ADMISSIONS
All students entering Birchwood for the first time or from a school outside Tennessee must provide:
State Certified Copy
of the Birth Certificate (not hospital or mother's copy)
Immunization Record:
green TN card (or yellow for Pre K) available through doctor or Health Dept.
Physical Examination
(on green card or doctor's form within the last 12 months, 3 months for Pre
K)
Social Security Card
Two Proofs of
Residence in Birchwood Zone
New preschool students must be four years old on or before September 30 of the school year enrolled. Kindergarten students must be five years old on or before September 30 of the year enrolled. First grade students must have completed a state certified kindergarten program. Students must be registered by the custodial parent or legal guardian. Please present any legal custody papers for our records at the time of registration.
SCHOOL DAY
Our school hours are form 8:15-3:15. Students are allowed into the building at 7:45 a.m. Students arriving before this time must remain in their cars until entry time. No one is on duty to supervise until 7:45. Upon entry from a car or bus, students must proceed directly to the gymnasium or to the cafeteria if they wish to eat breakfast. Please bring children to school no later than 8:00 if they plan to eat in the cafeteria. Students will not be exempt from tardies because they arrived late and decided to eat. Students go to the gym immediately after they finish eating. The bell to allow students to enter the classrooms rings at 8:15. Students are picked up by the classroom teachers from the gym. The final tardy bell rings at 8:20. Students arriving after 8:15 must be accompanied to the office by an adult to sign tardy admittance card. The student will be issued a tardy slip to enter class. Frequent tardies fall under the board of education attendance policy that are outlined under the Policy section in this handbook.
Bus riders are dismissed at 3:10. Car riders are dismissed immediately after bus riders. All car riders are to be picked up in the circle drive by the gym door at the rear of the building. We ask that you not go to the classroom doors to pick up a student. Please do not park in the bus drive or the no parking zones. For the safety of the children we cannot allow the students to walk to a car that is not in the pick-up circle. If the students and drivers are ready, we are able to load all cars in the circle twice and have all cars out of the lot in 10 minutes or less. No cars are allowed to move when the STOP sign is displayed by the staff member on duty. Please do not advance your vehicle until you are directed to do so. Some parents prefer to wait until 3:20 to avoid the line. We appreciate your cooperation in our safely procedures for dismissal. Our goal is to prevent injury of any child.
EARLY DISMISSAL
Should you need to dismiss your
child before the end of a school day, please use the following procedure:
Write a note to your child's teacher indicating the reason for early dismissal
and the approximate time you will arrive for your child. This allows the teacher
to plan accordingly. Upon arrival, come directly to the office to sign the
dismissal card. A child will NOT be dismissed to anyone not listed by you on the
dismissal card unless you contact us concerning the change. For the safety of
our students, we occasionally ask to see identification. Please inform all
persons listed on your dismissal card of this policy. Please wait in the office
or the lobby area for your child. We will call the child to the office to
minimize disruption to the class. PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THE ROOM TO PICK UP THE
CHILD, EVEN AT THE END OF A REGULAR SCHOOL DAY.
If there is to be a change in the way your child is to go home in the afternoon,
we must have a note to that effect. Your note should include your child's name,
date, teacher's name, and the bus number or name of the person with whom your
child will be riding. Please help your child know how he/she is getting home
BEFORE he/she comes to school in the morning. Unexpected changes should be
reported to the office by 1:00 P.M. Delaying the buses to clarify a situation
makes a problem for all. Because of the difficulties involved in dismissing our
student body safely, dismissals during the last thirty minutes of the school day
will not be permitted unless it is prearranged or in cases of EXTREME emergency.
