School District and Summit Drive Policies and Rules

2012-2013

 

“Where Every Student is A Star!”

 The following information and guidelines about Summit Drive are published to help students understand and parents have a successful school experience.  If you have questions that we have not answered, please call the school office at 355-8800. 

  

My signature below indicates that I have read and understand the guidelines set forth by the Greenville County School District and Summit Drive Elementary School.

 

__________________________________________________                 _______________

                                             Parent Signature                                                                                              Date

 

Parents should sign/date and return to your child’s teacher.

  

Arrival and Departure Procedures

 

Arrival

 

Students are to arrive by 8:00 am each morning.  Students in grades 4-5 are held in the media center for reading and study time.  Students in grades 2-3 are held in the cafeteria until 7:40 and then escorted to their respective hallway.  Students in grades K-1 are held in the music room.  Students arriving after 8:05 must check by the office to receive a tardy slip.  They will be counted tardy for the day.  You will receive a daily phone message (automated) to alert you if your child is absent or tardy.

 

Parents will be allowed to walk their children to their classroom in the morning during the first week of school ONLY, but should not be in the hallways after the first week of school without signing in on the computer in the office and informing a staff person.

 

Bus riders who ride the morning bus to Summit Drive arrive at approximately 7:15 a.m.  They are escorted to the bus driveway entrance.  They also board their bus in the afternoon in the same area.

Walkers and Bike Riders:  Patrols are on duty at crosswalks by 7:30 a.m.  When walking to school, children should cross at crosswalks under the direction of the safety patrol or adult crossing guard. Bicycle riders must walk their bikes across the crosswalk and down the hill to the bike rack after entering school property; bicycles can not be ridden on school property.  The bike rack is located outside the library courtyard door. Bicycles should be locked at all times. The school cannot be responsible for the theft or damage to any bike.

Departure

School is dismissed at 2:30 pm.  At dismissal, bus riders are dismissed first and then car riders by grade level. They are called by name and escorted to waiting vehicles.  If a student is to go home in a different manner, WRITTEN permission should be sent to the school or you should call no later than 2:00 pm.

Breathe Better (B-squared) is anti-idling program to promote a healthier environment.  There are signs that prompt drivers to remember to turn off their engines while waiting on their children at dismissal.  Thanks in advance for helping us promote a healthier environment.

For the safety of your child/children - Parents may not enter the front of the school to pick up their children as they are dismissed from 2:15 to 2:30 pm.  If you have a scheduled appointment, you must sign in and wait in the main office until dismissal is over to go to your child’s classroom.

Car riders are escorted and picked up in the one-way front driveway of the school. For the safety of all, drivers should use extreme caution when dropping off or picking up students.  During times of high traffic, drivers are asked to pull up to the end of the awning before unloading or loading their vehicle.  Students should get in and out of cars on the curb side of the vehicle.

Do not use the bus area to pick up or drop off your children, unless your child is special needs.

Safety Procedures for Car Drivers

 

In an effort to keep our students safe and due to past issues, please refer to the safety procedures listed below.  Thank you.

 

• SLOW DOWN when driving through the car line.  The recommended safe speed in any parking lot is 5 mph.  Remember that a child can run in front of your car unexpectedly, giving you little reaction time.
• Dropping your child off in the parking lot and having them cross the crosswalk on their own is not permitted!  Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Give adequate room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of yours for you to pull out if necessary.  You should wait for a signal from the patrol/crossing adult before doing so.
• Put your vehicle in park before allowing students to exit your vehicle.
• Be certain that all passengers have exited your vehicle before pulling off.
• We are a NO CELL PHONE ZONE school.

 

Walkers and Bicycle Riders

 

For many years, students have walked across the street to meet their parents who may have gathered to chat.  Over time, the number of students has grown and at times it has been very difficult for the crossing guard, Miss Judy, to cross students safely.

 

First and foremost, all parents are encouraged to pick their children up through the car line.  For parents that have done this for several years and those that may consider this form of dismissal, please note key points listed below:

 

• Miss Judy is not employed by the city to watch students, but to cross them safely at the crosswalk at 7:30 am and again at 2:30 pm.  If you are walking your child to and from school, please listen for her instructions.  Remember to walk between the white lines. 
• Parents of children walking MUST arrive at the crosswalk NO LATER THAN 2:30 pm for pick-up or your child will be returned to the school.  The church is private property and the property needs to be respected.
• Finally, if it is raining, thunder or lightning, you will need to pick your child up at the school.  You should use the car line or walk down to the front door.

 

If your goal is to avoid the long car line at dismissal time, we STRONGLY ask that you reconsider going to the church and wait until 2:40 pm to drive through the line.  We are a small school and our dismissal is wonderful compared to what it could be.  By 2:40 each day our line is moving swiftly.  If you have any questions related to any of this transportation information, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Thanks for helping us keep your children safe.

