Video surveillance is used in our school in areas where privacy is not expected. Please be advised that we have installed a video surveillance system throughout our building, as well as outside the building, to ensure that all entrances and vital areas of the building and playground can be monitored.
The school building will be open at 7:30 a.m. for those students requiring early entry. Students are expected to arrive at school between 8:05 and 8:15 a.m. All students should enter through the gym door between 7:30 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. at which time students are dismissed to classrooms. Students must arrive by 8:05 in order to eat breakfast. It is necessary that students remain in the designated areas before and after school. Students will be required to follow the school wide rules during this time. If students need supervision before 7:30 a.m., please check with Kids Connection, the YMCA or other daycare facilities. Students in these programs are transported from the facility to North City School.
The official school day starts at 8:20. Students are tardy if they are not in their seats at 8:20 a.m. All students who arrive at school after 8:20 must check in at the office. The following reasons will constitute an excused tardy:
1. Doctor/Dental appointments
2. Child’s Illness
3. Family Illness
Students receiving 3 unexcused tardies within a marking period will receive a detention.
We use the 3 hour 16 minute rule in recording absences. This means that if a child is not in school 3 hours and 16 minutes, they will be counted absent. For students arriving late, they must arrive before 12:00 p.m. Students who must leave early will be counted absent if they leave before 11:36 a.m. Students should come to school, leave, and then return if a doctor’s or dentist’s appointment is in the middle of the day in order to assure they are at school for a total of 3 hours and 16 minutes. Students are expected to remain at school until 3:20 unless leaving for a dentist’s or doctor’s appointment. Early pick-ups are problematic as students miss end of the day directions from the teacher. Please avoid early pick-ups.
School will dismiss at 3:20 p.m. on a normal schedule. If it is necessary for a parent to enter the building before 3:20 p.m. to pick up a child, please wait in the front foyer. Any and all parents and visitors are not permitted in the halls without permission from the office, signing in and obtaining a visitor’s badge. Students waiting on parents to pick them up should wait inside the building in the designated foyer. All students should be picked up by 3:40 p.m. unless they have extracurricular activities. No students should be on the playground while waiting for parent pick-up or running around the school grounds.
All students are expected to leave the school premises in the afternoon. If they wish to return to the playground, they should go home and return only with parent permission. We respectfully request that no students return to the playground until after 4:00 p.m. to assure all students involved in after school programs have had an opportunity to be dismissed.
For the protection of your child, any student leaving school during the day must be checked out in the office by the parent or guardian. If a student returns to school during the day, they must check into the office before proceeding to the classroom. Please notify the office in advance and/or advise the teacher if there is to be a change in the transporting of your child. If no notification is received, your child will follow his/her regular method of getting home. Students are not allowed to ride a bus with another student unless that bus is their assigned bus and a note is provided from the parent. Please check with the office if you are unsure if your child may ride a bus with another student before sending them to school with a note. Our bus drivers are instructed that students must ride the bus from their home and return to their home. Bus drivers will only take students to a different location on their assigned bus for an extended period of time if a change of destination form has been filed with the school and approved by the transportation supervisor.
When a child is absent, we require a written note signed by the parent or legal guardian. This can be a separate note, a note in the planner, or a doctor’s excuse indicating the reason for the absence. If these steps are not followed, the child will be given an unexcused absence and 3 days from the date of the absence to bring in a note or doctor’s excuse. After that, the absence will remain unexcused. After 5 absences, or any unexcused absence, a doctor’s excuse may be required for the remainder of the year. Attendance personnel are informed in writing when a student needs to be referred to the truancy board or court because of excessive absenteeism or excessive tardiness.
Students having an absence will receive an incomplete for work missed. This work must be completed in three (3) days after returning to school unless there is evidence of extenuating circumstances. If the work is not completed, zeros (0’s) will be given. Parents and guardians are encouraged to call the school before 9:00 a.m. to request the day’s work be prepared. Assignments may be picked up after 3:20 p.m. If parents do not pick up assignments, students are responsible for getting missed assignments from teachers upon their return to school.
