3310 Stonewall Tell Rd - College Park, GA 30349

770-306-3500 Fax 770-306-3504

Student/Parent Handbook
Together We Can

2014-2015


www.fultonschools.org

stonewalltellelementary.weebly.com

SHANNON FLOUNNORY, Ed.D., Principal

Tammye L. Coachman, Ed.S., Assistant Principal
Robin A. Elder, Ed.S., Assistant Principal

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. Pledge Allegiance, The Stonewall Tell School Pledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3. Philosophy, Mission Statement, SWT Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4. Absences. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5. Access to Students Records. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
6. Affidavit of Residency and Verification Link. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
7. Arrangements for Irregular Departure, Emergency School Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
8. Classroom Parties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
9. Classroom Placement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
10. Classroom Visitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
11. Clinic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
12. Conferences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
13. Counselors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
14. Curriculum Support Teacher (CST). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
15. Denial of Student Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
16. Dress Code (Students/Parents) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
17. Emergency School Closing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
18. Enrollment Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
19. Field Trip and Excursions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
20. Grading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
21. Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
22. Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
23. Instructional Materials and Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
24. Instructional Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
25. Instructional Support Teacher (IST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
26. Medication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
27. Other Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
28. Parent Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
29. Parental Engagement (Resolving Complaints). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
30. Parental Conferences and Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
31. Psychologist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
32. School Bus Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
33. School Hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
34. School Meal Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
35. Student Transfer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
36. School Governance Council (SGC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
37. School Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
38. Special Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
39. Student Support Team (SST). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
40. Tardiness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
41. Testing and Screening Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
42. Visiting Teacher/School Social Worker/Family Services Personnel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
43. Volunteers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
44. Withdrawal Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
45. Student Discipline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

2
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

Stonewall Tells highly-qualified teachers are committed to teaching daily. If for
any unforeseen reason a teacher is absent for 4 consecutive weeks or more, a highly
qualified substitute will be assigned to the class.


Pledge Allegiance

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic
for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for
all.


Stonewall Tell School Pledge

I am somebody.
I am happy.
I am beautiful.

Every day in every way Im getting better.
Respect me because

I am somebody.

I will always believe in myself, my parents, and my teachers.
I pledge to honor my school and my classmates by working hard
every day.

I promise to be on my best behavior so that I can learn.
Every day in every way Im getting better and better because

I am somebody.







3
Philosophy

We, the school community of Stonewall Tell Elementary, believe every child can
learn and has the right to a safe and nurturing learning environment. In this
learning environment parents, teachers, students, and the community must form a
partnership to ensure that the educational experience will be successful. Therefore,
we accept each person in the school community as a worthwhile individual, and we
offer our firm, fair, and consistent respect of opinions, values, and needs.

Believing that every child has achievement potential, positive learning experiences
will be provided to help develop the whole child academically, physically,
emotionally, and socially. Recognizing the value of individual differences, we
strive to prepare our future citizens to adapt to the demands of a changing society
while developing their talents, abilities, and interests. Through this development,
students will realize that learning is not restricted just to schools but occurs in all
areas of life and is a lifelong process.

Mission Statement

The mission of Stonewall Tell Elementary School is to create and sustain a safe,
culturally sensitive, and rigorous academic environment in which the power of
"collective capacity" is used to identify and implement a diversity of research-
based, technologically advanced strategies to advance teaching and learning,
resulting in greater student academic performance.


Stonewall Tell Vision Statement

The vision of Stonewall Tell Elementary School is to serve as a model school that
epitomizes the concept of teacher leadership to bring about consistent increases in
community involvement and student academic achievement as evidenced by
multiple academic performance measures. As leaders, learners, and collaborators,
we will embrace the opinions of students, the local community, and colleagues for
the purpose of ensuring that our students develop a commitment to life-long
learning. We will extend effective practices of the teaching and learning of 21
st
-
century skills by engaging in results-driven, standards-based, and job-embedded
professional learning.



4
Absences

Students need to be in school every day. Regular attendance is essential to the
learning process. In addition, students who are absent from school are deprived of
a variety of educational experiences shared with their peers. Students can make up
work missed due to absence upon their return to school. However, there is no way
to reproduce or recapture classroom activities.

A student who is absent or tardy must bring a written excuse signed by a parent or
guardian the day the student returns to school. Such written excuses are kept on
file at school.

A student must be in attendance more than one half-day before he/she can be
counted present during that day. To encourage good attendance, elementary
schools award excellent attendance certificates to students with no more than three
absences per year. Following district guidelines, three student tardies equals one
absence.

Should you need to pick up work for your child due to a one or two-day absence,
you are asked to call the school office before 9 a.m. each morning. Materials may
be sent home with another child or you may pick them up at the end of the school
day. This gives the teacher adequate time throughout the day to organize needed
materials.

