Welcome

Dear Parents,

The administration, faculty, and staff welcome you and your child to Southside Elementary School. We are pleased that you have chosen to become part of our school team.

This handbook provides information about rules, policies, and student responsibilities that are designed to guide your child through a successful school year. Please read and discuss the information with your child. For further explanation, you may need to refer to the Pittsylvania County Elementary Handbook.

If you have questions regarding any portion of this handbook, please contact us (836-0006) at your convenience. We look forward to meeting you and working with you toward a quality education for all of the children of Southside Elementary School.

Sincerely,

Todd Sease, Principal
Regina Majied, Assistant Principal

Attendance Regulations

Every parent of a child age 5 to 18 shall be required to send their child to school. Any person who induces or attempts to induce any child to be absent unlawfully from school or who knowingly employs or harbors, while school is in session, any child absent unlawfully shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor. (Virginia Public Law 22.1-254/22.1-265)

Absences and Tardies

1. Parents or guardians must inform the school that the student is going to be absent by calling the school at 836-0006. If the school does not receive such communication, the attendance clerk will call the student's parent or guardian as required by state law.
2. Students are considered tardy if they enter the building after 8:10 a.m.
3. If tardy, an adult should escort the child to the office and sign him/her in. DO NOT USE THE BUS LANE AS PARKING OR AS A DROP OFF.
4. Absences will be excused on the basis of verified contact with the parent or guardian within 48 hours and for the following reasons:
a. Illness
b. Quarantine
c. Death in Family
d. Medical appointments
e. Court proceedings
f. Religious observances
g. Educational opportunities - The form required for this absence must be submitted to the principal two weeks prior to the trip.
5. Students who are absent excessively (10 absences) shall be investigated fully and given special treatment by school personnel. Absences in excess of ten will require a doctor's note for each day of absence.
6. Students who are absent are expected to make up the work missed upon their return. It is the responsibility of the student, parent, and teacher to initiate make-up work.

Breakfast and Lunch

Students may eat breakfast and lunch at school. Students delivered by car must be dropped off by 8:00 a.m. so that they will have time to eat breakfast and report to their homeroom by 8:10 a.m. In order to establish a routine for lunch, we ask that parents refrain from lunch or breakfast visitation until September 22, 2008.

The USDA and the Virginia Department of Education regulation states that no one is allowed to sell, give away, or make available to students, foods that compete with breakfast or lunch programs such as McDonalds, Wendy's, etc. Additionally, breakfasts and lunches brought from home should be well-balanced and nutritious.

Crisis Management

For the safety of our students and staff, we have developed a comprehensive crisis management plan for our school. The plan is updated and reviewed by the staff yearly. The students, in the event of an extreme emergency, will be relocated and parents notified.

Early Dismissal

When a student must leave school early, the parent or guardian must send a signed note of explanation. The parent or authorized adult must have the office staff call the student to the office at the time of the dismissal and enter the appropriate information in the Dismissal Release Notebook. The office staff will not call ahead to have a child waiting for a parent to arrive.

The school will not release a child to anyone other than parents, legal guardians, or persons whose names appear on the Student Pick-up Permission Form. If the person is unknown to office staff, identification will be checked.

If a student is to have an alternate means of transportation, a note must be sent to verify the address of the destination. A change in your child's transportation by phone is discouraged. The administrator or his designee will request of the parent or guardian a facsimile of their request before approval can be granted. If a student is to go home with a friend, both parents are required to send notes allowing permission. The principal or his designee will phone both parents for approval. This procedures have been established for the safety and well-being of your child.

Emergency Form

An emergency form will be sent home with each child at the beginning of school. Complete a form for each child you have in school. Be certain the school knows of any changes and can reach you at any time in the event of an emergency. It is imperative that the Emergency Form be updated when addresses or phone numbers change.

Emergency Procedure

ALERT NOW is an automated service used by Pittsylvania County Schools to notify parents in the event of an emergency. Parents will be provided an opportunity to register for this service at the beginning of the school year or change any information from the previous year.

Field Trips

Classroom teachers, with the approval of the principal, may schedule field trips. Field trip participation requires parental permission. The school acquires such permission through the use of parent signed permission slips. Please note the day the permission slip is due at school and have it delivered in a timely manner. Field trips are optional, and not all grade levels may take field trips.

Fundraisers

The school participates in several fundraisers that assist the school and PTO in raising funds for our students and improvements to the school plant. We ask that each family participate in these fundraisers. The PTO collects Box Tops for Education and Tyson labels as a yearly fundraiser. Additional information regarding other fundraising activities will be provided at the beginning of the school year.

Grading

See the Pittsylvania County Elementary Handbook for further explanation.

Health Records

The school is responsible for maintaining student health records for each child. Each file will contain the following:
a. A physical examination form completed by a licensed physician, dated no earlier than 12 months prior to entrance in a public school.
b. A certificate from a licensed physician certifying that the student has had the required immunizations.
c. A birth certificate number verifying the student's age.

