CENTERVILLE ELEMENTARY
PARENT/ STUDNT HANDBOOK
2017—2018
Jenifer Seymour, principal
1529 Whitehall Rd.
Anderson, SC 29625
(864) 260-5100
Dear Parents,
Welcome to another exciting year at Centerville Elementary! I am eager to begin my first year as principal! The administration, faculty, and staff appreciate the opportunity to work with you and your child(ren) this school year. Centerville is an awesome school! Our theme this year is to show our Centerville P-R-I-D-E. This stands for Perseverance-Respect-Integrity-Dependability-Excellence. This year we have implemented a school-wide discipline/house system that will help create an environment that allows every individual to feel valued for their unique gifts and talents and to contribute to the good of the school family. Creating an effective school culture is about unleashing the whole person toward inspiring and worthwhile goals. Our goal is to help students shine in every sense and to teach them how they contribute to the school family ensures great success. Every student can shine, and you will see this when you visit our school.
Our faculty and staff are committed to providing a quality instructional program that is tailored for each child in a safe school environment. We value your participation and input in your child’s education. Achieving our goals cannot be done without your support. I have full confidence that together we can build a strong, trusting, and committed relationship which are essential for student and school success. Your continued cooperation and support are important to us and greatly appreciated as we work together to provide a quality education for your child. School, parents, businesses, and community must partner together to “inspire greatness in every child so they can shine!”
We invite and encourage you to visit us. The school’s office hours are 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Sincerely,
Jenifer Seymour, Principal
IT’S GOING TO BE AN AWESOME YEAR AS WE SHOW OUR TIGER P-R-I-D-E!
MISSION STATEMENT
Centerville Elementary School will prepare life-long learners for the 21st century by engaging every student in meaningful learning experiences through critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity in partnership with families, the community, and higher education.
VISION STATEMENT
Every student will achieve at his or her maximum potential by acquiring 21st-Century skills in a thriving, dynamic, and inspiring educational environment.
SCHOOL GOALS
Quality Parent and Community Partnerships
· The school will endeavor to create effective partnerships to assist in the achievement of student goals.
Instructional Personnel
· The school and district office administrative teams will ensure that all individuals on the faculty and staff meet the stringent requirements of federal and state legislation/certification requirements.
Safe and Orderly School
· The school and community will work together to provide a safe, caring, positive learning and working environment.
· The school will promote high expectations for appropriate behavior to create a secure, disciplined environment.
CENTERVILLE ELEMENTARYFACULTY & STAFF
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Jenifer Seymour, Principal, Room 162
Nicole Torbert, Assistant Principal, Room 186
OFFICE STAFF
Monica Donald, Secretary
Carolyn Hammond, Data Clerk
KINDERGARTEN
Tracy Jones, Room 100
April Bolt, Asst., Room 100
Debbie Gardner, Room 001
Marilyn Wholey, Asst., Room 001
Joni Spearman, Room 112
Amy Jenkins, Asst., Room 112
Aimee McGill, Room 113
Katrina Allen, Asst., Room 113
Crystal Seay, Room 114
Penny Jones, Asst. Room 114
GRADE ONE
Heidi Leverette-Ulmer, Room 116
Leslie Hornick, Room 117
Melissa Elgin, Room 118
Carlie Taylor, Room 119
Whitney Artman, Room 120
GRADE TWO
April Hays, Room 102
Tracy Shaw, Room 103
Ashleigh Stoddard, Room 122
Lindsay Gagnon, Room 123
Teresa Sanders, Room 124
Amanda Myers, Room 125
GRADE THREE
Shana Bridges, Room 106
Melanie Sullivan, Room 107
Sandra Barnes, Room 108
Ashley Smith, Room 109
Bethany McCall, Room 110
Laura Guthrie, Room 111
CENTERVILLE ELEMENTARYFACULTY & STAFF
RELATED ARTS
Chris Holt, PE, Multi-purpose Room
Deborah Croxton (Itinerant), PE, Multi-purpose Room
Jenny Jones, Media Specialist
Emily Vickery, Music, Room 322
Lindsey Morgan (Itinerant), Music, Room 322
Lori Allison, Art, Room 320
Candice Stanzione (Itinerant), Art, Room 320
NURSE
Lydia Scarborough, Nurse’s Room
ESOL
Holly Marcengill, Room 121
CUSTODIANS
Jerry Cobb, Head Custodian
Doris Walker
Aaron Walker
Kim Ellison
FOOD SERVICE
JoAnn Nash, Cafeteria Manager
Ashley Branyon, Assistant Manager
Amanda Davis
Belinda Gillespie
Marley Hughes
Kristi Clark
Important Notes to Remember
1. All visitors must report to the front office to receive a pass.
2. Students must be in school for at least two hours in order to be counted as present
for the day on a regular day and at least one hour on an early dismissal day.
3. Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. must report to the office accompanied by an adult before they may enter class. The back gate will be close promptly at 7:57 a.m. and back doors will be locked promptly at 8:00 a.m., and students will not be allowed to enter through these doors. Students must enter at the front office and be signed in by a parent. Students with three or more tardies and /or unexcused early dismissals within any semester period will not be eligible for perfect attendance recognition on Awards Day.
4. Please send a note if there is a change in your child’s normal manner of dismissal. We will no longer deliver changes made by phone. If we do not have a hand written note from the parent, your child will go home their usual way.
5. If your child is absent from school, please remember to send an excuse containing the child’s name, date when excuse was written, date when child was absent, reason for absence, and parent/guardian signature. Excuses should be turned in the day your child returns to school.
6. Please schedule teacher conferences during planning periods or before or after school.
7. We love to have visitors in our school. We do ask, however, that if you visit during instructional time to please sit quietly and observe. Please do not interrupt instruction or talk to the students or teacher during teaching time.
8. Please remind students to wear tennis shoes on PE day.
9. District Five is “peanut free” due to an increase in student allergies to peanut products. Please refrain from bringing any foods with nuts to classroom parties.
10. Our schools will no longer accept deliveries of flowers, balloons, and other gifts to students on Valentine’s Day. We encourage parents to celebrate this special event privately.
11. We would love for parents and community members to attend our PTO meetings and other special events. Please look for our memos, School Messenger emails, and school calendar for important dates.
12. We would love to have you serve as a volunteer in our school. Please contact our PTO president and vice president, Mrs. Vanessa Seaver and Mrs. Crystal Odom, or our school office (260-5100) to find out about ways that you can help our school.
13. Just a reminder that personal cell phones, pagers, ipods, or any other electronic devices and/or toys are not allowed at school. The school will not be held responsible for any such devices that are brought and lost or stolen.
14. We welcome parents to eat lunch with their children. However, please do not bring fast food to school for your child. Please do not send cans or bottles of soda.
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
ANDERSON SCHOOL DISTRICT FIVE
400 PEARMAN DAIRY ROAD
PO BOX 439, ANDERSON, SC 29622
TELEPHONE 260-5000 FAX 260-5074
Mr. Tom Wilson District Superintendent
Mr. Mike Mahaffey Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Mr. Tripp Dukes Assistant Superintendent for Assess. & Accountability
& Elementary Instruction
Mrs. Veta New Asst. Superintendent for College & Career Readiness & Secondary Instruction
Dr. Jerome Hudson Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
Mrs. Amy Heard Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Darryl Webb Director of Transportation
Dr. Brenda Harper Director of Special Education
Mr. Wess Grant Chief Operating Officer
DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mrs. Ann Huitt
Rev. Johnny S. Donald, Jr.
Mr. Tommy Price
Mr. Paul Zugg
Mr. Harold Kay
Mr. Rick Bradshaw, Chairman
Mr. John P. Griffith
Mr. John B. Wright, Jr.
Dr. Sandy Addis
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
Vanessa Seaver, President
Crystal Odom, Vice President
Jade King, Treasurer
April Hays, SecretaryApril Burris, Fundraiser Coordinator
Tori Haynes and Karen Kloeck, T-shirt Coordinator
Lacey Williams, Volunteer Coordinator
Kassandra Simmons. Restaurant/Grocery, Retail Coordinator
Abbie Elmore, Grade Parent/Staff Appreciation Coordinator
Jennifer Jones, Sign/Calendar/Newsletter Coordinator
Mrs. Amy Jenkins, Mrs. Emily Vickery, Mrs. Allyson Sanders, Mrs. Melissa Elgin, Mrs. Amanda Myers, Mrs. Holly Marcengill, Mrs. Donna Fennell, Mrs. Leslie Hornick, Mrs. Stephanie Bridges , Teacher Representatives
Ms. Jenifer Seymour, Principal
Ms. Nicole Torbert, Assistant Principal
Ms. Sheila Bryant, Reading Coach
PTO-PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
The Centerville Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization is a strong and viable organization. All parents and faculty members are encouraged to join and participate in an active way. Centerville’s PTO sponsors many activities such as: Instructional materials for classrooms, funds for classroom teachers, new playground equipment, computer lab software, copier lease, Movie Nights, Skate Nights, School Dances, Fall Festival, Field Trips, Muffins for Moms, Donuts for Dads, Elf Gift Shop, Student Birthdays, Teacher Appreciation Activities, Staff Appreciation Days, and many more.