AFTER SCHOOL
Students are required to go directly home after school unless they are involved in a school approved activity. Students need to bring a note from home if they are not going home in the usual manner or are getting off at a different bus stop. When the change involves bus transportation, a form must be signed by office personnel and delivered to the bus driver by the student. The office will not complete a form without notification from the parent or guardian. Teachers cannot allow a student to ride home in a car other than that of a parent or pre-designated car-pool without a note. We enforce this policy for the safety of our students. Our rule of thumb is "If we do not have a communication from the parent/guardian, the student will be sent home in the usual way." We do not allow students to use the phone to seek "permission" to change a way home.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Hamilton County Board of Education
believes in the importance of a tradition of regular school attendance for each
student. Every parent must ensure that his/her child regularly. This establishes
the first step toward a successful academic career culminating in a high school
diploma and is an essential concept to teach for the job market. Regular
attendance is important to a student's successful progress in school. Most
subjects are taught in sequence, requiring the understanding of each concept as
it builds on the last. Frequent absences can result in very serious problems and
gaps in a student's learning. The Hamilton County School Board has set out the
following
framework to outline the only excused absences to be accepted in accordance with
the state guidelines:
1. Personal illness
2. Death in the immediate family
3. Family illness (physician's statement giving the necessity of the
student's services is required)
4. Religious holiday (prior approval required)
5. Personal (doctor or
dental appointments which cannot be scheduled at times other than the school
day, court appearance, etc.)
6. School sponsored activities
Parents must send a note to the school explaining the reason for an absence
on the first day the student returns. This should be signed and dated. When
no note is returned, the absence is entered as unexcused. Students will be
called by school personnel each day they are absent. Please note: Excessive
absences, tardies, or early dismissals for out-of-zone students attending
Birchwood under a Hardship status may result in review of that status by the
Student Assignment Office.
TRUANCY
The law requires school officials to report to the court any parent or guardian with a child who is unlawfully absent from school for any five days during the school year without an adequate excuse. The parents will be notified by the social worker or attendance officer that their child must attend school on a regular basis. Further absences could result in legal notice being served that a petition is being filed in court charging their child with truancy or dependent neglect against the parents. The Federal No Child Left Behind Act requires elementary schools to maintain a 95% attendance rate for the year regardless of reasons for absence. Schools with yearly averages consistently falling below this level are subject to scrutiny and penalty. Attendance laws are strictly enforced.
TARDINESS AND EARLY DISMISSAL
Hamilton County Board Policy #345.7 states that three tardies will be treated as one absence for report card purposes and for awarding perfect attendance certificates. Early dismissals will be recorded as absences on report cards and for awarding perfect attendance certificates when the accumulated time exceeds ½ day.
Important: Students need to be
in their classes and ready to begin by the beginning of each school day. Our
teachers pick up their classes from the gym at 8:10. All students
need to be present at this time. Students arriving after 8:15 must be signed in
by an adult in the office. Please do not just drop a child at the door.
Early dismissals will also hinder a student's completion of the school day and
may cause the missing of a vital lesson or assignment. It is unfair to disrupt
the students and teacher when a few parents abuse the tardy and dismissal
procedures. Regulations require a seven hour day for our students. The school
recognizes that there are legitimate reasons for being late and for early
dismissal; however, excessive unexcused time will result in referrals to the
same authorities discussed in relation to attendance.
BACKPACKS/BOOKBAGS
Students are allowed to bring a bookbag to school for the purpose of carrying books, notebooks and school supplies/materials. Bookbags with wheels are NOT allowed because they pose safety concerns, and they do not fit in school lockers.
BOOKS AND SUPPLY FEES
Hamilton County Department of Education furnishes school textbooks. A student is responsible for any books lost or damaged, including library books and classroom leveled reading books. Prices for lost or damaged books are available in the office.
Student Supply Fees may be paid during student registration. The $50 fee, used for consumable instructional materials, art supplies, and manipulative materials, should be paid during the first month of school. All students who pay school fees on or before September 4, 2007 will receive a free School Spirit Shirt! If you find this payment method difficult your child’s teacher or the principal will be happy to work with you to develop a payment plan.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Proper behavior is essential to
having an outstanding school. ALL students must conduct themselves in a manner
that is respectful to adults and other students and
learn to accept responsibility for their actions. An environment that is
pleasant and conducive to learning is important to students, parents, and the
educational staff.
