Jere Whitson Elementary School

The school doors are opened at 7:00 a.m. and locked at 3:30 p.m. for the regular school day. Students must not be dropped off before 7:00 a.m. or left at school after 3:00 p.m. The only exception to this are students enrolled in the LEAPS or the SAC program. Students that arrive before 7:45 a.m. must report to the gym. The first bell will ring at 7:45. Students must be in their homeroom before the tardy bell rings at 8:00 a.m. Car riders will be dismissed at 2:50 p.m. and bus riders are taken to the gym at 3:00 p.m. Bus drop off will be at the gym doors and parent pick up and drop off will be at the front drive-thru.

SAC
Before and After School Care

Jere Whitson Elementary will be offering the SAC program this year. The hours for this program will be 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m Parents may sign students up and receive information on the cost and guidelines for the program on registration day in the school cafeteria.

Attendance

State law requires that children ages six through seventeen attend a public or private school and has charged the school system with the responsibility of ensuring that the law is obeyed. The school board does understand that there will be times when your children may miss school because of illness or other unforeseen problems. Principals are given authority to excuse five absences per semester with a note from the parent or guardian for any of the following reasons:

                        1. Personal illness;
                        2. Illness of immediate family member;
                        3. Death in the family;
                        4. Extreme weather conditions;
                        5. Religious observances;
                        6. Circumstances which in the judgment of the principal create
         emergencies over which the student has no control.

A doctor’s statement is required in order to excuse all absences beyond the five allowed per semester. The student is responsible for making up all work missed when the absence is excused. This work must be made up within three days except in cases of extended illness.

Work missed for unexcused absences
can not be made up!

Students must bring a note to their teacher upon returning to school explaining the reason for the absence in order to receive an excused absence. Failure to bring a note will result in an unexcused absence!

Tardiness

Students not in class by 8:00 a.m. are tardy and must be signed in at the office by a parent or guardian. An admit slip is required in order to enter class. Student tardiness are recorded along with absences. If excessive tardiness or absences begins to be a problem, you will be contacted by the attendance secretary. If it continues you will be reported to the attendance supervisor.

Early Check-Out

Any parent who wishes to pick up his/her child before normal dismissal time must sign the student out in the office. No teacher is allowed to release a student during the school day without notification from the office. Please check out students early only when they are sick or for essential reasons.

Early Dismissal of School

The decision to dismiss schools early is made by the Director of Schools. Announcements will be made on Cookeville Cablevision Channel 7 and local radio stations. Telephone lines need to remain open so please do not call the school when you suspect an early closing. A form for stating your plan for what your child is expected to do if school is dismissed early is in your child’s registration packet. Please fill out this form and return it to school with the other forms.

Afternoon Dismissal

Kindergarten - Parents may pick up their children in the front drive-thru at 2:00 p.m. if they wish or, they my wait until the 2:50 dismissal time. Please pick a time with the teacher and avoid changing times. Please wait in your car during pick-up to avoid confusion.

Car Riders - Car riders are dismissed at 2:50 p.m. and are to be picked up no later than 3:30 p.m. Repeated cases of a child being left stranded at school past 3:30 p.m. will result in the police being called to school and a report made to the Department of Child Services. Car riders are picked up at the side of the building and are not to be picked up at any other location on campus. You will be given a card with your child’s name on it, please keep that card in your car for pick up. If you need additional cards, please let us know. This is to ensure that only authorized people are picking up your child. If you do not have the card, you will have to come into the office and check your child out. Please, for safety’s sake and to speed up the process, stay in your car.

Bus Riders - Bus riders will be taken to the gym at 3:00 p.m. and will be seated on the bleachers by bus number. Riding the bus is a privilege. Improper conduct may result in that privilege being denied. All students who ride a bus must have a note from a parent. The note must be brought to the office and signed by the principal then given to the driver by the student when boarding the bus.