For extended excused absences, your childs assignments may be collected before,
during or after the absence. The completion of work missed during an absence is
determined by the teachers discretion and the needs of the student. The student
will be allowed to make up all required work and tests. Please notify the school
office if your child has a contagious disease or an extended illness.

The Georgia Board of Education lawfully excuses students for the following
reasons:

Personal illness
Death in the immediate family
Special and recognized holidays observed by their faith




5

Access to Students Records

The parent or legal guardian has the right to examine the students records and to
have them explained. Principals, counselors, teachers or other authorized
personnel who have responsibility for supervising, instructing, or helping a student
shall have access to that students records.

Affidavit of Residency and Verification Link

Please use the following link to connect to FCSs website to obtain the Affidavit of
Residency and Verification Forms in your preferred language.

http://portal.fultonschools.org/departments/Academics/Support_Services/Pages/Aff
idavitofResidencyResidenceVerification.aspx

Arrangements for Irregular Departure

In order to ensure the safety of students, the following rules for irregular departures
from school will apply.

1. If a student does not plan to go home in the regular manner, the student
must show a letter of permission to the classroom teacher from the students
parents or legal guardian at the beginning of the school day.
2. If it is necessary for a student to leave school early, discuss this with the
student and send a note to the students teacher. Any student leaving before the
regular dismissal time must be signed out through the office by a parent, legal
guardian, or parent designee with a drivers license or other picture I.D.
3. Students will not be released from school at any unscheduled time
without a written explanation of the reason from a parent or legal guardian.
Students are released only from the office.
4. Students can be released to a parent designee only after the parent or
guardian has notified the school.
5. Due to security concerns, students will always go home their regular
way unless the above noted arrangements are made. Calls changing regular
plans will not be honored except in emergency situations. Excessive use of the
emergency category may restrict its use.


6


Classroom Parties

In keeping with the common philosophy of the state, district, and local school,
classroom parties are prohibited. Parents are not allowed to bring in sugary
foods for their students. However, with permission from the principal, parents can
provide healthy snacks and treats for their childs class based upon a list
provided by their childs teacher. The exceptions will be around winter holidays
and the end of the year.

Classroom Placements

Any and all classroom placements or changes in placements are only based upon
changes in a childs academic program. The only exception to this process is based
solely upon mitigating circumstances deemed necessary by the principal and only
at his discretion.

Classroom Visitation

Parents are welcome to visit their childrens classes after making appointments
with teachers. For the protection of our children, all parents and visitors must
report directly to the office if they are in the building for classroom visitation,
delivering articles and messages to students, or reporting as a volunteer.
Visitor/Volunteer badges are available near the sign-in sheet in the office. Please
help us maintain the safety and security of our students and staff by following this
procedure.

As a courtesy to the teacher, it is required that an appointment be made for all
visits. Contacting the teacher by note, telephone, or E-mail, at least one day in
advance, is recommended. If it is not possible to contact the teacher before or after
school hours, please contact the office by telephone or note to arrange for a visit.

Classroom visitations are not a time for teacher-parent conferences. Do not expect
the teacher to conference with you at this time. The regular school program must
continue during your visit. Classroom visitations may not go beyond one hour.


7

Clinic

All elementary schools have a clinic. However, none is equipped for serious injury
or illness. Children who are ill must be kept at home. Parents will be contacted
when children are injured or become ill at school.

It is essential that student records be kept up to date. Please notify the school
office immediately of any change in any of the following: address and telephone
number of the parent, parents employer and person to be called in case of
emergency.

Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences, as well as parent-principal conferences, are an integral
part of reporting pupil progress. Our reporting system emphasizes a close
relationship between the home and the school, because we regard parents as
partners in the education of their children. We consider it important, therefore, to
have regularly scheduled conferences in order that parents and teachers may share
information concerning the child. This will enable the school to plan a more
effective educational program to meet the needs of each child.

A parent-teacher conference is scheduled for the first semester of the school year,
and additional conferences may be scheduled as necessary. These may be initiated
by the parent, teacher, or principal and held at a mutually agreeable time.











8

Counselors

A counselor is available to provide counseling and guidance services for students
and staff members. Services are provided to students on an individual, small
group, and whole class basis.

Stonewall Tell has developed a Family Assistance Program which tries to assist
families in need. The school counselors or Family Liaison can be contacted for
information concerning this program.

Support groups are also offered to parents. Through the school counselors and
Family Liaison, a book and audio tape exchange has been developed at Stonewall
Tell. This area covers parenting skills and other parent-related concerns, and is
located in the counselors reception area. Parents who would like information on
adult classes, GED information, or help with raising child in such a hectic society
should see the school counselor or Family Liaison.