Birchwood students shall . . . .
-Respect and recognize authority
-Never mark or deface
property
-Refrain from excessive noise in halls, restrooms, and cafeteria
-Learn non-aggressive problem solving techniques
-Not use profanity or improper language -Respect the rights and property of others
In addition, each teacher has
rules that apply to the classroom. You may discuss these directly with your
teacher. All Hamilton County students/parents must review the Hamilton County
Code of Acceptable Conduct folder each year. The signature portion is
returned to the classroom teacher and filed in the office.
It is the commitment of Birchwood School to involve our parents in solving
problems of repetitive, disruptive, or dangerous types of behavior. DISCIPLINARY
ACTIONS are occasionally necessary in the event a student does not follow the
school rules. Such actions may include a warning, exclusion from class
activities, restricted privileges (missed recess time, isolated lunch, etc.),
parent conference, counseling, community service (school based), extension of
the school day, referral to the principal, or suspension in or out of school.
Further types of discipline may be used upon agreement between the parent and
the school.
It is important that school activities not be limited as a result of behaviors taking place in the home unless a pre-arranged behavior plan is in place. Of course, we are happy to work closely with you in any way to ensure the success of your child. Communication is the key!
DRESS CODE
Birchwood Elementary School recognizes that dress can be a matter of personal taste and preference. At the same time, we have a responsibility to promote an environment conducive to student learning. This requires limitations to student dress and grooming that could be disruptive to the educational process. Your cooperation is appreciated in using the following guidelines for acceptable student attire.
· Dress and grooming should be clean and in keeping with health and sanitary practices;
· Dress and/or grooming shall not disrupt the educational process;
· Shorts, dresses, skorts and skirts should meet or exceed the length of the student’s fingertips when standing with arms hanging at their side;
· Students may not wear pants, leggings, short, skorts, or skirts made of spandex or spandex-type material unless worn under appropriate clothing;
· Students may not wear shirts that are made of net or sheer material (including football shirts);
· Students may not wear shirts with spaghetti straps or halter tops;
· Students may not wear shirts that expose skin in the midriff area. Shirts should be of sufficient length so that when a student raises his or her arms, no skin shall show beneath the hem of the shirt.
· Students may not wear jeans or pants that have holes or tears above the knees;
· Students may not wear pajamas, or other attire designed for sleeping;
· Students may not wear caps or hats inside the school building;
· Students may not wear roller skate shoes, or shoes with wheels of any kind;
· Students may not wear clothing that makes references to the logos or trademarks of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products;
· Students may not wear clothing that contains curse words or profanity or clothing that contains words, pictures or patterns that are offensive
· Students may not wear wallet chains or chains of any kind
· Students may not wear flip-flops or backless clogs. Girls may not wear shoes with a heel that exceeds 1 inch.
All shoes must fasten securely on the foot. Please remember that an athletic or other rubber-soled shoe must be worn on P.E. days.
The administration reserves the right to add or delete from this dress code in order to maintain a proper educational environment.
The following applies to all Hamilton County Schools: No caps or hats shall be worn at school with the exception of the shops at the technical/vocational high schools. Caps considered to be part of the ROTC uniform are acceptable when worn with full uniform.
FIELD TRIPS
Each year our grade levels involve their classes in activities which take them away from the school campus to enhance the curriculum. The Hamilton County Board of Education requires that field studies correlate with the Standards outlined in our required Hamilton County curriculum, and the trip must support the grade level benchmarks. Students must complete pre-and post-trip activities. It is important that all students within the grade level attend the field trip to participate in the enrichment activity. Safety regulations require that one adult for every 10 students attend any off-campus trip to help chaperone the children in the less structured situation and assure that all students achieve maximum benefit from the experience. Our teachers often feel that more adults are beneficial with our younger students. Parents should contact the classroom teacher if they would like to be involved as a chaperone on a class trip. Because of the responsibilities and safety considerations involved in taking a large group of children away from school, we cannot invite pre-school aged children along on our outings. Our arrangements are made with community organizations for school-aged children. Additionally, students attending Birchwood School may not be excused from class to attend a field trip along with a sibling. Our arrangements are made with community organizations for school-aged children. Several organizations plan their programs based on age-appropriate material. Many have limited space and make reservations in advanced based on specific numbers. Please reserve your day for the child who is in the class taking the trip. Your child feels important if you spend a special day with him or her.
