SCHOOL CALENDAR
2011 - 2012 SCHOOL YEAR
New Teacher Orientation July 25 - 29, 2011
Pre-Planning/In-Service August 1 - 5, 2011
Students Report August 8, 2011
First Semester August 8 - December 15, 2011
Staff Development Day (Student Holiday) October 21, 2011
First Semester Exams (Secondary) December 13 - 15, 2011
Workday (Student Holiday) December 16, 2011
Workdays (Student Holiday) January 2, 2012
Second Semester January 3 - May 25, 2012
Second Semester Exams(Secondary) May 23 - 25, 2012
Graduation Exercises May 25, 2012
Post Planning/In-Service May 29 - 30, 2012
HOLIDAYS
Labor Day September 5, 2011
Staff Development Day (Student Holiday) October 21, 2011
Thanksgiving November 21 - 25, 2011
Workday (Student Holiday) December 16, 2011
Semester Break December 19 – 30, 2011
Workday (Student Holiday) January 2, 2012
Martin Luther King January 16, 2012
President’s Day (Student Holiday) February 20, 2012
Winter Break February 21 - 24, 2012
May Be Used For Make-Up Days Due to Inclement Weather
Spring Break April 2 - 6, 2012
Memorial Day May 28, 2012
SAFETY AND SECURITY PROCEDURES
School hours are from 7:45 AM until 2:30 PM. A student must check in before
11:00 AM to be counted present for the school day. If a student checks out of
school before 11:15 AM, he/she will be counted absent for the day.
Arrival
Students may be dropped off at the car rider drop-off/pick-up door beginning at
7:20 AM.
Bus students will be dropped off at the bus entrance. Students go directly to
their classroom when dropped off.
If you child has an early morning activity or responsibility, he or she may be
dropped off as early as 7:15 AM at the front door. Siblings of these students
may be dropped off but must wait in the front lobby until 7:20 when they will be
sent to their classrooms.
It is important for your child’s safety and the safety of other children that
students are
only dropped off at this location where there is an adult on duty. Do not drop
your child
off at the front door (unless specified by the previous paragraph), at the bus
loop door,
in the administrative parking lot, or across the street. Not only will your
child be unsupervised, you will also be putting your child in a dangerous
position because of the numerous cars and buses that come and go at dismissal.
Tardiness
It is important that students arrive on time and are present in their classrooms
by 7:45 AM. The tardy bell rings at that time to signal the beginning of the
school day. If a student is not in his or her classroom by the time the tardy
bell rings, he or she will be considered tardy even if the child is in the
building per county procedure.
If a child does arrive late (as the 7:45 AM tardy bell is ringing or later),
parents are expected to accompany the child to the front lobby and sign them in
using the sign-in sheet. The reason for the tardiness will be recorded, and
students will receive a pass to class.
We realize that tardiness is a parent responsibility. Please understand that
chronic tardiness may cause students to fall behind academically.
Excused and Unexcused Tardies
The following tardies will be excused:
• Illness
• Death in the immediate family
• Court Order
• Religious Holiday
• Instances in which attendance could be hazardous as determined by the Fayette
County School System
• Service as a page in the State Legislature
• Absence to vote in a local, state or national election
• Late bus
• Reunification for military families
Other reasons for tardiness such as oversleeping, car trouble, having a rough
morning, the child being at the school store or in the halls when the bell
rings, etc. will be considered unexcused. It will be important that you are
aware of what is considered an excused or unexcused tardy. Questions about this
should be addressed with the administration.
After 10 tardies, you will be required to come in for a meeting with the
administration, the counselor, and the classroom teacher(s) to come up with a
plan to curtail such tardies.
Departure Dismissal begins at 2:25 with car riders and After School students.
Bus riders are dismissed at 2:27.
Car Riders
Car riders are dropped off and picked up at the front door closest to 85
Connector. There will be adults and Safety Patrols at this location to supervise
and assist in the safe unloading and loading of students.
We ask that you be patient and not try to go around people. This is for your
child’s safety and the safety of others.
Brooks will provide car riders with an Official Brooks Car Rider Card. These are
to be placed in the front window of your car when picking up children in the
afternoon. This provides proper identification and helps to insure safety. If
you do not have your identification, you may be asked to provide your driver’s
license and/ or to come into the main office to complete another card and to
pick up your child.
Late Pick Up
If you find yourself in a situation that will cause you to be late in picking up
your child, call the front office. We will have your child wait in the front
office if you call ahead. You will need to come to the front office to pick up
your child.
Children not picked up by 2:40 PM. will be placed in the office while efforts
are made to contact the parent. If a parent is unable to be contacted, then
someone listed as an emergency contact will be called to come and pick up your
child. At 3:00 if no one has been contacted, the child will be put in the After
School Program at a cost to the parent. If we do not have a signed ASP release
form and have not been able to contact anyone to pick your child up, the
sheriff’s department may have to be contacted.
Early Check Out
If parents need to pick up a child during the school day, be sure to come to the
office and sign the child out on the sign-out sheet. Your child will be called
over the intercom to come to the office to go home. Parents should not go to the
classroom or playground to pick up your child without permission from the
office. This is for your child’s safety.
Transportation Changes
If your child is going home at the end of the day in any manner other than what
is customary, a written note must be brought from home. All notes must be
brought to the office for approval and a pass will be provided. If there is no
written note from the parents, your child will be sent home the normal,
customary way. If an emergency arises, parents may call the office to change
transportation directions before 1:45 PM
(770-719-8150).
Signing In and Out
All parents and adults entering the school building must report directly to the
front office to sign in and get a visitor’s sticker. The reason for your visit
should be stated. This is true even if you are just walking your child to class
or need to take something to your child. It is also true if you have business in
the school after school hours. You may be asked for identification if the office
personnel do not recognize you. Please do not take offense. Your child’s safety
and the safety of all the children are of vital concern for all of us!
When you finish your business at school, we ask that you sign out as well.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
State law requires all students between the ages of 6 and 16 to attend school.
State law allows students to attend school as early as 4 years old and may
continue to attend through graduation from high school.
Students under age 6 who attend school for at least 20 days will fall under all
state and local regulations.
Absences
When a student is absent from school, parents must send in a written note that
explains the reason for the child’s absence for the date(s) designated. Teachers
may not accept verbal excuses, nor will phoned in excuses be accepted.
When a child is absent, the absence is considered unexcused or excused. State
law recognizes the following as excused absences.
• Illness
• Death in the immediate family
• Court Order
• Religious Holiday
• Instances in which attendance could be hazardous as determined by the Fayette
County School System
• Service as a page in the State Legislature
• Absence to vote in a local, state or national election
• Reunification of military families
Other absences will be marked unexcused. If no written note is received, it is
considered unexcused.
Teachers will give make-up work for a lawful absence.
If your child is going to be out for an extended period of time due to a serious
illness (ten or more days), please notify the administration. A
hospital/homebound teacher may available to come to your home if a doctor
verifies the need. When this occurs, the student is then counted present at
school.
Truancy Chronic Unexcused Absences
The state of Georgia has implemented Attendance Law O.C.G.A 20-2-6990.0. The
purpose of the law is to deter unexcused absences. As we will agree, a child who
is absent frequently will miss many concepts taught from the Georgia curriculum.