Curriculum Support Teacher (CST)

The curriculum support teacher (CST) is a classroom teacher selected to assist
other teachers in organizing and implementing the curriculum, participates in
district-wide activities such as curriculum development, and administers the initial
screening and evaluation of students new to the school to ensure appropriate
placement. Stonewall Tells CST will provide curriculum information for
interested parents.

Stonewall Tells Family Liaison works with parents, businesses, and other
community members who want to volunteer or otherwise participate at the school.
If you are interested in becoming a business partner or volunteering some of your
time at Stonewall Tell, please contact the school.







9
Denial of Student Rights

If a student or parent believes that the student is being improperly denied
participation in any educational function of a Fulton County school or that the
student is being subjected to an illegal rule or standard, the matter should be
discussed promptly with the teacher or principal.

In instances where the student or parent feels that after contacting the proper and
responsible office or individual, the question has not been fully answered or given
proper consideration, the concern may be directed to the Fulton County Board of
Education Area Superintendents Office.

Dress Code

Effective 2000-2001 school year, uniforms have been adopted by Stonewall Tell
Elementary School PTA. The wearing of school uniforms is highly encouraged but
if parents choose not to then students are expected to dress and groom themselves
in such a way as to reflect neatness, cleanliness and good taste. All students shall
be modestly dressed and groomed so as not to distract unreasonably the attention of
the others, or to cause disruption or interference with the educational program or
the orderly operation of the school. Clothing such as tank tops without a T-shirt,
mid-drifts, short-shorts, and form fitting clothing such as biking shorts are
prohibited if deemed to interrupt the instructional process. All male students will
wear pants at or above waist line with a belt. Roller sneakers or skates are
prohibited on the school campus.
Parents are expected to adhere to the same expectations as students attire
when on school grounds or in the building.

The principal or other duly authorized school official shall determine whether any
particular mode of dress or grooming results in violation of the spirit and intent of
this rule. Violation will result in immediate removal from class until the clothing
is corrected.







10
Emergency School Closing

If the decision is made to close school due to inclement weather, local television
and radio stations will broadcast this information. The Office of Safety and
Emergency Management serves as a resource and works with principals in the field
of comprehensive planning and preparedness to lessen the impact of natural and
manmade disasters. Each Fulton County school has detailed disaster and
evacuation plans which are reviewed and updated periodically. In addition, each
schools emergency procedures are practiced to ensure adherence to plans and
procedures.

In the event of an emergency such as fire, gas leak, explosion or bomb threat which
necessitates removing students from the school, the students will be evacuated to
an alternate location. This location is the Fulton County Parks and
Recreation facility at Cliftondale for Stonewall Tell students, but if for some reason
this changes, the new location will be communicated to you by the school and the
news media as is possible.

In case of fire, gas leak, explosion or bomb threat:
Do not try to contact the school.
Students will be evacuated to an alternate site (Westlake High School,
The Enon Church or Cliftondale Elementary).
Students will follow their regular dismissal procedures from the alternate
site.

In case of tornado:
Do not try to contact the school.
Do not come for your child.
Children will be moved to an area in the school building designated for
safety during a tornado.
Bus drivers are trained in procedures to ensure the safety of children
during a tornado.
A battery operated radio will be used at school in case of electrical failure
and will allow the school to follow the progress of a tornado.
Parents should listen to their radios or watch their television sets for all
emergency broadcasts.




11
Enrollment Procedures

According to Board Policy and Procedure JBC School Admissions," a student
residing full-time within the Fulton County School System is eligible to attend a
Fulton County school under the following criteria:
The dwelling in which the student resides must appear on the tax rolls of
Fulton County.
The student resides with his/her parent or legal guardian.
The student resides with a foster parent through placement by the
Department of Family and Children Services or a state licensed child
placement agency.
The student is an adult still meeting entrance age requirements (see Policy
JBB - "Entrance Age").
The student is an emancipated minor.
The student is homeless (See Policy JBCA - "School Admissions for
Homeless Students").
Georgia law requires that children must be five years old by September 1 in order
to enroll in kindergarten and to enroll in first grade, children must be six years old
by September 1. The only exceptions are:
Students who are age five by December 31 and who have lived outside the
state of Georgia for the past two years and have enrolled in a public or
accredited private kindergarten may enroll in public kindergarten in Georgia.
Students who are six by December 31 and who have lived outside the state
of Georgia for the past two years and have completed public or accredited
private kindergarten or have attended a public or accredited private first
grade may enroll in first grade in Georgia.
To enroll in Fulton County Schools, the student's parent or legal guardian must be
a resident of the school system.
____________________________________________________________