IMPORTANT: As a safety measure, Birchwood Elementary requires that all students who participate in an off-campus field trip wear a School Spirit Shirt or a solid blue shirt (with no writing or pictures). School Spirit Shirts are free to all students who pay school fees on or before September 4, 2007.After September 4, 2007, School Spirit Shirts may be purchased from the office for $10.00.
FOOD SERVICE
Birchwood Elementary School cafeteria has computerized equipment which assigns each student a numbered account from which he or she deducts breakfast, lunch, and a la carte items each day. Students may deposit money into their accounts each morning from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. Parents may deposit money at any time before or after the lunch period by seeing the cafeteria manager. We discourage deposits during serving time to prevent delay in the lines. Most families find it convenient to deposit wekkly or monthly amounts. Make checks payable to : Hamilton County Schools Food Service or HCSFS. Please inform your child of your wishes for the purchase of “extra” items. Occasionally our students will use more of the account than a parent realizes by purchasing extra portions or a la carte items. If you fell your child is “overusing” the money you have allotted, please notify your child’s teacher. Our cafeteria staff cannot monitor the purchases for all students; however, we will try to help if a problem arises.
BREAKFAST: Breakfast starts at 7:45 a.m. Serving continues until 8:05 a.m. This gives those students who choose to eat in the cafeteria the opportunity to complete their meals before class begins. Students who arrive in cars must be here by 8:00 to eat breakfast. Students will not be excused for tardies because they were eating breakfast. Breakfast prices are as follows:
LUNCH: Our students are assigned a thirty-minute lunch period. If you wish to eat lunch with your child, please notify the teacher in writing (to include in the lunch count) or call the cafeteria manager at 961-2445 by 9:00 a.m. to allow the cafeteria staff to prepare enough food to accommodate guests. This includes school volunteers. Your teacher will be glad to provide you with the time that your child eats lunch. Lunch prices are as follows:
Competitive Foods Policy : USDA policy prohibits the following items to be served in the dining area during lunch. Our cafeteria will not provide these items. Please respect our policy and the other students by not placing similar items in lunches sent from home: carbonated beverages, water ices, chewing gum and/or candy.
Lunch Charges: A lunch charge can be obtained for a child in an emergency. A maximum of three meal charges can be accumulated. It is best to pay charges the next day. Parent s will be notified each grading period of any accumulated charges. All charges need to be cleared monthly. Report cards will be held each grading period for charges exceeding the 3-charge maximum.
Free and Reduced Lunch Applications: Applications for free and reduced meals are available from the classroom teacher during registration and in the office all year. If you feel that you may qualify, please return the completed form to the teacher, cafeteria manager, or the office. Students who were on the free or reduced program in the previous year in Hamilton County must fill out a new form each year. You will e able to receive the services based on last year’s income for only 9 days. TURN IN THE NEW FORM FOR PROCESSING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. It takes several days to send the forms to the Central Food Service Department and receive approval. Be sure to fill out all sections of the form completely. Omitting any section could delay your approval. STUDENTS APPROVED FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH AFTER THE FIRST 9 DAYS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LUNCH CHARGES ACCRUED PRIOR TO APPROVAL.
All students, including those who bring their lunch, are encouraged to eat a balanced and nutritious meal. Carbonated beverages and metal or glass containers are not permitted during lunchtime.
