CRCT Student Guide

CRCT Preparation

CRCT Parent Guide

ANNISTOWN ELEMENTARY MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Annistown Elementary School is to provide an environment where each student is valued as a unique individual with the ability to learn and the need to be actively involved in the learning process.

BELIEF STATEMENTS:

1. All students can learn.
2. Students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process.
3. Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs.
4. The commitment to continuous improvement is imperative if our school is going to enable students to become confident, self-directed, lifelong learners.

Gwinnett County Public Schools: Creating a System of World-Class Schools

Gwinnett County Public Schools takes very seriously this concept of “world-class schools”. It’s not a cliche to us. It’s the ideal state we work toward every day in every facet of the school system. You’ll find the phrase “world-class” in both the vision statement and the mission of Gwinnett County Public Schools. Therefore, world-class schools are at the heart of our strategic direction. Achieving them is what guides our operations today, tomorrow, and in the years to come.

GCPS’ Vision: What we aspire to be...

Gwinnett County Public Schools will become a system of world-class schools where students acquire the knowledge and skills to be successful as they continue their education at the postsecondary level and/or enter the workforce.

GCPS’ Mission: Why we exist, our core business...

The mission of Gwinnett County Public Schools is to pursue excellence in academic knowledge, skills, and behavior for each student, resulting in measured improvement against local, national, and world-class standards.

What we mean by ‘World-Class’ in Gwinnett County Public Schools...

Because it is such an integral part of what we do and how we function, we’ve spent a lot of time defining what “world-class” means in our organization.
 In Gwinnett County Public Schools, “world-class” describes any product, service or organization that is judged by qualitative and quantitative measures as one of the best in its class, and that is acknowledged, accepted, admired, and emulated by customers, stakeholders, professional peers, and competitors alike. In the context of this definition, schools that are considered to be “world-class” are characterized by the following:

• High academic standards for all
• A comprehensive, challenging, and relevant curriculum
• Effective, engaging instructional strategies
• Accurate and meaningful assessments
• High-performing and inspiring employees committed to professional development, training, and lifelong learning
• Information technology systems that advance teaching and learning
• A culture of continuous quality improvement
• Accountability for results
• Productive community and parental partnerships
• Innovative approaches to scheduling, staffing, and use of resources
• A safe and secure learning environment
• Behavioral standards for all that are conducive to teaching and learning
• Commitment to meeting the needs of its internal and external communities while capitalizing on their diverse ideas and strengths.

GCPS’ Strategic Goals: The plan for achieving our mission...

Gwinnett County Public Schools will...

• Ensure a world-class education for all students by focusing on teaching and learning the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum
• Ensure a safe, secure, and orderly environment for all.
• Optimize student achievement through responsible stewardship of its financial resources and the proactive pursuit of all resources necessary to meet current and future demands.
• Recruit, employ, develop, and retain a workforce that achieves the mission and goals of the organization.
• Meet the continuing and changing demand for essential information through technological systems and processes that support effective performance and desired results
• Provide and manage the system’s facilities and operations in an exemplary manner as determined by programmatic needs and best management practices.
• Apply continuous quality improvement strategies and principles as the way the organization does business.

School attendance is important because it underscores the significance of learning and the importance of obtaining an education in our society in addition to helping students develop good work habits that will carryover in life. Good attendance also correlates strongly with improved grades. A minimum level of attendance is required for attainment of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum. The responsibility of school attendance is that of both parents and students.

The Superintendent has designated the minimum levels of attendance in procedure consistent with state standards.

Definitions

Truant - any child subject to compulsory attendance who during the school calendar year has more than five days of unexcused absences.

Compulsory Attendance - Official Code of Georgia (20-2-690.2): Every parent, guardian, or other person residing within this state having control or charge of any child or children between their sixth and sixteenth birthdays shall enroll and send such child or children to a public school, a private school, or a home study program that meets the requirements for a public school, a private school, or home study program; and such child shall be responsible for enrolling in and attending a public school, a private school, or a home study program that meets the requirements for a public school, a private school, or a home study program.

Tardy - Students are considered tardy to school or class if the student arrives at a designated location after a school bell, chime, or buzzer has sounded.

Early Checkout - When a parent, guardian, or other person having charge or control of a student authorizes a student to leave the facility before the end of the school day. School day hours are published in local school handbooks.

