Handbook

PULASKI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK



Principal: Mary Britton

Assistant Principal: Katherine Derryberry

Attendance Secretary: Melinda Malone

Bookkeeper: Dawn Green


606 South Cedar Lane

Pulaski, Tennessee 38478

Phone: 931-363-5233

Fax: 931-424-7027

Webpage: https://sites.google.com/gcboe.us/pes/home


A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Students:

Welcome to Pulaski Elementary School. It is such an exciting time as we begin a new school year. On behalf of the faculty and staff, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that the students are our number one priority. In order for a child to succeed in academics, they must feel they are a part of a safe, positive and caring learning environment, which is our mission at Pulaski Elementary School.

Communication between teachers, students, parents and the community is a vital part of the educational process. Parents are welcome to visit the school at any time; however, we do ask that you be considerate of the teacher’s time in the classroom by making an appointment if you need to discuss your child’s progress. There are many opportunities throughout the year to show support by participating in the many exciting events hosted by the school or the PTO. Please check the calendar often for dates and times.

New things are always being introduced in our schools which will require time as well as patience on everyone’s part as we learn to properly implement the programs. We continue to make strides to ensure the best for our students.

Thank you for continuing to choose Pulaski Elementary School. Please feel free to contact me @ 931-363-5233 with any questions or concerns at any time. We are looking forward to Positively Encouraging Success through Academics, Attendance and Attitude.

Sincerely,

Mary S. Britton, Principal


PULASKI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

DAILY SCHEDULE

2019-2020


7:00-7:40 Students report to gym and designated Cub Time area


7:40-8:00 Students report to homeroom for attendance & announcements & no cost breakfast* This is an important time of the school day. Please try to have your student at school by 7:40 each morning.


8:00-3:00 School is in session

  • If a student arrives to school after 8:00, a parent or guardian must walk the child into the school building and sign him or her in for the day.


10:30-12:40 Lunch*

Each class has its own lunch time

*No cost for all students


PULASKI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISMISSAL SCHEDULE*


2:48 Walkers & car riders:

Kindergarten car riders will dismiss @ the Kindergarten end.

1st & 2nd graders will dismiss at the new gym entrance.

**Please have car tag visible for student being picked up & follow the traffic flow.

2:52 Bus riders

**This is subject to change based on the

beginning of school/time change, etc.


SCHOOL MESSENGER PHONE SYSTEM

Pulaski Elementary has a phone system called, “School Messenger,” which has the capacity to call all parents at the same time in case of school emergencies and/ or announcements. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL IN THESE SITUATIONS SINCE WE WILL BE TRYING TO CALL YOU. IT IS OF ABSOLUTE IMPORTANCE WE HAVE A WORKING PHONE NUMBER TO REACH THE PARENTS/ GUARDIANS OF EACH CHILD ATTENDING PULASKI ELEMENTARY.


SECURE OUR SCHOOLS HOTLINE

424-7042

Secure our schools hotline (SOS) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to anonymously report acts of violence, selling of drugs, and possession of weapons or acts of vandalism. A reward will be given for information leading to the confiscation of a firearm on school property if in the possession of a student.


SCHOOL SEARCHES

Lockers and other storage areas, containers, book bags, purses, and packages brought into the school by students or visitors are subject to search. Any vehicle parked on school property is subject to search by school and law enforcement personnel.


VISITORS

Parents and guests are welcome to visit our school but the safety of our students is of main concern. ALL VISITORS INCLUDING PARENTS MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE UPON ENTERING THE BUILDING OR COMING ONTO THE CAMPUS TO RECEIVE A VISITOR’S BADGE. YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PHOTO ID TO SCAN INTO OUR SYSTEM. Any parent who wishes to speak or meet with a teacher must make an appointment. Disruption of instructional time is avoided if at all possible. Visitors are welcome during lunch hours. A table is designated for students and their guests. Please do not accompany students back to their classes after lunch.

PLEASE RESPECT PRIVACY OF ALL STUDENTS. NO PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEOS SHOULD BE TAKEN OF ANY STUDENTS OTHER THAN YOUR OWN.

TRAFFIC FLOW

There is no traffic in the bus lane on Cedar Lane between 7:00-8:00 or between 2:30-3:30. All parents who bring their children to school or pick them up MUST use the drive in the back of the school entering from Ballentine Street.


CAFETERIA


GILES COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL HAVE A NO COST BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM THIS YEAR. HOWEVER, ANY EXTRA ITEMS (MILK, MEAT, VEGETABLE, ETC.) MUST BE PAID IN CASH AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. Students will still key in their code as they exit the cafeteria line. Please help your child learn this number given to them by their teacher. SOFT DRINKS OF ANY KIND ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CAFETERIA. NO FOODS OR DRINKS ARE TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL FROM COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS (SUCH AS MCDONALD’S, HARDEE’S, ETC.).


