effects, or is of interest to, all parents and students is printed on the back of the classroom newsletter.  Newsletters from all classes are kept in the Media Center.  School events are frequently reported in the Travelers Rest Monitor.  Don't forget to check out our web site.

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Communication between the home and the school is very important.  Therefore, parents should keep the child's information card updated.  Make sure that we have the following and most current information.  Call the school when there is a changes in this information or send changes in writing to the school clerk, Mrs. Walker.

• Correct address

• Correct telephone numbers

• An emergency number where someone is always available

• Your place of employment

• General directions to your home (give the child the name of some common landmark near your home)

• Any threatening health problem (allergic to bee stings, asthma attacks, etc.).  These should be reported to the school nurse through a health card that will be sent home for you to complete and return.

Send a note if your child...

• is absent due to sickness, death in the family or a religious holiday

• is tardy

• needs to be picked up before normal dismissal time

• need to take medicine during the day.

VISITORS

We strongly encourage parent involvement at Heritage.  If you come to school for a program, to volunteer, to eat lunch with your child or for a brief visit, please stop by the office area and make sure you get a visitor's pass that identifies you.  We encourage parents to visit your child's classroom.  However, the visit needs to be pre-arranged with your child's classroom teacher and the principal.  This allows the teacher to present a time that is least disruptive and also the most beneficial to the parent.

OFFICE HOURS

7:20  Doors open.  All students report to the cafeteria.  We cannot
       be responsible for students who arrive before supervisory
       personnel.

7:30-7:50  Breakfast in served, except for students whose bus is  late. No one will be served after 7:50.

8:00 School begins.  Students should be in their classrooms ready to
begin the day.  Students arriving after 8:00 will be marked tardy.

2:30 School ends.  Teachers accompany student to their respective
rides.  We will not allow children to cross incoming traffic to be
picked up in the parking lot. This is extremely dangerous.  Please
DO NOT tell your children to break this rule.

Inclement weather:  if it is raining when you are picking up your child, Please unlock the passenger door and assist in opening the door for your child.

NOTICE:  If you need to enter the school at the end of the day, park in the parking lot, not at the curb.

2:50  If children are left at school after 2:50, they will be supervised in the room of the teacher on duty.  If the parents have made not attempt to contact the school by 3:00, we will call you at home or work or at the emergency number listed for your child.

After-School Care Program

Heritage Elementary provides an after-school care program housed at the school and will be available from 2:30-6:00 P.M.  The program will provide an agenda of multi-learning activates, supervised recreation, tutorial sessions, homework time, healthy snacks, and arts and crafts.  There may be additional programs such as music, karate, etc. for which additional fees would be charged for those interested in these programs.  The program will operate according to the Greenville County School District calendar.  This service will only be provided on the days that students attend school.  If you are interested in enrolling your child or children is this program, come by the office and complete the enrollment packet.  The registration fee will be due at that time to ensure your child's place due to limited space.  If you need additional information, you may contact Mrs. Chryse Walker at 355-6000.  The prices are as followed:

The Registration Fee is $30.00 per family.  This fee will be paid only once.
One child per week                     $35.00/$13.00 per day
Two children per week                  $60.00/$20.00 per day
Three children per week                $80.00/$30.00 per day

All supervision is provided by Heritage Elementary Staff.

TARDY POLICY / EARLY DISMISSAL  

It is very important that students start their day on a positive note.  This includes being on time to school.  Students are expected to be in their classrooms by 8:00 a.m.  If they arrive after this time, they are tardy and must receive a pass from the office to enter class.  Please contact your child's teacher or the principal, if assistance is needed.  We want to do all we can to assist our students during the school day.  If parents must take a child from school before the close of the day, they must send a written note stating the reason for an early dismissal, and who will pick the child up.  Parents must sign the time the child will be picked up.  Parents must sign the student out.  Sign out sheets will be located in the  school office.  Whenever possible, medical and dental appointments should be made after school hours. No child will be allowed to leave the school grounds during school hours unless signed out by a parent or another adult designated by the parent.  Parents must not go to classrooms to pick up students without permission. Students are expected to leave the school grounds immediately at the dismissal time.  Parents are to make plans to ensure that children are picked-up on time.  Bus transportation is available to students who live more than 1.5 miles from the school.  Children should be cautioned about accepting rides with strangers.  