This law states that any parent, guardian, or other person who has control of
any child who has more than 10 unexcused absences will be referred to the
Fayette County Attendance Officer.
This person will notify the parents by mail of the unexcused absences and will
refer the parent to the Fayette County Protocol Committee to determine if court
action is warranted. At the school level, we will make every effort to
help you with attendance. Remember to send in a note for each legitimate absence
so it may be marked excused. If there are concerns, please call the
administration for help.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To enroll in Fayette County Schools, the student's parents or legal guardian and
the student must be a fulltime resident of Fayette County. The following
documents are needed.
• A current electric bill or initiation of electric service with name and
service location and
your Photo ID
• Homeowner Requirements: Current residential property tax statement. If
property has closed
within last 6 months, the signed closing settlement statements will be accepted.
Renters: Current signed lease or rental agreement with term dates and listing of
all occupants.
No month to month leases accepted.
• Student's Birth Certificate with imprinted, raised seal.
• Immunization Certificate: Current and completed Georgia State form 3032 or
form 3231.
The Varicella vaccine and Hepatitis B vaccine are now required for attendance.
• Certificate of Ear, Eye and Dental Examination: Current and completed Georgia
State form 3300.
• Social Security Card
• Academic Transcript and Discipline Record from previous school
Enrollment
New students in grades K-5 to our school are to be enrolled at the Fayette
County Welcome Center, located at:
Lafayette Educational Center,
205 Lafayette Avenue,
Fayetteville, GA 30214
770-460-3990 ext. 227 or 228
Specific information can be found on www.fcboe.org. Registration forms and
information maybe downloaded from this site.
Students enrolling for the Brooks PreK program will be enrolled at the school
beginning mid year.
Relocation/ Address Change
Students who move into another school district during the school year must
withdraw. If you would like your child to remain at Brooks for the remainder of
the school year, you must submit a written request to do so if you still live
within Fayette County and are willing to provide your own transportation. If you
have moved out of Fayette County, you must withdraw your child.
If you move during the school year and still live within the Brooks school
district, you must go to the Welcome Center with proof of residency for your new
address to have your address changed.
Under Aged Children
An under-aged child moving into Georgia may be admitted to kindergarten or first
grade if the parents and child have lived outside the State of Georgia for two
years and the child has been enrolled in an accredited program. The child must
be five to enter kindergarten or six to enter first grade by December 31 that
school year.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Childcare is available after school until 6:30. In order to attend, parents must
register their child for the program and pay a one-time registration fee. The
weekly cost will be payable the Friday before.
The drop in rate varies per occurrence. Please see the After School Program
Family Handbook for more details on costs and registration procedures.
The After School Program provides supervised outdoor and indoor activities on a
daily basis, and a homework time as well.
CAFETERIA
Breakfast
Brooks Elementary offers a breakfast each morning from 7:20 a.m. until 7:35 a.m.
Breakfast is very important for children, and we urge all parents who do
not have time to prepare breakfast have their children participate in this
program. Students interested in participating in this program should arrive no
later than 7:30 to have time to eat. Student breakfast price is $1.35.
Lunch
Brooks Elementary provides three choices of deliciously prepared lunches most
days. A weekly lunch menu is sent home on Fridays so you will know ahead of time
what is being offered. Lunch choices are made first thing in the morning and
must be adhered to when going through the lunch line. This is to ensure all
students get what was requested in the morning.
Brooks Elementary offers point of sale for the purchase of food. Lunches may be
paid for daily, by the week, by the month, or even yearly if you so desire. The
money is credited to the student’s account, and as the student purchases
lunches, the money is deducted from his or her account.
Lunch Prices
Daily - $2.15
Weekly - 5 lunches x $2.15 = $10.75 per week
Extra Milk - $.40
Extra Juice - $.40
Lunch for adults and visitors: Daily - $3.00
These items may only be purchased after lunch:
Ice Cream - $.75
Slushies - $1.00
Water - $.50
PowerAde, flavored water- $1.00
Cookies, Fruit roll-ups-$.50
Collection of Lunch Money
We do collect lunch money for the week on Mondays. If your child knows what days
he/she will eat in the cafeteria, the best way to pay is by the week. Students
in kindergarten and first grade pay in the classroom.
Students in grades 2 through 5 pay for the week on Monday mornings. Each Monday
morning the cafeteria staff is available in the cafeteria from 7:30 AM until
8:15 AM to collect the money.
Eating Lunch with your Child
As a parent, you are not only welcome to, but also encouraged to have lunch with
your child. If a parent is going to eat lunch with a student, we need to know
(with a note to the teacher or a phone call to the office) your lunch choice by
8:30 AM so we may prepare enough food. Siblings are also invited to eat lunch at
school when accompanied by a parent. The cost of lunch for any child not
enrolled at Brooks is $3.00.
If you are eating lunch with your child, he/she may bring one friend to the
lunch table. This way there is plenty of room for all adults who come to eat
with their children. If your child wishes to eat lunch with several friends, you
may sit at the student lunch table.
Charging Lunch
We will continue our no charging policy. If your child forgets to bring lunch
money, he or she may call home for the money. If you cannot or do not bring in
your child’s lunch money, we will provide him or her a nutritious lunch.
Method of Payment
Lunch may be paid for with cash or checks. Effective the last three weeks of the
school year, no checks will be accepted for purchasing lunch. All purchases must
be made with cash during this time period.
CHECKS RETURNED
Each year we receive a number of returned checks. As banks charge the school for
such things, we must pass this cost on to the person responsible for writing
such a check. We will notify you if a check is returned and expect you to pay
for both the bank charge and the amount of the check in cash. Your cooperation
is appreciated.
If there is a problem with collecting money and fees for returned checks, future
checks may not be accepted.
CHILD CUSTODY AND PARENTAL RIGHTS
In most cases when parents are divorced, both mom and dad continue to have equal
rights where their children are concerned. Both parents have the right to school
records, parent conferences, come have lunch with their child, and so forth. The
only exception is if there is a court order (usually a restraining order) that
restricts the custodial and/or educational rights of one parent.
If you have such a court order, the office must have a copy of this court order.
A typical divorce decree that delineates the custodial parent, visitation
rights, and so forth does not deny either spouse educational or visitation
rights at school.
Please note that a divorce decree that lays out hours of visitation by the
non-custodial parent does not preclude this parent from coming to school and
meeting with the child, getting records, and so forth.
The parent who enrolls the child in school is considered to be the custodial
parent in the eyes of the school.
When the child is visiting the non-custodial parent, the exchange of the child
must take place at home, not at school, unless there is written permission from
the custodial parent.
Please do not ask us to not release your child to your spouse without the proper
legal documents. If you have concerns about custody issues, please contact the
administration to discuss these issues. If need be, we will involve the school
board attorney for legal advice.
CIVILITY POLICY
We believe that school and community members should treat one another with
mutual respect at all times. At Brooks there is a commitment to the safety of
the students, staff, and the community. Any individual who disrupts or threatens
to disrupt school or office operations, threatens the health and safety of
students or staff, willfully causes property damage, uses loud and/or offensive
language that could provoke a violent reaction, or who has otherwise established
a pattern of unauthorized entry on school property will be directed to leave the
school promptly by the school principal or other chief administrative
officer.
CLINIC AND MEDICATION PROCEDURES
Illness
Students with contagious infections need to stay home so not to expose others.
