Student Dismissal and Pioneer Frontier
DRESS CODE
The major purpose of our schools is to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning. We are striving for consistency in the East Ridge schools and a smooth transition from elementary to middle school. Although there may be a difference of opinion as to what constitutes appropriate dress, the final decision will rest with the Principal or designee. Dress code is subject to revision.
SHOES
Socks and tennis shoes are to be worn at all times, no heelys. No other types of shoes are acceptable.
CAPS/HATS
No hats/caps or head coverings are allowed inside the building.
PANTS
Pants must be solid color, navy or tan (khaki). No jeans. If pants have belt loops, a belt must be worn. Pants must be hemmed. No pants with splits, tears or cargo-type pockets will be allowed.
SHORTS/SKIRTS
Shorts and skirts can be worn but must be navy or khaki, finger-tip or knee length. Shorts must be worn under skirts.
SHIRTS
Solid colored golf or polo style shirts are the only shirts allowed for students. These shirts must have a collar and buttons at the neck and must be size appropriate. No writing or pictures are allowed on the shirts with the exception of a very small name brand emblem, no larger than a quarter, on one side at chest level. All shirts must be long enough to be easily tucked and must stay tucked at all times.
SWEATERS
Cardigan, crew, V-neck, and turtleneck sweaters may be worn for cold weather or air-conditioner comfort. They must be solid in color. jackets, fleece, hoodies, or windbreakers may be worn to school, but must be removed upon entering classroom at the beginning of the day.
HAIR/MAKE-UP
Visible piercing must be confined to the ears only. No hoops or dangles.
JEWELRY
Hair must not disrupt the educational process in any way. Hair must be natural in color. No make- up. No visible body art or drawings are permitted.
The administration reserves the right to add or delete from the above code in order to maintain a safe educational environment. In the event of heating or cooling problems, the administration reserves the right to alter the dress code.
**The school will have “dress down” days, but each school will determine that individually.
Student Dismissal & Pioneer Frontier
Your child will need to know how he or she is getting home each day. We realize that emergencies do occasionally arise and you will need for your child/children to go home from school a different way. Please call the school at 867-6880 (plus the teacher's extension) and leave word on the voice mail. Please do this by 2:30 p.m. if possible. Again, this is for your child's protection.
We would like to remind you that the building opens each morning at 7:50 a.m. All walkers and car riders should enter and leave from the main front entrance. Students arriving earlier than 7:50 a.m. should be enrolled in Day Care (exception: Safety Patrol). Students should not go to Pioneer Frontier at this time unless they are supervised by their parent. School dismisses each day at 3:10 p.m. Walkers should wait in front of the building until their cars arrive. Again, students should not go to Pioneer Frontier unless they are supervised by their parent.
There are many older students from the High School and Middle School who walk to McBrien to meet their younger brothers and sisters. This is fine. However, we do ask that they wait outside. This does not mean for them to wait at Pioneer Frontier.
There is NO faculty or teacher supervision on Pioneer Frontier before or after school hours. For the safety of your child/children, we ask that you cooperate with us.
SCHOOL DAY:
Our school hours are 8:10 a.m. - 3:10 p.m. With the exception of children in the Child
Care Program, students are not allowed to enter the building until 7:50 a.m. Children
should arrive at school between 7:50 and 8:10 a.m., and should wait in the cafeteria until
the bell to enter classes rings at 8:10 a.m. The tardy bell rings at 8:20 a.m. Students
entering the classroom after this time will be counted tardy for attendance purposes.
When a child is tardy, an adult must come inside and fill out a tardy
slip. Reminder: Three tardies equal one absence.
Students are dismissed at 3:10 p.m. Car riders should be picked
up in front of the school by 3:25 p.m. Children who need to be dropped off at school
before 7:50 a.m. or picked up after 3:25 p.m. must be enrolled in the Child Care Program.
DELIVERY AND PICK-UP:
Please load and unload your children as quickly as possible so that we can keep traffic
moving. With the exception of day care students, children should be dropped off and picked
up in front of the school. No one, including parents of day care students, should
use the back entrance between 7:45 AM and 3:45 PM. We ask that parents not accompany
children to and from the classroom after the first week of school.