School Cafeteria

Breakfast is served daily from 7:15 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. and lunch is served every day except on abbreviated days. Account deposits for meals must be made in the cafeteria on Monday mornings. Please send money or a check in an envelope with I.D. number (last 4 digits of child’s S.S. number), child’s name and homeroom teacher printed on the envelope. Meals may also be purchased daily as students go through the line. If a student forgets his money, he will be allowed to charge one day. If a student needs to charge two consecutive days, he will be required to telephone his parents. The breakfast meal may not be charged. Menus are published weekly in the local newspaper and found on the Putnam County Schools website.

Breakfast:
            Student                                                                       $1.25
            Child/Adult Visitor                                                 $1.75
            Reduced Price                                                            $ .30
Lunch:
            Student                                                                       $1.85
            Adult Visitor                                                              $3.00
            Reduced Price                                                            $ .40

Students are not allowed to bring carbonated drinks or any food or drinks in cans or glass bottles to school. Parents are encouraged to eat lunch with their child occasionally, if at all possible, however, in an effort to maintain order we ask that cafeteria rules are followed and that other children not be asked to join them for lunch.

WE ARE A NUT FREE SCHOOL!!!!

NO NUTS OF ANY KIND
ARE ALLOWED IN OUR SCHOOL.

NO NUTS OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING PEANUT BUTTER, NUT BREADS, GRANOLA BARS, OR ANY KIND OF CANDY CONTAINING NUTS CAN BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL THIS YEAR.

Dress Code

Students are not appropriately dressed when their attire is disruptive the learning environment or when it creates a health hazard. The following items are NOT appropriate for school attire:

T-shirts that make reference to gangs, drugs, tobacco, alcohol, sex or obscenities, or promote violence such as wrestling or violent video games;

Tank tops, halter tops, muscle shirts, sundresses or any clothing with spagetti straps or midriff tops that expose the mid section;

Male and female students must keep pants/skirts pulled up to their waist and shirts/tops to a length that covers their midriff;

NO clothing revealing the midriff or lower back;
no bare skin may be visible while standing or sitting;

NO hats head coverings or caps are to be worn. Mohawk hair cuts and disruptive hair coloring are not allowed;

NO flip flops, slide shoes or house slippers;

ALL STUDENTS MUST WEAR SHOES
WITH STRAPS OR BACKS ON THE
BACK OF THE SHOE.

Report Cards

Report cards are sent home each nine weeks and are to be signed by a parent and returned to school. There will be a replacement charge of one dollar for lost report cards. Kindergarten students receive a non-graded progress report. The countywide grading scale is as follows:

Grades 1 & 2                         Grades 3 & 4
E = Excellent                         A = 95 -100
G = Good                               B = 85 - 94
S = Satisfactory                      C = 75 - 84
N = Needs Improvement      D = 70 - 74
U = Unsatisfactory                 F = Below 70

Behavior and Discipline

The faculty and staff of Jere Whitson School believe that no one has the right to prevent someone else from learning. Therefore, students should conduct themselves with the highest standards at all times. Every student is expected to behave in an orderly manner and respect the rights of others. Each student is expected to comply with individual teacher’s classroom rules as well as follow these general school rules:

Students will not physically or verbally abuse other students, faculty or staff. Bullying will not be tolerated!
Students will show respect for school property and the property of others.
Students will show respect for all adults and authority.
Students will follow the rules established for good social and health habits.
Students will complete in-class assignments/homework
Students are not allowed to chew gum at school.

Failure of a student to comply with school and classroom rules could result in disciplinary action which is appropriate for the seriousness and frequency of the offense. Disciplinary action may include time out, written assignments, loss of privileges, after school detention, corporal punishment, and suspension from school. Parents will be notified about persistent or serious discipline problems and your help in dealing with these problems will be expected and greatly appreciated.

Transfering From Our School

If you are transfering your child from our school please come to the office and fill out the necessary forms and return all books. These forms are required for enrollment in another school.

Emergency Information

It is crucial that we have accurate, current records on our students for emergency purposes. Please be sure that we have phone numbers where you or your designee can be reached at any time. Also, be sure to notify the school if any information changes during the course of the year.