If your child is home with a communicable illness, please contact the clinic so
other student’s parents/ guardians may be alerted of symptoms. If your child has
a fever, keep your child at home. If your child comes to the clinic complaining
of being ill, we will contact you and discuss the situation with you. It is our
belief, if a child is too ill to remain at school, he/she should be sent home.
In this event, we will contact you and ask that he/she be picked promptly. If
your child has a temperature and/or is throwing up, you will be expected to take
your child home.
Medication Policy
According to the Fayette County Board of Education Medication Policy,
medications may be administered at school under the following guidelines:
1. All medication should be taken to the clinic and will be administered through
the clinic.
2. If a student has a chronic health problem that requires him or her to
self-medicate as directed by a physician (i.e. asthma inhalers, EPI pins for
allergic reactions), the students will be allowed to do so. We must have a
physician’s note on file in the clinic indicating such, which must be updated
yearly.
3. All medications must be in the original bottles.
4. A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign a School Medication
Authorization Form for all medications (prescriptions and over-the-counter).
This form is available from the clinic and on the Fayette County Board of
Education Web Site (www.fcboe.org).
5. A parent or legal guardian should bring all medications to the clinic. In the
event you cannot, it is your responsibility to notify the school before your
child arrives at school that your child will be bringing medication to school.
The child should bring the medication directly to the clinic.
6. Medications taken on a long-term basis (Ritalin, etc.) must be supported by a
new written request from the physician each school year and must be in its
original container.
7. All unused or discontinued medication should be retrieved from the clinic by
the parent. If not retrieved, the clinic will dispose of the medication.
8. Saline eye drops, antibiotic ointment, lotion to control itching (i.e.
Calamine lotion), alcohol, peroxide, petroleum jelly (i.e. Vaseline), oral
Benzocaine (i.e. Anbesol), and aloe vera gel are routinely used in the school
clinic unless instructed not to in writing by the parent.
9. If you authorize your child to take over-the-counter medication, you must
provide this medication.
Head Lice
Every year children in schools throughout the country come into contact with
head lice. Our school will probably be no exception. Head lice are transmitted
through direct contact such as sharing a comb or a hat.
If you find lice in your child’s hair, please notify the clinic. Your child
should be treated with
medicated shampoo and lice and nits removed manually before returning to school.
In the event we see evidence that your child has head lice, you will be
contacted and asked to take your child home for treatment (medicated shampoo and
manual removal of nits and lice). Proof of treatment or a note from your
physician or health department indicating freedom from head lice should be
brought to school before your child can be readmitted. You may contact your
local Health Department to verify treatment has
been done properly.
Any child who is suspected of having head lice will be treated with the utmost
discretion
When head lice are detected or reported, all other children in the classroom
will be checked by the school clinician. A letter will be sent home explaining
the situation and the need to observe your child carefully.
CLUBS
From time to time, various clubs are offered at Brooks Elementary. To find out
what current clubs are available, check our Web Site at www.brookselementary.org.
DISCIPLINE
Brooks Elementary provides a warm learning environment in which discipline is
consistent, personal, low-keyed, and as matter-of-fact as possible. We strive to
recognize and enhance the personal worth of each student. Our goal is to teach
our students responsibility, self-control, and ways to make appropriate behavior
and educational choices, and ways to accept responsibility for choices made.
If a student disrupts the learning of his class or the environment, the teacher
handles the situation as she or he determines best in her or his professional
judgment considering the needs of the particular child and considering the
interest of the class as a whole.
Our expectation for students is simple: do the right thing. By always doing the
right thing students are given the opportunity to make appropriate choices for
themselves.
Doing the right thing entails three simple ideas.
• Care
• Learn
• Be responsible
Our discipline procedures are age appropriate and designed so that the degree of
discipline will be in proportion to the severity of the behavior leading to the
consequences. The previous discipline history of the student being disciplined
and other relevant factors will be taken into account, and all due process
procedures required by federal and state law will be followed. It is important
that students understand and learn to deal with the consequences of their
behavioral choices.
Typical teacher actions may include signing an accountability log, writing a
behavior action plan, time-out within the classroom or another teacher’s
classroom, a note home to the parents, a parent call or conference. If the
student continually is disruptive, or the teacher deems the student action a
major offense, the student will be sent to the office for administrative
discipline. Consequences at the office level may include administrative
isolation, parental contact, denial of privileges, in-school suspension,
or, on occasion, out-of-school suspension. Parents will be notified of any
office referrals and asked to sign and return a disciplinary form if
appropriate.
Application of School Rules and Procedures
All school rules and procedures apply not only to things that happen at school,
but also at all school functions. The school wide discipline policy will be
adhered to whether on a field trip, after school and night activities, or any
school sponsored function. This also includes times when riding the school bus.
Fayette County Code of Conduct
The Fayette County School System has system-wide policies and consequences
regarding discipline. These policies will be sent home with each student in the
form of the Fayette County Student Code of Conduct.
Please carefully review the contents of this Student Code of Conduct with your
child and then sign and return a form enclosed with this Student Code of
Conduct.
Bus Conduct
Most of our students ride the school bus to and from school. To ride a bus is a
privilege. A student is required to behave in a safe manner in order to be
allowed this privilege. At any time school bus drivers may assign students to
seats. If a discipline problem occurs, the driver may use the Fayette County
Schools Bus Safety Report to write up the discipline problem and turn it over to
an administrator. A bus driver is an authority figure on the bus and should be
treated in a respectful manner by the students. If a student continually
fails to behave in a safe or respectful manner, the student may be denied the
privilege of riding the bus. Students suspended from riding the bus may not ride
another Fayette County bus. It will be the parent’s responsibility to provide
transportation to and from school for the duration of the bus suspension. While
on bus suspension, the student is not suspended from school and is expected to
attend school.
The following are Fayette County Bus Policy Safety Guidelines:
1. Students will follow the directions of the driver at all times.
2. Live animals, glass objects, or items to big to handle are not allowed on
buses.
3. Students will wait for the bus driver’s signal to cross the road in front of
the bus, then
look for traffic.
4. Students will sit safely in their assigned seats
5. Students will keep hands, arms, and heads inside the bus at and not out the
window.
6. Students will talk in quiet voices, and use appropriate language
7. Students will not eat, drink, chew gum or bring tobacco products on the bus
8. Students will safely wait for, board, and exit at their assigned bus stop
9. Students will keep their bus clean
10. Students will be totally silent at all railroad crossings
Bus Safety Tips:
Parents, please discuss these safety tips with your student.
1. If you have to walk along the road to your bus stop, walk on the left side of
the road,
facing traffic. When cars are coming toward you, get well off the road to avoid
the danger of being hit.
2. Be at your bus stop on time and wait for the bus in a safe place off the
road.
3. If it is necessary to cross the road at the bus stop, do so only when the way
is clear
and the bus has stopped. Be sure that all traffic has stopped and look both
ways.
4. Use handrails when entering or leaving the bus.
5. Walk, line up when crossing the road at the bus stop. Cross far enough in
front of the
bus so that you can see the driver and the driver can see you.
6. Take your assigned seat as directed by the bus driver or monitor.
7. Move away from the bus quickly after getting off the bus.
8. Report any misbehavior or vandalism to the bus driver.
9. In the event of an accident or emergency, you may have to evacuate the bus.
Go to a
safe place off the street. Another bus may pick you up, or suitable arrangements
will be made to take you to school or your home.