DISMISSAL TO PIONEER
FRONTIER:
Students are required to go directly home after school unless the student is involved in a
school-approved activity. In no case is a student to go to Pioneer
Frontier directly after school, either to wait for pick-up or to play. The same is true in
the mornings: do not drop your child off at Pioneer Frontier. We cannot be responsible for
students at the playground before and after school. NO ONE IS ON DUTY.
EARLY DISMISSAL:
It is important that your child be in class for the entire school day. Please try to
plan appointments and activities outside of school hours whenever possible. However, if
you know you will need to pick your child up early, please write a note to let your
child's teacher know in advance. For early dismissal a parent or authorized adult
must come to the office to sign out the child. The office staff will call the student to
the office at that time. If someone not listed on the dismissal card will be picking the
child up, please alert the office staff ahead of time. Students will not be dismissed to
unauthorized persons. Early dismissals are not allowed after 3:00 p.m.
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL
CHILD CARE PROGRAM:
This program provides supervision for children arriving at school early or staying at
school late. Children who must arrive before 7:50 a.m. or stay past 3:25 p.m. must
be enrolled. Our day care is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 - 8:10 a.m. and from
3:10 - 6:00 p.m. It is also open on most school holidays and during the summer.
Information is available for interested parents.
CAFETERIA:
Breakfast and lunch are served at school for those wishing to participate:
Prices are $0.75 for breakfast and $1.50 for lunch. Free or Reduced Lunch applications (which also cover breakfast) are available on registration day or in the office. These take about 10-14 days to process. Your child must pay the full price for meals until the application is approved. Each child is assigned a code which is used to access that child's cafeteria account. You may pay ahead by sending cash or a check payable to Hamilton County Food Service, and the money will be directly deposited into your child's account. If your child has to charge a meal because of lost or forgotten money, we ask that you pay the charge the next day. No child will be allowed to carry more than three charges. You will be called at that point to make other arrangements for lunch. If you wish to have lunch with your child please notify our cafeteria staff in advance with a note or a phone call (867-6211). The cost of a regular lunch for visitors is $2.50. Special occasion lunches cost more. Soft drinks are not permitted during lunch time even if they come from home.
BOOKSTORE:
Children may make book store purchases between 8:10 and 8:20 a.m.
DRESS
CODE:
The appearance of our students reflects the quality of the school as well as
students’ conduct and attitude. According to School Board policy, clothing,
accessories or grooming that is or may become potentially disruptive to the classroom
atmosphere or education process shall not be permitted. Parents of students who dress
inappropriately shall be called to make arrangements to solve the situation. If a parent
cannot be reached, suitable clothing will be furnished. The furnished clothing should be
laundered and returned to school. Parents are encouraged to assure that their children
dress for school appropriately by using the following guidelines:
Shirts with pictures and writing concerning drugs, alcohol, tobacco, obscenity, vulgarity and violence/aggression (Budweiser, wrestling, etc.) are not to be worn by either boys or girls. All clothing must be size appropriate (neither undersized nor oversized). Students must wear tennis shoes at all times. No other types of shoes are allowed. Students are not to wear caps or hats inside building. Boys are not to wear: Tank tops, tops without sleeves (muscle shirts), short shorts, see-through tops (net, mesh, etc.) or kerchiefs around head. Girls are not to wear: Extremely short dresses, sundresses (grades
3 – 5), short shorts, tank tops, spaghetti straps, halter tops, bare midriffs, kerchiefs around head, or make-up. Long dangling earrings are a safety hazard and are not allowed.Exceptions will be made for pre-arranged special activities/events such as picture day, character dress-up day, etc.
SCHOOL VISITORS:
Our parents and friends are always welcome to visit in our school. State law requires all
visitors (parents, grandparents, volunteers, etc.) to check in with the office. After you
sign the visitor's notebook you will be issued a visitor's pass that you must wear while
in the school building or on school grounds.
TEACHER CONFERENCES:
To schedule a conference with your child’s teacher, please call that teacher's voice
mail to make an appointment. Extension numbers can be found on the
School Staff page. Parent-teacher conferences must be
scheduled so as not to conflict with instructional time.
