August 2009

 

Dear Parents & Guardians:

 

I am so excited to welcome you to Woodruff Primary School. The faculty and staff join me in welcoming you as a member of the Woodruff Primary School family. We have many opportunities planned for children and families this school year. We hope that you will be able to join us for these activities. Please find a listing of some of the activities planned on the WPS calendar, which is included in this handbook. You will receive additional notices of events throughout the year.

 

One way to become involved at WPS is by joining the WPS PTO. I

encourage you to join and become an active member of this organization. The PTO has several projects planned throughout the year.  Another way to become involved is through volunteering. Please see the section on volunteering in the handbook if you are able to help.

 

This Parent-Student Handbook is provided to assist you in understanding policies and procedures at Woodruff Primary School. I ask that you read it, and where applicable, please go over it with your child. In the event that some guideline or policy seems a bit inflexible, please remember that we are working to maintain routines and procedures for 800 young children. We would love to be able to accommodate you at all times. However, with so many little ones, we find that these routines and procedures are necessary to create an orderly learning environment. Please contact our school office if you have any questions regarding any section of the handbook.

 

Student achievement in a safe, secure learning environment is our primary goal at Woodruff Primary School. We appreciate you and your support during the 2009-10 school year. We look forward to working closely with you to accomplish our goals for your child.

 

Sincerely,

Kimberly W. McAbee

Principal

 

 

 

2009-2010 School Year Calendar

 

July

30^th - Pre-K & 2^nd Grade Registration (8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

31^st - Kindergarten & 1^st Grade Registration (8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

 

August

Community Project: Spartanburg Children’s Shelter

Character Trait Emphasis: Respectful

7^th – 9^th  – Tax Free Weekend for Back to School Shopping

14^th – Visit Your Classroom and Meet Your Teacher (8:00 – 11:00 a.m.)

18^th – First Day for Students (Kindergarten through 2^nd Grade) – Lunch Begins

18^th – 24^th – Preschool Home Visits

19^th – Substitute Teacher Workshop at District Office

24^th – Breakfast Begins

24^th – Sept. 18^th - MAP Testing for 2^nd Graders

25^th – Preschool Classes Begin (Staggered Entry)

27^th - “Back to School” Picnic for Students & Families: PTO Membership Drive

28^th – School Family Celebration – Wear School T-Shirts

 

September

Community Project: Spartanburg Children’s Shelter

Character Trait Emphasis: Respectful

7^th – Labor Day Holiday – No School

8^th – PTO Sally Foster Fundraiser Begins

13^th – Grandparents’ Day

14^th – WPS PTO Meeting (5:00 p.m.) Open House & Book Fair (5:30 – 6:30 p.m.)

14^th – 18^th – Scholastic Book Fair; Constitution Week

16^th – Interim Reports Issued for 2^nd Graders

17^th - Constitution Day

22^nd - First Day of Autumn; PTO Sally Foster Fundraiser Orders and Money Due

25^th - School Family Celebration – Wear School T-Shirts

29^th – School Improvement Council Meeting (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.)

30^th – School Picture Day

 

October

Community Project: Food Drive for Woodruff Soup Kitchen

Character Trait Emphasis: Responsible

12^th - Columbus Day

12^th – 16^th – WPS Children’s Book Week (13^th – Family Literacy Night; 16^th – Storybook Character Parade)

12^th – 16^th - Fire Prevention Week; National School Lunch Week *Remember to thank our excellent cafeteria staff for all they do!!! 

13^th, 14^th, 15^th - Preschool Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

19^th – 23^rd – National School Bus Safety Week; American Safe Schools Week *Please thank our bus drivers for transporting you safely each day.

20^th – End First Nine Weeks (45 days)

22^nd- Parent – Teacher Conferences 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.; Report Cards Issued (PreK – 2^nd)

         PTO Sally Foster Orders to be Picked Up at Conference

23^rd – Parent Teacher Conferences 9:00 – 12:00 noon – No School for Students

           PTO Sally Foster Orders to be Picked Up at Conference

26^th – 28^th – Success Days (K, 1^st & 2^nd)

26^th – 30^th - Red Ribbon Week (Drug Free America)

29^th – “Bear Facts” Newsletter

30^th – School Family Celebration – Wear School T- Shirts;

31^st - Halloween

 

November

Community Project: Coat and Blanket Drive for Helping Hands of Woodruff

Character Trait Emphasis: Thankful

CogAT/ITBS Testing for 2^nd Graders

1^st – Daylight Saving Time Ends (Set Clocks Back 1 Hour)

3^rd – Election Day

9^th – 12^th – Storyteller Tim Lowry

10^th – Make-Up Day for School Pictures

11^th – Veterans’ Day

15^th – 21^st – American Education Week *Send your teacher and assistant notes to let them know they are appreciated.

17^th – School Improvement Council Meeting (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.)

20^th – School Family Celebration- Wear School T-Shirts;

24^th - Interim Reports for 1^st & 2^nd Graders

25^th – 27^th – Thanksgiving Holidays – No School

30^th – Dec. 18^th – MAP Testing – 1^st & 2^nd Grades

 

December

Community Project: Coat and Blanket Drive for Helping Hands of Woodruff

Character Trait Emphasis: Caring

2^nd – Christmas Music Program

5^th – Visit with Santa (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon on Saturday in WPS Cafeteria)

18^th – Class Christmas Parties; School Family Celebration – Wear School T-Shirts

21^st – First Day of winter

21^st – 31^st – Christmas Holidays – No School

 

January

Community Project: Spartanburg Humane Society

Character Trait Emphasis: Self-Discipline

1^st – New Year’s Holiday – No School

1^st – 31^st – School Board Recognition Month *Thank a School Board Member for providing excellent leadership and vision for Spartanburg District 4.