Progressive Discipline Procedures
When it is necessary to impose discipline, we follow an age appropriate
progressive discipline process. The degree of discipline will be in proportion
to the severity of the behavior and will take into account the student’s
discipline history, the age and the developmental level of the student, and
other relevant factors.
For fifth graders, as the year progresses, we will often refer to the middle
school code of
conduct to help facilitate the transition from elementary to middle school.
DRESS CODE
An official dress code has been adopted by the Fayette County Board of
Education. The code is as follows.
Fayette County School System students are expected to dress and be groomed in
such a way as to reflect neatness, cleanliness, and good taste. Student dress
should not distract or cause disruption in the educational program or orderly
operation of the school. School administrators will be responsible for
determining dress code violations. The principal reserves the right to amend any
provision that he/she deems to be in the best interest of the student or the
educational process.
The following outlines the county school dress:
1. Clothing containing inappropriate language; advertisement of drugs, tobacco
or sex;
suggestive lettering or pictures advocating/glorifying death and/or violence may
not be worn.
2. Transparent or mesh clothing without an appropriate shirt underneath may not
be worn
3. Cleat-type shoes or shoes with skates including “Heelies” or blades may not
be worn.
4. Hats or caps may not be worn inside the building except on designated days.
5. Every student is expected to wear proper undergarments.
6. Shorts may be worn, provided they are not too tight or too short.
Recognizing that there is a difference in the nature and maturity of the
elementary child, the following additional items will be considered
inappropriate for students in the 4th and 5th grades:
1. Pants, shorts, slacks, and skirts of inappropriate size and fit or which have
holes;
2. Pants and slacks that touch the floor;
3. Trench coats;
4. Shirts and/or dresses that do not cover the waist, shoulders and back
(Sleeveless shirts must cover the entire width of the shoulders.)
5. Clothing that is excessively form fitting (i.e., spandex);
6. Head bandannas (although scarves are acceptable); or
7. Wallet chains or other type chains that may be dangerous or disruptive.
Shorts, skirts, and dresses must come to fingertip length. (Please note that if
your child has long legs or short arms, they may have to wear jeans or pants to
school rather than shorts, dresses, or skirts.) Also, shirts must continuously
cover the midriff area even when sitting, stretching, or leaning forward.
FAMILY RIGHTS IN EDUCATION ACT
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C.1232) you have a
right to:
(1) Inspect and review, within 45 days of a request, the educational records of
a student
who is your child. Parents should submit to the principal a written request
identifying the
record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access
and provide notice of such arrangements.
(2) Request the amendment of the student’s education records to ensure that they
are not
inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or
other rights.
To request the school district to amend a record, parents or eligible students
should write
the school principal, specify the part of the record they want changed, and
specify why it
is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or
other rights.
If the district decides not to amend the record, it will notify the parents or
eligible students
of the decision and inform them of their rights to a hearing. Additional
information regarding the hearing procedure will be provided with the
notification of the right to a hearing.
(3) Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in
the student’s
education records, except to the extent that the act authorizes disclosure
without consent.
One exception that permits disclosure without consent is to school officials
with legitimate
educational interest.
The Fayette County School District has designated the following information as
directory information:
(a) Student’s name, address and telephone number;
(b) Student’s date and place of birth;
(c) Student’s participation of official school clubs and sports;
(d) Weight and height of student if he/she is a member of an athletic team;
(e) Dates of attendance at the Fayette County School System; and
(f) Awards received during the time enrolled in Fayette County School System.
You are also notified that from time to time students may be photographed, video
taped, or interviewed by the news media or by a teacher as part of his/her
studies at school or some school activity or event unless you, as a
parent/guardian, object in writing.
Should you wish to withhold any of the above directory information, you must
inform the
principal in writing within 15 days of receiving this school handbook which
directory information you wish to be withheld. Should you not want your child
photographed, videotaped, and or interviewed by the news media at school, you
should inform the principal in writing of your specific requests also within
fifteen days of receiving this handbook.
File with the U.S. Dept of Education a complaint under 20 C.F.R.99.64 concerning
the alleged failures by the FCBOE to comply with the requirements of the Act or
regulations promulgated there under.
The address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Dept. of Education
600 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
FIELD TRIPS
We believe that field trip experiences are an important part of a child’s
educational process. They provide experiences from which a teacher may base, or
extend, many valuable lessons. Therefore, during the year, field trips may be
scheduled for your child. Although two field trips are allowed each year, they
are not required. In order to pay the cost of the trips, parents will be asked
to provide a donation. This donation is strictly voluntary, and no student will
be denied going on the trip because the donation is not paid. Parents wishing to
have their child to participate need only to sign a permission slip and return
it within the set time limit.
If you do not wish your child to participate, alternative assignments and
activities will be
provided at school. When field trips are planned, if enough donations are not
received, then it may be necessary to cancel the trip.
Sometimes grade levels or groups may opt to do an “in house” field trip. These
are usually more cost effective, and provide an equally valuable educational
experience for the students.
FLOWERS AND BALLOONS FOR STUDENTS
Parents are requested not to send balloons and/or flowers to students at school.
These items cannot be transported home on the bus. They are also a distraction
in the classroom and interrupt the learning environment.
INSURANCE
Student accident insurance is offered to all students at the beginning of each
school year.
If you do not purchase the insurance at that time, it may be purchased through
the school
office after school begins. Information will be sent home the first day of
school.
LOST AND FOUND
We encourage students to assume responsibility for personal belongings,
textbooks, and other school property. We do, however, provide an area for lost
and found items. Personal belongings can be returned more quickly when they have
the student’s name on them. Periodically, if these items are not claimed, they
are sent to various charitable organizations. This is usually done around the
holidays and at the end of the year. We encourage you to check the lost and
found box periodically for missing items.
MAKE-UP WORK
Providing make-up work for students who are absent interrupts instructional time
for everyone who is present at school; therefore, we ask that you request
make-up work only for students who will be absent more than two days and that
these requests come through the office. Please call the school by 8:30 AM if you
desire the work.
The teacher will be happy to have make-up work ready to be picked up in the
office at 2:30 PM or you may request it be sent home with another student in our
school. Please do not plan to pick it up in the middle of the school day.
Students who are absent only one or two days will be given make-¬up assignments
when they return to school.
MEDIA CENTER
Books are available to students on a checkout basis for a period of one week. It
is the
responsibility of the student to return the borrowed materials and books on the
due date.
If a book is lost or stolen while in the student’s possession, it is the student
or parent’s
responsibility to pay for the missing item. You may contact the media center if
you have questions.
MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION
Senate Bill 396 provides for a mandated moment of silent reflection to be
observed daily in all public schools. In compliance with the law, the staff and
students of Brooks Elementary observe this moment of silent reflection every
morning on the daily broadcast. All students and staff are to remain quiet for
that time period.
OFFICE AND CLINIC CARDS
At the beginning of each school year, we ask you to fill out office cards and
clinic cards so
that we may strive to keep your children safe and to keep you informed. Please
make certain all business/ work/ cell phone numbers are on these cards. In
addition, we will need emergency contact numbers in case we can’t get in touch
with you.
Notify us of any changes in any of these as your situation changes.