Students receiving an excused or unexcused absence will be expected to make up all work missed. When a child receives five (5) unexcused absences, the parent will be notified and informed of the state law governing truancy. If the child’s attendance does not improve, steps will be taken to involve the proper authorities and refer the student to truancy board.
We encourage parents to use the summer months or student holidays during the school year for any vacations. Students often find it difficult to maintain their academic success when multiple days are missed. Days missed for vacations are listed as unexcused absences according to the state law governing truancy and could result in truancy board, court and other consequences.
North City School would like to urge parents to obey all traffic signs and speed limits in the immediate area of the building. Parents are not allowed to park in the loading and unloading zone for school buses. Please remember to stop for buses when the bus stop sign on the bus is displayed even if the bus is stopped in front of the school. Crosswalks have been painted on the street for everyone’s safety. Please use them and insist that your child do the same. We urge parents to park in our school parking lot and in the swimming pool parking lot. No parking is allowed in the semicircle in front of the school, but parents pull through in front of the school to pick up students.
The parking area at the top of the steps on Palos Street is used as a pull through drop off for students between 7:30-8:30 a.m. in the morning and 3:15-3:45 p.m. in the afternoon. You should only enter this pull through area by coming up Palos Street so that students may exit cars on the sidewalk side. Do not pull across from the opposite side of the street. This causes congestion in the traffic flow, as well as endangering students that are exiting on the street side of the cars.
Bus students will report each morning and afternoon to a designated area where there will be staff supervision. Students riding the bus must understand that it is a privilege to ride the bus. The school bus and bus stop are both considered an extension of the school itself and behavioral expectations are the same as those at school. Students are expected to follow the rules set forth at the bus stop and for riding the bus. (These apply on the bus and at the bus stop) If these rules are not followed, the first time the child will be warned and could be given an assigned seat for a Level I offense, suspended from the bus for a Level II offense or have long-term suspension for a Level III offense. The second offense will result in suspension from the bus for a designated period for a Level I offense or suspension from the bus for 5-10 days for a Level II offense. The third offense will result in suspension for 3-5 days for a Level I offense and long-term suspension for a Level II offense.
Level I- Eating/drinking on the bus, failure to remain seated, improper boarding/departing, refusing to obey driver, loud, rude or abusive behavior, profane language/obscene gestures, any behavior jeopardizing safety.
Level II- Tampering with bus equipment, fighting/pushing/tripping, bringing articles of an injurious or objectionable nature, destruction of property, possession/use of tobacco, throwing objects in or out of the bus, hanging out of window.
Level III- Physical assault/verbal threat directed to bus driver or another student, possession/use of alcohol or drugs, possession of a weapon, use of chemical substance with intent to do bodily harm, unapproved use of emergency exits on bus.
At North City School, we stress mutual respect and accountability. All present have rights and responsibilities. The principal, teacher, parent and student will all enter into a school compact to define each person’s part in the students’ education. All students shall follow the following school wide rules:
1. Speak and act respectfully towards all others.
2. Follow all directions promptly, completely and cheerfully.
3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
4. Be on time and prepared for each class.
5. Respect the property of North City School and others.
Faculty and staff of North City School care greatly that all students feel safe in our school. In order to ensure that staff and students feel safe, we will not tolerate certain serious behaviors. These serious behaviors include, but are not limited to: physical aggression (fighting, kicking, hitting, physical bullying, obscene gestures), any form of threatening behavior (verbal or physical intimidation), noncompliance of faculty or staff directions, contraband on school property (illegal or nonprescribed drugs, weapons, lighters/fireworks, alcohol and tobacco in all forms*), theft, academic cheating, truancy, property damage, disrespectful attitude or verbalization, foul language, or repeated class disruption. Violators of serious behaviors shall be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school.