Excused Absences - State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.10 defines the following as excused absences:
1. Personal illness or attendance in school endangers a student's health or the health of others. (i) Local boards of education may require students to present appropriate medical documentation upon the return to school for the purpose of validating that the absence is an excused absence.
2. A serious illness or death in the student's immediate family necessitating absence from school. (i) In the event of a serious illness in a student's family, local boards of education may require students to present appropriate medical documentation regarding the family member upon return to school for the purpose of validating that the absence is an excused absence.
3. A court order or an order by a government agency, including pre-induction physical examinations for service in the armed forces, mandating absence from school.
4. Observing religious holidays, necessitating absence from school.
5. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety. (For Gwinnett County Public Schools the closure of schools for hazardous conditions may only be made by the School Superintendent for the purposes of excused absences)
6. Local boards of education may allow a period not to exceed one day for registering to vote or voting in a public election.
7. Local boards of education shall count students present when they are serving as pages for the Georgia General Assembly

Procedures

Parents or guardians are encouraged to call the school on the day of the student absence to indicate the reason for the absence. Parents or guardians should also send a signed, written note when the student returns to school explaining the reason for the absence, the date(s) of the absence(s), and a daytime phone number. If the student fails to bring a note, the absence will be regarded as unexcused until such time as the parent provides a written explanation for the absence. If a student has five unexcused absences, the school will make contact with the parent, guardian or person having charge or control of the student to notify them of these absences and possible consequences. After two reasonable attempts to contact the parent, guardian, or person having charge or control of a student of the students five unexcused absences without response, the school shall send a written notice via certified mail with return receipt requested. For students age 14 and over, the school will also notify the student and parent when the student is within 3 unexcused absences of having a report filed with the Ga. Department of Motor Vehicles which may result in the loss or denial of a driver's permit or license.

To facilitate prompt, appropriate communication between the home and school, parents, guardians, or persons having charge or control of a student should notify the school immediately when there is a change in the student's address and/or phone number as listed in school records.

Possible consequences and interventions for unexcused absences, tardies or excessive early checkouts may include but are not limited to the following:

Morning Detention	Afternoon Detention
Saturday School	Revocation of School Transfer
Community Service	Counseling Group Participation
Loss of Parking Permit	Isolated Lunch
In-school suspension	Student/Parent Conferences
Out-of-School Suspension	Loss of Driver’s License or Permit
Referral to School Social Worker	Referral to Juvenile Court
Referral to Social Service Agencies	Referral to a Disciplinary Panel

 
 
 
 

ANNISTOWN ELEMENTARY
ATTENDANCE/TARDIES/ CHECKING OUT STUDENTS EARLY:

School attendance is important because it underscores the significance of learning and the importance of obtaining an education in our society. It teaches students responsibility and develops a work ethic.

Regular attendance in school helps develop good habits that will carry over in life. Good attendance correlates very strongly with improved grades in school. School attendance is the responsibility of both parents and students.

A minimum level of attendance is required for attainment of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS). The Board of Education charges the Superintendent with developing these minimum levels consistent with state and regional standards into procedures.

We are proud that Annistown Elementary has one of the best attendance records for students. Thanks to all parents, students and teachers who make this happen.

After an absence from school, a student must present a written statement signed by a parent or guardian giving the reason for the absence. In compliance with the Gwinnett County School Board Policy, absences will be excused for these reasons:

1. Personal illness or attendance in school endangering a student's health or the health of others.
2. A serious illness or death in a student's family necessitating absence from school.
3. A court order or an order by a governmental agency, including pre induction physical examinations for service in the armed forces, mandating absence from school.
4. Celebrating religious holidays, necessitating absence from school.
5. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety.

All other absences are unexcused.  When students are suspended short term, work that is missed will neither count for nor against the student’s final grade.  Suspended students shall make-up those major assignments (major tests or, class or homework assignments) that will have a significant impact on the student’s final grade.  It is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work within a reasonable period of time.

A student is considered tardy if not in the classroom by 8:50 a.m. Parents must check their children in the office if arriving after 8:50 a.m. If students must leave during the school day for any reason, a parent or guardian must sign the student out through the front office.  Office personnel will locate the students.  Relatives, neighbors, etc. will not be allowed to check out any student unless authorization is on file. For your child’s safety, we will ask for identification, please have it available upon checkout.

 Of course, our Annistown Tigers cannot be as successful if they are not present and on time to participate. Please ensure that your child is present and ready to learn by 8:50 a.m. Please also continue to work with our staff and faculty by honoring our full day of instruction as well as the increased afternoon “traffic” in the main office. As a result, afternoon checkouts should not occur after 3:00 p.m. Please note that a student will be counted absent if he/she misses more than ½ of the school day.
 
 
 
 

ATTENDANCE RECOGNITION

One attendance accomplishment will be recognized beginning this year. Perfect Attendance recognition will be awarded for those students who are at school all day, every day. In other words, they are not absent, tardy or have early check outs during a nine week period. Certificates will be presented to students at the end of each nine week period.

BIRTHDAYS GUIDELINES
 

• • Students are invited to come to the office at the teacher’s convenience to receive a birthday ribbon.