PARENT VISITS AND CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS
Although we encourage parent visitations, we ask that anyone visiting the
school, for any purpose, go directly to the school office to sign in and get
information and instructions. This is imperative for your child’s safety as well
as the safety of all the students at Brooks Elementary. All parents must sign in
and get a visitor’s sticker as well as let someone in the office know the
purpose of your visit. Under no circumstances is a parent to go directly to the
classroom or anywhere in the building without first checking in at the front
office. We appreciate your cooperation with this procedure. We must all work
together to keep our students safe! Many times, parents request to observe
their child’s class. We will be happy to arrange this visit for you, although it
will be limited to a period of thirty minutes. This observation must be
coordinated through the principal.
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
Brooks’ parents and teachers actively support the school through PTO. You can
support your school by joining and participating in PTO. There are four PTO
sponsored meetings throughout the year, along with several PTO sponsored events.
The PTO provides monetary support for the school through various fundraisers.
PARTY INVITATIONS
In an effort to maintain good relations among students, party invitations may
only be passed out in school if the entire class or all of the same gender in a
class receive an invitation. Invitations for only a portion of the class or to
individuals in other classrooms must be sent through the U.S. Mail. No
invitations may be passed out on the bus.
PETS AND LIVE ANIMALS
Animals of any type may not be brought to school without prior approval of the
teacher and administration. Their presence at school must serve an instructional
purpose. They may not be transported on the school bus. Parents must transport
animals to and from school and be responsible at all times to keep the animal
from harming or frightening other students.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Students may be asked at times to bring personal items from home for things like
Show and Tell. If the item enhances their educational growth, then this is
permitted. We ask that the students bring their item in a paper bag or book bag
if they are riding the bus. These items should not be played with on the bus or
at school unless the teacher allows it. We recommend that parents transport
personal items when possible.
Students should not bring toys, electronic devices or other items to school.
These items are not allowed on the bus or in After School. This is to prevent
such items from getting lost or taken. If a student does bring such items to
school, he or she may have the item taken up. The parent may retrieve the item.
For the most part, backpacks are on hooks outside the classrooms. The school can
not be held responsible for lost or missing items.
REPORTING PROCEDURES
Report Cards and Progress Reports
Fayette County Schools operate on a semester system with each semester divided
into two nine-week grading periods for elementary schools. All students except
Pre-K students receive a report card each nine weeks and a progress report each
four and a half weeks.
The following are the dates of the grading periods.
September 12, 2011 1st progress report
October 17, 2011 1st report card
November 15, 2011 2nd progress report
January 5, 2012 2nd report card
February 8, 2012 3rd progress report
March 20, 2012 3rd report card
April 26, 2012 4th progress report
May 25, 2012 4th report card
Grading Scale
The following are the grading scales for the particular grade levels.
Kindergarten and First grades:
4 = Working above grade level standards
3= Working at grade level standards independently
2 = Working at grade level standards with accommodations
1 = Working below grade level standards with accommodations
* Nor formally assessed
S = Satisfactory
NI = Needs Improvement
Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth grades:
A+ 98-100 C+ 78-79
A 93-97 C 73-77
A- 90-92 C- 71-72
B+ 88-89 D 70
B 83-87 F Below 70
B- 80-82
4 = Working above grade level standards
3 = Working at grade level standards independently
2 = Working at grade level standards with accommodations
1 = Working below grade level standards with accommodations
* Not formally assessed
S Satisfactory
NI Needs Improvement
Report cards are the legal document of the school system. We consider these
reports to be extremely important and desire that every parent review them with
their child. In order for the school to know that they have been reviewed by the
parent, you are asked to sign and return the report card to school no later than
two days after they have been sent home.
Promotion Policy
Students in grades K-2 will be promoted after demonstrating 70% mastery of the
objectives in the Fayette County language arts and math curriculum. Students in
grades 3-5 must additionally demonstrate 70% mastery of the objectives in the
Fayette County social studies and science curriculum. Certain special education
students are promoted by showing mastery of their yearly goals on their
Individual Education Plan (IEP).
In addition, the state requires that students in grade 3 must pass the reading
portion of the Georgia CRCT in order to be promoted. Students in grade 5 must
pass both the reading and the math portions of the Georgia CRCT to be promoted.
The parents and students in these grade levels will receive more detailed
information about this once school starts.
According to Fayette County Board policy, students who are absent 15 days or
more during the school year may be retained in that grade unless a note from a
physician or the health department verifies the absences.
Students in danger of failing a grade will be notified by phone call and/or in
writing with
the Fayette County Elementary Deficiency Report. A Tier Meeting will be set up
to discuss the matter and recommend interventions. The team (which consists of
an administrator, the parents, the teacher, the counselor, and other needed
personnel) will make the final recommendation about promotion and retention.
If a parent wishes to discuss the possibility of retaining their child who is
not failing, the
teacher should be notified. The teacher will then begin the process of setting
up a Tier Meeting.
The pros and cons of this decision will be weighed, and the team will make the
final recommendation about promotion or retention.
The final decision about promotion and retention rests with the building level
principal.
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Communication and cooperation between the student, the teacher, and the parent
is essential. Brooks promotes an open door policy. Your child’s teacher will be
happy to discuss your child’s progress, your concerns and any questions you may
have. Our common goal is to help your child.
You may request a conference with your child’s teacher at any time through phone
calls and/or notes.
Required Conferences
October is set up as parent/ teacher conference month, and your child’s teacher
will be in contact with you to arrange a required face-to-face conference. The
date of this conference is required documentation for the teacher.
In addition, your presence will be requested for various meetings such as Tier
meetings, IEP reviews, and so forth.
Drop in Conferences and Questions for the Teacher
The classroom teacher’s job is to educate your child as well as all of the
students in his or
her classroom. We do ask that you not interrupt class to ask a teacher a
question or pop in first thing in the morning, as each teacher has a
responsibility to the entire class. All teachers have a planning time and are
available from 2:35 PM - 3:15 PM each day. Please make an appointment to talk
with your child’s teacher so your child’s teacher can focus on your needs and
concerns.
We request that you not contact a teacher at home unless the teacher gives you
her home number.
Teachers have many responsibilities at home. If they desire to take calls at
home, they will provide you with a telephone number.
Conferences with the Administration and Counselor
At Brooks Elementary, our door is always open. If you have a need to see the
counselor or the administration, we will see you unless we have a previous
commitment. If we are busy, we will gladly schedule a conference with you at
your convenience.
SALES BY STUDENTS
Students are not allowed to sell any ticket or merchandise at school without
permission from the administration. This includes Girl Scout and Boy Scout
items.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
In the event of school closing, WSB radio and television stations will be
notified and
announcements will be made. The important thing to remember is to tune in to one
of these stations.
The announcements will be broadcast and repeated continuously. You may also
check the Fayette County Board of Education website (www.fcboe.org) for similar
information.
If we have to close school in the middle of the day, you should have a plan in
place with your child for this type of emergency and this information should be
made known in writing to your child’s teacher at the beginning of the school
year.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
As mandated by Georgia House Bill 1187, Brooks Elementary has a School Council
consisting of two parents, two business people, two teachers, and the principal.
The School Council provides an avenue of communication and support between the
school, the parents, and the community. Through these meetings, the School
Council provides a venue for sharing ideas for school improvement. The School
Council sets
meeting dates and these dates, along with meeting agenda and minutes will be
available for the public. Elections for vacant positions will be held as needed.