 

Early Dismissal

 

If parents need an early dismissal for their child before the end of the day they must send a note in the morning and the time they will pick up their child.  Parents must sign the student out in the main office.  Whenever possible, medical and dental appointments should be made after school hours.  To provide time for afternoon announcements and a smooth dismissal, no early dismissals will be given after 2 pm.

Articles Prohibited   

Articles which are hazardous to the safety of others or interfere in some way with school procedures may not be brought to school.  Such items as guns, toy guns, knives, box cutters, razor blades, etc. are not permitted at school.  They will be taken from the student and a parent conference will be required.  Expensive articles such as toys, electronics, etc. should not be brought to school.  These items may be damaged and the school is not responsible.  Real weapons will not be returned.  Parents will have to pick up any items taken.  Items considered dangerous could result in our child being suspended or possibly recommended for expulsion.

Students are discouraged from bringing money to school except for specific purposes.  When money is brought to school, please place it in a sealed envelope with the student’s name, amount, teacher and purpose on the envelope.  Neither the teacher nor the school can be held responsible when money or items are lost.

Attendance       

Attendance in school every day is one of the first things you can do to ensure academic success for your children.  Student attendance in grades 4K through fifth grade affects the school’s Report Card rating and AYP status.  Help us achieve AYP and a high Report Card rating by having your child at school every day on time.  Most importantly, notify the principal of any extended family trips of more than three days; however, realize these absences will not be graced.  Your child will still be marked absent. Perfect attendance is awarded each nine weeks to students who have not missed any days of school and have not been tardy more than five times during a grading period.  Accrued absences, whether excused, unexcused or a combination thereof may not exceed ten (10) days during the school year.  Absences can be excused for the following reasons:

-  Personal illness (including doctor’s appointments) of a child verified by a statement from a physician within two (2) days of the student’s return to school.                                

-  Religious holidays that have been requested in writing to the principal in advance of the absence.

-  Extreme hardships which have been approved by the principal. Written excuses for all absences should be sent to the school office within two days of the student’s return to school.

Intervention Conference

An intervention conference will be held in the event your child has acquired more absences and tardies noted below.  This conference will be arranged with the Attendance Clerk and the Principal.

Tardiness

Five or more tardies in a nine week period (excluding medical excuses) will eliminate your child from obtaining perfect attendance for the nine week grading period.  Eight or more tardies will eliminate your child from receiving perfect attendance for the year.  Silver dollars are given to our students with this accomplishment by Bank of Travelers Rest.

Bus Information

Students who live within the Summit Drive attendance area and those homes are more than 1.5 miles from the school are eligible for school bus transportation.  In addition, all students are transported by school bus for fieldtrips in the area.  It is absolutely necessary for the safety of all passengers to follow bus safety rules.  Bus safety drills are held twice a year for all students.  Students are expected to follow the driver’s directions.  If your child does not follow the driver’s directions the following consequences will result:

1^st incident - driver warns student

2^nd incident - driver has conference with student

3^rd incident - driver changes student seating assignment

4^th incident - driver refers student to principal.  At any time, the driver may feel that a problem of great magnitude warrants an immediate referral to the school administrators, bus office, or proper authorities. This action could result in a student’s temporary or permanent loss of the privilege to ride the bus.

General Procedures for Transporting 4K, 5K, and 1st Grade Students

State Law requires the following of parents:

Parents or guardians of a child being transported on a school bus are responsible for the safety and conduct of the child prior to the arrival of the school bus at the child’s designated school bus stop for pick up and transport to school, and after the school bus drops off the child and departs the child’s designated school bus stop when transporting the children from school. The state’s responsibility includes the arrival or departure of the school bus, which is defined as the time that the school bus assigned to the school bus stop activates the required pedestrian safety devices, stops and loads or unloads students, and until the school bus deactivates all pedestrian safety devices.

The State, acting through the State Board of Education, assumes no obligation to transport any student to or from school who lives within one and one-half miles of the school he attends, nor to provide transportation services extending within one-half mile of the residence of any student, nor to furnish transportation for any student who attends a school outside the school attendance zone in which the student resides when the same grade is taught in an appropriate school that is located within the school district in which student resides.

Parent Responsibilities Associated with Bus Tagging Procedures

The parent/guardian is responsible for properly registering the students at the designated school and ensuring that all information provided on required forms is accurate and current.  The parent/guardian is responsible for updating this information at the school whenever changes occur.

The parent/guardian should be present at the regular bus stop both during the morning pickup and afternoon drop-off of their 4K, 5K, or 1st grade child.  The parent/guardian can select a designee to be at the stop.  The designee may be another adult or student who is in fifth grade or above.    A Bus Stop Designee Form is to be furnished by the school, completed and returned by the parent/guardian to the school before the student rides the bus. The person may serve as a designee for multiple children.  The parent/guardian is responsible for introducing the designee to the bus driver.  The parent/guardian is ultimately responsible for the safety and conduct of his/her child at the regular school bus stop. 