• Please do not bring or send flowers or balloons to school.
• Birthday snacks may be sent to school with the child or delivered to the office. The teacher will distribute them   at a convenient time during the day.
• Birthday treats should be divided into individual portions prior to delivery. Finger foods such as cupcakes and individual cookies work best. Knives are not permitted in classrooms. Therefore, cakes and birthday cookies must be cut before being brought to school. Individual portions   allow us to celebrate while still maximizing time for     instruction. Please do not send drinks.
• Purchasing ice cream from our cafeteria for the class is a great alternative.
• Please reserve party bags and presents for home celebrations.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER

For emergency purposes, we must have updated information on each student. Please notify the school of any changes of address, phone number, or emergency contact person.

CLINIC

The school provides the services of a clinic worker. If a child becomes sick during the school day, the clinic worker will attempt to reach the child's parents.  If unsuccessful, the other persons listed by the parents on the clinic card will be called.  Keeping the clinic card current with daytime telephone numbers is imperative.

The worker also dispenses all medication.  No medication, including Tylenol, can be given unless parents bring in the medication and sign a form giving the clinic worker permission to administer it to the child.  

Students may not bring medication to school.  Parents must personally pick up the remainder of the medication once treatment is finished.
 
 

COMMUNICATION PLAN

Parent/School Communication
Parents are encouraged to maintain frequent communication with their child’s Teacher(s).
Parent/Teacher/School communication is essential for the success of each student.
1. Report Cards are issued four times a year at the end of each nine-week interval.
2. Interim Progress Reports are sent home every three weeks.
3. Reading Levels are  shared with parents in grades K-5 at the Parent-Teacher Conferences.
4. Early Release Parent-Teacher Conferences are  held in November and February
5. Parent Conferences and/or Phone Conferences are  held as needed, called by Teacher or Parent.
6. PTA Newslettes are sent home every other month.
7. Teacher/Classroom Newslettes are communicated  weekly.
8. Curriculum Letters are (Grade Level and Special Areas) sent home four times per year at the beginning of each
nine week-grading period
9. Thursday Folder/Envelopes  with PTA and/or school information are sent home
with students each Thursday.
10. Shadow Card:  Student behavior plan is sent home each Thursday to be reviewed
and signed by Parent(s) . . . return to Teacher on Friday.
11. Open House:  Registration, PTA information, class assignments, GCPS Student Behavior Code, GCPS Bus Behavior/Discipline information, class/school  information
12. Curriculum Night:  Parent/Teacher meeting held in August when Teachers explain curriculum, classroom procedures, expectations for students, discipline, classroommanagement plans and other academic information.
13. GCPS AKS Booklets:  given to parents on Curriculum Night, the AKS Booklet
contains Gwinnett County’s essential curriculum for each grade level

COUNSELING

The purpose of the counseling program is to support student success. Each student’s affective and cognitive potential is best met with a variety of approaches. Performance to match potential can be approached with any of the following:

Classroom guidance - focusing on problem solving, character building and basic life skills.

Group counseling - based on student need. Students are referred by teacher, parent, administrative, counselor or self-referral.

Individual counseling - based on student need. Students included in individual counseling are referred by teacher, parent, administrative, counselor or self-referral.

Additionally the counselor serves as a consultant to both teachers and parents and is available to be a part of a parent-teacher conference. The purpose of counseling involvementis to offer additional support and intervention planning for student success.

The school counselors serve as a resource for all students, faculty and parents. The counselors are involved in the orientation of new students, transition between grade levels, special programs, assist with referrals to community agencies, assist with curriculum enrichment activities and parent education. When addressing many facets of the students’ academic progress, the counselors additionally assist in the typical developmental needs of students, help in specific crisis and aid in family changes. The counselors also serve on the Student Support Team (SST).

DAILY SCHEDULE
 

DISCIPLINE: ELEMENTARY STUDENT CONDUCT BEHAVIOR CODE

The following rules apply when a student is:

a. on the school grounds;
b. off the school grounds at a school activity, function, or event;
c. en route to and from school; or
d. off the school grounds while the student is in attendance of any school function, or is otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of school authorities.

1. Each student will not interrupt learning and teaching.
2. Each student will not damage or attempt to damage or take or attempt to take the property of the school.
3. Each student will not damage or attempt to damage or take or attempt to take the personal property of others.
4. Each student will not threaten, hit, kick, bite, bump, push, pull hair, pinch, hurt or use disrespectful language with staff (administrators, teachers, bus drivers, etc.)
5. Each student will not bully, threaten, hit, kick, bite, bump, push, pull hair, pinch, hurt or use disrespectful language with other students or any other person not employed by the school. Fighting on the school bus will result in an automatic suspension from riding the school bus for at least one day.
6. Each student will not possess or use weapons, whether assembled or disassembled (guns including toy guns), knives, firecrackers, etc.) whether toy, operational or not operational if a person could reasonably perceive the object to be a weapon or if the object is a destructive device.
7. Each student will not possess, use, or distribute alcohol or drugs or any substances they represent to be alcohol or drugs.
8. Each student will not disobey directions or commands of teachers, principals, bus drivers, etc.
9. Each student will not expose or touch himself, herself or others inappropriately including private areas of the body.
10. Each student will not miss school or class without an excused absence.
11. Each student will not exhibit unsafe and/or inappropriate conduct at any time.
12. Severe or repeated violations of school rules may result in a parental conference and/or discipline review committee meeting.