Medication

STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED
TO CARRY MEDS AT ANY TIME!!

Medication must be brought to the nurse in the morning and signed in by a parent or guardian.

Medication must be in the original container labeled with the child’s name, doctor’s name, dosage, time medication is to be given, and name of the drug.

Parents must complete the forms in the clinic before medication can be dispensed to the student. A written note from a parent will NOT be accepted.

School Pictures

Individual student pictures are taken in the fall and individual and group pictures are taken in the spring. Parents are not required to purchase pictures but the student must have his/her picture taken, at no charge to the student, for the yearbook.

Field Trips

Field trips are very valuable extensions of the school curriculum. Students are expected to behave in an exemplary manner whenever they are representing our school. Students who choose to misbehave may be excluded from any field trip. One permission slip covering all trips will be included in the registration packet and must be signed and returned to school if you wish for your child to participate in field trips. You will be notified of any field trips the students take.

Lost And Found

Items which are found are turned in to the lost and found area. Label everything with your child’s name in permanent ink.

Visitors

Park only in designated areas and do not block bus lanes or park in areas marked with “No Parking” signs. All parents and visitors must enter the building through the front doors and come into the office to sign in and get a badge.

Toys

Toys, games, trading cards, or CD players are not allowed at school except on special occasions permitted by the teacher. Each student must keep up with his/her own possessions.

Supplies

At the beginning of the year, classroom teachers will notify parents of specific supplies that will be needed. Although textbooks are provided, there are other items which students need that cannot be furnished by the county or state. An additional sum of ten dollars per student will be requested for workbooks, art supplies, weekly magazines, etc.

Bookstore

Basic supplies such as pencils and paper can be purchased from the machine in the front hallway.

Textbooks

All textbooks are loaned to students free of charge. The cost is covered by state and local tax money. The parent assumes the responsibility or compensating the school for books lost or for unreasonable damage. School records and report cards may be withheld for any indebtedness owed to the school.

Parent Teacher Conferences

We have two scheduled dates set for parent-teacher conferences during the school year. Please see the school calendar in this handbook. However, parents may request a conference at any time during the year when it is convenient for both parent and teacher. These conferences must be scheduled in advance so that the teacher will have time to review the child’s records and organize any information necessary for the conference. Conferences may not be held between 7:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. except by appointment . Parents going to a classroom early and simply “hanging out” is a distraction and is not allowed. We are very conscious of the importance of learning time and we ask for your help in protecting it. Our day starts promptly at 8:00 and the teacher needs to be ready to start teaching their class.

Promotion And Retention

The promotion or retention of students is the teacher’s responsibility. It is the school’s policy to support the teacher in this professional duty. The school considers it very important that parents are well informed at an early date when retention is advised.

Money

Please, do not allow your child to routinely bring excessive amounts of money to school. If turning in money for fund raisers or other fees, be sure to seal the money in an envelope with the student’s name on it and instruct your child to give it to his/her teacher upon arrival at school, or turn it in personally if you desire. We will make every effort to recover any money lost, but we simply cannot be responsible for money brought to school by students until they have turned it in to their teacher.

Insurance

Information concerning accident insurance is included in the registration packet. Participation is the decision of the parent.

Telephone

Except for emergencies, students and employees will not be allowed to answer personal calls. Messages will be taken and delivered at appropriate times. Please call before 1:00 p.m. if you have a message for your child. Students must have a phone pass from their teacher before being allowed to use the phone.

PTO

We have a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that meets at least three times each year. We recommend that all parents that have the opportunity become members. The PTO raises money through various fund raisers and does volunteer work for the school.
We encourage you to take an active part in our school activities.

School Bus Rules

As the new school year begins, thousands of children will ride the school buses to and from school. Although school buses are relatively safe, it is very important for parents and students to review some important safety rules with children when riding the school bus.

Students are under the supervision and control of the bus driver while on the bus, and all reasonable directions given shall be followed by showing consideration and respect for the bus driver and fellow students. 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.