Homework

Homework is a part of the school program and every student is held accountable. Homework is used to reinforce concepts taught during the day. Students should be able to complete their assignments with little difficulty. If there is difficulty, please contact the teacher. In addition to written homework, each student is expected to read a book of their choice or an assigned reading for at least 20 minutes each evening. Parents are asked to sign the Read and Respond form nightly so that your child and their classmates can be rewarded. As an incentive to complete the Read and Respond forms, contests are held each eight weeks.

Weekly homework newsletters or homework planners are provided by each teacher. The newsletters or planners are used as a means of organization and communication for the week's lessons. Please have your child use it every day. Please remember that the assignments may change as the week progresses. It is the responsibility of the student to record homework assignments.

Insurance

Information concerning accident insurance will be sent home during the first week of school. The purchase of this insurance is optional.

Medicines at School

We prefer not to administer medicine at school. However, if we must administer medicine during school hours, the parent must complete a medication permission form, and the parent must bring the medication to the school in the original container. Students may not bring medicine of any kind to school. Cough drops are considered medicine and must be dispensed through the nurse's office. The school will not administer any medications without the permission form.

Moment of Silence/Pledge of Allegiance (IE-PC)(IEA-PC)

The school recognizes a moment of silence and participates in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. It is requested that all students observe this moment of silence for reflection, prayer, or meditation, as well as the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Visitors are also asked to respectfully observe this time.

Parent Visitation

Parents are always welcome to visit; however, to protect instructional time and prevent unauthorized persons from entering a classroom, parents must check in through the office. The principal or designee will assist the parents who wish to visit. It will be helpful if you call in advance and arrange for a time to come. In doing so, the teacher will be able to secure a time which is convenient. A visitor's badge, given by the office, must be worn at all times and returned to the office upon departure.

If you would like to have lunch with your child, please call the cafeteria manager at 836-8146 before 9:15 a.m. This allows for the cafeteria staff to prepare enough food for all of their patrons.

Phone

The office phone is to be used in the event of an emergency. Calling home for homework, signed papers, etc., is not permitted.

PTO

An active Parent/Teacher Organization is an asset to the school. You can keep abreast of PTO activities by attending the meetings and reading the published flyers. We encourage you to take advantage of another avenue of productive home-school interaction by becoming a working member of our PTO. The PTO has an annual membership drive at Open House as well as the first PTO meeting. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact the school at 836-0006.

Registration Policies

All registration of new students should be done prior to the beginning of school when possible. The student's official birth certificate, social security card, record of immunization, and a completed physical exam form are required. Kindergarten students must have reached their fifth birthday by September 30 to be eligible for the new school year.

Reporting Achievement to Parents

Report cards are issued every six weeks. Interim progress reports are sent home after three weeks of the marking period have passed. Report card and progress report envelopes should be signed and returned to the school.

Weekly folders are sent home containing student work samples and teacher comments regarding student conduct and academic progress. Important notes and school information are also sent in the weekly folder. Parents should check the folder weekly. Folders should be signed and returned. If you do not receive weekly correspondence, contact your child's teacher or the principal.

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice during the school year; however, a teacher or parent may request a conference at any time.

Scent Free School

Due to the large number of breathing related disorders and ailments, the administration asks that all teachers, parents, visitors, and students refrain from wearing perfumes or colognes.

Smoke Free Schools

Smoking by any person shall be prohibited in school buildings as defined in this policy.
For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions shall apply:
1. "School building" shall mean all buildings owned, leased, rented, or otherwise used by a school, including but not limited to the following:
a. All interior portions of any building or other structure used for instruction.
b. All vehicles used by the division for transporting students.
This policy shall be published in student handbooks, posted on bulletin boards, and announced in meetings. Anyone found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Student Conduct

Students are expected to come to school ready to learn. Good behavior is expected at all times. Each student has the right to a safe and healthy environment conducive to learning. Students are expected to follow the school rules below:

• Accept responsibility for your actions.
• Accept responsibility for your school work.
• Respect yourself and others.

In addition to school rules, each teacher maintains standards for children to follow. Students violating school rules may receive consequences such as a conference with the principal or assistant principal, parent contact, recess detention, in-school suspension, after-school detention, or suspension. Parents will receive copies of the Pittsylvania County Schools Code of Conduct and the Pittsylvania County Schools Elementary Student Handbook which details specific misconduct and consequences. These guidelines should be reviewed with your child.

Student Dress

Students are to dress appropriately for school. Students should refrain from wearing clothing, jewelry, badges, etc., with printed messages about alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sex, or vulgarity. Items should not make fun of race or gender. Clothing should be free of holes and tears. Hats should be removed upon entering the building. Belts should be worn with pants. Shorts, skirts, and skorts should measure no more than six inches above the knee when standing. All sleeveless clothing should fit under the arms and not hang loosely. No halters, spaghetti straps, or fish net type clothing should be worn. Shoes should cover the entire foot and have a strap attaching the shoe securely to the foot. Students should refrain from wearing flip-flops as they do not protect the foot from injury and present a safety concern. Sneakers will be needed to participate in gym and recess activities. When a student's dress is in question, the principal or his designee will contact the parent/guardian.