Disciplinary measures will be taken to assist the behavior of pupils not meeting the expected school behavior and to prevent individual pupils from disturbing school activities and the positive school atmosphere. Disciplinary measures may include, but are not limited to: loss of Super Eagle, detention, parent conference, in-school suspension, out of school suspension, and expulsion. When it is necessary to keep a student after school for detention, a form will be sent home one day prior to the detention. The form will explain the offense and the day the detention will be served and the teacher who is responsible for detention that day. Detention lasts from 3:30 until 4:30 on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. Parents are to sign and return the form, as well as make necessary arrangements for transportation.
Our school-wide policy has the following steps that are followed by all staff at North City:
Option 1: Warning
Option 2: Loss of Super Eagle point
Option 3: Loss of Recess Time (amount of time dependent on offense)
Option 4: Notification of Parents (through planner, special note, or phone call)
Option 5: Detention after school (3:30-4:30)
Option 6: Referral to Office (documentation of steps followed provided by teacher)
A school-wide process for dangerous or disruptive behaviors is practiced and an alternative classroom is in place. Some students who are exhibiting extreme behaviors may require special behavior contracts that will be established with the teacher, student, and parent. These contracts will detail specific steps that will be used to more consistently modify behaviors. A system-wide disciplinary board (Discipline Hearing Authority) will review severe offenses and will assign consequences based on severity, duration and frequency of the behavior. Parents disagreeing with the board’s decision will have the option of appealing after the discipline hearing process.
State law prohibits the use and/or possession of tobacco or tobacco products by children under the age of eighteen (18). State guidelines will be followed as to disciplinary action. Students who violate this rule are subject to school discipline and citation to juvenile court. This rule applies on the way to and from school, as well as in school related activities.
Any student who intentionally sells, gives, possesses, uses, or is under the influence of illicit drugs, narcotics, or alcohol in or on school property, including buses, shall be (1) suspended from school and (2) reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for possible legal action. (Also, see “Behavior and Discipline”)
*Any student who possesses tobacco products shall be issued a citation by the school principal/resource officer. Policy #JCBC Tobacco-Free Schools, Athens Board of Education
Students receive eagle bucks throughout the year for a variety of positive behaviors that include but are not limited to: lunchroom behavior, attendance, solving the weekly math problem, and returning required forms promptly. Eagle bucks can be saved throughout the marking period to exchange for specified rewards. Rewards may include extra recess time, 1 hour computer time, 1 hour reading time, hat day, homework passes, lunch brought in, lunch out with the principal, movie, popcorn and coke at school, and the opportunity to be a preschool buddy for a day at the Four Star Academy. Students are allowed to trade in Eagle Bucks for chosen rewards at the end of the marking period. Teachers may request that students pay an eagle buck (like a fine) for certain infractions within the classroom or other areas of the school.
Field trips are used as an extension of the educational environment of the classroom. Students who exhibit inappropriate behavior at school may be denied participation in field trips. They are still expected to attend school on the day of the field trip and will be placed in an alternate classroom during the allotted time of the trip. Permission slips and money for any field trip must be turned in the day before the trip (earlier in certain circumstances) in order to allow for verification of the number of students attending the trip. Students will not be allowed to call home for permission slips or money, nor will these be accepted on the day of the field trip. If the cost of any trip presents a problem for a family, arrangements should be made through the student’s teacher. We do not want any child to miss a field trip because of the cost.
93-100 = A 70-74 = D
85- 92 = B 69-Below = F
75- 84 = C Incomplete = I
An incomplete is given when work is not completed in the allotted time. An incomplete on the report card becomes an “F” if not completed by the end of the next marking period.
Star Honor Roll - Presented to students each marking period who have made all A’s in academic areas and S’s and N’s in special areas, work habits, and social growth.
Honor Roll - Presented to students each marking period who have made all A’s and B’s in academic areas, and no “U’s” in special areas, work habits, and social growth.
Honor Roll participants will be recognized each marking period at an Honor’s Assembly. Parents and other family members are invited to attend the program and celebrate the success of their student.