12

Required Documents
1. Ear, Eye and Dental Screening
No child entering a Georgia school for the first time shall be admitted unless
the child has a certificate of eye, ear and dental screening. This Georgia
Department of Human Resources certificate (Form 3300) must be signed by
the Health Department or a licensed Georgia physician.
2. Immunization Certificate
Georgia requires students to be immunized against measles, mumps, polio,
rubella, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B, Haemophilus
influenza, and varicella. Immunization information must be on the proper
Georgia Department of Human Resources form; these are available through
the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness or local physicians
(Form 3231).
3. Birth Certificate
Must be government issued; hospital certificates are not acceptable. Birth
certificates for children born in Georgia may be requested from:

Georgia Department of Human Resources
Vital Records
2600 Skyland Drive, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30319-3640
phone: 404-679-4701
fax: 404-524-4278
4. Proof of Residency
Per Board Policy JBC, "School Admissions," two documents indicating
residence in the attendance area must be provided for all students. This
includes students who are 18 or older; emancipated; adult students.
Enrollment of any child who meets the definition of homeless is determined
by guidelines in Fulton County Board of Education Policy JBCA.
Appropriate records for verification of residency must include any two of the
following:
o Copy of home mortgage payment book
o Current utility bill (gas, electric, or water)

13
o Apartment lease showing name of legal guardian
o Homeowner's insurance registration/card
o Current paycheck stub
o Current bank statement
o Copy of sales contract for a home
o Receipt to have utilities connected

5. Affidavit of Residence
A notarized Affidavit of Residence must be submitted. This form is required
prior to enrolling a student for the first time in a Fulton County school and
also is required for all students as they enter sixth grade and ninth
grade. Affidavit forms can be downloaded from the Social Work
Department's web page.
6. Social Security Number
Social security numbers are voluntary. Waivers are available in local
schools. Applications for social security numbers are also available in local
schools. A migrant number is acceptable.
7. Academic Records
If possible, please bring most recent report card, withdrawal form from
previous school and/or transcripts. These are essential for proper placement
of students. Students in grades 7-12 also will need copies of any discipline
records.

Please click on or use the following links to access the FCSs website to obtain
enrollment forms in English and in Spanish:

English:
http://portal.fultonschools.org/About_Fulton/Documents/EnrFormEnglishRevised0
2-09.pdf

Spanish:
http://portal.fultonschools.org/About_Fulton/Documents/EnrFormSpanishRevised
Mar09.pdf



14
Field Trips and Excursions

Field trips are often planned to supplement and enrich units of school work. In an
effort to ensure student safety, transportation is provided by Fulton County school
buses for a reasonable fee to the school. No child will be denied permission to
attend field trips due to inability to pay. Every child must have written permission
from a parent or legal guardian before going on a field trip. Teachers welcome
parent chaperone volunteers. If you are interested, please contact your childs
teacher.

Sometimes it is of great benefit to students that they participate in after school
hours or weekend activities with school personnel who generously volunteer their
time. Because of our concern for the safety of our youngsters, all such events must
be approved by school administrators, with appropriate arrangements being
followed. This encourages the development of pleasant and professional
relationships among staff, parents, and students while supplying safe and secure
experiences for all.

















15

Grading

Report cards are one means of communicating as clearly as possible what students
are achieving. Parent-teacher conferences, letters, notes, and telephone calls are
other ways of communicating student progress to parents.

Grades should be determined in the best interest of the students after careful
evaluation of all factors involved. The initial responsibility for grade determination
belongs to the teacher. The teachers decision is subject to review and approval by
the principal. The importance of the accurate and fair assessment of student
progress cannot be overemphasized. Teachers are encouraged to use a variety of
means for obtaining data which leads to final grades.

Elementary report cards describing a students progress are sent to parents and/or
legal guardians at the end of each eighteen-week semester (two times per year).
Two progress reports are sent to parents and/or legal guardians of students in
grades 1-5 at the end of the first six and second six weeks of each semester (four
times per year). The purpose of progress reports, report cards, and conferences is
to communicate clearly with parents and to enlist parent support and help as they
work together with school staff to improve educational opportunities for students.
The following grading system is used:

KINDERGARTEN-1 GRADES 2-5
S Satisfactory A (90-100)
N Needs to improve B (80-89)
NG No Grade C (70-79)
F (Below 70)

Homework

Each student is expected to spend some time in addition to scheduled class
instruction to achieve satisfactory work. Some assignments are long range in
nature and require planned study time at home for completion. Planned study
eliminates spending too much time in completing an assignment the day before it is
due. Homework reinforces skills taught in the classroom, increases the students
success on achievement tests, provides opportunity for parent involvement, and
develops responsibility. At Stonewall Tell, every teacher assigns homework every
day, Monday through Friday, except for pre-kindergarten students.