DRESS CODE

Please see Giles County Schools’ webpage for the most recent Giles County Schools’ Dress Code. A copy will also be sent home with each student. It is also posted on our school webpage. The main things to remember for PES grade- level include the following:

  • No writing allowed on clothing except any size logos of brand name& monograms representing student’s initials. Cartoon and superhero characters are allowed.

  • Shorts, skirts, jumpers, dresses or skorts must be no shorter than 4” above the top of the knee.

  • No spaghetti strap or strapless shirts are to be worn to school.

  • Hair cannot be dyed any unnatural hair color.


*** ATTENDANCE ***

The education of your child is of highest importance. Please have your child at school and on time. Valid reasons for an excused absence are illness, doctor’s appointment, court appearance, or death in the family. A STUDENT MUST BRING A WRITTEN EXCUSE EVERY TIME HE/SHE IS ABSENT OR TARDY.


Beginning this school year, the Giles County Board of Education has made several changes to its Attendance Policy. Each student will receive an updated policy at the beginning of school and can also find the policy in full on our school’s web page. Please note the main changes below:

  1. 5 parent notes per school year may be used for student absences or tardiness. After 5 parent notes are used, any illness related absence must be accompanied by a medical note stating that the absence is necessary.

  2. ALL and any excuses must be turned into the office within 5 days of the absence. Please check with the school if there is question of excuse getting to the office.

  3. 4 unexcused absences= an internal (school-level) truancy meeting will be held with school administrator, student and parent/ guardian.

  4. 6 unexcused absences= Saturday School for PARENTS Grades K-5

  5. 7 unexcused absences = an external truancy meeting will be held with the truancy board.

  6. 8+ unexcused absences= petition or criminal summons to court


STUDENT ILLNESS

The school nurse will notify the parents of any child who becomes ill or hurt during the school day. IT IS OF UPMOST IMPORTANCE THE SCHOOL HAVE A WORKING PHONE NUMBER AT ALL TIMES IN CASE OF EMERGENCY! The proper forms must be filled out by the parent or guardian of any student who requires medication to be taken at school. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL IF HE OR SHE HAS FEVER, VOMITING OR DIARRHEA. Your child should be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.



LICE/ BED BUGS: STUDENTS WHO ARE SENT HOME WITH HEAD LICE OR NITS WILL NOT BE READMITTED IN SCHOOL UNTIL ALL NITS ARE REMOVED. STUDENTS RETURNING TO SCHOOL MUST BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL BY A PARENT AND CHECKED BY A SCHOOL NURSE OR SUBMIT A LETTER FROM A PHYSICIAN STATING THAT THE STUDENT IS FREE OF LICE AND NITS. PLEASE SEE GCBOE POLICY 6.4031.


SCHOOL FEES

ALL STUDENTS ARE ASKED TO PAY A $20 SUPPLY FEE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. SUPPLY FEE MONIES ARE USED FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS.



RETURNED CHECKS

THERE IS A $30 SERVICE CHARGE FOR RETURNED CHECKS. PLEASE HAVE SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO COVER ANY CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE SCHOOL. THANK YOU.



CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS

Teachers will be allowed to include holiday celebrations in their lesson plans as part of their curriculum. Parents will be notified ahead of time as to the day, time and specifics of each planned event. Birthday celebrations will be allowed as part of snack time. This must remain a student only event due to strict time restraints. Teachers must be notified ahead of time for planning purposes.


FIELD TRIPS

Each grade will have the opportunity to participate in an educational field trip. We encourage all parents to let their child participate. Permission forms will be sent home at the beginning of the year to cover all trips. You will be notified of each trip well in advance as student assignments will be leading up to the trip.


ROOM MOTHERS/ FATHERS/ VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers play an essential role in the success of Pulaski Elementary. Each homeroom class needs parent volunteers who will give assistance in class and school activities and one parent to serve as executive room mother/ father. Please let your child’s teacher know if you are available.



PTO (PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION

The Pulaski Elementary PTO is composed of all parents and guardians, and faculty of Pulaski Elementary Students. A room mother/father chosen from each homeroom will serve on the executive committee of the PTO along with the PTO officers and school principal. The executive meetings are held an hour before the regular meeting. Dates and times will be provided via school calendar, website, school reach and newsletter. The PTO officers for this school year include:


President- Wendy Butler

Vice-President- Anna Carter

Secretary- Tacora Garrett

Treasurer- Fleecy Johnson

Support Officers: Jennifer Skeets and Stella Brumit


PTO Fundraisers: PTO sponsors several fund raising projects during the school year. The funds are generously used to purchase equipment, supplies, field trips, improvement to school grounds as well as other educational services for the students. All parents are encouraged to participate in these efforts to support the students of Pulaski Elementary.