If a 4K, 5K, or first grade student departs the bus, whether alone or in a group, AND the parent/guardian/designee is not present at the bus stop, the student will be returned to his/her elementary school.  When a student is returned to the elementary school, school staff will contact the parent/guardian via contact information that has been provided by the parent/guardian.  If the parent/guardian cannot be located, the matter could be referred to Greenville County Schools Law Enforcement Division and or the Greenville County Department of Social Services (DSS).  Repeated instances may result in the loss of bus privileges.

Breakfast and Lunch

The lunchroom manager and her assistants provide a nourishing well-balance breakfast and lunch each day for students and staff.  We are one of 20 schools that have implemented the new Culinary Creations Healthy Menu.  For lunch, we offer two main course choices and a vegetation station which includes soup and salad as an entrée choice.  In addition, they offer healthy snack items which can be purchased separately.  Menus are sent home at the beginning of each month.  While students are encouraged to eat the lunch prepared at school, they may bring a lunch from home.  Please do not send carbonated drinks to school. 

All lunch monies are deposited into each child’s personal account.  As students eat breakfast/lunch, they key in a code number to debit their account for the price of the meal or snack item (cookies, chips, juice, etc.) that they purchase.  The lunchroom manager will provide account balances to parents when the accounts are low or depleted.  If a child forgets his/her money, he/she will be permitted to borrow from the cafeteria.  Money should be returned the next school day.   It is strongly recommended that a student’s lunch account be paid for by check so that money cannot be lost as easily.  Parents are invited to come for lunch.  They should send a note to the teacher on the day they are coming so that the cafeteria can plan for extra food. If you have questions about the meal program call Ms. Gray at 355-8808.

Students that arrive at 7:15 will be able to eat breakfast and are monitored by teachers. Regular breakfast ends at 7:45 and a bag breakfast is served from 7:45 to 8:00 am.  Students that receive a bag breakfast can eat in their classroom.  Breakfast is served FREE for every student at Summit Drive. We serve hot and cold breakfast choices.

Lunch (full pay student) $2.00   Reduced $0.40   Extra Milk $.65

Adult Lunch $3.25   Adult Breakfast $2.00    

Healthy Choices for Summit Drive

There is a major change in how we will celebrate birthdays for students this year.  Since we are one of twenty schools chosen for the new healthy menu, we are requesting parents NOT to send in unhealthy birthday treats for their children, such as cakes, cookies and cupcakes.  In lieu of this, once a month our cafeteria will provide cupcakes or cookies for all of our students to celebrate the month’s birthdays.  What we’d like for parents to do (if you choose) to celebrate their child’s birthday is to refer to the Healthy Snacks list and send in items that are healthier to eat.  In the past we’ve seen some pretty creative healthy treats come in that were just as yummy and fun for the children to eat.  Join us in becoming healthier and making sure we are raising healthy children who are empowered to make healthy decisions in the future about their health.

 

Healthy Snack List

 

Fresh fruit                                                                   Unsweetened applesauce

Dried fruit                                                                   Canned fruit packed in its own juice

String cheese                                                            Trail mix

Bottled water (but not Propel or flavored water)       100% fruit juice boxes

Unbuttered popcorn                                                  Whole grain dry cereal

Yogurt                                                                         Cottage cheese

Granola bars                                                              Raw vegetables

Pretzels                                                                      Goldfish crackers

Graham crackers w/ peanut butter              Low fat white milk

Rice cakes                                                                 Whole wheat crackers

Baked chips

 

Snacks to leave at home

Regular chips; beef jerky; candy; cookies; snack cakes; doughnuts; fruit roll-ups; Pop-Tarts; fruit-flavored gummies; Rice Crispy Treats; and even 100-calorie packs of cookies, cakes, or chips

Free and Reduced Price Meals

Greenville County Schools participates in the free and reduced price meals for children served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Local school officials have adopted household size and income criteria for determining eligibility.

Families who earn less than 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals and those with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of poverty level qualify for reduced price meals. Today, approximately 31 percent of the student re-enrollment qualify for free and reduced price meals. The School Board determines the prices for paid breakfast and lunch. The price of reduced-price meals are established by the federal government. To meet all students with reduced price meals eligibility, Food and Nutrition Services has reduced these prices to 40 cents for lunch and 30 cents for breakfast. They are subsidizing these meals from other food sales and a la carte. Here is more information from the USDA on Free and Reduced Price Meals - FAQ.

Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program are required to plan menus that meet at least one third of a child’s Recommended Dietary Allowance.

Care of Property

Students are expected to treat school materials, furnishings, equipment, and property with care and respect.  ANY DAMAGE DONE TO SCHOOL PROPERTY MUST BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED AT THE EXPENSE OF THE OFFENDER.