16

Honors

To encourage students to excel academically and creatively, various programs have
been developed to honor their efforts. These include weekly recognition from the
principal; monthly selection of STAR STUDENTS; semester inclusion as Honor
Roll students; and yearly awards for PRINCIPALS AWARDS of EXCELLENCE,
OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, EXCELLENT
ATTENDANCE, GOOD CITIZENSHIP, and MOST IMPROVED STUDENTS.
Individual classroom teachers also honor students achievements throughout the
year.

For their efforts students receive gifts, trophies, certificates, ribbons, etc. For an
explanation of requirements for students to earn these honors, please contact your
childs classroom teachers or one of the school administrators.

Instructional Materials and Supplies

Textbooks and other instructional materials and supplies are furnished free of
charge to all elementary students. If a student loses or damages textbooks, library
books or other instructional material, payment for the loss or damage is expected.
Both the student and the parent will be given written notice of the items involved
and the amount owed.

According to Fulton County regulations, if payment has not been received within
ten (10) days from the date of notification, one or more of the following actions
may be taken:

The student may not be given a replacement text, but may be allowed to
use a loaned textbook at school only.
When a students past due fees or payment for the lost or damaged
materials equals or exceeds $150.00, parents may be notified that a claim
will be filed in small claims court.
Student records, including report cards, will be held by the school.

Payment for each lost book shall be the cost of a new copy. The principal shall
determine an appropriate amount to charge for damaged or lost materials which
shall not be more than the cost of replacement.


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If payment cannot be made in full, the parent should contact the principals office
to work out a reasonable payment plan.

Instructional Program

The Fulton County Elementary schools are organized to include Kindergarten
through grade five. In general, these are self-contained classrooms at all grade
levels. However, the self-contained organization may be modified slightly in order
to group for instruction and team teaching.

The curriculum for the elementary schools includes: language arts, mathematics,
social studies, science, health, music, physical education and art.

The schools also provide a variety of other programs. At Stonewall Tell these
include Pre-kindergarten, Title l, Remedial Education, Talented and Gifted,
Special Education, Computer Communications, Multi-age Enrichment, Chorus,
Band, Orchestra, and a variety of other programs.

Instruction is enhanced by the availability of microcomputers to assist students in
each of the major subject areas.

Instructional Support Teacher (IST)

The Instructional Support Teacher provides direction and support for the
identification and provision of services for exceptional children as mandated by
state and federal regulations. They support teachers and parents in the
understanding and implementation of due process procedures for handicapped
children. They coordinate the referral procedure and individual education plan
(IEP) development for handicapped students and participate as a member of the
Student Support Team in both Phase I and Phase II.








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Medication

Students who must take a non-prescribed medicine during the school day should,
upon entering the school, turn over such medicine and an authorization from the
parent to take the medicine to the principal or designee for storage until needed.

If a prescribed medication is necessary in order to allow a student to attend school
on a regular basis, a school employee may assist in administering the medication to
the student under the following conditions:

1. The parents or legal guardians must provide the following:
a. written certification by a licensed physician that such
medication must be administered to the student during
school time.
b. written certification and instructions by a licensed physician
that the student is in need of assistance for administering of
that medication, including dosage, expected duration of
administering the medication and side effects of the
medication.

2. The parents or legal guardians must take the following action:
a. provide written certification that, according to the doctors
instructions, a medication must be administered to their
child.
b. execute and release (in the form required by the school
system) releasing the Board of Education, the school and any
system employees from any liability for administering
medication, and
c. deliver medication to the school principal (or designee of the
principal) in its original prescription bottle.








19
Other Transportation

Car Riders:
Parents who deliver and pick up children should follow the rules noted as follows:

The driveway to the main entry to the building is designated for car riders during
morning hours. During morning hours, the driveway at the left of the school is
primarily designated for buses.

During dismissal in the afternoon, the driveway at the left of the school is
designated for buses. After bus riders have been dismissed, the driveway is
designated for van riders and car riders. Parents of students that are car riders must
obtain a car rider number from the front desk.

If drivers intend to leave their cars, they should park in a designated parking space,
not in the driving lane.

Please do not park in the parking lot and expect children to run across traffic
unassisted.

NOTE: Since bus students are dismissed first, please be aware that during the first
weeks of school the van and car riders will probably be dismissed 10 to 15 minutes
later than usual until the bus schedules are finalized.

With safety as our main goal, we ask that you stay in your vehicle and display your
number in order for us to be efficient in serving all of our car riders.