Perfect Attendance Award

In order for students to be eligible for a perfect attendance award,
he/she must be present at school each day.  To get credit for a part-day, the student should be in class for at least four hours.  To
receive a perfect attendance award, a student may have no more that 3 tardies and no more that 3 early dismissals.  Perfect attendance awards will be given the last day of school.

Awards    

School-wide awards for academic achievement, attendance, outstanding improvement, and citizenship are presented in May.  Awards and criteria for selection are:

Principal's List-         "A" grades, except in handwriting
Honor Roll-                "A or B" grades, except in handwriting
Perfect Attendance-    Present 4 or more hours each day, 3 or less tardies, 3 or less early dismissals

Outstanding Improvement-  Improvement in Academics and citizenship as assessed by ALL STAFF who work with the student

HEALTH ROOM

All student medications must have a parent form giving permission for medication to be given at school.   Prescription medications need to be in the prescription bottle with the doctor's name, child's name, correct dosage and name of medication on the label.  Parent and doctor permission forms must be completed on all prescription medications taken longer than 3 weeks.  Non-prescription medications need to be labeled with child's name, amount to be taken and time of day to be given.  All medications are to be kept in the health room.  The health room does not distribute medication unless the child's parent or guardian provides it.  No medications can be sent home with children.  An adult must pick up all medications.  Under no circumstance will the health room distribute medication without a written note from parent or guardian.

LUNCH PROGRAM      

Heritage Elementary School Cafeteria serves wholesome and nutritious lunches to both students and adults.  Students may purchase lunch tickets on Monday or may pay by the day. Visit the School District's Lunch Menu :
www.greenville.k12.sc.us/district/support/food/menu1e.  Prices are as follows:

We encourage the children to drink milk with their meals, but if a child is allergic to dairy products, the student may bring fruit juice or water.  Please do not send cans or bottles of soda for their lunch.  Payment is expected in advance or at the point of service.  Elementary students are allowed to charge meals on an emergency basis only.  Free and Reduced Lunch applications are available from the Cafeteria Manager, if that need arises.

Ice Cream Policy

The proceeds from the ice cream machines, which are located in the cafeteria, are used to purchase equipment and materials needed for the school.  Any purchases made will benefit all students.  Students must have no outstanding debts owed to the cafeteria before purchasing ice cream.  Ice cream prices are $.50, $.75 and $1.00.

Field Trips
Field trips are encouraged to enhance the curriculum.  Parents will be notified of the trip ahead of time and will be asked to sign a permission form.  Teachers sometimes arrange special trips for which extra costs may be involved, such as transportation or admission fees.  Teachers often need assistance on trips, so you may be approached to accompany the students as a volunteer chaperone.  Please support your children and their classes by participating in such learning experiences.  Some field trips may return after usual school hours.  Teachers will tell you before the trip what time the buses will return to the school.  Please be prompt in picking up your child.  Everyone is tired and needs to get home.  Each child will be assessed a non-refundable fee for transportation.  Chaperones must ride the school bus.  Brothers and sisters are not permitted on field trips.

Insurance:
If you take the school accident insurance offered at the beginning of the school year, make your check payable to Heritage Elementary, and return it to school so that we can record the information on your child's record.  Accidents must be reported immediately, and claims must be filed promptly.  The school will provide claim forms and complete the school portion.  All other matters relating to claims are the responsibility of the family and the insurance company.

Lost and Found
Please encourage your child to try to keep up with clothes and other personal belongings.  If an item is lost, check either in the office or on the stage steps.  The school is not responsible for the loss of personal items.  Unclaimed items are either discarded or donated to local agencies after one.