Challenge Program

The school district provides a program for gifted and talented students at designated grade levels.  Students will be selected to participate in this program based on State criteria.  Please look at testing for criteria on the district webpage.

Child Abuse

Any school employee acting in an official capacity who has reason to suspect a child under age 18 is being subjected to or adversely affected by physical, mental, or emotional abuse/neglect must make a report to the County Child Protective Services or appropriate law enforcement agency in accordance with the SC Child Protection Act of 1977.

Conduct Away from School Grounds or School Activities

 

The following rules regarding student conduct are in effect during the following times and in the following places:

 

• on the school grounds during, and immediately before or immediately after, school hours
• on the school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by a school group
• off the school grounds at a school activity, function or event
• en route to and from school or a school activity on a school bus or other school vehicle

 

Administrators will take appropriate action when information becomes available about student misconduct away from school grounds or school activities that may have a direct and detrimental effect on or seriously threaten the discipline, educational environment, safety or general welfare of students or staff. When assessing the impact of out-of-school behavior, the administrator will take into consideration the seriousness of the alleged out-of-school offense.

 

Administrators are directed to evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis. At a minimum, administrators or their designees should meet with the student upon his/her arrival at school, give the student notice of the concerns based on the reported out-of-school behavior and allow the student an opportunity to present his/her side of the story.

 

Computer Acceptable Use Rule

 

Each school year every person who uses a Greenville County School District computer must review the Acceptable Use Rule (Board Rule EFE). This rule is available on the GCS website at www.greenville.k12.sc.us/gcsd/depts/ets/policy/aup.asp.

Discipline

Teachers at Summit Drive want every child to feel welcome and safe in their classroom.  Providing guidelines for behavior is an important first step.  In partnership with the parents of their students, teachers establish and maintain classroom management so that there are few disruptions to the learning process.  The updated school district Code of Behavior is followed for unusual and severe situations. All school rules apply to conduct at bus stops and while riding buses.

This Code can be viewed on the district web site at www.greenville.k12.sc.us  and it was mailed to each student’s household in August in the Parent Express.  Summit Drive adopted the STAR Behavior Code of Conduct in 2007.  This is a school-based discipline policy.  The district’s policy supersedes all others.  Our school-based Code of Conduct is as follows:

Summit Drive Behavior Plan

                            

                                               S- Show Respect (green)

T- Take Responsibility (yellow)

  A- Always follow directions (red)

                                               R- Ready to Learn (blue)

 

 

Consequences                                                       Positive Incentives

               

             Warning/Time-out                                                       Happy-grams

             Silent Lunch Table                                                     Computer Time

             Time out in a Buddy Teacher’s classroom               Student of the week

             Note/Phone Call home                                               Note home

             Administration                                                           School-wide Incentive

                                                                         Recognition on intercom

                                               Stickers

                                                                Eat lunch w/ friend

 

School-wide Positive Reward System

 

All staff with the exception of homeroom teachers will give out stars each week for students showing good behavior.   A drawing will be held every Friday and announced on the intercom.  The students will receive a small prize.

 

Our students have a responsibility to know and respect the policies, rules and regulations.  Violations of such policies, rules and regulations will result in disciplinary actions.  

 

District Policy on Behavior and Discipline

 

The Board and the administration offer the following listing of offenses and the required or recommended dispositions for the information of students, parents/legal guardians and school personnel.

 

Based upon all of the circumstances, including a finding that the alleged conduct will have a direct and immediate effect on the school or threatens the discipline, educational environment, safety or general welfare of students, faculty, staff and/or administrators of the school, the administration may either permit the student to attend classes as usual or may take appropriate disciplinary action including, but not limited to, in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension in order to conduct an investigation into the matter. The parents/ guardians of students will be notified of any action taken by the administration and offered the opportunity for a conference with the administration.

 

Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly, courteous, dignified, and respectful manner. This requirement refers to their actions toward other students and teachers, their language, their dress and their manners.

 

Levels of Offenses

 

Students who engage in an ongoing pattern of behavior that is disruptive to the orderly operations of the school shall be recommended for suspension.  The following is a general listing of offenses and the required or recommended disciplinary actions which should be taken as a result of such offenses being committed. 

 

Disruptive Conduct - Level I

 

Disorderly conduct is defined as any activity in which a student engages that tends to impede orderly classroom procedures or instructional activities, orderly operation of the school or the frequency or seriousness of which disturbs the classroom or school.