SCHOOL PARTIES
Winter Holidays, Valentine’s Day, and the end-of-the-year parties are given for
each class and are organized by the Room Parent in conjunction with the
classroom teacher. These parties should be limited to 1 hour. The parties are
not meant to be a big extravaganza. Please clear all party arrangements with
your child’s teacher before in advance of any party. You may be contacted during
the year to help with
one of the parties.
Kindergarten through second grades also may have an egg hunt. For other
holidays, light refreshments may be served for a short period of time if the
teacher chooses to do so but should be limited to 15 minutes.
If you would like to send a treat for a special occasion, such as a birthday,
please seek prior approval of the teacher. You should leave the treat in the
office and the teacher will distribute the item at the appropriate time.
Sometimes parents want to celebrate certain occasions. This first should be
cleared through your child’s teacher. We have to remember that certain types of
celebrations are reserved for certain grades, and we would not like to take away
the specialness of these celebrations by doing the same, or similar, things in
prior years. In addition, certain things that are done in younger grades do not
need to be repeated in later years
SCHOOL PICTURES AND YEARBOOKS
School pictures will be taken three times during the school year. The first set
of pictures taken close to the beginning of the school year will include
individual poses. These will be the pictures that will be in our school
yearbook. A second school picture will be taken in the spring. These pictures
will include both individual and class pictures. Holiday poses will be offered
to students and their families.
Yearbooks will go on sale in the fall. This is done on a presale basis. The
yearbooks will arrive back in time for distribution in May. If there are
leftover yearbooks, people who did not preorder them may buy one until all are
sold. The yearbooks will be sold on a first come, first served basis. The
purchase of class pictures or yearbooks is always optional.
SCHOOL PROPERTY
All textbooks, library books, and other media materials that are loaned to
students during the year are the property of the Fayette County Board of
Education. Students are expected to take proper care of all loaned materials and
make restitution for materials if they are damaged, lost or stolen. The school
will not issue new textbooks or allow a student to check out library books until
the student either returns the materials, or pays for lost or damaged materials.
SCHOOL STORE
The school will operate a school store that will be open each morning before
school. Composition books, pencils, erasers, file folders, and other items are
sold as a convenience to students. Please help your child understand that lunch
money is not to be used at the school store.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT / BULLYING
All students have the right to an education free from sexual harassment or
intimidation. This includes unwelcome touching as well as bullying or
threatening. Sexual advances/ comments and bullying will not be tolerated and
will be dealt with firmly. If a student feels his or her rights have been
violated, either the student and/or his or her parents should report this to the
administration immediately. There will be no repercussions for such complaints.
If you do not feel satisfied with the results, you may utilize the Fayette
County Board of Education policies.
SNACKS
If your child’s teacher has a snack period, your child may bring a nutritious
snack and/ or
drink from home. Students are permitted to have water bottles with them as long
as it does not become a distraction.
Please remember gum is not a snack and not to be chewed on school grounds unless
approved by the administration.
STANDARDIZED TESTS
Fayette County administers the following standardized tests. A brief description
follows with the grades and dates of administration. As you plan your family
calendar, please make every effort to have your child here for these important
tests.
• Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) – measures intellectual potential and is used
for
educational planning. It is used as one measure to qualify for the enrichment
program.
• Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (GKIDS) – an ongoing
diagnostic
formative assessment that provides teachers with information about a student’s
developing skills in language arts math, social studies, science,
social/emotional development and approaches to learning. Students are assessed
all year and a summary of student performance will be provided at the end of the
kindergarten school year. It is also used to determine eligibility into the
Early Intervention Program (EIP).
• Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) – a state developed standardized
test
administered to all third through fifth grade students which gives an indication
of mastery
of the state curriculum. Data is used for diagnostic purposes and educational
planning. It
is also used to determine eligibility for the Early Intervention Program (EIP).
• Writing Assessment – a state developed test to assess each student’s writing
skills.
Student’s compositions are evaluated in the area of content/organization, style,
and grammar usage/mechanics. It is graded through the use of a rubric. The
results are used for diagnostic purposes and educational planning.
• Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) – a norm referenced test that compares your
child to
students in his/her class, grade, school, school system, and nation. The results
of this test
are used for educational planning. It also determines eligibility for the Early
Intervention
Program (EIP). Additionally, it serves as one qualifier for the enrichment
program.
STANDARDIZED TESTING DATES
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
Kindergarten – March 27-29, 2012
Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
Grade 3 – September 19-23, 2011
Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT)
Grades 3-5 – April 11-17, 2012
Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills – ongoing formative/
summative performance
assessment August 9, 2011 – May 1, 2012
TELEPHONE
Student Use of the Telephone
The school phone is a business phone and is to be used for that purpose. No
student will be allowed to use the phone unless given permission by the teacher
and office personnel. If a student is sick, the clinic worker will call the
parent pick up the student. If your child
calls you to tell you he or she is sick, make sure the child has visited the
clinic and you
have talked to the clinic worker.
A student cannot be called out of class to talk on the phone except in the case
of an emergency.
Students will not be allowed to use the phone to make arrangements to go home
with a friend after they have arrived at school. It is important that you (the
parent) talk with an adult in the office, if you change the transportation of
your child. A note must be written to the teacher and a pass received from the
office to change the child’s transportation.
Student Cell Phone Use Students should not have cell phones or other electronic
communication devices at school or on the bus. They not only may cause a
disruption, but also can be a distraction to either the child or to other
children. If as a parent you feel your child should have a cell phone, contact
the administration to develop a mutually agreeable plan. It is important that
you let the administration know of your desire for your child to have a cell
phone at school.
Please note that the school can not be held responsible for lost or missing cell
phones or
other electronic communication devices as book bags remain in the hallways
unsecured.
Brooks Elementary Phone System
Keeping the lines of communication open and easily accessible between home and
school is very important. To better serve our parents, we have a phone system
that allows you quick and easy access to your desired party.
You may dial the following extensions to reach these specific people:
Front desk 0
Student Information
/ Attendance Clerk 222
Cafeteria 229
Clinic 228
ASP 238
Media Center 233
Counselor 231
Secretary 227
Gym Office 230
If the person you are calling is away from his or her desk, you may leave a
voicemail and
your call will be returned.
We ask that you do not leave transportation changes on voicemail. All
transportation
changes must be given directly to a live person for the safety of your child.
Teachers do not have direct lines in the classrooms. However, they do have
voicemail.
You may leave a message for them at any time, and they will return your call.
SMOKE FREE CAMPUS
Fayette County Schools maintain a smoke free campus. This includes the building
as well
as the school grounds. All parents that accompany students on field trips are
expected to
maintain the same smoke free environment while with the students on the trip.
SPECIAL CLASSES - CAMP
Computer, Art, Music, Physical Education instruction is provided weekly to all
students.
Certified instructors who have a great deal of expertise in these areas teach
these classes.
SPECIAL NEEDS
If your child has any special needs of which the school should be aware, please
do not
hesitate to notify us. We have a full time clinic worker and a school counselor
who are
more than willing to listen and help in any way possible. The administration is
also here to
help you with any special issues and concerns.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES/ CLUBS
Faculty members, grade levels, and parents sponsor a variety of student
activities. Below
is a brief description of currently offered activities. As others become
available, you will
be notified. The After School Program may offer additional A-special classes in
which your child may enroll.