HARASSMENT
Harassment shall be considered the act of annoying, pestering, teasing, worrying, or troubling either verbally or in written form. In addition, behavior such as physical advances, gestures, verbal, or written remarks of a sexual nature are considered totally inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Harassment will have occurred when 1) It interferes with a learning or instructional process. 2) It creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Title IX prohibits sexual discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. Any student or adult who believes he/she has knowledge of conduct which may constitute harassment by a student or an employee of the school system or any third party with knowledge of conduct which may constitute harassment, should report the alleged acts immediately to the principal. Other questions or concerns may be directed to: Hamilton County Department of Education’s Title IX Coordinator at (423)209-8496.
HEALTH SERVICES / MEDICATION POLICY
Student illness at school: Student emergency cards are provided for each student at registration. Each student is required to have this card on file. Please fill out this emergency information completely listing at least two names other than the parent who can be contacted in case of an emergency. These cards are vital to insure the health and safety of your child. Please keep these records current and accurate.
The school cannot remove splinters or ticks nor treat old wounds or diseases such as impetigo, poison oak, or pinkeye. A parent will be contacted when a student’s temperature reaches 100° or he/she exhibits other signs of illness. Medication will not be dispensed to students. This includes, but is not limited to aspirin, Tylenol, and cough medicine. Some antibiotics and long-term prescriptions may be administered by the school nurse or designee in compliance with the following Hamilton County Schools regulations:
1. A written permission form,
signed by both parent and child's physician, is provided to the school and
includes the child's name, name of medication, time to be administered, dosage,
and possible side effects.
2. The permission form must be updated if there is a change in dosage or time of
medication. A new permission form must be provided to the school at the
beginning of each year.
3. Medication in the original prescription bottle must be brought to the
elementary school office by a parent/guardian and refilled in like manner. No
medication is to be brought to or from school by an elementary student.
4. All medication will be kept in locked storage boxes, which are available in
Health Services Department.
5. Any unused medication must be picked up by parent or legal guardian at the
end of the school year. Unused medication that is not picked up on or before
the last day of school or medication that has expired, will be properly disposed
of by the school.
6. Prescribed asthma inhalers must be kept with the student at all times and
readily accessible for self-administration with parental authorization.
7. The school system retains the right to reject requests for administering
medication that are not in compliance with the above guidelines.
FEVER POLICY: Children should be kept at home any time they are running a fever.
A child should be fever-free (98.6) for 24 hours before returning to class.
LICE POLICY: (NO NIT POLICY) Parent/guardian will be notified as soon as a child
is found to have head lice. Use medicated shampoo to kill the lice and their
eggs (nits). Follow up using a nit comb and manually remove all nits from the
hair. When a child is found to have lice, it is recommended that all family
members should be inspected and treated as a precaution. Treatment of the areas
of the home, which have been exposed to the lice, is also necessary to prevent
re-infection.
Before returning to school, the student must provide evidence (a box top)
that treatment was given and the child must be nit free. "Nit free" means that
the hair is free of all lice and eggs. Returning students will be rechecked
before re-entering class. Please accompany your child to the office on the day
he/she returns.
INSURANCE
School insurance forms are available at registration and in the school office. Parents who have no medical insurance are encouraged to purchase this insurance for the protection of their children. Policies are available for either the school day or for 24-hour coverage.
INTERNET ACCESS
Our school is fortunate to have the technology which allows internet access in each classroom and in the library. Hamilton County policy requires that all parents, students, and staff members are aware of the penalties for illegal use of the internet system. You will be given a form to sign with your child at registration.
LOCKERS
All students are issued a locker in which to keep their book bags and coats. Students are NOT allowed to place any type of lock on their locker.
LOST AND FOUND
Small items found at school are brought to the office. Larger items (coats, jackets, bookbags, etc.) are kept on the coat hooks in the hallway leading to the gymnasium. For ease in identification, all items sent to school should be labeled with student’s name. Items which are unclaimed within a reasonable time will be donated to charity.
MAKE-UP WORK
Excused absences (those meeting state guidelines) will entitle students to make up missed work. Unexcused absences may result in work assignments that receive reduced credit. Students must make up work within five days to receive credit. No make-up work will be provided for unexcused absences.