 

Acts of disorderly conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

• cheating on examinations or classroom assignments
• lying
• acting in a manner so as to interfere with the instructional process
• abusive language between or among students, to include profane language
• failure to complete assignments or carry out directions
• use of forged notes or excuses
• violation of school bus regulations
• possession or use of a paging device in violation of District policy

 

The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disorderly conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

• verbal reprimand
• withdrawal of privileges (a privilege, as defined by the Greenville County School Board, is a student's opportunity to participate in any function of the school beyond attending class, riding buses and participating in the school District's food service program)
• in-school/out of school suspension
• other sanctions approved by the Board or administration

 

Disruptive Conduct - Level II

 

Disruptive conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by student(s) which are directed against persons or property and the consequences of which tend to endanger the health or safety of themselves or others in the school. Some instances of disruptive conduct may overlap certain criminal offenses, justifying both administrative sanctions and court proceedings.

 

The administration may reclassify disorderly conduct (Level I) as disruptive conduct (Level II) if the student engages in the activity three or more times.

 

Acts of disruptive conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

• fighting
• vandalism (minor)
• stealing
• use or possession of laser pointers, fireworks, smoke bombs
• threats against others
• abusive language to staff, to include profane language
• other disruptive acts which interfere with the educational process
• refusal to obey school personnel or agents (such as volunteer aides or chaperones) whose responsibilities include supervision of students
• possession or use of unauthorized substances, including tobacco and tobacco products, non-prescription drugs, "look-a-like" drugs, and drug paraphernalia
• illegally occupying or blocking in any way school property with the intent to deprive others of its use
• inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
• misuse of District technology resources
• harassment, intimidation or bullying
• intimidating, threatening, or physically abusing another student
• any other acts as determined at the school level that are not inconsistent with Board policy

 

The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disruptive conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

• in-school suspension
• withdrawal of privileges (a privilege, as defined by the Greenville County School Board, is a student's opportunity to participate in any function of the school beyond attending class, riding buses and participating in the school District's food service program)
• temporary removal from class
• out-of-school suspension
• referral to outside agency
• restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities

 

Criminal Conduct - Level III

 

Criminal conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by students that result in violence to themselves or to another's person or property or which pose a direct and serious threat to the safety of themselves or others in the school. These activities usually require administrative actions which result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities and/or action by the Board.

 

Whenever a student is engaging or has engaged in activities including, but not limited to, one of the acts specified below, while on school property or at a school sanctioned or sponsored activity which a principal or his/her designee has reason to believe may result, or has resulted, in injury or serious threat of injury to a person or to his/her property, the principal is required to notify law enforcement officials.

 

Acts for which principals must recommend students for expulsion include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

• bomb threat
• possession, use or transfer of weapons - a weapon is defined as a firearm to incendiary or explosive device; or any other type of device or object which may be used to inflict bodily injury or death
• sexual offenses (which include sexual acts that do not result in a criminal offense)
• arson
• distribution, sale, purchase, manufacture, use, being under the influence of, or unlawful possession of alcohol or a controlled substance
• threatening to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon a school employee or member of their immediate family
• ganging ("Ganging" or participating as a member of a gang and inflicting a violent act of bodily harm, however slight, upon another person will not be tolerated.  A "gang" shall consist of two or more persons acting together for and with the purpose of committing an act of violence against another person.  "Participation" also includes any act that interferes with or hinders a staff member from stopping the infliction of bodily injury that is the objective of the gang.)

 

The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disruptive conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

• withdrawal of privileges (a privilege, as defined by the Greenville County School Board, is a student's opportunity to participate in any function of the school beyond attending class, riding buses and participating in the school District's food service program)
• out-of-school suspension
• restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities
• other sanctions as approved by the Board or administration

 

Extenuating, Mitigating or Aggravating Circumstances

 

The Board confers upon the Superintendent or his/her designee the authority to consider extenuating, mitigating or aggravating circumstances which may exist in a particular case of misconduct. The administrator should consider such circumstances in determining the most appropriate sanction.

 

Discipline of Disabled Students

 

Students identified as disabled pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act ("IDEIA disabled") will be disciplined in accordance with federal and state law as set forth in the special education procedures developed by the administration.

 

Paging Devices, Telecommunications Devices, and Cell Phones

 

For purpose of this policy, paging devices are defined as telecommunications devices, to include mobile telephones that emit an audible signal, vibrate, display a message or otherwise summon or deliver a communication to the possessor.

 

During school hours while on school grounds, no student may use a paging device.

 

The principal may authorize a student to otherwise possess a paging device if the student is an active member of an emergency service organization, needs the paging device for a legitimate medical reason or otherwise needs the paging device for a legitimate reason, as determined by the principal.  In such cases, the student must have prior written consent from the principal or his/her designee.

 

A person who finds a student in possession or use of a paging device in violation of this policy must report the student to the school principal. The principal must confiscate the device. The device will be returned to the student's parent/legal guardian according to the terms set forth below. Confiscated cell phones must be returned to a parent/legal guardian prior to the end of the school year. A student who violates this policy regarding use and possession of paging devices is subject to discipline as follows.