SCHOOL FUND RAISING PROJECTS

The school will have two major fundraisers. The first is scheduled to kick- off in October. The second is the Cookie Dough fundraiser is tentatively scheduled for February, 2020. The goal for our school is to raise funds to purchase additional technology and instructional materials for all classrooms. Thank you in advance for your support.


SPECIAL SCHOOL SERVICES

Pulaski Elementary is now school-wide TITLE 1. This means all students have the opportunity to benefit from programs that are federally funded. School-wide parent nights will be held throughout the school year to inform parents and guardians of new programs, activities and strategies to help students succeed academically.


Foster Grandparents Program- The South Central Human Resource Agency sponsors a Foster Grandparent program which provides elderly paid volunteers to help students who need special assistance in academic performance, emotional support, or perceptual training.


Project B.A.S.I.C- Better attitudes and skills in children.


Speech and Hearing- The program offers instruction in articulation, fluency, and voice problems for people from age 4 up to age 22. Instruction is offered for the hearing impaired.


BULLYING AND INTIMIDATION

Students shall be provided a safe learning environment. It shall be a violation of school board policy for any student to bully, intimidate, or create a hostile educational environment for another student.


DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s policy of non- discrimination, the Giles County School System does not discriminate against any person for reasons of race, color, religion, handicap, national origin, sex, age, or socio-economic status in its policies or in the admission of access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services or activities. \Complaints of discrimination under Title VI should be directed to the office of Director, 270 Richland, Pulaski, TN 38478 (931)363-4558.


REHABILITATION ACT

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights statue which prohibits discrimination against a person with a disability as anyone who has a record of having, or is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity, such as learning, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, caring for oneself and performing manual tasks. If a teacher or parent suspects a student would come under the 504 policy, please feel free to contact Susy Bates, our school counselor, at 363-5233 or the Giles County Board of Education, 363-4558.


SCHOOL POLICIES FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS


PLEASE KEEP THIS HANDBOOK IN A SAFE PLACE TO REFERENCE THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR.


Giles County Schools Discipline Code will be given

at the beginning of school.

  1. Please take pride in your school. It is expected of us by the tax payers, Giles County School Board and the County Commission to maintain and preserve the school building in its present condition. It is your responsibility as a student to take pride in your school and the school grounds. The parent/ guardian will be financially responsible for any damages to the building or furniture caused by a child.

  2. Students should arrive between 7:00-7:40. Any student arriving after 8:00 must enter the building through the office and be signed in by a parent or guardian...

All doors will be locked at 8:00.

GYM DOORS WILL BE LOCKED @ 7:55.

3. Sign-outs and tardies are counted against attendance.

4. All students are required to take Physical Education. If a student cannot participate in P.E. on their scheduled day, it is assumed that in most cases, a he or she cannot participate in free play. A note should accompany a child who is unable to participate in P.E. on a given day.

5. Behavioral problems in the classroom are the responsibility of the teacher; however, a student may be corrected by any member of the staff who sees inappropriate behavior. Unacceptable behavior includes but not limited to throwing of rocks, dirt, sticks or other objects; foul language, drawing of inappropriate pictures, and fighting of any kind.

6. Knives, guns, alcoholic beverages, and abusive drugs are absolutely prohibited on school property. A student found guilty of this will be subject to dismissal from school.

7. Students should have their FULL NAMES on all personal items coming from home (clothes, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc.). A Lost and Found box is located in the front lobby by the office.

8. If a student has a special problem, he or she should try to work it out with the teacher. If a solution cannot be reached, then the Principal should be involved. The parents and teacher should be included at all times.

9. NO TOY GUNS OR WEAPONS ARE TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL.

10. RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS IS A PRIVILEGE. IT SHOULD NOT BE ABUSED. STUDENTS MUST OBEY SCHOOL BUS RULES ACCORDING TO THOSE PROVIDED BY THE GILES COUNTY SCHOOLS PUPIL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM. ABUSE OF THE RULES WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF BUS PRIVILEGES.

11. All car riders should be picked up by 3:15. Pre-K dismissal is 1:30. Pre-K parents arriving after 1:30 must get in regular car rider line that lets out at 2:55.

12. ANY changes in transportation MUST be made in writing to the school office. A fax is acceptable if sent before 2:30.


PHONE NUMBERS OF INTEREST


Director of Schools- 363-4558


Giles County Schools Bus Garage- 363-4598


Pulaski Elementary Cafeteria, Andrea Poarch, Manager- 363-6743


Southside Elementary- 424-7005


Bridgeforth Middle School- 363-7526


Giles County High School- 931-363-6532 (must dial 931)


Elkton School- 468-2286


Minor Hill School-931-347-0163


Richland Elementary- 527-0663


Richland High School- 527-3577