Homework is considered an integral part of the instructional process at North City School. The following guidelines should help parents and students understand the expectations concerning homework. As part of our home/school communication, parents are to sign planners each night to show knowledge of the homework to be completed by students. Students are responsible each day for writing all assignments in their planners during a specified time. Teachers will plan for homework to be given 2-4 times per week and only on rare occasions will homework be assigned over the weekend. Students are expected to complete homework on time or receive a zero. Teachers will use discretion according to how often students have not completed homework as to whether the zero will be replaced with the grade once the homework is completed. The following guidelines have been developed for time spent each evening on homework:
Fourth Grade -- 40 Minutes
Fifth Grade -- 50 Minutes
Sixth Grade -- 60 Minutes
If questions arise concerning homework, please contact the teacher to discuss concerns. Often students fail to complete daily work, which is then required to be finished at home and may increase the amount of time needed for homework.
The annual Parent/Teacher Conference Day is scheduled for October 18, 2010. If needed, parents may make appointments for any additional conferences with teachers or the principal by telephoning the school office. Anytime students are in the classroom, teachers are not available for conferences including mornings after student dismissal from bus hall and before dismissal in the afternoon. Teachers need to be responsible for students at these times and appointments should be scheduled through the office as a courtesy to the teacher. Teachers may also contact parents by e-mail, phone calls, planners and notes to keep communication open between home and school. Teachers are available to talk to parents before 8:10 a.m. and after 3:30 p.m. each day.
The North City website may be accessed through the web address www.athenscityschools.net/nce/nc.htm. The website offers e-mail addresses for all staff, the school menu each week, current list of school activities, links for students and parents for extra academic practice, pictures of various school activities and a variety of other information for parents and students. Please visit the website often to obtain the most current information and see the exciting things happening in our school.
In case of an accident, we will give first aid. In case of a serious accident, we will notify the home or alternate emergency number. If an injury is life-threatening, your child will be taken to the emergency room at Athens Regional Medical Center. If your child becomes seriously ill at school, we will contact you immediately. Please remember, we cannot keep seriously ill children at school. Please make sure your emergency phone numbers are kept current at the school, especially cell phones and pagers.
Expenses incurred due to an accident at school are not covered by any insurance carried by the system or school. These expenses are the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
According to state law, no child shall be permitted to attend any public school until proof of required immunization and a copy of a school physical performed by a doctor within the state of Tennessee are given to the school. Written statements from a health care provider may excuse a child from immunization if there are medical reasons. You may check with the school nurse, the local Health Department or a doctor for immunization guidelines.
All medications should be given at home if at all possible. If that is not possible, medication can be given at school under the following guidelines:
1. The parent must fill out a “Permission for Medication” form for each medicine, explaining dosage, frequency, duration, etc. This form is available in the office or from your teacher.
2. All medication must be brought to school in the original container. Any medicine sent to school in something other than the original container (such as a baggie) can not be given.
3. Medications must be given to the teacher for safe storage. The teacher will be responsible for dispensing the medication as ordered on the “Permission for Mediation” form. The only exception to this rule is the use of inhalers for asthma; these can and should be kept with the students for immediate access whenever necessary.
4. If a prescription changes, the parent must make changes on the “Permission for Medication” form. This is for your and your child’s protection.
5. Students may not transport medications to and from school. An adult will need to bring medications and/or pick it up form school.
A student will be held financially responsible for any deliberate damage to anything belonging to North City School (furniture, computers, textbooks, playground equipment, etc.). This includes graffiti on school property including playground equipment.
All school debts are considered to be the responsibility of the student and parents. Books assigned to a student must be accounted for at all times during the school year. After 5 school days, textbooks and library books will be considered lost or damaged. Students will be required to pay for the lost or damaged book and future school activities could be missed until the debt is paid. Parents will be notified when lunch charges exceed $10.00 and are expected to settle debts of this nature within one week. Students can be withheld from activities when lunch charges are not paid within the communicated amount of time and until the debt is cleared.
The PTO is gracious to help our school in many different ways. To support these efforts, it is necessary to do fund raising projects. Please accept the responsibility of paying all debts to the PTO.
Lost library materials must be paid for within 6 weeks. Until payment is made, two books may be checked out for school use only. The books/materials may not be taken home. If books are found at home, please return to the library or office. Parents and students may visit the AR website at https://Hosted2.renlearn.com/8207 from home in order to look at AR tests available for our students as well as other resources. We hope you will take time to use this site.