 

First offense – confiscation of the paging device or mobile telephone and after a conference held the next school day with the parent/legal guardian, the paging device or mobile telephone will be returned to the parent/legal guardian. The parent/legal guardian must sign an agreement acknowledging their understanding of Board Policy JDCA and the penalties for subsequent violations.

Second offense - confiscation of the paging device or mobile telephone and after a conference with the parent/legal guardian, the paging device or mobile telephone will be returned to the parent/legal guardian 30 calendar days after the confiscation.

Third and subsequent offenses - confiscation of the paging device or mobile telephone and after a conference with the parent/legal guardian, the paging device or mobile telephone will be returned to the parent/legal guardian 60 calendar days after the confiscation.

 

Suspension

 

The Board provides due process of law to students, parents/legal guardians and school personnel through procedures for the suspension of students, which are consistent with federal law, state law and regulation and local policy.

 

According to state law, the Board may authorize the suspension of a student from school for commission of any crime, gross immorality, gross misbehavior, persistent disobedience or for violation of written rules and regulations established by the District Board of Trustees (Student Behavior Code Policy JCDA), or the State Board of Education.  The Board may also authorize the suspension of a student when the presence of the student is detrimental to the best interest of the school.  Suspension means a student cannot attend school or be on the school grounds, cannot attend any program at the school in the daytime or at night and cannot ride a school bus.

 

Suspension is the exclusion of a student from school and school activities for a period of time not to exceed 10 school days for any one offense.  The Board uses the word suspension in this policy to mean either suspension from school or in-school suspension as determined by the principal.

 

The Board delegates the power of suspension to District administrators.

 

Requests for review of suspensions may be made to the principal and the Superintendent's designee.  The decision of the Superintendent's designee ends the appeal process for suspensions.  However, the Board must review suspensions that occur within the last 10 days of the school year if such suspension would make a student ineligible to receive credit for the school year.

 

Suspension of students who are classified as disabled will be handled consistent with federal and state law and with procedures established by the Board.

 

Missed Work

 

Students who are suspended must make up missed work.

 

Expulsion

 

Expulsion is the removal of a student from a school for the remainder of the school year, except in cases of permanent expulsion. 

 

Reporting Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment and Intimidation

 

The District is committed to fostering an environment that both promotes learning and prevents disruptions in the educational process.  Accordingly, the District prohibits all forms of bullying, discrimination, harassment, or intimidation.  As provided in Board Policy and Administrative Rule JCDAG, students and parents may file a report of bullying, discrimination, harassment or intimidation by other students, employees of the District, or third parties involved in the school setting.

 

All reports should be filed with the principal or his or her designee.  Reports may also be filed by a student’s parent.  If the allegation is against the school’s administration, the student or parent should file a report directly with the District’s Parent Resource Representative.  (See Policy JA for contact information).  Anonymous reports may be made, but those reports must provide the District with adequate information in order to begin an investigation. 

 

Investigations and Consequences

 

All reports will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and confidentially.  The investigation shall include appropriate steps to determine what occurred and to take actions reasonably calculated to end the harassment, intimidation or bullying, and prevent such misconduct from occurring again.  The student and his/her parent shall be informed of the results of the investigation and shall be advised how to report any subsequent problems.  However, any discipline of students or staff shall remain confidential. 

 

If the investigation determines that inappropriate conduct has occurred, the administration shall take reasonable, timely, age-appropriate, and effective corrective action.  Examples of corrective action include, but are not limited to, disciplinary action against the aggressor, up to and including termination of an employee or expulsion of a student.

 

The District prohibits retaliation or reprisal in any form against a student or employee who has filed a report.  The District also prohibits any person from falsely accusing another person.

 

 

 

Appeals

Notification of the outcome of the investigation will be issued in writing to the complainant and the complainant will be informed of the right to appeal.  An appeal related to disability discrimination or harassment should be made to the District’s 504 Coordinator.  An appeal regarding color, race, or national origin should be made to the District’s Title VI Coordinator.  An appeal regarding sexual harassment, or gender discrimination should be made to the District’s Title IX Coordinator. A complainant may then appeal the decision of the coordinator to the Superintendent or his or her designee.

 

For a complete copy of the District’s Policy, Administrative Rule, and report form referenced above, please see the online link below to the Greenville County Schools Board Policies and Administrative Rules.  You may also receive a copy of Policy JCDAG, Administrative Rule JCDAG, or the report form from your school upon request.

http://www.boarddocs.com/sc/greenville/Board.nsf/Public#

 

Searches and Student Interrogations

 

The Board recognizes that both state law and the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protect citizens, including students, from unreasonable searches and seizures.  The Board accordingly directs all District personnel to conduct searches and seizures on District property or during District sponsored events in accordance with applicable federal and state law. 