Textbooks 
The state provides free textbooks for all students in elementary school.  If a textbook is lost or damaged by a student, the students must pay the assessed amount before another textbook is issued.  Student's records may not be released unless all textbooks are accounted for.

Transfers or Withdrawals
Should it become necessary to withdraw or transfer your child from Heritage Elementary School, please notify the office as soon as possible so that records can be forwarded to the new school.  If you choose to keep your child at Heritage after you move from the attendance area, you must receive special permission from the principal.  If you have moved from Greenville County, you will be charged tuition.

The Media Center
The library and its resources are for the use of all students.  Procedures are planned to encourage the use of all materials as the need arises.  Students learn how to use the library for studies and for their own enjoyment.  A Parenting Library is also available for all Heritage parents. We hope you will come in and visit this updated facility located in the Media Center Conference Room.
Books are checked out for one week and may be renewed.  There are no overdue fines, but parents are asked to help their children return all materials checked out to them.  The library must be compensated for all damaged or lost material.

Physical Education 
Physical Education is a planned program that enhances the child's physical development.  Every student is expected to participate in the school's physical education program.  Students need a medical excuse to be excused from participation. Please have your child wear play clothes and tie-up shoes on P.E. days.  This will help ensure your child's safety while participating in P.E. activities.

Safety Patrol 
Fifth grade boys and girls are chosen to be members of the Safety Patrol.  As a member of the Safety Patrol, it is the child's responsibility to assist with the beginning and ending of the school day, to patrol walkways, and to assist in loading and unloading students riding in cars.  If your child is chosen to be a patrol, he/she will be expected to be on duty at the appointed time and stay in the afternoon to assist with departures.

School Supplies
Spiral notebooks and pencils are available from a vending machine.  The machines takes only quarters. Book bags must be carried (not rolled) at all times while on school property. Rolling book bags are not allowed.

Transportation   
School bus transportation is a privilege and will be provided only for those students living within the service area of the school.  Students choosing not to abide by the rules and regulation of the State of South Carolina and School District of Greenville County may be denied service according to their behavior.  Video cameras have been installed on some buses to monitor and record student behavior.  Remind your child that riding the bus is a privilege, not a right.

Changes in transportation- We require advance notice in writing if there is to be a change in the way your child is to go home.  If no notification is received, your child will follow his regular method of getting home.  Your child will be permitted to ride only with persons for whom the school has your written permission.

School Safety Plan
Heritage has a comprehensive Safety Plan. Developed with the assistance of the School District, the School Improvement Council, faculty and staff, and suggestions from the community.  Anyone on school property is subject to the plan, so if there is a fire drill or other emergency drill, all visitors are required to participate.  Our Safety Plan has provisions for the following areas:

1.  Fire
2.  Bomb Threats
3.  Tornado and Severe Weather
4.  Hazardous Materials
5.  Earthquake
6.  Utility Emergency
7.  Campus Intruder
8.  Student Runaway/Abduction
9.  Possession of Weapons
10. Hostage Situation
11. Accident, Serious Injury, or Death
12.  Campus Traffic
13.  Personal Safety
14.  Bus Safety
15.  Bicycle Safely

School Safety Act
(School law requires that student handbooks contain this notice)

Any student who commits a non-aggravated assault and battery on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event against any person affiliated with the school in an official capacity is guilty of the misdemeanor of assault and battery against school personnel and may be fined not more that $1,000.00, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.  Judicial, law enforcement, or corrections officials must notify the principal of any conviction of this crime, of the crime of a school official, and of other "violent crimes."  Information concerning convictions of these crimes will be included in the student's permanent record.  The student's teacher will be notified annually of conviction of theses crimes.  Any school official who reports a school-related crime in good faith is immune from criminal liability arising from the report.

2009-2010
IB Profiles and Attitudes                       

IB Attitudes
 

Volunteers

The best way to find out what is really going on in our school is to volunteer and become an active partner in the learning process of your child.  We have an active volunteer program at Heritage and we welcome your participation.  We will assist you in any way possible.  Call the Volunteer Chairperson of the PTA if you are interested in serving.
Thank You!