Note: See administrator for detailed version of Student Conduct Behavior Code.

Annistown Rules: A positive learning environment is essential if students are to be successful in school. Three basic rules govern our school behavior plan:

1. I will be prepared to learn and respect the learning of others.

2. I will behave safely at all times.

3. I will show respect for myself, others and property.

Oftentimes, elementary school students need assistance in maintaining a disciplined lifestyle while at school. With continued emphasis on teaching and learning, we are helping our students understand the relationship between self-discipline and academic achievement. It is our goal and duty to provide that assistance for our students so that they can be as successful as possible at Annistown and throughout their lives.

 Every Thursday your child should bring home with him/her a yellow “Annistown Tiger Shadow Card”. Be sure to ask your child about it. It is a card that students are to carry with them any time they are traveling by themselves or with a small number of students outside of the classroom, for example, walking to the media center, clinic, restroom, another class, etc. When students travel with their entire class, for example, to specials classes, or to the cafeteria, a class representative will hold a container with the class set of shadow cards enclosed. If a student is doing something that he/she should not be doing, then the student may receive a check from a staff member in a specified area on the card. This check means that there is a need for improvement in that area. In an effort to reinforce desired behaviors, a student may also receive a positive comment for showing behavior that is more than satisactory.

 If a student has difficulty making the right choices and the shadow card proves to be ineffective in changing the behavior of the student, he/she may need extra time to improve the behavior. The student may be required to spend time in the “Opportunity Room” formally known as the “Time Out Room”. The student will be supervised by an Annistown staff member and given an “opportunity” to make a better choice in order to improve the misbehavior. During this time the student may complete either an “Action Plan” or an “Administrative Referral (completed by an administrator).” When completing the Action Plan, the students will describe what behaviors are inappropriate, what rule(s) were broken, and what ht/she will do differently next time. The Action Plan is a semi-formal piece of documentation, i. e. it does not go into the student’s permanent record. However, the teacher and parent should sign it. One copy will remain at school in an individual discipline file, one copy will remain with the teacher, and the parents will keep another copy for their own records. The Annistown Referral is a formal document that is used as a consequence for serious misbehavior, and/or repeated offenses. It is important to note that the information on this document will be entered in the student’s permanent data record.

 We believe this system is just, fair, and appropriate. We also believe that if our students are going to be active, life-long learners, they must certainly be well disciplined. As such, they must learn to accept responsibility for their actions as young people.
 

Major offenses include:
 

• Fighting

• Chronic defiance or disrespect of authority

• Destroying, defacing or stealing school or private property

• Throwing objects in anger with intent to harm

• Possession of dangerous weapons

Laser Pointer Policy: Laser pointers are not allowed on school grounds. Disciplinary Procedures: Any laser pointer found at school will be confiscated and sent to Safety and Security. A parent/guardian may pick it up from that office. Any student possessing a laser pointer on school grounds or causing a disruption to the learning environment will face disciplinary action. Any student who shines a laser pointer at other students or school officials may be charged with assault and face appropriate disciplinary action which may include a disciplinary panel.

School Bus Discipline Letter to Parents:

Dear Parent,
 Bus safety is an area of great importance to our school.  It is our plan to create an atmosphere on the bus that is safe for everyone.
 Each bus driver will have a written bus management plan which will include the following interventions:
· Mandatory seat assignments
· Verbal reminder
· Talk privately with student
· Reassign bus seat
· Phone call to parent/guardian
· Written notification to parent (Parent Notification Form)
· GCPS Bus Discipline Form submitted to school administrator

The bus driver, throughout the entire process, will continue to log instances of inappropriate behavior.  Inappropriate behavior may include anything that distracts the driver, may cause injury to student or others, or creates a potential safety problem.  It does include the use of inappropriate language, eating of food (including candy), or electronic devices.  The driver will inform the student each time a log documentation is made.

The following offenses will result in automatic administrative referrals: drugs (including alcohol and tobacco products), throwing objects off the bus, fighting, weapons or objects used as weapons, dangerous instruments to include lighters, matches, explosive or implosive devices,  and threats.  Major offenses referred to an administrator will result in bus suspension and may also result in out of school suspension.

If a student makes disrespectful comments to the bus driver, the driver will send home a parent notification form, log that the form has been put in the hands of the student with instructions to give it to the parent, and will contact the parent by phone.