Reading Counts (RC) All 1st – 5th grade students are invited to participate in
the Reading Counts Program. Students read designated books and take a
comprehension test on the computer.
For each test takes, students may earn points towards a goal. Goals will be set
at the
beginning of the school year. Check with your child’s teacher to see your
student’s progress towards his or her goal.
Band: Band will be offered to any interested fifth grade student willing to
commit to a minimum of one semester. This will be sponsored by a secondary band
director and will be from 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM during 5th grade CAMP time. Once
school starts, fifth grade students will be given specific information about
days of the week and other pertinent information.
Reading Invitational: This is a competition offered to fourth and fifth grade
students.
Students read from a list of books and are then involved in a grade level
competition. Fourth and fifth grade students will receive more specific
information once school starts.
Book It: Pizza Hut sponsors this program for all students in grades K - 5.
Students who read four books within a month between October and March are given
a coupon for a Personal Pan Pizza.
Braves Straight “A” Program: Students in designated grades who make all A’s on
their report card for the first semester will receive tickets to a Braves game.
Broadcasting: Fourth and/or fifth grade students work with the media specialist
to produce a daily morning broadcast. Students involved in this must report to
the media center by 7:30 AM.
Chorus: Chorus is offered to interested third through fifth grade students. The
students are selected for chorus based on space and audition. These students
perform at a variety of functions including holiday and spring concerts.
Flag Bearers: These students raise and take down the flag each day.
Math Bowl: Students in fourth and fifth grade may participate in the Math Bowl,
a competition devised to challenge student’s math abilities. Classroom teams
participate in a school level contest.
The winners then go to the county competition.
Orchestra: Orchestra will be offered to any interested fifth grade student
willing to commit
to a minimum of one semester. This will be sponsored by a secondary band
director and will be from 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM during 5th grade CAMP time. Once
school starts, fifth grade students will be given specific information about
days of the week and other pertinent information.
Read to Succeed: Students who document 600 minutes of reading during a specified
period will earn Six Flags tickets.
Recitation: All interested students are invited to memorize a poem to recite.
Each grade level will send home information about how students are selected
within each class. Each class will have two students who will participate in our
school level contest.
Recyclers: Students interested in recycling may participate in the recycling
club.
Safety Patrol: Fifth grade students are selected for safety patrol based on
previous conduct, grades, and teacher recommendation. These students help
monitor the safety of the school.
Science Olympiad: Teams of students in grades three through five are selected to
work together and participate in a county level Science Olympiad event. You will
receive information about how these teams are organized once school begins.
Student Council: Students in grades three through five will be given an
opportunity to run for the student council representative for their class. The
purpose of the student council is to facilitate communication and provide
leadership opportunities for these students.
25 Book Reading Campaign: All students in grade 4-5 are required to read a
minimum of 25 books throughout the year. This is a state requirement as part of
the Georgia Performance Standards. These books will be documented on a card and
this card will be kept in the student’s permanent record file.
Clubs/activities sponsored by nonschool personnel maybe offered. Appropriate
information will be sent out at the formation of these clubs/activities.
However, please note that all of these clubs/activities must have one
representative from the school at each meeting. If you are interested in
sponsoring a club or activity, please contact the administration to discuss
logistics.
Details about any activities for students will be forthcoming once the school
year begins or at the onset of the activity. If you have any questions, please
don’t hesitate to call your child’s teacher for information.
STUDENT/PARENT GRIEVANCES
In accordance with policy set forth by the Fayette County Board of Education, it
is the policy of Brooks Elementary School that students and parents have the
right to present and resolve problems and grievances relating to matters
affecting the student at the lowest organizational level possible.
Brooks Elementary School encourages all students and parents to resolve issues
informally and in the spirit of cooperation and trust whenever possible. If such
efforts do not succeed, students and parents have the right to pursue this
procedure.
1. The student/ parent shall present their concerns to the teacher, staff
member, or administrator with whom the student/ parent has the concern.
2. If the situation cannot be resolved, the student/ parent should present it to
the assistant
principal.
3. If the assistant principal cannot resolve the situation, it should be turned
over to the
principal for final dispensation.
It is our hope to address all concerns with the best interest of the children at
Brooks Elementary School in mind.
STUDENT/ PARENT SUPPORT SERVICES
The following are student support resources/programs that are available to
students.
CARE Team: The Children At Risk in Education Team (CARE) is designed to
facilitate and coordinate resources of the community to deal with issues of
at-risk students in our schools. The Fayette County Schools CARE program is a
collaborative effort between the community and schools to provide opportunities,
which enhance the well being of our students.
Counseling Program: The three areas of responsibility in the Counseling Program
are counseling, guidance, and consultation. The counselor meets with
individuals, small groups, and entire classrooms.
Topics that are covered include self-understanding; decision-making; friendship
and peer relations; personal safety, including all types of abuse; career
awareness and school success.
The counselor meets with small groups with similar needs. In order for a student
to participate in small groups, the parent must sign permission for the child to
attend.
The counselor meets with individuals on an as needed basis. You may request for
the counselor to talk with your child about certain issues.
The counselor is also here for you, the parent. Feel free to call her at any
point with questions, comments, and concerns.
All children learn about child abuse through a series of age appropriate county
approved programs.
Students in grade 5 also begin learning about human growth and development. Call
the counselor if you have any questions about this.
ARM: After school Reading and Math serves designated students who have deficits
in reading and/or math and who meet eligibility requirements. Students can apply
and are chosen based on availability to attend classes on various days from 2:45
– 3:45. Parents must provide transportation home or enroll in the After School
Program.
DARE: Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) provided to all fifth grade
students for a portion of the school year and is coordinated and taught by the
Sheriff’s Department.
EIP: Early Intervention Program serves students in first through fifth grade who
have deficits in reading and math and meet the county criteria.
Enrichment: Students meeting eligibility for the gifted program are provided
classes on a regular basis during the school day. In order to qualify for the
gifted program, the student must meet the state criteria for three of the
following areas: cognitive ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation.
Students can be referred for consideration for the enrichment program by the
teacher, the parent, by themselves, by obtaining certain scores on some
standardized achievement tests, and other ways as well. Information is available
at the school about this program.
EYP: The Extended Year Program serves students in third and fifth grade who have
failed the CRCT.
Classes maybe offered to first, fourth and second grader students weak in
reading or math depending on availability. Classes are offered during the summer
at selected elementary schools. Students can apply and will be chosen based on
eligibility and availability.
Homebound: Serves students absent for extended periods due to physical inability
to attend classes.
Homebound teachers see students on a regular basis and provide these students
academic services.
Lottery Pre-K: Serves up to 20 students who meet eligibility. Students attend
during regular school hours and are taught by a certified teacher.
Response to Intervention (RTI) and Pyramid of Interventions (POI):
Response to Intervention (RTI) and our Pyramid of Interventions (POI) provide a
framework for us to ask the following questions:
• Are our kids learning?
• How do we know what they are learning? And most importantly,
• What are we prepared to do when they do not learn or they already know what is
to be learned?