MONTHLY ASSEMBLIES
At the end of each month, the school community will gather for an assembly to celebrate students and their accomplishments. Pre-K – 2nd grades will gather on the last Tuesday of each month at 2:15 p.m.. 3rd - 5th grades will gather on the last Wednesday of each month at 2:15 p.m. The principal and teachers will highlight student accomplishments, such as good character, academic achievements and accelerated reader. Parents are always welcome to attend. Dates will be included in the school’s weekly newsletter.
NOTES REQUIRED FROM PARENTS
The following
instances require a parent note:
* absences
* requests for early dismissal
* requests to miss recess or physical education
* permission for field trip (form)
* permission to go home with another student after school or to accept a child
home
with yours
* prolonged absences from school (trips, hospitalization, etc.)
* changes in usual method of transportation home
* medication authorization (form from physician)
* allergic reactions
* specific health treatments for specific health needs
* changes in personal information
* address or phone changes
NOTICE OF CHILD ADVOCACY GROUPS
In accordance with TN 49-2-203 the following is made available to you:
Information may be obtained concerning students rights/child advocacy from the Tennessee Department of Education by calling 1-888-212-3162 or visiting http://www.state.tn.us/education/speced/index.htm .
In addition, there are many agencies and organizations that offer support, information, training and help in advocating for persons with disabilities in Tennessee.
The ARC of Tennessee, 1-800-835-7077 or http://www.thearctn.org
STEP, 423-639-2464 or http://www.tnstep.org
TN Voices for Children, 865-609-2490 or http://www.tnvoices.org/main.htm
TP&A, 1-800-287-9636 or http://www.tpainc.org
NOTICE OF SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE
Tennessee law requires that any person who knows or has reason to suspect that a child has been abused must report the allegation to the toll-free hotline number or local law enforcement. Remember, “has reason to suspect” means you have seen indicators of abuse, the child has disclosed abuse, or you have a “gut” feeling something may not be right. It does not mean that you are certain that abuse has occurred. Reporting abuse, or suspected abuse, is actually a request for professionals to investigate further. If you suspect child abuse, call: Tennessee Toll-Free Hotline at 1-877-542-2873.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
It is the policy (on file in school office) of the Hamilton County Department of Education not to discriminate on the basis of handicap, race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, nondisqualifying disability, veteran status, or religion in any of the programs or practices in the school system. A complaint may be filed by anyone who has a grievance regarding discrimination as set forth in one of the following statutes: (1) The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, (2) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or (3) Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Anyone who believes he/she ahs been discriminated against may file a complaint with:
Dr. Marvin Lott is the Title IX Coordinator for the Hamilton County Department of Education. He may be contacted by calling, (423)209-8538.
PAYMENTS TO THE SCHOOL
Separate checks for each student and event school be made payable to Birchwood School. Payments might include field trips, fees, book orders, or fundraisers. All payments must be made through the classroom teacher to be recorded on the class record for the auditors.
PICTURES
Individual school pictures are made in the fall and spring. Group pictures of each class are made in the spring. Fall pictures are pre-paid with the option for a re-take if a problem arises. Spring group pictures are pre-paid. Spring individual pictures are offered with a proof/sample picture and the option to purchase various print combinations.
REGISTRATION AND EMERGENCY CARDS
Please fill out completely the registration and emergency information cards and return them to the school by the first day of classes. Emergency information is kept on file in the office. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide up-to-date information incase of an emergency. We ask parents to provide at least two emergency numbers other than the parents. Please provide the following information:
1. All contact and emergency numbers must be completed.
2. Please complete information concerning persons allowed to pick up your child for any reason.
3. Copies of any restraining orders or custody papers that may affect the dismissal of your child must be supplied to the school office.
SEARCHES OF SCHOOL LOCKERS, ETC.
Students and their possessions, lockers, etc., may be searched by school officials if illegal articles or activities are suspected. Any car on school property suspected of containing illegal substances or articles dangerous to the campus may be searched.