Administrative Referral Consequences:
1st Referral to the Office

• The bus driver has already tried intervention strategies, called, and spoken to the parent.
• A bus discipline form will be completed by the driver.  The administrator will discuss appropriate bus discipline with the student, contact the parent, and list on the form future steps that will be followed.

• The student will be suspended from the bus for 1-2 days.

• The parent and student will attend the bus intervention program at the local school.
• The student will be suspended from the bus for 2-3 days.

The student will be referred to SST.

• The student will be suspended from the bus for 5 days.

• The student will be suspended form the bus for a minimum of 10 days or possible removal from the bus for the remainder of the school year.
• The purpose of this program is to solicit support from the parent and provide the safest environment possible for every child utilizing the Gwinnett County Bus Transportation System.  We believe that by working together this can be accomplished. Please review this information with your child.

GCPS SCHOOL BUS RULES
1. Students will follow the directions of the driver.
2. Students should be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus arrives, waiting in a safe place, clear of traffic and 10 feet from where the
            bus stops.
3. Students will wait in an orderly line and avoid playing.
4. Students will cross the roadway in front of the bus after the bus has stopped and after the student has looked at the driver for a hand signal and looked in both directions for traffic (left,   right, left).
5. Students will signal the driver with a waving motion if something is dropped and wait for the driver to give a signal before picking up the object.
6. Students will go directly to assigned seat when entering the bus.  Keep the aisles and exits clear.
7. Students will remain properly seated, back against the back of the seat, bottom against the bottom of the seat, and keep hands to themselves.
8. Students will not eat, drink, chew gum, or bring tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substances on the bus.
9. Students will not carry animals, glass objects nuisance items, hazardous materials, or weapons onto the bus.  Students may carry only objects that can be held in their laps.
10. Students will refrain from using loud voices, profanity, and/or obscene gestures, and will respect the rights and safety of others.
11. Students will not extend head, arms, or objects out of the bus windows.
12. Students will be totally silent at railroad crossings.
13. Students will stay seated until time to get off the bus.  The open door is the signal to get up from the bus seat.
14. Students must provide a written note, signed by a parent or guardian AND a school official giving permission to ride a different bus or to get on or off at a different bus stop location.
15. Students will keep their bus clean and in good, safe condition.
16. Students shall be prohibited from using any electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, including but not limited to cell phones, pagers, radios, tape or compact disc players; or any other electronic device in a manner that might interfere with the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.
17. Students shall be prohibited from using mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective devices in a manner that might interfere with the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.

DRESS CODE

Students are expected to dress in a manner that is supportive of a positive learning environment. Students will wear selected uniforms Monday through Thursday. Fridays are reserved for jeans and spirit wear.  

Uniform orders may be placed online with Gumdrops: Your Public School Uniform Provider. Access the website at:

www.gumdropsuniforms.com

Click on the Uniform Selections tab and then scroll to the uniform selections for Annistown Elementary School.

 The following articles of clothing are not to be worn or used at Annistown.

·         Skirts, shorts, or pants that are immodest, too short or sagging. (For girls, when arms are hanging down to their sides, skirts or shorts should hand longer then tips of fingers) (Boys pants must fit on the waist or worn with a belt.)

·         Hats, visors, bandannas, sweatbands, sunglasses, flip flop sandals.

·         Other appearance that is deemed distracting or disruptive is unacceptable. 

Procedure: Students that wear distracting articles of clothing or have distracting appearance will be sent to the office to call their parents.

FAMILY AND EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT

Under the Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, parents have several rights. These include: the right to inspect and review educational records of their child, the right to challenge the content of those records, the right to control the release of the educational records of their child, the right to complain to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Office about the school's failure to comply with the law, and the right to be informed of these rights just listed. To obtain a copy of Gwinnett County's policies on their compliance with the law or to request the opportunity to inspect and review your child's records, contact your child's school.

FIELD TRIPS

Most grade levels plan one field trip during the school year that correlates to their curriculum.  Before the trip you will receive a permission sheet that must be signed and returned before your child may attend the trip.  We ask that you include a number where you can be reached during the trip.  In cases of students’ behavioral concerns or failure to follow school rules, the administration reserves the right to determine whether a student is allowed to attend a field trip.

GRADING PROCEDURES

The major purpose of reporting is to inform parents about the growth, development and academic progress of their child every nine weeks as defined by the Gwinnett County Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS). The Board of Education adopts grading scales within the state guidelines for grades K-5. These scales are printed on report cards and discussed at parent meetings.

HARASSMENT STATEMENT NOTICE TO STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES:

If you believe you are being mistreated by school employees on the basis of your race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin or handicap, you have a complaint and a remedy. Please tell any school employee in whom you have confidence that you have a complaint about the manner in which you are being treated and why. You may also contact the school system's Title IX coordinator for assistance by calling: Title IX Coordinator (770-963-8651).