With RTI and the POI, we have a four-tiered process to systematically develop
and deliver instructional and behavioral interventions to struggling learners as
well as extremely high-level learners. It provides us with a common focus and a
common language regarding instructional practices and interventions. It can
serve as a way to explore all avenues to assist students in their learning
process.
The essential components of our POI and RTI include the following:
• providing scientific, research based instruction and interventions in the
general education
classroom;
• monitoring a student’s progress in response to these changes in instruction
and interventions;and
• using this information to shape instruction and make educational decisions.
Tier 1 is Standards-Based Classroom Teaching and Learning. It consists of high
quality instructional and behavioral support that is provided for all students
in general education. This includes implementing the Georgia performance
Standards (GPS) using research-based instructional practices, adjusting
instruction to meet student needs, and monitoring student progress on a regular
basis. Parents are notified of concerns related to their child’s academic or
behavioral struggles. If students still struggle or they need a more enriched
curriculum, Tier 2 instruction is recommended.
Tier 2 is Needs Based Teaching and Learning. Students receive more specialized
interventions, remediation, acceleration, and enhancement within the general
education setting. The “Success Team” work collaboratively to formalize
interventions in addition to Tier 1 instruction. If indicators suggest a need
for greater academic challenge, students will be assessed for gifted services.
Otherwise, the teacher, remedial teachers, connection teachers, or others
generally provide Tier 2 instruction
in small groups. Monitoring of the student’s progress is increased. As always,
communication with parents is vital, and the school’s intervention plan must be
communicated to parents. Should the student continue to show lack of progress or
failure to thrive academically and/or socially and need more specialized
instruction, Tier 3 level instruction is considered.
Tier 3 is Student Support Team (SST) Driven Teaching and Learning. At this point
the SST reviews the student’s progress and generally plans for more intensive
and systematic instruction. Individualized assessments and evaluations are used
to tailor interventions to the specific needs of a child. The interventions are
provided one-on-one, in small groups, or in classes (based on gifted assessment)
developed to accelerate learning and provide greater challenge. This instruction
is more frequent and
for longer periods of time. Progress monitoring is implemented more frequently
to determine continued instructional interventions.
If, with all the interventions and intensive instruction provided, the data
indicates a student still shows lack of appropriate academic or behavioral
progress, Tier 4 interventions are considered.
Tier 4 is Individually Designed Teaching and Learning. At this point, the
student is referred for specialized programs through special education. Grade or
subject-area acceleration may be considered for learners demonstrating the need
and readiness. Other students may require adapted content and
instructional delivery while still having access to the general curriculum.
Second Step: Second Step is a school-wide character education and bullying
prevention program coordinated through the CARE team and implemented daily by
the classroom teachers. Students develop character skills and motivation to live
positive, healthy, productive lives by participating in activities centered on
character traits. These character traits are continually reinforced throughout
the school.
Special Education: A special teacher serves special Education- students with
specific learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, behavioral disorders,
and speech/language deficits. Placement into the program requires a referral, a
comprehensive evaluation, an eligibility meeting, and staffing into program via
an Individual Educational Plan.
Student Support Team (SST): When teachers or parents find students in need of
extra support for learning, with social situations, and/ or with emotional
concerns, teachers or parents may refer the child to the Brooks Elementary
Student Support Team. This is a group of interested stakeholders who brainstorm
strategies to help increase the student’s success at school. This group could
include the following people – the parents, an administrator, classroom teacher
(s), other staff members with knowledge of
the student, members of the special education staff, the school counselor, and/
or the school psychologist. Initial student concerns will follow the RTI
process. Anyone interested in convening a Student Support Team meeting,
including parents, should contact the assistant principal to set up the meeting.
STUDENT USE OF INTERNET AND SCHOOL COMPUTERS
The students at Brooks Elementary School have access to computers and the
Internet within the classroom, the media center, and the computer lab. Students
are to respect the computers at all times and may not change the settings on the
computers or interfere with saved files. Students are not allowed to use the
computers except under the specific direction of a teacher. Use of the Internet
is considered a component
of our school system’s instructional program.
Internet use will be very closely monitored and supervised by the faculty. The
Internet is to be used for instructional purposes only. Although this usage will
be closely monitored, we realize students may accidentally get into an
inappropriate web site. If so, the student is to immediately close that site and
to immediately tell the faculty member what happened. If a student purposely
goes where he or she should not go, computer use will be terminated for a period
of time. Other disciplinary action may take place.
Each student and faculty member has been given various passwords. It is
important these passwords be kept confidential at all times. Students should not
share these passwords with other students to check out books, take AR tests,
access an account from the lunchroom, or any other password related activity.
These are considered computer trespass and will be dealt with as such.
If someone accidentally finds out or hears another person’s password, this
person has an obligation to tell that person and to go to the appropriate adult
involved for help.
The school system has a safety filter, as required by law and updates this
filter regularly.
Unfortunately the filter is not fool proof. It is extremely important that
students report
accidental access to inappropriate websites so we take appropriate action to
block such websites.
We take student safety seriously including internet safety. Students are
instructed on the proper usage of computers, passwords, and the Internet and it
is expected that students will always do the right thing when using a computer.
THREATS
For all students to learn and grow, school must provide a safe, positive,
supportive environment.
Current events suggest that ensuring such an environment is a task that requires
a strict, no nonsense approach to any deeds or words that reflect violence or
intimidation any form.
Brooks Elementary School will react to all written and/or verbal threats,
implied or direct. The school discipline action will be immediate especially if
it is deemed the student has the capability of carrying out such threats.
Consequences for these incidences may range from time out in the office to out
of school suspension.
All incidences will be reported to the parents of all students involved. Parents
may be asked to come in for a follow up conference. Incidences may be reported
to the police and/ or the sheriff’s department.
WEAPONS POLICY
It shall be unlawful for any person to carry to or to possess or have under
control any weapon within a school safety zone or at a school building, school
function, or on school property or on a bus or other transportation furnished by
the school.
The term weapon means and includes an pistol, revolver, or any weapon designed
or intended to propel a missile of any kind, or any dirk, bowie knife,
switchblade knife, ballistic knife, any other knife having a blade of three or
more inches, straight-edge razor, spring stick, metal knucks, blackjack, or any
flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a
manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as nun chahka, nun
chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or
fighting chain, or any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two
points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which
may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, or any weapon of like kind, or
any stun gun or taser as defined on O.C.G.A. #16-11-106.
A juvenile who violates this shall be subject to the provision of O.C.G.A.
#15-11-37.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
It is the policy of the Fayette County Board of Education not to discriminate
against any student or employee on the basis of race, creed, national origin,
gender or handicap and will provide a free and appropriate work environment to
each employee and student within its jurisdiction.
It is the intent of the Fayette County Board of Education to ensure students and
employees who are handicapped within the definition of Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1073, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA), the American Disabilities Act (ADA), and Title IX regulations are
identified, evaluated and provided for with appropriate educational services and
/or working conditions. Students and employees may be defined as handicapped
under any of the above listed laws
or regulations.
The Fayette County Board of Education has a contact coordinator in each of these
areas listed below.
IDEA Coordinator Director of Special Education 770-460-3911
Section 504 Coordinator Director of Pupil Personnel Services 770-460-3990 Ext.
159
Title IX Coordinator Assistant Superintendent of Operations 770-460-3990- Ext.
133
ADA Coordinator Director of Human Resources 770-460-3535
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