BOOKS AND SUPPLY FEES:
School textbooks are furnished by Hamilton County. Students are responsible for
any textbooks and/or library books that are lost or damaged. The supply fee for
all grade levels is $50.00 and should be paid at registration. If you cannot pay
the full amount at that time, please sign a supply fee agreement (available in
classrooms) and make your scheduled payments.
CHANGES IN ADDRESS,
PHONE, ETC.:
It is very important that the school have current addresses and phone numbers
in order for parents to be contacted in case of an emergency.
Please
be sure to notify the school if there are changes during the year.
MOVING TO ANOTHER
SCHOOL:
Parents must notify us when withdrawing their children from school. A withdrawal form will
be given to the parent to take to the receiving school. All supply fees and lunch charges
must be paid and textbooks and library books returned in good order before records will be
forwarded to the new school.
CLASS PARTIES:
School board policy permits two class parties per year. Designated parties are in
December and February. Occasionally a class may be given a "reward" party upon
receiving approval from the office.
STUDENT BIRTHDAYS:
Birthdays of students will be recognized each morning over the intercom, and children may
come to the office to receive a birthday ribbon. Birthday celebration deliveries are
discouraged (flowers, balloons, etc.) and shall remain in the office until the end of the
school day. Invitations to private birthday parties may be distributed in the classroom if
the entire class is invited. When only a portion of the group is involved, however,
invitations should be mailed to avoid the issue of inclusion/exclusion at school.
NONDISCRIMINATION:
It is the policy of the Hamilton County Board of Education not to discriminate on the
basis of handicap, race, color, national origin, sex, 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:
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972
HARASSMENT/SEXUAL
HARASSMENT:
It is the policy of the Hamilton County Public School System to maintain a learning &
working environment that is free from harassment of any type. The school system prohibits
any form of sexual harassment or harassment based upon age, religion, disability, or
race/national origin.
TOBACCO:
Any student under the age of 18 found possessing or using tobacco products shall be cited
to Juvenile Court. The tobacco product shall be seized as contraband.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
The Hamilton County Board of Education believes in the establishment of a tradition of
regular school attendance for each student. This establishes the first step toward a
successful academic career culminating in a high school diploma and is an essential
concept to teach for the job market. Considering the importance of school attendance, the
following policy has been adopted this year for all Hamilton County Schools.
Any student missing 5 days or more unexcused may receive failing grades for the semester. Three tardies will be converted to one absence.
CATEGORIES OF EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Personal illness, including doctor and dental appointments (doctor excuse required) Death in immediate family Family illness (physician’s statement given the necessity of the student’s services required) Religious Holiday (prior approval required) Documented court appearance
DOCUMENTATION OF
ABSENCE:
A written statement of reason for absence, signed by the parent or guardian and dated must
be sent to school upon the student’s return for an absence to be excused. After five
(5) days with no note, the absence will be unexcused. Absences without a note will be
considered unexcused.
STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS:
The state law requires that school officials report to the court any parent of guardian
whose child is unlawfully absent from school any five days during the school year. The
social worker will notify the parents that the child must attend school on a regular
basis. If the child continues to be absent, a legal notice will be delivered notifying the
parents that a petition is being filed in court charging the child truant or neglect
against the parent.
TARDIES AND EARLY
DISMISSALS:
Parents are encouraged to have their children at school on time and not request early
dismissals other than for necessary medical or dental appointments that cannot be
scheduled after school hours. In order
to be counted present, the student must be in attendance for the greater portion
of the school day. Hamilton County Board policy states that 3 (three)
unexcused tardies will be treated as one absence for report card purposes and
for awarding perfect attendance certificates.
PROVISION FOR MISSED
WORK:
Students must make up work at the teacher’s convenience and shall have no more that
five school days to complete the assignments for one day’s absence. Each additional
day’s absence shall add one day to the length of time given for make-up work. Request
for make-up work becomes the responsibility of the student.
WE APPRECIATE OUR PARENTS WHO ENCOURAGE REGULAR ATTENDANCE FOR THEIR CHILDREN!
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
As human beings we are all faced with the job of learning to live comfortably with
ourselves and with others. To live comfortably with ourselves, we must develop and
maintain deep feelings of self-respect. To live comfortably with others, each of us must
somehow come to recognize where his/her rights end and others’ begin. The many things
that we do to help a child learn this respect and concern are called discipline.