The administration requests all visitors follow the dress policy while on school property.

Student Recognition

Students are recognized individually and as a class. Students are recognized at the end of the six-week grading period and at the closing of the school year. Grade level ceremonies are held for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Parents are cordially invited to attend the end of the year events. Unfortunately, siblings in other classes are not allowed to attend these events as space is limited in the cafeteria.

Students are awarded for their academic achievement, citizenship, and attendance. The following list outlines the criteria and type of award students may receive.

Academic Excellence - A trophy is given to the students who make all A's in the core subjects and S's in all areas other than conduct.
Academic Honors - A trophy is given to the student who makes A's and B's in the core subjects and S's in all areas other than conduct.
Certificate of Achievement - A certificate is given to the students who excel in a particular subject area without making the A or B honor roll.
Tiger Paw Award - A medallion is given to the most improved student.
Perfect Attendance - A medallion and certificate are given to students who have not missed any days of school.
Sigmon Award - A trophy is given to a fifth grade student who shows the most improvement in reading.
Cardwell Award - A trophy is given to a fifth grade student who excels in both academics as well as physical education.
President's Education Award - A certificate and pin are given to a fifth grade student who excels academically and achieves above the ninetieth percentile on the Stanford 10 test.
Citizenship Award - Students are recognized monthly as well as at the end of the year with a certificate. Students should demonstrate respect for themselves, authority, school and personal property, as well as be prompt and helpful in all that they undertake.
Math Award - A trophy is given for the highest math average.
Science Award - A trophy is given for the highest science average.
SRI Award - A trophy is given for the highest SRI score.
Writing Award - A trophy is given for the highest writing score on the SOL test.
Social Studies - A trophy is given for the highest social studies average.
Spirit Award - A trophy is given to the fifth grade student who exemplifies the characteristics of a good citizen.
Geography Bee - A certificate is given to the student(s) who participate in the school level geography bee.
Young Author - A certificate is given to the student(s) who participate in the school level young author contest.
VSBA Art Contest - A certificate is given to the student(s) who participate in the school level art contest.

Students in fifth grade participate in a formal graduation. We request that the students wear appropriate attire for this special event. Sneakers, shorts, etc., should not be considered appropriate for this event. Graduation participation is a privelege; therefore, behavior or inappropriate dress can forfeit a student's participation in this event.

Students are recognized on their birthdays. Students are given a small token in honor of their birthday and their name is announced over the intercom during morning announcements.

On occasion, we publish pictures of our students in the local newspapers to acknowledge their accomplishments. Permission from the parent is required. A form will be sent at the beginning of the year explaining this procedure.

Student Records

Cumulative records will be maintained for each child for as long as she/he remains a pupil of the division. Pupil records shall be treated as confidential. The parent or legal guardian may review information contained in the folder. To offset copier cost, a fee of $.10 per copy will be charged for copies.

Testing

Each spring, third, fourth, and fifth grade students are administered the Virginia Standards of Learning Test (SOL). The SOL tests assess skills in mathematics, English, social studies, and science.

In addition to the SOL tests, fourth grade students are given the complete battery of the Stanford 10. The Stanford 10 is a norm-referenced test that compares the achievement of our students to all students across the United States. A detailed report will be sent to parents after the test has been taken.

Volunteers

We encourage parents and other persons who have a particular interest in working with children to become active volunteers in the school.

We have a need for volunteers to serve in the following capacities:
a. Classroom aides
b. Library aides
c. Tutors
d. Playground monitors
e. Cafeteria monitors

All volunteers will be required to complete a Tier I or Tier II certification form allowing for a criminal check. Tier I and Tier II certification must be notarized and on file before an individual may volunteer in the school.

Withdrawal Policy

Parents/guardians must contact the school office to withdraw a child from school. A release form should be signed by the parent or guardian allowing the child's records to be mailed to the new school. It is the parent's responsibility to return textbooks and library books, and pay fines that are due to the school office at the time of withdrawal.

Weather Closings/Delays

Listen to local radio, television stations, or check the Pittsylvania County Schools website for information concerning any closings or delays. The superintendent or his designee will announce information regarding closings. Please do not call the school. During these times, telephone lines are needed for emergency communication with the School Board Office.

Early closing is necessary if weather conditions warrant. We request that you have a plan in effect for your child in the event of early dismissal.

School Directory

Southside Elementary School
440 East Witt Rd.
Blairs, VA 24527

Office: 434-836-0006
FAX: 434-836-3615
Cafeteria: 434-836-8146

Division Website

Pittsylvania County Schools
www.pcs.k12.va.us