 

Searches

 

As authorized by state law, District and school administrators and officials may conduct reasonable searches on District property of desks and personal belongings such as purses, book bags, wallets, and satchels, with or without probable cause, subject to the limitations and requirements of this policy. 

 

Interrogations by School Personnel

Administrators and teachers may question students about any matter pertaining to the operation of a school and/or enforcement of its rules.  The questioning shall be conducted discreetly and under circumstances which will avoid, to the extent practical under the circumstances, unnecessary embarrassment to the person being questioned.  Any student who answers falsely or evasively or who refuses to answer an appropriate question may be disciplined. 

Interrogations by Law Enforcement

When law enforcement officers find it necessary to question a student during the school day regarding matters not connected to the school, the principal or his/her designee shall cooperate with law enforcement and shall request to be present, so long as his/her presence does not impede the investigation.  The principal or his/her designee should make a reasonable attempt to contact the student’s parent/legal guardian and request his/her presence.

Dress Code

 

Functional, clean, appropriate clothing contributes to a successful learning environment. The following District Dress Code guidelines should be followed when dressing for school.  These items cannot be worn:

 

·        Hats, sunglasses, skullies, or do-rags

·        Facial jewelry                    

·        Shower type flip flops are not allowed

·        Shorts or skirts should be at least fingertip length or longer

·        Midriffs should be fully covered                                            

·        Fishnet shirts                                                                                          

·        Tank tops

·        Spaghetti strap shirts and halter tops                                          

·        Bike shorts should only be worn under regular shorts or pants

·        Clothing with obscene or inappropriate messages should not be worn                                                                                     

·        Pants should fit at the waist and not drag on the floor                   

·        Non-human colored hair

·        Heelie shoes

In the event the administration determines a student’s dress is inappropriate for school in accordance with this policy, the administration will either require the student to change or will inform the student not to wear the garment to school again. 

 

Extended Day Program

If your child/children are enrolled in the Extended Day Program, fees must be paid even if your child does not attend.  This is a district mandate.  For example:  If your child is sick or you have other engagements, payment is still due.  Another example: if you have two or three children and one is absent there is no adjustment.

 

We only accept checks or money orders as payment. NO CASH, PLEASE. We cannot be responsible for cash left in the payment box.  If a check is returned for insufficient funds, your child/children cannot re-enter until the check has been cleared.  In the future you will have to pay by money order, only.

 

Payments are due on Monday mornings in the main office before noon.  After that time a $ 5.00 late fee is added to your account.  There are no exceptions. It is best that you bring your payment in yourself or pay in advance.  The teachers are not responsible to get the payment in for you.

 

There is a registration fee of $40.00 per. family.  This means that regardless of the number of children in the family the registration fee is only $40.00.

 

Weekly Rates

 

$40.00 for one child

$65.00 for two children

$85.00 for three children and

$100.00 for four children

We still offer bi-weekly rates and a rate for one day. Three days or more is the weekly rate. You must be registered as bi-weekly or just one day a week, because you will be expected to pay regardless if they attend or not.

We encourage you to enroll your child on a regular basis.  We will no longer accept children on a day to day basis.

 

Special Admissions

 

Sometimes 4 year olds and students w/special needs are enrolled in the EDP;   however, the director will discuss with you the structure of the program so that you are aware of our policies and procedures and at that time your child may enter on a trial basis.

 

Disciplinary Procedures

 

The program handles discipline problems very similar to the school’s policy. We have time-outs, student conferences, parent conferences, telephone calls, etc. If we continue to have problems your child may be dismissed from the program. We have a disciplinary form that is used for serious offenses.  Examples of these types of offenses are: fighting, disrespect to staff, cursing, stealing, etc.  Our main concern is that all the children are in a safe and enriching environment.  If a child receives three discipline forms it is an automatic dismissal from the program.  All serious after school discipline problems are handled by the director.

 

Contact Information

 

Main office number is 355-8800.  The office is open until 4pm. The after school number is 355-8811. You will have to leave a message and I will call you back.  

 

Extracurricular Activities

 

Student participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege (not a right) that a student earns through proper conduct and academic achievement.  A student may be denied the privilege of participating in an extracurricular activity and/or an event when the student's conduct is not consistent with District Policy; the District's Behavior Code and/or academic standards.

 

Grading Scale

 

93-100=         A

85-92  =          B                                                                  

77-84  =          C                                                                 

70-76  =          D                                                                

61-69  =          U/F

 

 

 

Harassment      

Harassment must be unwelcome advances, either verbal or physical, request for favor, and other verbal or physical conduct that contributes to decisions affecting the student or personnel, interferes with the learning process, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.  If it is reported, it will be taken seriously and an investigation will be done.  This involves both adults and students.

