2017 – 2018
Parent / Student Handbook

GETWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2795 GETWELL ROAD

MEMPHIS, TN 38118

(901) 416-0267

Mr. Dorsey E. Hopson, II, Esq., Superintendent

Ms. Tracie Thomas, Instructional Leadership Director

Dr. Trina M. Holly, Principal

Ms. Erika Williams, PLC Coach

Strive for your personal best.
Obey school rules.
Achieve your goals.
Respect yourself, others,and the environment.

This planner belongs to:

Name______Homeroom______

/ Getwell Elementary

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRINCIPAL

Getwell Elementary School

August 1, 2017

Dear Parents and Families of Getwell Elementary School,

On behalf of the administration, faculty, and staff of Getwell Elementary School, I am fortunate to welcome all new and returning students to a compassionate and responsive atmosphere that offers powerful learning experiences to meet individual student needs. Our entire school community works together to provide a warm, supportive, and nurturing environment that encourages a culture of teaching and learning.We are grateful to have been selected as your partner in your child’s flighttowards academic excellence.

This Student-Parent Handbook outlines policies and procedures for Getwell families. Regulations and expectations contained in the handbook have been adopted to ensure the smooth and fair operation of our school. Also included within this Handbook is the School Discipline Plan that focuses on increasing respect and responsibility among students. This plan outlines rules, logical consequences, and special programs that teach students self-respect, as well as, respect for others. All students are expected to be responsible and accountable for their own behavior throughout the entire school and off-campus events. Please read the handbook carefully and share all relevant information with your child.

We look forward to you joining us on this mission todevelop the highest levels of academic proficiency and personal character in all students. While in pursuit of our vision, students, parents, community and school personnel will work together to conquer any challenges encountered.

Sincerely,

Trina M. Holly, Ed.D.

Principal


Table of Contents

Page

Principal’s Message1

Overall Goal4

Belief Statement4

Our Mission4

Our Vision4

School Mascot4

School Colors4

School Motto4

School History5

Report Card Periods and Attendance Periods5

Shelby County Schools Academic Calendar6

I. Introduction7

II. Enrollment Procedures7

Age Requirement7

Health Requirements8

Class Assignment8

III. Student Absence and Illness8

Attendance8

Chronic Illnesses9

Accidents and Illness9

Medication9

Truancy9

Make Up Work9

Withdrawal9

IV. School Opening and Closing Procedures10

Arrival and Dismissal10

Traffic Before and After School10

Inclement Weather11

V. General Information11

School Uniforms11

Payments11

Lunch Program11

Textbooks, Library Books, etc.12

Supplies12

Bus Riders12

Lost and Found12

Party Policy12

Telephone13

Cell Phones13

Fire, Tornado, and Earthquake Drills13

VI. School Visitors and Volunteers13

Visitors13

School Volunteers13

Parent Teacher Organization14

VII. Evaluation of Pupil Progress14

Grading System14

Homework 14

Grade Reporting14

Parent Conferences15

Curricular Activities15

Orff Music15

Computer Lab15

Library15

Physical Education16

Art 16

VIII. School Rules16

Getwell’s School-wide Rules16

Fight Free School16

IX. Student Discipline17

Getwell 7-Step Behavioral Response18

Changing Classes/Restroom Breaks18

Hall Passes18

Assemblies18

Field Trips18

Personal Appearance of Students18

Rights of Parents and Students19

Celebrations19

Overall Goal

Our overall goal is to create a school environment that enables all children to succeed and demonstrate high levels of achievement.

Our Beliefs

  • Daily attendance is essential for learning.
  • Children are valued and respected as unique individuals.
  • High expectations increase individual student performance.
  • Students should be encouraged to set goals for themselves and work toward reaching them.
  • A wide variety of research based teaching strategies and data driven assessment techniques accommodate a diverse population with multiple learning styles, and provide challenges that are conducive to academic achievement.
  • A safe, nurturing learning environment and positive school climate are essential components in promoting respect for self and others.
  • The integration of technology is essential for students’ development of the skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing society.
  • Our students must be actively engaged in their education in order to learn, produce quality work, and become critical thinkers and problem solvers.
  • Collaboration among teachers, administrators, parents, and the community is essential for the continuous growth and effectiveness of our school.