HOMEWORK

Homework provides extra practice for skills and concepts introduced at school.  It increases time and opportunity for learning which leads to increased proficiency in the classroom. Homework extends learning, it develops real life application and problem-solving strategies and fosters student responsibility in completing and returning assignments.  Homework encourages parental involvement and communicates to parents what is happening at school.

Home study is an extension of the classroom learning process.  Educational research has shown that students who study at home reinforce what they learn in the class and become better students.  Please note that classroom assignments may be brief or may include a long-range project, which requires planned study time for completion.  Please remember that turning in the assignment on time is an important part of the assignment.

At Annistown, the amount of time students are expected to spend on homework and the number of days homework will be assigned varies with grade level.  Homework will account for a maximum of 10% of a student’s grade.  It alone cannot pass or fail a student; however students are expected to complete and turn in assignments as part of their school responsibilities.

 Annistown’s homework schedule is based on a formula of 10 minutes multiplied by the grade level.  The following is this year’s minimum schedule.
 
 

Homework Tips For Parents

•Set aside a special time and place for your child to do homework, preferably where you can monitor progress without interfering with your child’s concentration.

•Don’t let outside events or TV interfere with homework time.

•Encourage your child to ask the teacher questions about anything he/she does not understand.

•Assure your child that it is all right to ask the teacher for extra help when needed.

•Discuss homework assignments with your child.

•Help your child find the answer rather than just giving them the answer.

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES SERVICE

It is the practice of the Gwinnett County Public Schools to provide instructional and related services appropriate to provide a free appropriate public education for individuals with documented disabilities. Individuals may contact their local school for information regarding such services.

INSURANCE

Student health and accident insurance is offered as an option and service to interested families at the beginning of the year. Purchases and claims are made directly to the vendor.
 

LOST AND FOUND

A “Lost and Found” area is located inside the cafeteria.  With adult supervision, your child may visit this area to locate any lost items.  Please write your name on all personal property for easy identification.  Unclaimed articles will be placed on a table for reclaiming during both Early Release Conferences.

MEDIA CENTER

Annistown has an “open” Media Center.  This means students may come any time during the school day, as well as between 8:20 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. The classroom teacher will provide opportunities for each student to come to the Media Center each week during school hours.

In accordance with State Standards, the Media Center has a flexible schedule, not a set one.  The media specialist and classroom teacher work together on integrating information access skills and literature appreciation with classroom curriculum.

Students may check out books as follows:

Grade	Number of books loaned	Lending period
Kindergarten	1	7 days
First	2	7 days
Second	2	7 days
Third	3	14 days
Fourth	3	14 days
Fifth	3	14 days

Students doing research projects may check out additional books to support their research efforts.  Library books on the Accelerated Reader list are color coded by level.

 A book may be returned anytime within the lending period.  After the lending period, however, the book becomes overdue.  No fines are charged, but nothing else may be checked out until the overdue item is returned or paid for.  A replacement cost is charged for lost and damaged items.  The following are minimum charges:

  Hardback book = Minimum $15.00
  Paperback book = Minimum $5.00
  New books may cost more than $15.00.

Please check the Thursday envelope/folder for overdue notices.  Prompt attention to overdues by the parent or guardian is most important because the student may not check out any other materials until the lost or damaged item is returned or paid for.  If the student finds the lost book before the end of the school year, the money collected for the book will be returned.  Students are instructed during fall orientation how to care for books, check books for damages before they leave the library, and report any damages to their teacher.  The student who last checked out the book will be responsible for any damages that are found by the Media Center staff, unless they have shown the damages to their teacher.  We will be able to track down the previous borrower only if they inform the teacher or Media Center staff.  Otherwise, the student last borrowing the book will have to pay for its damages.

Annistown’s Media Center is filled with a wonderful variety of interesting literature and informational books.  Take time to reinforce the reading habit by asking your child about what he or she has checked out from the library.  Sharing books together is a great way to encourage your child to read.

PARTIES

We have one school wide party each year. It is scheduled the day before Winter break from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

SCHOOL ADMISSION OF SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED STUDENTS

The Gwinnett County Board of Education may decide not to admit a student into the school system who has been suspended or expelled from another school system during the period of such suspension or expulsion. A preadmission hearing will be held to determine eligibility for enrollment in the Gwinnett schools. Contact the school principal (770-979-2950) or central office (770-963-8651) for details on this policy.

SCHOOL ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

BIRTH CERTIFICATES
All students entering school for the first time (Kindergarten and 1st grade) must present an official copy of their birth certificate at the time of registration. Children must be five years old on or before September 1 to enroll in kindergarten, and six years old to enroll in first grade.