Students riding bicycles to school will park them in the bicycle racks. The school is not responsible for bikes ridden to school. Students may not ride motorcycles to school. Students riding bicycles to school are expected to leave the school grounds immediately once dismissed. Helmets are required to be worn by all students riding bicycles to school. Skateboards are not allowed on school property.
Personal effects brought to school by the students are the responsibility of the individual students. Personal items, such as lasers, toy weapons, radios, CD-players, iPods, , electronic games, cell phones, pagers, trading cards, etc. should not be brought to school. These items will be taken up and will be kept until picked up by the parent.
Office personnel may not call teachers or students from the classroom during the school day. The secretary will be happy to take a written message and give it to the person. Students will be allowed to use the telephone in emergencies and when ill. They will not be allowed to call home for forgotten homework, permission slips, or gym clothes.
Due to the nature of violence and other current social issues, North City School will be taking a stronger stance regarding the appropriateness of the dress of North City students. As before, school staff reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of a student’s appearance. Please consider the following when purchasing clothing for school and when sending your child to school at North City.
1. Clothing must NOT contain graphics or slogans which suggest offensive, crude, or obscene symbols or signs, or words degrading any gender, cultural, religious or ethnic values; advertise tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs; or are oriented towards violence, vandalism or sexually suggestive messages. This includes professional wrestling garb.
2. Students CANNOT wear caps, hats, bandanas, sweatbands, other head coverings, or colored hair in the building except for pre-announced special occasions. No artwork or tattoos should be visible on the body. No chains hooked to pants or other garments will be allowed.
3. Shirts for boys and girls must NOT be revealing. Spaghetti straps, T-shirts with the sleeves cut off, fish net shirts, and midriff-baring shirts, even with a cover, are not allowed. Sleeveless shirts or tank tops that show excessive skin under the arms MUST be worn with a T-shirt underneath.
4. Pants must be worn at the natural waist and if pants will not remain at the natural waist, a belt must be worn. Ill-fitting, baggy trousers are not allowed. Low-rise pants that reveal the midriff area will not be allowed for girls.
5. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be of a modest length, including any slits. Modest length is interpreted as no shorter than where the palm and fingers meet.
Parents of students who are in violation of the dress code will be contacted. If the appropriate attire cannot be brought to the school within a short amount of time, a special shirt and pair of shorts will be provided in order to minimize the loss of instructional time.
Teachers must give permission before an animal or pet can be brought to school. Parent must bring the animal or pet to school and take it back home. Any dogs found around the school will be removed by animal control in order to protect all students. At no time should students pet any stray animal on school grounds. Teachers or other school personnel should be notified immediately when stray animals wander onto school property.
North City School welcomes all parents and volunteers during the school day. Guests and visitors must register in the office and wear a visitor’s badge. Classroom visits are to be pre-arranged by contacting the principal. This is to assure the safety and confidentiality of our students throughout the school day and assure all staff that anyone in the building has checked into the office. To avoid congestion and confusion in the halls, please allow your child to go to his/her room in the morning by him/herself and by waiting for your child in the afternoon in the parking lot or in the front foyers by the office.
Parents, grandparents, family friends and others are encouraged to volunteer their time and help throughout the school year. Volunteer opportunities can include assisting with parties, working one-on-one with students, grading papers, TCAP proctoring and helping with tutoring. Even small segments of volunteer time can be worthwhile to teachers and students. Please feel free to speak with the principal or any teacher if you have time to donate. Parental and community help is sincerely appreciated at North City School.
STUDENT TEACHERS
In cooperation with area colleges, student teachers may be placed in your student’s classroom for a period of 8 weeks. During this time period, the student teacher will be totally responsible for the academic instruction for a period of 3 weeks under the strict guidance of the cooperating teacher. No classroom will have more than one student teacher in a school year. The cooperating teacher will always be in the classroom or close proximity of the classroom and is always available for any assistance. Parents will be notified by their child’s teacher of the placement of a student teacher in the classroom prior to the starting date.