Our PTO participates in Box Tops, as well as grocery programs offered by Publix, Bi-Lo, and Ingles. If you need a card, please contact Monica Donald, the school secretary, at .
OBJECTIVES OF THE PTO
· To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
· To raise the standards of home life.
· To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
· To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth
8 POWERFUL TIPS FOR PARENTS
1. BE INVOLVED. Parental involvement helps students learn, improves schools, builds stronger communities, and makes teachers’ jobs more effective.
2. PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR AT HOME LEARNING. Ask someone if you are not sure how to do this. We are here to help!
3. SET A GOOD EXAMPLE. Our children are always watching us to learn how to act and react. Attitude reflects our leadership. Children need good parents, not another friend. Avoid the “parent/friend” relationship. Your children will one day thank you for it.
4. ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO DO THEIR BEST IN SCHOOL. Parents who stress the importance of education to their children provide students with the high expectations and motivation needed for them to succeed at the highest level.
5. EMPHASIZE DOING YOUR BEST. All students can learn. They learn in different ways and at different rates, but regardless of the area (academics, athletics, behavior, etc.) expect them to do their best!
6. SUPPORT SCHOOL RULES AND GOALS. Students will experience greater success in life if they understand that their school and their parents are working together with the same high expectations and consequences rather than against one another.
7. TEACH “EVERYTHING COMES WITH A CONSEQUENCE.” Have frequent conversations with your child to explain that everything we do has a consequence, good or bad. Reward your child for doing well and reprimand when they make poor choices on a consistent basis. Consistency matters!
8. NOTIFY TEACHERS EARLY IF THERE IS A CONCERN. Early intervention is KEY!
ATTENDANCE
Absenteeism is recognized as the most serious detriment to effective learning. Full day absentees and partial day absentees (late arrivals and early dismissals) both result in missed classes and breakdowns in the learning process. Absenteeism occurs when a student is not present in class for every learning activity during the school day. Therefore, students must be in school for at least two hours on a regular school day in order to be counted as present for the day and for at least one hour on an early dismissal day.
The Education Improvement Act of 1984 amended Section 59-65-90 of the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina to read:
The State Board of Education shall establish regulations defining lawful and unlawful absences beyond those specifically named in this article and additional regulations as are necessary for the orderly enrollment of pupils to provide for uniform dates of entrance. These regulations shall require: (1) that school officials shall immediately intervene to encourage the student’s future attendance when the student has three consecutive unlawful absences or a total of five unlawful absences, and (2) that the district board of trustees or its designee will promptly approve or disapprove any student absence in excess of ten days. As used in this section, “intervene” means to identify the reasons for the child’s continued absence and to develop a plan in conjunction with the student and his parent or guardian to improve his future attendance. Provided, however, that nothing within this section will interfere with the board’s authority to at any time refer a child to a truancy prevention program or to the court pursuant to Section 59-65-50.
Lawful Absences:
v Students who are ill or whose attendance at school threatens their health or the health of others.
v Death or serious illness in the immediate family.
v Students who are absent due to recognized religious holidays.
v Doctor or Dentist Appointment (Must bring a statement from the doctor’s office showing date, time, and dates excused).
v Principal’s emergency discretion.
All other absences are considered unexcused.
Intervention:
· The data clerk shall refer students to the principal and notify parents after the following:
ü three consecutive unlawful absences
ü a total of five unlawful absences
ü a total of ten absences
ü each absence in excess of a total of ten absences
· The principal may intervene after the following:
ü three consecutive unlawful absences
ü a total of five unlawful absences
· The principal shall intervene after the following:
ü a total of ten absences
The documentation of intervention shall include (but not limited to) reasons for the absences, methods to resolve the cause of the absences, and actions to be taken in the event the absences continue. The parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be involved in the intervention process.