Parent Materials

In addition to the parents-related programs offered through the counseling office,
Stonewall Tell has a Parent Resource Center which includes hands-on materials
that parents can use with their children in academic skills areas. Parents are
welcome to check out these materials through the classroom teachers or media
center.





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Parental Engagement

Resolving complaints/issues depends on the circumstances or situation. If there is
a concern with a teacher, parents are first required to with the teacher to resolve the
complaint at the lowest level before it escalates through the chain of command.
The chain of command is as follows: (1) teachers, (2) designated grade-level
chairs, (3) designated grade-level administrators, and (4) the principal. All final
resolutions and decisions are made by the principal. As a courtesy, please express
all concerns at the local school level prior to escalating it to the Area
Superintendents office as there are various levels of resolutions that are required
prior to this action. More specifically, if the complaint or issue is one related to the
local school, the procedure for the Area Superintendent is to re-route the resolution
back to the local-school principal.


Parental Conferences and Communications

The first day of school, all classroom teachers must send an introductory letter to
all parents.
During the first two weeks of the fall quarter, all classroom teachers are required to
telephone or contact parents of students in their classrooms to introduce themselves
and let parents know they are welcome at the school.

Teachers are required to have a conference with the parents of each child in their
classroom each semester. Two days are set aside for conferences, but conferences
may be scheduled before or after this at the mutual convenience of the teacher and
parents. I T I S ESSENTI AL THAT EVERY EFFORT BE MADE TO ENSURE
THAT CONFERENCES BE HELD WI TH ALL PARENTS.

Additional conferences may be held throughout the year. Parental involvement in
the school is encouraged.

Conference dates are to be noted on report cards. These may include telephone
and written communications regarding student work or weekly notices going home.




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Psychologist

A psychologist evaluates those students referred for a psycho-educational
evaluation. This evaluation may be requested by the teacher or parent. Written
parental consent must be given before any individual psychological evaluation may
be conducted.

School Bus Transportation

In general, bus transportation is provided for children who live one and a half miles
or more from the school. Because there are no sidewalks along Stonewall Tell
Road, courtesy transportation may be provided to students closer to school.
Children must get on and off the bus at their own stop unless the bus driver is
provided with written permission from the director of transportation or the
principal.

Riding the bus is a privilege contingent upon proper and courteous conduct.
Students who ride the bus are expected to stay in their seats while the bus is in
motion; speak in low voices; refrain from throwing objects; keep heads, arms and
hands inside the bus; keep hands and feet to themselves; cooperate with the bus
driver, and act in a respectful manner. Specific regulations regarding bus
transportation are given in detail in the Fulton County Transportation Department
rules that may be signed by parents and students at registration or on the first day
of school.

Proper bus conduct is expected. Students are subject to disciplinary procedures
when bus safety rules are violated. These may include suspension from riding the
bus or suspension from school for one or more days. Parents are not permitted to
enter school buses, engage in confrontations at the bus stop, or engage in
disciplinary conversations with other students.

Under special circumstances the principal may give written permission to the bus
driver for a child to ride a different bus and to be let off at an alternate stop. This
will be done only in response to a written request by the parent or legal guardian,
space permitting, following the transportation department guidelines.

Requests for social activities, including scouts, are discouraged.
No student shall be delivered outside his/her school attendance area.
Requests involving child care shall be given consideration only if there is
room on the bus.

22

School Hours

Elementary schools have a 6 and 3/4 hours instructional day. At Stonewall Tell
Elementary school begins at 7:40 a.m. and ends at 2:20 p.m. each week-day.
Students should arrive at school no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the start of the
school day, and should leave promptly at the end of the school day. Arrangements
can be made for children after school care through APEC after school provider
with a charge to parents. The program is housed at Stonewall Tell ES. No other
after school enrichment programs are housed within the building. Please contact
the school for more information.

School Meal Program

Each elementary school participates in the school lunch and school breakfast
programs. The prices of meals are subject to change from year to year.
Notification will be sent to all parents in the event of a change in price.

Breakfast is considered an important meal of the day for elementary school
children, so we offer this opportunity for students. All students are encouraged to
eat the school lunch as it is a well-balanced meal. Milk is served with all meals. If
a child is allergic to milk and provides a note from the doctor to that effect, the
child may substitute juice for milk with the lunch. For other students who desire a
second drink with their milk, juice may be available at an additional cost. Children
who bring their lunches may purchase milk and juice. If special dietary needs are
required, please see the cafeteria manager.

Free and reduced meals are available for families who qualify financially. If a
student qualifies for free or reduced lunch, he/she also qualifies for free or reduced
breakfast. For more information concerning free and reduced meals, contact the
school principal. Each child is provided with a free and reduced meal form.

Students who forget their lunch money may request a charge which should be paid
the following school day. Charging for lunch is discouraged, although students
may charge up to three consecutive times. It is preferred that all students pay for
their lunches daily. However, those preferring to pay by the week may do so on the
first day of each week or for up to two weeks at a time.


23
Parents are welcome to eat lunch in the school cafeteria. The price of adult
lunches is higher than that for students. The school office will inform parents of
the price of the adult lunch.

Student Transfers

A Student who moves outside of the schools residential area may complete the
semester in that school if transportation is furnished by parents, there is good
student attendance, and appropriate behavior is maintained. At the end of that
semester, the student must attend school in the area in which he lives.

A student in the fifth grade may be allowed to complete the year if transportation is
furnished by parents, there is good student attendance, and appropriate behavior is
maintained. This exception does not apply to students moving outside the Fulton
County School System.

School Governance Council (SGC)

Each local school has a School Governance Council (SGC) whose purpose is
advising the principal in assessing the needs of the school programs and services,
establishing goals to improve programs and services, making recommendations as
to how they may be met, and evaluating the success of these efforts. During years
of accreditation and planning/evaluation functions, the SGC will join the schools
leadership team to provide direction and documents.

Members of Stonewall Tells SGC are selected from a representative group of local
citizens, parents and staff members and serve a two year term from May through
April. If you are interested in participating in the SGC meetings, please contact the
school principal.

School Insurance

Group accident insurance is available for students. Student insurance may be
purchased at a low cost through a private company approved each year by the
Board of Education. Information on this insurance, its cost, and other details of the
plan are given to parents during registration or on the first day of school.
PLEASE NOTE: Purchase of this insurance can be made only during the first
two weeks of each school year.

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Special Services

1. The media center, which is developed on an open library concept, is
equipped with carefully selected books, kits, videotapes, filmstrips,
recordings, pictures, and computer software. Trained certified media
specialists work with children in the media center.
2. Special teachers provide chorus, band and orchestra instruction for
interested students in the intermediate grades.
3. Services are provided as needed in the areas of speech therapy, hearing
impairment, visual impairment, learning disability, mental impairment,
physical handicap, behavior disorders, talented and gifted, and
hospital/homebound instruction.
4. After school academic, creative, and physical education programs are
developed yearly. Contact your childs teacher for details. These programs
do not meet daily and are not available to meet child-care needs because of
this.

Student Support Team (SST)

The Student Support Team (SST) is a joint effort between staff members and
administrators in the general education program to meet the needs of individual
students. Phase I of SST is a general education process. Its for determining
solutions and strategies for any student having difficulties that their classroom
teacher needs help addressing. Phase II of SST is a special education function.
Once a child has been identified as needing further assistance than can be provided
in Phase I, he or she is recommended to Phase II where more extensive testing is
provided, possibly ending with placement in a special education program. The
SST in elementary schools consists of: an administrator, counselor, or curriculum
specialist as chairperson, a counselor or curriculum specialist as a member,
classroom teachers and grade level chairpersons. Other members of SST may
include: the parent, the student, the school social worker, the instructional support
team teacher and psychologist. If a child is being referred for speech and language,
the speech and language therapist will also be part of SST.





25
Tardiness

Students should arrive at school on time. All late students must be escorted to the
office by a parent/guardian to sign in, give reason for the tardy and get a pass to
class. When a Fulton County school bus is late and children ride that bus, they are
not counted tardy. Students who have excessive tardies may be subject to
disciplinary procedures that may include out-of-school suspension and/or visiting
teacher referral. More than four tardies within a 20 day period may be considered
excessive.

Testing and Screening Program

The Fulton County Board of Education has established a Balanced Assessment
Plan designed to provide information concerning the extent to which students are
acquiring knowledge and skills essential to further learning. This information is
used: to aid teachers and administrators in instructional planning; to aid students
and their parents in personal decision-making; and to aid both educators and the
general public in evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of educational
programs.

In kindergarten, students are given the Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of
Developing Skills (GKIDS). This instrument is administered throughout the year.
It is developmental in nature and is one of many indicators used to help determine
whether a student is ready for the first grade.

Students in all elementary schools take the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) in the
third and fifth grades.

Students in grades 3-5 will take the new Georgia Milestones Assessment (GMA)
which includes content areas in language arts, mathematics, science, and social
studies. A writing component is also inclusive of the assessment.

Additional testing may occur for students in grades one through five as needed for
TAG , Title 1, SIA, the Remedial Education Program, Linking Literacy, the
Educational Support Team, or in assessing new students.




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Visiting Teacher/School Social Worker/
Family Services Personnel

The visiting teacher/school social worker/family services personnel serve as the
schools resource personnel on family and school needs, problems of social
functioning, and student/parent attendance. These individuals make home visits
and act as a liaison between the school and other agencies.

Volunteers

An active group of parent volunteers is needed in each elementary school to assist
students and teachers with various activities. Please contact the Family Liaison,
Curriculum Support Teacher, PTA president, Local School Advisory Council
chairperson, or principal if you wish to volunteer your services to the school. For
the Parent Volunteer process, please see the Professional Assistant II at the front
desk.

Withdrawal Procedures

Notify the teacher/data clerk at least a week before the child is to be withdrawn
from school.
A student withdrawal form and copies of immunization, eye, ear and dental
certificate, and birth certificate, if available, can be sent home/picked up by
parent on the last day of attendance. These records should be given to the
students new school upon enrollment.
Upon receiving a signed Release of Records Form from the new school, student
records will be mailed.

It is helpful if the school from which the student is being withdrawn has the new
home address and the name of the school to which the child is transferring. All
textbooks and library books should be returned and meal fees should be paid before
records are forwarded.






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Student Discipline

The Fulton County School System believes that all students have the right to learn
in a safe, warm climate. A school climate that is conducive to learning and free of
disruptive behavior will be provided for each student. A variety of methods are
encouraged to ensure appropriate conduct including student and parent
conferences, in-school and out-of-school. The titles are taken from the board
policy and a more detailed explanation is located under descriptor code JD in the
administrative procedures manual. Copies of all board policies are available in
each elementary school, and all information about student discipline is provided on
the FCSs website by clicking on or using the following link
http://portal.fultonschools.org/departments/academics/StudentSupport/Pages/Stude
nt_Discipline.aspx

An attempt is made to create a climate that will foster learning, develop self-control
in each student and encourage each student to develop responsibility. To this end,
students will be expected to respect the rules established cooperatively with
teachers.

Student discipline is the joint responsibility of the school and home. Parental
support for good discipline enables the schools to maintain a wholesome
environment for learning. We are working at all times to develop self-discipline
within each child. We feel it is the childs responsibility to follow established
school and class rules. Parents will be notified if their child is having discipline
problems.

Chronic misbehavior or violation of school system rules will result in appropriate disciplinary
measures. Among these are in-school suspension (or Opportunity Room/Alternative Room
referral), out-of-school suspension, or referral to the Discipline Tribunal. Depending upon the
nature of the offense, student may be assigned to a school-based work detail in lieu of out-of-
school suspension.








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TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO TEACH.

STUDENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO LEARN.

It is very important that parents and Stonewall Tell Elementary staff members work
together to ensure that all of Stonewall Tells students work at school in an
atmosphere which encourages learning.


CLASSROOM RULES

1. Report to school on time.
We expect all students to come to school on time daily.
2. Be prepared.
Bring tennis shoes for PE, your instruments for music, etc.
3. Do your assignments.
We expect all students to come to school prepared for the days work. This
means with all assignments completed and with all supplies in hand.
We expect all children to do the best work that he/she is able to do at all
times.
4. Respect your own and others life spaces.
We expect all children to conduct themselves in a manner that will
neither distract from their own learning or that of others.
5. Respect authority.
We expect all children to listen to, respect, and follow the instructions of
school teachers, administrators and staff during school and school related
activities.

We believe strongly in positive reinforcement, and will work to create a positive
atmosphere in which our students can learn. We believe that our students are
responsible for their own behavior, academic and personal success. Developing a
good attitude in school is a key to that success. Actions are owned by individual
students, and each student has the ability to make decisions about his/her own life.

It is our duty to help students become more responsible for their own behavior.



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C CA AF FE ET TE ER RI IA A R RU UL LE ES S

The cafeteria should be a happy place for all students. In order for this life space to
be happy for all children, students need to follow a few basic rules:

1. Do not talk in lunch lines at the beginning and at the end of the lunch
period.
2. Enter the lunch line with your according to your classroom teachers
designated line.
3. Sit at assigned tables.
4. Use good table manners while eating:
Talk quietly to those at your own table.
Do not swap, pass, throw food, paper, etc.
Do not play with condiments (ketchup, salt, pepper, salad
dressings.)
5. Clean the tables quickly and thoroughly when it is your turn to clean.
Each child should clean the area where he or she ate prior to leaving
the table.
6. Remain seated until dismissed by your teacher to carry trays to the
window.

Consequences for choosing not to respect others in the cafeteria are:
Isolation at time-out table-- No talking is permitted at the time-out table.
Referral to an administrator


MEDIA CENTER RULES

The media center endorses the same rules of behavior as the rest of the school.
Individual students may be asked to return to class if their behavior is
unacceptable.

Students should come to the media center with a willingness to listen and learn,
respect for themselves, others and school property. Food, gum and candy are not
allowed.