The North City Parent Teacher Organization is a strong and valued of the school. Parents are encouraged to join and participate in this worthwhile organization. North City PT0 meets several times during the school year. We look forward to your participation and support.
Lunch and breakfast are available daily for students. According to government guidelines, free and reduced meals may be applied for by returning provided applications. The Athens City School Board establishes the price of meals. Breakfast costs $1.25; 30 cents for those receiving reduced cost. Lunch costs $2.00; 40 cents for those receiving reduced cost. We welcome parents and other family members to come eat with their child at any time. A letter is sent home after the beginning of the school year detailing how student may purchase extra food choices.
Students will only be allowed to buy extras, ice cream, or fruit roll-ups if money is on their account or they have cash. Parents will be notified immediately when students have over 5 days of charges. Once notified of the charges, parents and students are expected to clear up the account immediately. If the account is not cleared, students will be given an alternate lunch until money is received to clear the account.
No candy, chewing gum, or carbonated drinks may be brought to school in a child’s lunch. A student that does not eat a cafeteria lunch must bring a nutritious lunch from home. If the child does not purchase milk, they must bring a non-carbonated drink from home. Any student purchasing a school prepared lunch and having a current doctor’s note stating they cannot drink milk will have a juice furnished by the lunchroom. Cafeteria workers are not able to heat up soup and other items brought in a child’s lunch. This takes them from their regular duties during lunch.
Parties will be held at the discretion of the classroom teacher. These can include fall and holiday parties. Treats for birthdays are welcome and should be arranged with the individual teacher prior to the student’s birthday. No flowers or balloons should be sent to the students at school. These are a disruption to the academic atmosphere and are hard for students to transport home.
In the event of severely inclement weather, school may be closed or the starting time delayed. The same conditions may also necessitate early dismissal. School closing, delayed starting time, or early dismissal will be announced over radio stations WJSQ FM, WLAR AM, WYXI AM and over Knoxville stations, channel 10 and 6 as well as Chattanooga stations, channel 3, 9, and 12. Channel 95, the public education channel, will also have information. Be sure your phone numbers are up-to-date as a SchoolCast call will be made immediately to all families in the event of a delay or closing. Calling the school for information can tie up the school lines and not allow outgoing calls.
It is important to know that North City School is part of the Athens City School System, not part of the McMinn County School System. We often have school when McMinn County does not. Students are expected to come to school if the Athens City School System is in session. Inclement weather is not an excused absence.
All students must participate in physical education. If a limitation is to be placed on participation in physical education, a written statement should be presented which clearly sets forth the limitations and is signed by a doctor. If a student needs to miss physical education for a minor illness, the parent must send a note to the teacher, stating nature of illness. If 3 consecutive days of PE are missed, a doctor’s excuse will be needed to miss any more classes. Students are required to wear gym suits or a change of clothes. Intramural activities are offered after school for 5th and 6th grade students on scheduled days until 4:00 p.m. Parents are responsible for seeing students are picked up promptly after intramurals.
A wellness policy has been developed by North City School to enhance the health of all students and staff. This policy includes specifics related to snacks, lunch, and physical activity for students. Information on this policy can be found on the North City website.
In order to continually engage parents, teachers, students and our community in the education of all students at North City, the following actions will be implemented:
Communication and Support:
1. Provide annually a planner/handbook with all policies and procedures as well as Federal laws related to parent rights. A committee of staff and parents will review policies each year as well as involve parents before any changes in policy are made.
2. Distribute the Family-School compact annually at the beginning of the year or upon students entering North City School, requiring signatures of students, parents and schools staff. School-Home compact was jointly developed with parents and will be reviewed each year as well.
3. Provide e-mail addresses of all teachers and staff, as well as school contact numbers, to all parents at the beginning of the year or upon students entering North City in order to support home learning. Planners will be used as a constant communication with parents. Parents may request additional meetings at any time.
4. Continually update the school website with current learning information such as curriculum standards, types of academic assessments and proficiency levels as well as events sponsored by the school.