Health Room

The Summit Drive Health Room is staffed by a registered nurse.  Her duties include:

• Calling parents when a child has a temperature of 100 degrees or is too sick or uncomfortable to remain at school                                                                        
• Administering first aid for minor injuries
• Administering over-the-counter medications IF a parent sends the medication to                               her with instructions for dosage and a signed and dated note
• Administering prescription medications IF a doctor’s form and written parent permission are on file in the health room
• Maintaining records of each child’s visits to the health room
• Vision screening for grades 4K, 5K, 1^st, 3^rd, and 5^th grades are conducted                                                                        
• Hearing screening for grades 4K, 5K, 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd grade are conducted                                                                         
• Monitoring immunization records for compliance with SC state law
• Develops individual healthcare plans for students with chronic health related problems                                                                         

No medications can be administered at school unless they are given by the nurse.  Questions concerning health issues can be answered by calling Ms. Head at 355-8807.

Homework

 

Homework is an extension of the classroom.  It helps provide needed practice while developing responsibility and maturity.  Students are expected to begin work on long-range projects as soon as they are assigned to avoid working late at night or on weekends.  The parents’ role is to provide time and space for quiet, productive work and to provide encouragement and reinforcement. (See District Policy below)

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructional Program

Summit Drive offers a rigorous and challenging academic program in the areas of English/language arts, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science.  The South Carolina State Standards and the Greenville County Curriculum Guides are followed.  Copies of the standards are available upon request. In addition, instruction is offered in art, music, physical education, and computer.  Students may also qualify to receive support services, such as speech, resource, occupational therapy or challenge.

PTA

The PTA renders a number of valuable services to the school and sponsors several fundraising projects during the year.  Parents/Guardians are encouraged to become actively involved in supporting the PTA activities and joining a committee of interest.  Please refer to the schools webpage for monthly PTA Board meetings.  PTA membership dues are: $5.00 for individuals.  You will receive a membership card once you have joined.  The officers will be presented at the beginning of the year and their contact information will be made available on the school’s webpage.

Parent Conferences

There will be at least two conferences between the child’s teacher and parent during the school year, usually at the end of the first and third 45-day reporting periods.  All parents are expected to attend these scheduled conferences.  Parents are encouraged to initiate conferences at any time by writing a note or calling the school office for an appointment with your child’s teacher. When teachers observe the need, additional parent-teacher conferences, will be requested. 

Promotion/Retention

The curriculum at Summit Drive is such that children are able to make continuous progress, regardless of the grade placement.  It is recognized that some students benefit from the opportunity to continue in the same grade another year.  Certain criteria are followed before and during the retention process.  During the first parent conference, parents are informed if the child is not successful on grade level.  By the end of the third reporting period, a teacher should be able to identify a child who may need to be retained and will notify the parents that their child may benefit from continuing in the same grade another year. 

Records

In most instances, access to a student’s records is restricted to the student’s parents or legal guardian (regardless of custodial rights), appropriate school district and educational access by valid subpoena or court order.  Most other persons may obtain access to student records only with the written consent of the parent or guardian.  Unless parents or guardians direct otherwise, the district will release directory information consisting only of a student’s name, school, grade, dates of attendance, degree and awards received, participation in officially recognized activities and sports without prior written consent.  Questions about additional confidentiality rights for both handicapped and non-handicapped students may be obtained through the principal’s office.

Related Arts               

All students have a 45-minute art, music, and physical education class each week.  Additionally, students participate in activities in the media center, computer lab, and science lab.  Classroom teachers and related arts teachers work together to integrate the subjects they teach.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued four times a year at the end of each nine week quarter.  Student tardies and absences for the year will be noted on the report card each nine weeks. They will be sent home in report card envelopes.  The parent may keep the report card and return the signed envelope to the teacher.  In addition, the state of South Carolina issues report cards for each school in the fall of the year.  Schools are graded based on student standardized test score results in grades 3 through 5 and student and teacher attendance.

Safety

Safety is of the highest importance of students and staff at Summit Drive.  All visitors and volunteers are required to sign in and out during the school day, wear a nametag, and enter by the front office door.  Outside doors are locked.  Drills are held to help students practice safety precautions for fire, tornado, and bus evacuations.

School Parties

PTA Room Parent(s) and teachers plan parties and activities for students each year. Individual birthday parties at school are not allowed; however, parents may bring healthy treats for the class at lunch time.

School Improvement Council - SIC

The School Improvement Council is charged to develop the school’s improvement plan, which consists of beliefs, mission, vision, performance goals for student achievement, and strategies for implementation.  Any parent, community member, teacher, etc. are welcome to join.  A meeting schedule is on the school’s webpage.

Sign-In System

All visitors will sign in on the new computerized system, SimpleTrack.  When parents, visitors, and volunteers visit the school, they will be required to sign-in on the computer that is located in the front office. A label will be printed once the visitor has signed in and must be visible during the visit.  There are occasions (testing, etc.) when a classroom visit cannot be allowed. It is recommended that a visitation time be established in advance.