Good student conduct is something that is important to both parents and teachers. Proper student behavior is essential to having an outstanding school. It requires the full cooperation of students, parents, and teachers. In order to provide McBrien with a positive, nurturing, safe, and orderly environment for children to learn and teachers to teach, a school wide discipline plan has been developed.
STUDENT RULES:
Respect others by keeping hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Be quiet on signal. When on your feet, don’t run or speak.
BEHAVIORS CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE:
Fighting Running and causing noise in the hallways Misuse of paper dispensers and toilet tissue in the restroom Profane/vulgar language Pushing, shoving, hitting, tripping, etc. Possession of weapons** Use, possession, receiving, or transfer of drugs (including look alike) and alcohol** Damaging or defacing school property** Stealing**
**These actions can result in the involvement of the law enforcement authorities.
CAFETERIA BEHAVIORS CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE:
Throwing/playing with food Running Being loud Bending stainless ware Disrespectful behavior toward school staff Playing Not staying at assigned seat or table Failure to return tray
CONSEQUENCES FOR
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR:
In the event a student does not follow the school rules, the staff at McBrien may
administer disciplinary actions which are necessary to aid the student, further school
purposes, or prevent disruption of the educational process. Such actions may include
exclusion from a classroom activity, extension of the school day, counseling of students,
a parent conference, or suspension in or out of school. Any threat to do harm to another
student or school employee or self will be taken seriously by the school administration.
TRANSPORTATION:
Hamilton County provides bus service to students who reside outside a 1.5 mile radius of
the school they are zoned to attend. For the safely of all, bus drivers cannot tolerate
any misconduct on the bus. Bus referrals for unacceptable conduct are filled out by the
drivers and are given to the principal for a decision about the penalty. Penalties may
include a conference with the principal or suspension from the bus. A copy of the referral
is sent to the parent and to the Director of Transportation at the Hamilton County
Department of Education.
ZERO TOLERANCE:
The following offenses are zero tolerance offenses:
Bringing to school or in unauthorized possession on school property of a firearm, an explosive or incendiary device, poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket, missile, mine or similar device; Committing battery upon any teacher, principal, administrator, on any other employee of a local education agency or school resource officer; Unlawfully possessing any controlled substance or legend drug. (A legend drug is any item which federal law prohibits dispensing without a prescription.)
These offenses require that the student be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year, except that the superintendent may modify this expulsion on a case-by-case basis. Expulsion means removed from the pupil's regular school program at the location where the violation occurred or removed from school attendance all together.
FIRST AID EMERGENCIES:
It is imperative that parents complete an emergency contact card for each student listing
medical information and work and emergency telephone numbers. The information you
provide must be accurate and complete, and should be updated as necessary throughout the
school year.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL:
Please help us in this area by asking your doctor to prescribe medication that can by
given three times daily. You can then give the medication yourself in the morning, after
school and at night. If it is necessary for school personnel to administer any medication,
Board of Education policy states that certain requirements must be met:
A written permission form must be on file in the school office. This form is available from the office and must be completely filled out and signed by both parents and the child's licensed health care provider. The school will not administer medication without this form. Your child's health care provider may fax the completed form to us at 867-6225. A new written permission form must be provided at the beginning of each new school year. This form must also be updated when there is a change in time or dose of medication. Medication must be brought into the classroom by an adult and given directly to the teacher. All medications must be in the prescription bottle with the proper label. The medication will be kept in the classroom in a locked place. No medications other than those prescribed by a physician are permitted and/or administered on school grounds. This includes nonprescription medication.
FEVER POLICY:
Children should be kept at home any time they are running a fever.
SKIN/EYES:
All children with cases of skin or eye infections that are communicable (including
"pink eye") must return with a statement from their doctor or when clearing has
occurred.
LICE (NO NIT) POLICY:
If a child is found to have head lice the parent or guardian will be contacted to pick the child up at school immediately. Use medicated shampoo/cream rinse to kill the lice and nits (eggs). Follow up by using the nit comb and manually removing the nits. Upon returning to school the child must provide evidence that treatment was given (a shampoo box top is acceptable). Before returning to school the child must be "nit free." This means that the hair is free from all lice and eggs. The child's hair will be checked and if lice and/or nits are found the child will be sent home.