HEARING, VISION, AND DENTAL CERTIFICATES
All students entering school for the first time must have a certificate of ear, eye, and dental examination by the Health Department, or physician/dentist.

IMMUNIZATION CERTIFICATES
All students enrolling in Georgia schools must have an official Georgia Department of Human Resources Certificate of Immunization. These can be obtained from local physicians or the county Health Department.

PROOF OF RESIDENCY
School officials must require the parent or guardian to provide proof of residency in the district and attendance zone at the time a student is initially enrolled in a school.

The RESIDENCY AFFIDAVIT is used to verify proof of residency when an enrolling parent is leasing from someone in our attendance area or living with someone in our attendance area. This form is available in the office.

SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE

The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the fitness program of the school. To encourage good nutrition, a well-balanced breakfast and lunch are offered at a reasonable price.
 

THREE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PAYMENT

OPTION #1 - DAILY CASH PAYMENT - Students bring necessary cash daily and pay as they go through the line for breakfast and lunch. Parents will be informed of negative balances once a week by a letter printed from the computer. The current register will allow charges to be paid on the line. Charges will be deducted from the new payment received from the student and the balance made available for future meals. Please repay charges as soon as possible. Also, there will be no charging the last two weeks of school.

OPTION #2 - PREPAID ACCOUNT (LUNCH and BREAKFAST) - Parents can credit their child’s account at anytime and for any amount by sending in cash or a check made payable to Annistown Cafeteria. To assure proper credit, please put your child’s account number on the check.

OPTION #3 - mealpay.com - Pay on line with a credit card.

FREE AND REDUCED FORMS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE FOR THOSE WHO FEEL THEY MAY QUALIFY.

Students may purchase a la carte items from their lunch account.

Lunch and breakfast accounts are the same.

EATING WITH YOUR CHILD

Parents are invited to eat breakfast or lunch with their children at anytime. To help support our school food service, we ask that fast food not be brought to the cafeteria. If you eat with your child, please remember that this is a time with your child and not a good time to conference with the teacher. Due to space limitations, please do not invite other students to eat with you and your child. Students are monitored by support staff during lunch to provide teachers with duty free lunch as specified by Georgia State law.

SCHOOL PICTURES

School pictures will be made in the Fall and Spring. These are optional and are offered as a service to students and parents. Information will be sent home prior to picture day and is listed on the calendar.

SCHOOL SAFETY HOTLINE

Students and parents play a critical role in keeping their schools safe. To aid in that effort, the school system operates a confidential hotline. If a parent or child thinks that someone is carrying a weapon, drugs, or alcohol on school property, they can call (770) 822-6513. You do not have to give your name.

SCHOOL VISITS

We encourage and invite parents to visit and/or volunteer. For the protection of all children, visitors and volunteers must check in through the office and receive an identification badge. As a courtesy to the teacher, please make a prior appointment for classroom visitations and/or conference. During your visit, the regular school program must continue, so please understand that the teacher cannot conference with you at this time. Conferences may be scheduled before or after the school day.

SEVERE WEATHER

In the event of severe weather or other conditions, the starting time of school may be delayed or all schools may be closed. Announcements will be made over radio station WSB.

Reports in the morning will be between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. If no report is heard, school will be in session.

The same conditions may necessitate early dismissal. We are thoroughly prepared with set procedures to handle these situations. There are drills we practice to insure our preparedness. In the event of early dismissal, all teachers check to see if the students can expect to enter their homes. If the student or teachers have any doubts, parents will be contacted. Otherwise, we do not have the capability to call all parents if school dismisses early. Please do not come to the school. We will do everything to keep the children safe, and we will not send the buses until we are sure it is safe to do so. Parents may use the school as shelter if needed.

STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM

The Student Support Team (SST) is a group comprised of the classroom teacher, an administrator, the guidance counselor, the school psychologist, and other support personnel.  The group meets weekly to listen to teacher concerns about specified student’s progress.  The group provides advice, suggestions, and interventions to ensure that the child’s academic, behavioral, social, and/or emotional needs are met.  The type of program implemented is determined in the review of observation and testing data, and based on students’ learning needs.  Parents are notified when this meeting will occur and are also invited to attend.
 

STUDENT RECORDS

Gwinnett County Public Schools provide the student and his or her parents with important rights pertaining to student records. These rights include:

•the right to receive this information in a format understandable to the student and parent;

•the right to inspect and review student records by parents (and in the case of students over the age of eighteen, by students) within 45 days of the request and the right to have the records explained;

•the right to copies of student records;

•the right to challenge the content of students records and the procedures for doing so, including the availability of formal proceedings to resolve these disputes;

•the right to request that material be removed from student records and the procedures for doing so;

•the requirement of parental or student consent and methods of consent before the disclosure of student records except in certain specific circumstances;

•the rights of separated or divorced parents and legal guardians pertaining to student records;

•the content, location, and particulars concerning permanent records, official records, and supplemental records.