STUDENT ELECTRONICS
Student tape players, CD players, iPods, mp3 players, electronic games, cell phones, etc., should not be brought to school or on the bus. The Hamilton County Policy regarding student possession of electronics on campus reads as follows:
1)Possession of a beeper/pager or cellular-type telephone without prior permission from the principal shall result in the device being forfeited to the school system and turned over to the local law enforcement agency.
2)In addition to confiscation, possession could result in suspension and, depending on the circumstances, could result in expulsion from the Hamilton County School System.
STUDENT PARTIES
Hamilton County elementary schools
are allowed a maximum of two parties per year. Seasonal education activities are
held for the classes at Christmas and Valentine's Day. Participation is
encouraged, but not required.
Birthday parties are not celebrated in the classrooms. Teachers usually
recognize students having a birthday within the class. Clowns, flowers, and
balloon bouquets are not permitted in the classrooms. Invitations to
private birthday parties may be distributed in the classroom only if the entire
class is invited. When only a portion of the group is involved, however,
invitations should be mailed to avoid issues of inclusion/exclusion at school.
TEACHER CONFERENCES
If you need a conference with your child's teacher, please call for an appointment, send a note, or request that the teacher call you on his/her planning time. Our teachers are eager to hear from you; however, class time with the students is important and supervision is necessary for the safety of all the children. In an emergency come to the office or call, and our staff will help you deliver necessary messages. Please remember, teachers need, to direct their full attention to the students at the beginning and the end of the day during instructional periods. They are not available for conferences or pop-in visits at these times. Our school has school-wide conferences two weeks per year. We make every effort to talk with all of our families during fall and spring conferences.
TELEPHONE
The school and library telephones are business phones for the use of the school staff. Adults may use the phone located on the office counter. Please limit your call, because this is the main school line. Students are not permitted to use the phone without permission from the office personnel. Teachers send a note to the office if an emergency call is necessary. Students will not be called to the phone unless it is a real emergency. The office staff will try to get messages to your child; however, this is difficult when operating a school. Please make arrangements for books, homework, money, and method of afternoon transportation before your child leaves each morning.
TOBACCO, DRUGS, ALCOHOL
TN 39-17-1505(b) Any student who uses or possesses tobacco products on school property shall be issued a citation by a law enforcement officer or the school principal who has evidence of the violation. The citation shall require the person to appear in Juvenile Court for the county in which the violation in alleged to have occurred. In addition, tobacco products may not be used by anyone within 50 feet of any school building.
Drugs, look-alike drugs, or alcohol are prohibited from being used, possessed, or transferred on the campus.
TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER SCHOOL
Please notify the school at least one week before you plan to withdraw your child from school. This allows the necessary time to circulate the withdrawal forms and help you with any copies you may need. Library books and textbooks must be returned before leaving. All money owed to Birchwood School must be paid before records can be transferred. All Hamilton County Schools require a transfer form indicating that the withdrawal is complete. You will take a copy of the form with you to the new school. Likewise, Birchwood School requires this form if you are transferring from another Hamilton County School. Your new school must request official records.
TRANSPORTATION
School buses will pick up students within our designated school zone. You should watch the first few days to determine the time schedule. You may ask your child’s teacher or office staff during registration to provide you with the approximate times provided by the transportation department. Remember that the schedules may vary slightly from year to year as new students enter and others move to middle school. Within a week, most of the bus stops have been worked our and times will be fairly regular. Please call the office during the first few weeks if you have a concern with morning pick-up.
Students will not be allowed to ride home with another student (bus or car) without a note from both parents involved. Our bus drivers are not allowed to transport students who are not on their route without a form signed by office personnel. The same rule applies if you wish for your child to exit the bus at a stop different from the normal stop.