5. All parents will be invited to an annual meeting to explain all federal programs for all students and their rights to be involved in the school.
Involvement:
6. Continue to provide school events at flexible times to promote family engagement such as fall conferences, Family Reading Night, Open House with parent meetings, Family Math Night, etc.
7. Provide a translator for any required meetings for ESL parents, as well as provide written material in the native language, when needed.
8. Continue to request parent volunteers for tutoring, PTO activities, room mothers, school committees, CTAP proctoring, and general help around the school.
9. Give all parents an opportunity to volunteer for the Family Engagement Committee in order to encompass all aspects of our student population.
Environment:
10. Work to improve the foyer area of the school in order to provide a better reception area for parents and guests.
11. Work to improve the outdoor sign for better communication of events as well as provide more directional signs within the building.
12. Design a plan to develop the school as the center of the community.
Information concerning child advocacy and services may be obtained from the following sources:
· The ARC of Tennessee is on the Internet at http://www.thearc.org/
615-248-5878 (phone) or 1-800-835-7077 (toll free)
· STEP ( Support and Training for Exceptional Parents) http://www.tnstep.org/
· Tennessee Protection and Advocacy (TP&A) http://www.tpainc.org/
615-298-1080 (phone) or 1-800-287-9636 (toll free)
· Tennessee Voices for Children http:www.tnvoices.org/main.htm
865-609-2490 (phone)
Answers to many questions and helpful information may be obtained from the State Department of Education by calling or visiting http://www.state.tn.us/education/speced/index.htm
Where the Child Comes First
TO THE STUDENT:
North City School faculty and staff welcome you to a new school year. For some of you, you are coming here for the first time. Others have been here one or even two years already. Whichever is your situation, we look forward to working with you to reach new heights of school success. Please seek any of us if you have questions or concerns. We are truly here for YOU! J
TO THE FAMILIES OF NORTH CITY STUDENTS:
Whether you are North City newcomers or have been with us awhile, we welcome you to another school year full of excitement, challenges, fun, and growth. We are honored to serve your family. Our mutual focus will be on providing a safe atmosphere in which to grow academically, as well as socially. North City School offers many programs and activities to promote active, healthy, appropriate learning opportunities. We appreciate your commitment to working with us to help your child reach his or her potential. We encourage active family and community participation, starting with you becoming familiar with the information provided in this planner/handbook. It will serve you as an excellent resource through the school year.
As you review this handbook with your child, please sign the statement at the bottom of this page. The planners are designed as a tool to assist your child and you in organizing school and home work, as well as to serve as a communication tool between home and school. We thank PTO for sharing the cost of these planners so that each child has one to use throughout the school year. Speaking of PTO, there will be many opportunities for you to be involved in school activities at North City School. Please find at least one way this year to volunteer. It means so much to your child to see their family involved in their education.
The school and school system will provide information to you and the community of student progress, including assessment results and overall school and school system performance. This information will be communicated in a user-friendly format, but please ask questions if you have them! We are here to help. North City School is a school wide Title I school. We receive funds to help provide resources to boost student achievement. Public announcements of our school’s performance will be annually made so that all will know of our adequate yearly progress. There will also be at least one Title I meeting each school year, as will as a Parent Involvement Committee.
Also in this handbook, you will see policies regarding discipline of many sorts, including disorderly conduct, weapons, tobacco and drugs. A code of conduct is in place for all students to follow. If our school ever becomes unsafe or your child would be a victim of a violent crime, we will inform you of your right to transfer to another school
You, the families of our North City students, are our partners in their education. Our North City Family-School Compact is our joint agreement to do our best for each child. You will receive a copy of this compact. We pledge to keep you informed of what is happening with your child and in our school. Please keep in touch with us through the planners, email, phone calls, and conferences. Together, we can do so much with and for your child. We look forward to celebrating many successes!
_____________________________________________________________________________
We have read this handbook and understand the importance of knowing the school policies and practices so that we can all be partners in school success.
__________________________ _______________________________
Parent Signature Student Signature