Arrive at the bus stop on time. While waiting for the bus, students must stand away from the road. Younger students should be permitted to load first.

Do not fight or engage in rough play. No profane language or obscenities while waiting for the school bus, while on the bus or after leaving the bus.

Students will not deface or cause damage to the bus in any way.

Tobacco products and paraphernalia are not to be brought onto the bus.

The bus driver has the authority to seat any or all students for any reason.

Emergency exits must be free from obstructions at all times. The bus driver may prohibit any equipment or object considered to be dangerous to the safety and welfare of those on board. Student possessions may not be placed in the aisle, the front of the bus or on the floor. Band instruments, ball equipment and class projects will be permitted only when they can be held on the student’s lap and not obstruct the driver’s view.

No food or drink may be consumed on the bus during regular scheduled routes. Every child should have a backpack for loose papers. Lunches may be carried in their backpacks. Routinely, students are only permitted to get on or off the bus at their assigned stop. To get off the bus at any other location on the assigned route, the student is required to have a permission slip signed by the parent and cosigned by the principal. Guest riders with a permission slip are only permitted to ride on a space available basis.

Students must remain seated at all times. They are not permitted to use emergency windows, emergency doors or touch the safety equipment without driver permission. Students must depart from the bus in an orderly manner. Students will move away from the bus promptly to a location at least 15 feet from the roadway. If crossing the roadway, the student should be at least 12 feet in front of the bus and be able to see the driver’s face.

Students are not allowed to have in hand any pointed objects such as pens pencils, compasses, or protractors while on the bus.

No glass containers, balloons, or animals are permitted on the bus.

Keep hands, arms, and heads inside the bus. Throwing any object in or out of the bus is prohibited.

The principal of the student shall be informed by the bus driver of any serious discipline problem and may be called upon for assistance if necessary. A student may be denied the privilege of riding the bus if the principal determines that the student’s behavior is such as tocause a disruption on the bus, or if the student disobeys state or local rules and regulations pertaining to student transportation.

The following Putnam County School Board Policy has been added to our handbook by direction of the Board.

Student Concerns and Complaints

Conflicts between students - such as disagreements, bullying, name-calling, intimidation, or any other potential conflict(s) that could result in a physical confrontation and/or could reasonably be considered to cause emotional distress should be reported to a school official immediately. Students are expected to resolve all conflicts in a nonviolent, non-threatening, non-demeaning way.

Decisions made by school personnel - such as assistant principals, teachers, or teacher assistants - which students believe are unfair or are in violation of pertinent policies of the Board or individual school rules may be appealed to the principal or a designated representative. To appeal, students will contact the principal’s office in their school and provide their name, the issue and the reason for the appeal on a printed form available at the school office within two (2) school days. The appeal will usually be decided confidentially and promptly, preferably within two (2) school days. If the principal does not make a decision within two (2) school days following the date of the complaint, students or parents may appeal at that time to the superintendent/director of schools or designee at the central office. The information provided should include the student’s name, the school, and a description of the problem.

An investigation and decision will be made within two (2) school days and communicated to the school principal and student by telephone. A written copy of the decision will also be sent to the student and the principal.

Student Harassment/Discrimination
Grievance Procedures

Filing a Complaint - Any student who wishes to file a discrimination/harassment grievance against another student or an employee of the district may file a written or oral (recorded if possible) complaint with a complaint manager.

Students may also report an allegation of discrimination or harassment to any teacher or other adult employed in the school who shall inform a complaint manager of the allegation. The complaint should include the following information:

       (1) Identify the alleged victim or person accused;
       (2) Location, date, time,and circumstances surrounding the alleged incident;
       (3) Identity of witnesses; and
       (4) Any other evidence available