Our Mission

Our mission is to develop highest levels of academic proficiency and personal character in all students.

Our Vision

Getwell Elementary School will be an exemplary, student focused educational society that has an exceptional staff, focused programs, and inspiring atmosphere where excellence is achieved, solid character is exhibited, hopes and dreams are fostered and responsible productive citizens are developed.

School Mascot: Exemplary Eagles

School Colors: Blue and White

School Motto: The Sky’s the Limit for Academic Excellence

Getwell School History

Getwell Elementary School is a Title 1, public and urban school located in Southeast Memphis at 2795 Getwell Road. Getwell Elementary School was opened in 2001 with over 900 students. In the past ten years, the community surrounding Getwell has seen a reduction in population, thus resulting in a decline in student enrollment. Today, Getwell Elementary School provides educational services to approximately 422 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.Getwell Elementary has been accredited since 2003.

Report Card and Attendance Periods

2017 – 2018School Year

Report Card and Progress Report Periods

Report Card Period / Report Card Period Begins / Progress Report Period Ends / Progress Report Issued / Report Card Period Ends / Report Card Issued / Days in Period
1st 9 Weeks / August 7Monday / September 6 Wednesday / September 13Wednesday / October 6Friday / October 25Wednesday / 44
2nd 9 Weeks / October 16 Monday / November 15Wednesday / November 20 Wednesday / December 20
Thursday / January 10 Wednesday / 44
Semester / 88
3rd 9 Weeks / January8Monday / February7 Wednesday / February 14 Wednesday / March 9 Friday / March 28 Wednesday / 44
4th 9 Weeks / March 19Monday / April 18 Wednesday / April 25 Wednesday / May 24
Thursday / Mailed / 48
Semester / 92
Year / 180

2017-2018Shelby County Schools Academic Calendar

September 4 / Labor Day (No School)
September 14 / Parent-Teacher Conferences
(4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
October 6 / End of 1st Quarter
October 9-13 / Fall Break (No School)
October 16 / 2nd Quarter Begins
November 10 / Veteran's Day (No School)
November 22-24 / Thanksgiving Holiday(No School)
December 21 / Winter Break Begins for Students
January 8 / Return from Winter Break – First Day of 2nd Semester/3rd Quarter Begins
January 15 / Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (No School)
February 15 / Parent Conferences (4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
March 9 / 3rd Quarter Ends
March 12-16 / Spring Break (No School)
March 19 / 4th Quarter Begins
March 30 / Spring Holiday(No School)
May 24 / 4th Quarter Ends/Last Day of School
(1/2 Day for Students)

I. Introduction

The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with knowledge of policies and procedures of the Shelby County School System as they relate to Getwell Elementary.

It is the intent of the faculty and administration that each student becomes familiar with the information provided in the handbook. It will be of great value in helping the student adjust in our school and become an integral part of the Getwell Family.

After reading this handbook, please feel free to contact the school at 901-416-0267 if additional information or assistance is desired.

II. Enrollment Procedures (See Policy #6002)

The parent or guardian of a child entering pre-school, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, or who has not been previously enrolled in another school within the district must furnish the following information:

  1. Birth Certificate
  2. Proof of recent physical examination
  3. A new official Tennessee Certificate of Immunization displaying proof of the current immunization status.
  4. Social Security Number
  5. Proof of residence in school district -- The parent/guardian of every student will be required to provide two (2) of the following items showing the parent/guardian’s

name and address, to prove residency: Real Estate Tax receipt, Mortgage Statement or Deed, Most recent Memphis Light Gas and Water bill ormunicipal water bill, Driver’s License, Rental Contract, Public Assistance/Benefits documents, and lease information.