The student or parent may contact administrators for more information about the above list of rights.

The Gwinnett County Board of Education recognizes that electronic media provides access to a wide variety of instructional resources in an effort to enhance educational opportunities. Use of electronic resources must be in vision, mission and goals established by the Gwinnett County Board of Education.
 Strict compliance with all applicable ethical and legal rules and regulations must be maintained by all users of the wide area network and/or other electronic informational services. Users must respect intellectual property rights and understand that school system data accessible over the network constitutes property.
 It is important to note that a global network is impossible to control or predict all materials a user may accidentally or purposely discover on an electronic resource. Gwinnett County Public School personnel will make every effort to educate and guide students in the proper use of electronic media, including the Internet. Because access to the Internet provides connections to other computer systems located all over the world, users (and parents of users) must understand that neither the Gwinnett County School System or any district staff member controls the content of information available on these other systems. The Gwinnett County Public Schools System does not condone the use of any controversial or offensive materials. Therefore, it is imperative that the user be held accountable for the appropriate utilization of this technology.

ACCESS IS A PRIVILEGE - NOT A RIGHT!
Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of these privileges as well as possible assignment of disciplinary action consistent with the Gwinnett County Public School’s Student Behavior Code.

 Students at Annistown Elementary have access to many instructional technology tools such as computers, video, audio, cable, satellite, and the Internet. Access is a privilege. Parents and teachers share the role of guiding students toward responsible use of these tools. Student use of instructional technology tools must support mastery of Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) and Elementary Instructional Technology Competencies (EITC).
 • Harm other people
 • interfere with other people’s work.
 • Use a computer to steal property.
 • Gain unauthorized access to other people’s files
  or programs.
 • Gain unauthorized access to on-line resources by using someone else’s password.
 • Make changes to the hardware or software configuration of any machine, including installing or deleting    any software.
 • Improperly using the network, including introducing software viruses and/or bypassing local school or    office security policies.
 • Steal or damage dfata and/or computers and network equipment.
 • Access, upload, download, and distribute pornographic, hate-oriented, profane, or sexually explicit     material.
 A violation of this procedure will result in the loss of access to the instructional technology tools and/or disciplinary action in accordance with the existing Gwinnett County Public School System Behavior Code.

TEXTBOOKS

The school district provides textbooks for all students at no cost. Students are obligated to give their books the best of care. Textbooks and other school materials must be paid for if lost or damaged.

TRANSFER OF STUDENT RECORDS

Copies of a student's educational record may be transferred to officials of other schools or school systems in which the student seeks to enroll. Unless parents express at the time of enrollment in the Gwinnett County Public Schools a need for additional notice of the transfer of student records, the records transfer to the enrolling school or school system will occur without further notice.

TRANSPORTATION

Parents are highly encouraged to have their children ride the bus rather than be transported by car to help alleviate traffic problems and provide safer conditions.  Students who ride a bus to school should ride the same bus home unless they have a note from their parents.

For example, if your child goes home on the bus and you want him/her to be a car rider you must either send a note to the office or come in and sign your child out.  It must also be in writing if you want to change your child from a car rider to a bus rider.  We do provide numbers to be placed in a visible location in the automobile of regular car riders.  Please continue to put this number in your car even if the teachers on duty know you.  Occasionally we have substitutes or new staff assisting our car riders and they do not know who goes in which car.  Your child’s safety is our priority.

Car drop off: If you bring your child in the morning, please use the parking lot at the north end of the building and let your child off at the sidewalk by the side door.  THE DOORS WILL BE OPEN AT 8:20 a.m. For the safety of the students, do not drop children off before 8:20.  Staff members assist students as they unload from cars. When exiting, please drive very slowly and carefully. Parents who are coming into the building at arrival or pick-up time must come in through the front, go to the main office, and get a visitor’s sticker.

Cars may not drop students off in the front from 8:20-8:50 a.m. during the time buses are being unloaded.

Car pick up: If you wish to pick your child up in the afternoon, please form a line in the north parking lot.  If you must pick up your child, please follow our procedures.  They have been established for the safety of all children:
DO wait in line and pick your child(ren) up at the curb.
DO stay in your car.  Staff members supervise children as they load and unload.  Please do not create a dangerous situation by walking through the parking lot with children during arrival or dismissal. If you must enter/leave the building during car rider pick-up drop off, please use the cross walk.
DO drive in the correct driveway and avoid handicapped parking places.

ZERO TOLERANCE

Students have the right to be safe in school. Parents and other citizens expect our schools to be safe, too. GCPS has a “zero tolerance” policy which states that any student involved with gangs, drugs, or weapons in our schools or on Gwinnett County school property will be dealt with swiftly. The student could be suspended from school or permanently expelled. He or she also could be charged by the police with a felony crime.