Investigation- within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the student’s complaint, the complaint manager shall notify the complaining student’s parent/guardian and the principal who shall inform the superintendent. The parent/guardian shall be given notice to the right to attend an interview of the student in a non-intimidating environment in order to elicit full disclosure of the student’s allegations. This interview shall take place within five (5) days from the time the complaint was first made. If no parent/guardian attends the interview, another adult, mutually agreed upon by the student and complaint manager, shall attend and may serve as the student advocate. After a complete investigation, if the allegations are substantiated, immediate and appropriate corrective or disciplinary action shall be initiated. The complaint and the identity of the complainant will not be disclosed except (1) as required by law or this policy; (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint; or(3) as authorized by the complainant.
A school representative will meet with and advise the complainant regarding the findings, and whether corrective measures and/or disciplinary actions were taken. The investigation and response will be completed within thirty (30) school days. Copies of the report shall be kept in the complaint manager’s file for one (1) year beyond the student’s eighteenth (18th) birthday. The superintendent shall keep the Board informed of all complaints.

Decision of Appeal - If the complainant is not in agreement with the findings of fact as reported by the complaint manager, an appeal may be made within five (5) work days to the superintendent of schools. The superintendent will review the investigation, make any corrective action deemed necessary and provide written response to the complainant. If the complainant is not in agreement with the superintendent of schools findings of fact, appeal may be made to theBoard of Education within five (5) work days. The Board shall, within thirty (30) days from the date the appeal was received, review the investigation and the actions of the superintendent and may support, amend, or overturn the actions based upon review and report their decision in writing to the complainant.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Putnam County Board of Education does not discriminate against any student based on race, color, or national origin. No student will be denied the benefits of, or excluded from participating in, any activity or program sponsored by the Putnam County Board of Education.

More specifically, The Putnam County board of Education does not:

Prevent a person from enrolling in a school, class, or extra- curricular school activity based on race, color or national origin.

Arbitrarily place a student in a school or class with the intent of separating the student from the general population of students because of the student’s race, color, or national origin.

Set higher standards or requirements as a prerequisite before allowing minorities to enroll in a school, class, or activity.

Unequally apply disciplinary action based on a student’s race, color, or national origin.

Fail to provide the necessary language assistance to allow limited English proficient students the same opportunity to learn as english proficient students.

Administer tests or other evaluative measures that by design, or by grading, do not allow minority students the same opportunity to present a true measure of their abilities.

Provide advice or guidance to minority students with the intent to direct minority students away from schools, classes, or educational activities based on their race, color, or national origin.

Provide facilities and/or instructional and related services to minority students that are inferior to those provided to non minority students.

Sex-It is the policy of the Putnam County School District not to discriminate against any student, employee, or applicant on the basis of sex. The Putnam County School District will ensure that no student well be excluded from participating in or having access to any course offerings, student athletics, counseling services, employment assistance,extracurricular activities, or other school resources based on unlawful discrimination. The Putnam County School District will take all necessary steps to ensure that each student’s learning environment is free of unlawful discrimination based on sex.

No office, officer, or employee of the Putnam County School District shall intimidate, threaten, harass, coerce, discriminate against, or commit or seek reprisal against anyone who participates in any aspect of the discrimination complaint process associated with this policy.

Handicap - It is the policy of the Putnam County School District not to discriminate on the basis of handicap. The Putnam County School District will not:

*Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from any aid, benefit, or service the school district provides.

*Afford a qualified handicapped person an opportunity to participate or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others.

*Provide a qualified handicapped person with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective as that provided others.

*Provide different or separate aid, benefits, or services to handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped persons unless such action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others.

*Aid or perpetuate discrimination against a qualified handicapped person by providing significant assistance to an agency, organization or person that discriminates on the basis of handicap in providing any aid, benefit, or service to the beneficiaries of the recipient’s program.

*Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards.

*Otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving an aid, benefit, or service.

If any student feels they have been discriminated against, a complaint may be sent to:

Putnam County Board of Education
1400 East Spring Street
Cookeville, TN 38506
931-526-9777
OR
Tennessee Department of Education
Civil Rights Coordinator
26th Floor, Wm. Snodgrass Tower
312 8th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37243
OR
The Office of Civil Rights
U. S. Department of Education
P. O. Box 2048, 04-3010
Atlanta, GA 30301-2048