Age Requirement

A child must be five (5) years of age on or before August 15 to be admitted to kindergarten.Parents/legal guardians/custodians are encouraged to enroll students who are of legal age in kindergarten at the beginning of the school year. Students who have not been enrolled previously in kindergarten will not be accepted after the first thirty (30) days of the school year. Students who have been enrolled previously in an approved kindergarten will be accepted at any time. A child must be six (6) years of age on or before September 30 of the current school term to be admitted to the first grade. All children entering thefirst grade must have attended an approved kindergarten.

Any transfer student legally enrolled as a first grade student in another state who will be six (6) years of age no later than December 31 of the currentschool year, making application for admission, shall be eligible for enrollment in the Shelby County Schools.Any child legally enrolled in an approved kindergarten in another state during the preceding school year and who could have enrolled in the firstgrade in that state in the current school year, making application for admission, shall be eligible for enrollment in the first grade in the Shelby CountySchools provided he/she is six (6) years of age on or before December 31 of the current year.

Health Requirements

Under law, all students entering school for the first time are required to have a complete physical examination within 12 months prior to the enrollment. This applies to kindergarten, first grade, and other pupils for whom there is no health record. Results of the physical examination are to be given to the school for inclusion with the student’s records.

Class Assignment

The principal makes student assignments to classrooms.

III. Student Absence and Illness

Attendance

All children are expected to be in attendance and on time each day. Please refer to School Board Policy #6014 for details concerning attendance. Student absences/tardies shall be excused only for the following reasons: 1. Illness or hospitalization of student. The District may require a parent conference and/or physician verification to justify absences after the accumulation of ten (10) days of absence during a school year. Notes must be date specific and will be required for subsequent absences beyond ten (10) days. 2. Death or serious illness within the student's immediate family. 3. When the student is officially representing the school in a school sponsored activity. 4. Special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by persons of their faith. 5. Legal court summons not as a result of the student's misconduct. 6. Extenuating circumstances over which the student has no control as approved by the principal. 7. Reasons associated with a student's parent, custodian or other person with legal custody or control of the student is a member of the United States Armed Forces, including a member of a state National Guard or a Reserve component called to federal active duty. A written statement within two (2) school days of the student's return to school shall be required from the parent or guardian explaining thereason for each absence.If absences become excessive, a doctor’s note may be required to document absences due to illness.

Tardies and early checkouts are monitored in the same manner as attendance. STUDENTS MUST BE IN THEIR ROOMS BY 9:15a.m., OR THEY WILL BE MARKED TARDY. If your child arrives at school after 9:15 a.m., for any reason, please write a note explaining the reason and bring your child to check in with the office before reporting to his/her class. If a child is tardy three times, a warning letter will be sent home. If a child is tardy five more times, a parent conference will be held. Additional excessive tardies may result in referral to the district’s Student Attendance Review Board (SARB).

Chronic Illnesses

Teachers and office personnel should be made aware of chronic illnesses such as asthma, rheumatic fever, diabetes, allergies, and etc. Definite written instructions are for office files, should an emergency arise.

Accidents and Illness

If a student is injured or becomes ill at school, parents will be notified immediately. If the parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact listed on the registration form will be the next notified. Please be sure to update any changes in numbers on the registration form as the year progresses. Remember, seriously ill students cannot be kept at school.

Medication

If a child is to be given medication in school, all medication must be brought to the office by the parent (not the child), with the written directions from the physician, which indicate the frequency and dosage of the prescribed medication. The medicine must be in the original container prepared by the pharmacist. Bring only enough medication to school for a TWO WEEK period. At the time the medication is brought to school, a written authorization must be filled out and signed by the parent before the medication can be taken. Medication can only be dispensed through the office. For further details see Policy #6043.

Truancy

Unauthorized absence is considered truancy. A student who has excessive tardies or a student who fails to attend a class may be subject to disciplinary action. See Policy #6016 for further details concerning absences without adequate excuse.

Make-Up Work

Students shall be permitted the opportunity to make up all work and classroom tests missed as a result of an excused or unexcused absence. All work and tests for unexcused absences should be made up as soon as possible, but no later than a week after the student returns to school.

Withdrawal

Legitimate reasons for withdrawal include the following:

  1. Withdrawal to enroll in another school system
  2. Withdrawal for health reasons, certified by a licensed practicing physician
  3. Expulsion from school

IV. School Opening and Closing Procedures

Arrival and Dismissal

The official school hours are 9:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Students may begin entering the building through the main entrance at9:00 a.m. Students should enter the building and hallways quietly and proceed to their classrooms, walking on the right side of the hallway. Breakfast will be served in the classroom from 9:00 a.m. – 9:15a.m. Morning meetings begin at 9:15 a.m., thus if a student wishes to eat breakfast, he/she must be in class by 9:10 a.m. to receive breakfast.Bus, daycare, and car riders will be escorted to designated areas for dismissal. Walkers will be escorted to the front of the building at 4:15 p.m. Adult supervision of students after school is from 4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Students should be completely off campus by 4:30 p.m. unless they participate in Getwell After-Care or school tutoring.

Please be aware that the safety of your child is at risk each time he/she is left unsupervised before and/or after school. In accordance with Policy #6067, parents are responsible for ensuring supervision of their children during non-school hours both before and after school, except for school-sponsored events and district transportation to and from school. It is the responsibility of parents and day care buses to pick students up no later than 4:30 p.m. each day. Make sure your child knows how he/she is to go home each day. Students should know or always have written phone numbers of responsible adults. Make sure correct/updated phone numbers are on file in the office.

The ending of the school day is essential for review of the day’s activities, instructions on homework, and the preparation for the next school day. Thus, we ask you to remain outside the school building should you arrive early to pick up your child to avoid distractions during closeout activities. Also, it is vital that parents remain in their cars so cars can be moved if the situation requires. There will be no early dismissals between 3:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. unless there is an emergency. Please contact the office in emergency situations.

To preserve teaching and learning time for students within the school, the District strongly discourages the release of students during the school day. However, when unexpected, emergency and/or extenuating circumstances exist, students may be released according to Policy #6060 administrative rules and regulations. Doctor and dental appointments should be scheduled after school hours. If this is not possible, please do not check your child out before 12:45 p.m. This keeps your child from losing credit for a day’s attendance. Parents must check students out of the school through the office. To insure student safety, office personnel will not release any student to individuals who are not identified on the official registration forms. See Policy #6060 for further details on notification of dismissal.

Traffic Before and After School

Your child’s safety is #1 with us! Please help us ensure a safe and orderly dismissal by following these procedures:

  • If your child has been designated as a walker, refrain from picking up on campus by car unless you have notified the office and arranged for pick-up in the car rider area. Pick up walkers from the designated walker pick up areas.
  • Cars are to enter the south drive (next to Wendy’s).
  • Cars are to utilize the left lanes. Daycare vans will utilize the right lane.
  • During morning arrival, load and unload children only after you have parked at the

curb. Do not double park to load or unload children.

  • If you let your children out across the street from the school, require them to go to the corner and cross with the crossing guard. Do not allow your child (even if accompanied by an adult) to cross in the middle of the street.
  • Honk only to prevent an accident.
  • Please adhere to no parking areas.
  • Big brothers and sisters picking up students should meet in the designated pick up area.

Inclement Weather

Parents and students should have a plan in case of dismissal due to inclement weather. In order to be aware of parents’ intentions before the weather occurs, the school has provided a form for parents to indicate how their children will get home.Please make sure that this information stays current. Notify the school of contact information changes.

V. General Information

School Uniforms

According to research in education, school uniforms reduce gang influence, decrease families’ clothing expenditures, and help mitigate potentially divisive cultural and economic differences. Throughout the country, the adoption of school uniforms has helped students develop pride and a strong sense of school affiliation. In addition, school uniforms provide protection against gangs and identification with gang clothing.