Transportation policy prohibits the transporting of any pre-school age child on a school bus. Likewise adults other than school personnel are not allowed on the bus unless they are part of a field trip. Students must be at the bus stop when the bus arrives. Our time schedule prohibits waiting for a child to exit the home after the bus arrives
DISCIPLINE POLICIES: In order to maintain conditions and atmosphere suitable for learning, no person shall enter onto a school bus except students assigned to that bus or parents of students or other persons with lawful and valid business on the bus. The school bus is an extension of school activity; therefore, students shall conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with the established standards for safety and classroom behavior. Students are under the supervision and control of the bus driver while on his/her bus, and all reasonable directions given by him/her shall be followed. Bus Discipline Guidelines will be given to each student who is a bus rider during registration. This sheet outlines all the rules, regulations, and disciplinary actions that may be taken in regard to bus behavior. Parents need to sign and return a detachable memo to verify their awareness of the guidelines. Bus referrals for unacceptable conduct are filled out by the bus drivers and given to the principal for determination of penalty. Penalties may include conference with the principal, in-school suspension or removal from the bus. A copy of the referral is sent to the parent and to the Director of Transportation at the Hamilton County Department of Education.
VISITORS
Parents and visitors are always welcome at Birchwood School. Because our classroom time is valuable, it is necessary to follow reasonable guidelines to avoid disruption to the instructional program. All exterior doors remain locked during the school day. Access is available from the front door only. For your protection, the protection of the students and security within the school, it is required that any person entering the building during the school day come directly to the office before going to any other part of the school. Once there, visitors will be asked to "sign in" and will be required to wear a Visitor or Volunteer pass. No students will be permitted to leave the building with a visitor, parent or otherwise, without checking out through the school office. Before leaving, all visitors are asked to sign themselves out.
Volunteers are important role models for our students. We ask that all volunteers follow our dress code and work closely with our staff to maximize the enhancement of learning and minimize disruptions. Pre-school aged siblings are always welcome at Birchwood, but should be in the company of the parents on days when volunteer activities are in the Workroom or other areas outside the classroom. If you wish to eat lunch with your child, don’t forget to sign in and please notify the cafeteria staff by 9:00 a.m. (note or 961-2445). You are an important member of our TEAM in educating your child! Stay in contact with your child’s teacher and volunteer often, WE LIKE SEEING YOU HERE!
Please do not go to a classroom and ask a teacher to step into the hall to talk to you. This disrupts the instructional time and the flow of the lesson or activity in the room. Our teachers are always happy to schedule a conference with you about any concerns or questions, and this can be arranged through the office.
WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
It is unlawful for any student or parent to possess or carry a weapon on the bus, school property, or any other property owned, used, or operated by the Board of Education, school, or public education institution.
WORK FOLDER (MONDAY)
Birchwood School utilizes a schoolwide system of communication with parents concerning student performance and school or PTA activities. Each Monday (or the first day of any week when students do not attend on Monday) your child will bring home a Weekly Communication folder containing work samples from the previous week, a weekly school newsletter, a weekly grade level newsletter, and other items of interest. Please look for this folder every MONDAY and question your child if you do not receive it. Help your child realize the importance of bringing the folder to you each week. Please return it to the teacher the next day with your signature. If you forget to sign, your child will return it to you for your signature. In this manner we will be sure that you are aware of your child’s progress and upcoming events.
ZERO TOLERANCE *DISCIPLINE VIOLATIONS
- Possessing a Firearm or an Explosive, Incendiary, or Poison Gas Device
- Unlawfully possessing, using, or selling Drugs, Narcotics, Stimulant Drugs, or Drug Paraphernalia. This includes prescription, non-prescription, and “look-a-like” drugs
- Committing Battery (bodily injury or attack) upon any Teacher, Principal, or any other employee of the Hamilton County Department of Education.
The three (3) Zero Tolerance violations listed above which occur on school property, a school bus, or at school sponsored activities shall be reported to local law enforcement officials. The student violator will be expelled for a period not less than one (1) calendar year.
FEDERAL AND STATE OF TENNESSEE LAW AND HAMILTON COUNTY BOARD POLICY:
ANY THREAT TO DO HARM TO ANOTHER STUDENT OR SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OR SELF WILL BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION.