Welcome to Ganns Middle Valley Elementary School

Dear Parents of Ganns Students,

We want to welcome you and your child(ren) to one of the best places to learn, grow, and achieve…Ganns Middle Valley Elementary. This community school has educated children for seventy (70) years. The building and the community have changed and grown a little since 1937 but one thing has not changed…the standard of excellence.

The mission statement of Ganns is to provide a secure, positive, caring environment that ensures students will have the knowledge and skills that are the foundation of life-long learning.

We believe….

• Each child has individual social, emotional, and intellectual needs.
• Every child can learn and achieve throughout their lives
• There is a positive correlation between learning and school attendance.
• Teachers, parents, and the community share the responsibility to ensure all children learn and achieve.
• Clear goals with high expectations and accountability promote academic achievement, proficiency, and advancement.
• The effective use of assessments provides data to guide research based differentiated instruction to meet individual needs.

Ganns Middle Valley Staff

Sandra Jerardi, Principal Deana Marler, Secretary Michelle Cameron, Clerical Assist.

Beverly Stone and Starla Terry, Nurses Sheridan Thompkins, Bookkeeper

Kindergarten First Grade

Margaret Alley Rebecca Parker

Melissa Keylon Theresa Reed

Emily Wheeler Gail Settles-Minton

Mary Agnes Noonan Jennifer Rodgers

Pam Piercy Karen Brincks

Second Grade Third Grade

Kelly McClanahan Danielle Bender

Lynda Mayfield Scott Grisar

Kelly McClanahan Angie Williams

Ashley Simpson Marlene Wolfe

Karen Smith

Fourth Grade Fifth Grade

Gloria Page Alisha Bledsoe

Robin Miller Michele Jones

Derek Beaty Lisa Todd

Holly Wilson Maria Housley (4^th/5^th split)

Exceptional Education Support Staff

Frank Farmer, School Psychologist Janis Rodriquez, ESOL

Lori Bowman, Inclusion Jeanni Highlander, Music

Pasco Window, Inclusion Jeanette Yann, Librarian

TBA , Speech Drew White, Physical Education

Cindy Jordan, Inclusion Assistant Dudley Green, Physical Education

Terri Pletcher, Gifted Teacher Rachel Lefton, Guidance

Rhonda Logan, Educational Assistant

custodial Staff Cafeteria Staff

Ray Davis, Head Custodian Sarah Goodson, Cafeteria Manager

Andrea Heyen, Night Custodian Shirley Jackson

Donna Grayson, Night Custodian Shawntaye Piineda

Rene Weathers

Pta (parent teacher Association)

The Ganns Middle Valley PTA is a vital part of our school family. The PTA supports the efforts and programs that the school has implemented to promote student achievement. Every parent is urged to become familiar with the PTA, become a member, join a committee, and support its programs and activities! We are privileged to have a PTA that truly cares about the school and the children it serves.

PTA Officers

President Mendi Catlett

1^st Vice President Caroline Rowell

2^nd Vice President Kelly Martin and Misty Ratchford

3^rd Vice President Jill Riley

Secretary Cheryl Cambron

Treasurer Dawn Grubbs

Parliamentarian Sherry Arnold

Pta meetings / Programs

Date	Day	event
August 11, 16, 18,23, 25	Mon-Thurs	Grade Level Orientations
October 4	Tuesday	Open House
December 13	Tuesday	Holiday Program 6:00-7:00 Middle Valley Bapt. Church
February 7	Tuesday	PTA Meeting / 3^rd Grade Performs 6:00 - 7:00
April 17	Tuesday	PTA Meeting / T-CAP Idol (Individual Groups, Teachers) 6:00-7:00
April 27	Friday	PTA Sponsored Spring Fling
May 10	Thursday	Intro. New Officers / K. Program / Slide Show 6:00-7:00
May 16	Wednesday	A.R. Fun Day (Your Shirt is your Ticket)

School-wide discipline Expectations

Ganns Middle Valley Elementary prides itself in EXCELLENCE. We expect excellence in achievement but also attitude. Rules have been established and will be enforced for the safety of all students and to ensure that all students have an opportunity to learn and achieve.

All teachers will have a classroom discipline plan. Rules will be explained to students prior to enforcement. Teachers are responsible for communicating with parents in order to ask for assistance with classroom disruptions.

Student Expectations are as follows:

• Follow directions the first time they are given
• Show respect for all adults and fellow students
• Walk through the building quietly in “Traveling Position”.
• Use appropriate manners and language
• Do their best in all areas
• Keep hands, feet, and objects to himself/herself
• Follow the nine Hamilton County character traits
• Leave all toys and electronics at home (This includes cell phones)

Accomplishment Recognition / Radical “rad” roadrunners

Ganns Middle Valley Elementary recognizes Excellence every nine weeks. We celebrate excellence in attendance, attitude, and achievement.

There will be an awards assembly every nine weeks to recognize perfect attendance, honor roll, star roll, and improvement in grades, good behavior, and our Radical “RAD” Roadrunners.

Each accomplishment will receive a medal to honor their efforts.

“RAD” Roadrunner Criteria – (in a nine week period)

• Perfect Attendance
• No tardies (Coming late and leaving early)
• Honor Roll or Star Roll (Must have an S in conduct to be considered for Honor or Star Roll)
• “S” in conduct (No office referrals or bus referrals)

These students will be recognized as RADICAL ROADRUNNERS and receive a metal. Students maintaining “RAD” status for the entire semester will receive a “RAD” Roadrunner shirt.

Dress code : all grades

Students must use taste in the selection of their clothes and hair styles, thereby maintaining neatness, cleanliness and self-respect so that the school is a desirable place in which to promote learning and character development.

1. All students must wear shoes that are suitable for active play. This is for the child’s safety and comfort. Flip flops are strictly prohibited.
2. On scheduled physical education days, students must wear sports shoes (tennis shoes) to be able to participate in P.E. for that day.
3. No head gear (hats, bandannas, etc.) or gloves may be worn inside the building. These items need to be placed in book bags and/or lockers during the school day. This applies to boys and girls.
4. Clothing must be worn as intended. Undergarments are not to be worn as outer garments.
5. Shorts, skirts, and culottes will be allowed according the following criteria:
1. Fit must be appropriate.
2. Length must be 1” below index finger when hands are by the side.
6. If leggings are worn, they must be covered by a loose fitting top that is past the top of the legs in length.
7. No holes in clothing will be permitted. Patches are suggested for extremely worn clothing.
8. Shirts must conform to the following guidelines:
1. No tank tops
2. No mesh or net shirts without another shirt underneath
3. No halter-tops, spaghetti strap shirts, or shirts that bare the midriff. (All tops should cover the torso at ALL times.)
4. Shirts may not contain inappropriate or suggestive advertisements, slogans or pictures. (No inappropriate language or advertising of alcohol or tobacco.)
9. No oversized clothing (safety reasons)
10. Make-up is not allowed except for programs or performances.
11. Make-up and fingernail polish brought to school will be confiscated.
12. Hair must not disrupt the educational process. Hair color will remain a natural color and Mohawks should remain one (1) inch or less.
13. Piercings – Ear lobe piercings are acceptable. All other body piercings are prohibited.

Upon a violation of the dress code, the parent will be notified and expected to come to the school and either bring suitable dress for their child to change into, or take the child home to change clothing.

Continued violation may necessitate a conference with the child and the parents, which could lead to an out-of-school suspension.

In matters of opinion, the judgment of the administration will prevail.

School Attendance

According to the law (Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-3001), every parent, guardian, or other person residing in this State having control or charge of any child between the ages of six (6) and seventeen (17), both inclusive, shall cause such child or children to attend a public or non-public school, and in the event of failure to do so, shall be subject to the penalties hereinafter provided.

Any child who is habitually and unlawfully absent from school must be reported to the appropriate judge having juvenile jurisdiction in that county, the child to be dealt with in such manner as the judge may determine to be in the best interest of the child. The juvenile judge may assess a fine of up to fifty dollars ($50.00) or five (5) hours of community service against the parents or legal guardians of kindergarten through grade 6 children if the child is absent more than five (5) days during any school year, unless the parent presents adequate excuse.

The following legal reasons for excusing a student from attending school:

335.31 Personal Illness – Students may be excused who are sick and whose attendance would be detrimental to their health and the health of other students. A physician’s statement may be required.

335.32 Death in Immediate Family – Students may be excused for three days in the event of a death in their immediate families including mother, father, step-parent, brother, sister, or grandparent. Extenuating circumstances may require a longer period of excused absence.

335.34 Religious Holiday – Students shall be excused on special or recognized religious holidays regularly observed by that particular faith. Prior approval is required should these days occur while school is in session.

335.35 Personal – Students who are absent for a good cause (doctor or dental appointments which cannot be scheduled at times other than school hours, court appearances, etc.) may be excused upon proof of appointment. Prior approval by parent or guardian, and the principal or his /her designee is required.

335.36 Approved School-Sponsored Activities – Students shall be marked present when participating in a school-sponsored activity away from the school building.

335.5 Explanation of Absences – Students who are absent from school must bring a written statement explaining the absences, signed and dated by the parent or guardian for presentation to the appropriate school official. It must state which of the reasons listed above, the student claims in order for it to be excused. This note should be filed on the first day the student returns and no later that five school days.

Because of No Child Left Behind all schools must maintain a 94% attendance rate at all times. Schools that do not maintain a 94% attendance rate are at risk of going “On Notice”. This is something Ganns does not want to incur. Teachers are required to turn in a social worker referral for those students with five or more absences and/or with excessive tardies.

Tardies or Early Dismissals – Please remember that three (3) tardies does equal one (1) absence. Anyone entering the building after 8:00 a.m. is considered tardy. Also, anyone leaving the building before 2:50 is considered tardy. Truancy is coming late or leaving early. Either way, students are missing instructional time.

Thank you so much for your assistance with this mandate and for insuring the best for our children at Ganns. J

School operations / Procedures

Hours of operation

The school day begins at 8:00 a.m. However, the school does begin operation and is open at 7:40 a.m. With the exception of the students in morning child care no one will be allowed in the building before the 7:40 a.m. time.

Tardies

Children are considered tardy at 8:01. Children arriving after 8:00 must be accompanied to the office by the parent to sign a tardy slip and be assigned a pass. School dismissal begins at 2:55. A student dismissed early is also considered tardy because instructional time is lost.

ADDENDUM: August 9^th 2011: Students that are car riders, walkers, or going to SACC.  Students who ride the small buses for special transportation will be dismissed at 2:50 p.m.   All bus riders will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m.

Early dismissals

We strongly urge you to please refrain from early dismissals. Students miss valuable instructional time when they are dismissed early. For safety reasons there will be no early dismissals after 2:20 p.m. unless it is prearranged with the principal or in the case of an emergency.

If early dismissal is necessary, please use the following procedure:

1. Write a note to your child’s teacher indicating the reason for the early dismissal and the approximate time you will arrive to get your child.
2. Come to the office to check the child out of school. (a child will not be dismissed to anyone not on the registration / dismissal card unless you contact us concerning the change. Identification is required at the time of dismissal.) Please let us make a copy of your appointment card for the doctor or dentist.
3. Fill out a dismissal card and sign your child out.
4. Please wait in the office for your child. In order to minimize disruption to the classroom, you must not go to the classroom to pick up your child.

Drop Off & Pick up / car riders

Ganns Middle Valley offers a wonderful and efficient way of dropping off and receiving your child. You never have to leave the comfort of your car and your child is safely escorted in the building in the morning and safely delivered to you in the afternoon. The Risk Management department of Hamilton County Schools has observed our procedures and commended our staff and faculty for their efficient and safe way of unloading and loading students.

Teachers on duty will begin permitting students to enter the building at 7:40 a.m. Drop-off will end at 7:58 a.m. to allow teachers to meet their students at their door at 8:00. If you are dropping off at 8:00 a.m. please drive to the front and sign your student in the office.

For your child’s safety we are not permitting students to be dropped off or picked up in the side parking lot or front driveway. Busses and cars are moving in the front drive and in the parking lot which could injure a student. When wheels are rolling we don’t want any small feet on the pavement. J Thank you for your cooperation and support in this matter. The side parking lot is strictly for faculty and volunteer parking.

Lobby dismissals are also prohibited. Because of the difficulties involved in dismissing our large student body safely and bus traffic in the front driveway we cannot permit lobby dismissals. The front doors will be locked at 2:45 for safety reasons. We need students exiting at the car rider side door or the bus dismissal door. Please use the service provided in the car rider line. Service with a smile. J

Transportation changes

A note is required if a child is not going home in their usual manner. If a student is going to leave with another student, both students must bring a note. We cannot allow students to ride home in a car other than that of the parent or the carpool without a note. We enforce this policy for the safety of our children. Students may not make transportation changes by telephone during the school day. In emergency cases only, the office may be contacted before 2:30 and the changes will be announced by intercom at 2:35. Again, please use this service for emergencies ONLY.

Notice of nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the Hamilton County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, age, or religion in any of the programs or practices in the school system. A complaint may be filed by anyone who has a grievance regarding discrimination as set forth in one of the following statutes: (1) The Rehabilitation Act of 1972, Section 504; (2) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; or (3) Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Dr. Marvin Lott is the Title VI and Title IX coordinator for Hamilton County Schools. He may be reached by calling (423) 209-8538.

Revenue (fees, lunch charges, childcare charges)

School Fees - The $60.00 fees are collected in order to supplement the purchase of supplies, computer programs, copy charges, reading materials, manipulatives for the classroom, and miscellaneous costs that arise. The fees you provide our school is an added bonus to instruction and is much needed to enhance the curriculum.

ADDENDUM – August 9^th 2011: To provide a variety of activities during the school day including chorus, hand bells, track meets, and field trips we will be requesting funding from the parents.  Without parental support for fees and activity costs we would be unable to provide supplemental activities and curriculum enrichment for your child.  For this reason we request that you pay school fees.  However, fees cannot be required of any student, regardless of financial status. If you need a payment schedule arranged with the school please contact the homeroom teacher.  We appreciate your financial support because without it many activities would have to be cancelled.

Lunch Charges - Students should bring money (cash or check) daily, weekly, or monthly to be placed in their individual lunch account. Please place your child’s payment in an envelope with your child’s name, lunch number, and teacher’s name. Make all checks payable to Hamilton County Food Service or HCFS. Please do not combine lunch money with other monies. (fees, field trips, etc.)

Lunch prices are as follows:

	Breakfast	Lunch
Full Pay	$ 1.25	$2.50
Reduced	$ .30	$ .40
School Adult	$1.75	$3.25
Visitor (Adult)	$2.50	$4.25
Holiday Special		$5.00

This year we will send home a slip when your child’s account gets down to $5.00. We provide this service to you to assist in keeping up with your child’s lunch charges.

Please DO NOT bring in fast food for lunch. We discourage fast food in an effort to encourage a healthy lunch for everyone.

If you have questions concerning charges please feel free to call our cafeteria manager, Mrs. Goodson, at 843-4701.

Before / after school Childcare

The Hamilton County Department of Education provides before and after school care at Ganns. Parents may register students at any time during the school year, and in an emergency, use the service on a daily basis. Full day child care service is available on days school is not in session. (in-service days, snow days, spring and winter vacation, etc.) The hours of operation for this service are from 6:00 a.m. until 7:40 a.m. and from 2:55 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The rates are as follows:

$3.00 daily for morning care

$6.00 daily for afternoon care

$12.00 for full day care (in-service days, spring and winter break, etc.)

½ price discount for siblings

Please help the cafeteria, library, and school age child care programs by making payments promptly. Students will be kept from participating in field trip experiences if money is owed.