4^th – Teacher Inservice Day – No School for Students

11^th – End Second Nine Weeks (90 Days)

13^th – Report Cards Issued (K, 1^st & 2^nd)

18^th – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday – No School

19^th, 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd – Success Days (PreK – 2^nd)

21^st – “Bear Facts” Newsletter

25^th- 100^th Day of School

29^th – School Family Celebration – Wear School T-Shirts

 

February

Community Project: Make & Take Baskets for Woodruff Health Care, Georgia Manor, & MontRose Assisted Living

Character Trait Emphasis: Cooperative

1^st – 28^th – Black History Month; National Children’s Dental Health Month

2^nd – Groundhog Day

10^th – Interim Reports Issued for 1^st & 2^nd Graders; Preschool Progress Reports Issued

11^th - Valentine’s Day Parties

12^th – Teacher Inservice Day – No School for Students

14^th – Valentine’s Day

15^th – Presidents’ Day

16^th – School Improvement Council Meeting (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.)

22^nd – 26^th – Scholastic Book Fair

26^th – School Family Celebration – Wear School T-Shirts

 

March

Community Project: Food Drive for Helping Hands of Woodruff

Character Trait Emphasis: Honest

Project STAR Testing for Qualified 2^nd Graders

1^st – 31^st – Music in Our Schools Month; Youth Art Month

1^st – 5^th – Dr. Seuss Week; “Read Across America” Day

10^th – Spring Pictures and Kindergarten Graduation Pictures *No Make-Up Days Scheduled for These Pictures

14^th – Daylight Saving Time Begins (Set Clocks Ahead 1 Hour)

17^th – St. Patrick’s Day; End Third Nine Weeks (135 Days)

19^th – Teacher Inservice Day – No School for Students

20^th – First Day of Spring

24^th – Report Cards Issued – (K, 1^st & 2^nd) *Parents should be notified of need for retention by this date.

25^th – Preschool Field Trip to Mr. Al Concert; “Bear Facts” Newsletter

26^th – School Family Celebration – Wear School T-Shirts

29^th – April 2^nd – Spring Holidays

 

April

Community Project: Recycle Aluminum Cans, Newspapers, and Plastic Bottles

Character Trait Emphasis: Citizenship

1^st – 30^th – Poetry Month; “Keep America Beautiful” Month

1^st – April Fool’s Day

4^th – Easter

6^th – 9^th – Success Days

18^th – 24^th – School Volunteer Week *We are thankful for our wonderful volunteers!  We appreciate all they do.

19^th – Woodruff Elementary School Guidance Counselor to Visit 2^nd Graders

20^th – School Improvement Council Meeting (4:00 – 5:00p.m.)

21^st  - Interim Reports Issued for 1^st & 2^nd Graders; Administrative Professionals’/School Secretaries’ Day *Please let our secretaries and receptionists know how much we value them and their excellent work.

22^nd – Earth Day

23^rd – Tour Woodruff Elementary School (2^nd Graders)

26^th – May 14^th – MAP Testing for 1^st & 2^nd Graders

29^th – Fine Arts Festival and Spring Music Program

30^th – Arbor Day; School Family Celebration Day – Wear School T-Shirts

           

May

Community Project: Thank You Notes to Community Helpers

Character Trait Emphasis: Courageous

3^rd – 7^th – Teacher Appreciation Week *Please let our teachers (classroom & special area) and assistants know how much they are loved and appreciated.

National Physical Education & Sports Week

9^th – Mothers Day

12^th – School Nurses Day *Let Mrs. Knight know how much you appreciate her taking such good care of us. 

18^th – Pre-School Program

19^th – 25^th – Preschool Home Visits

24^th – Fun Day (K – 2^nd)

25^th – Kindergarten Graduation (Report Cards Issued for Kindergartners)

26^th, 27^th, 28^th – Half Days for Students

26^th – First Grade Awards Day

27^th – Second Grade Awards Day

28^th – End Fourth Nine Weeks (180 days) – Last Day for Students; Report Cards Issued for 1^st & 2^nd Graders (All books should be returned and all fees paid by this date.)

31^st – Memorial Day Holiday – No School

 

June

1^st – Teacher Work Day

14^th – Flag Day

20^th – Father’s Day

21^st – First Day of Summer

30^th – Fine Arts Festival and Spring Music Program

  

 

 

 

The goal of Woodruff Primary School is student achievement

in a safe, secure learning environment.

 

 

 

Mission Statement

 

It is the mission of Woodruff Primary School to support students as they develop skills and strategies that help them achieve success.

 

Nuestra Mision

 

Nuestra mision es apoyar a los alumnos en desarollar las habilidades y estrategias que les ayudan a tener exito.

 

 

Vision Statement

 

The vision of Woodruff Primary School is to be acknowledged as a creative and nurturing school where quality education is valued and learning is viewed as a life-long process.

 

Nuestra Vision

 

La vision de la Escuela Primaria Woodruff es ser reconocida como una escuela creativa que cuide a sus alumnos, donde la alta calidad de la educacion tiene mucho valor, y donde el aprendizaje se ve como un proceso de toda la vida.

 

  

Comments Regarding Mission, Vision, and Beliefs

 

After reading Woodruff Primary School’s mission, vision statement, and beliefs found in this handbook, please offer any comments or suggestions that you may have. We would like to consider your input as we are constantly striving to improve our school. A form for this purpose is available in the office.

Beliefs of Woodruff Primary School

 

WE BELIEVE…

 

 

 

Creencias De La Escuela Primaria Woodruff

 

• El éxito de los alumnos es la prioridad de nuestra escuela.
• La escuela, el hogar, y la comunidad comparten la responsabilidad de proveer un ambiente que apoye el aprendizaje.
• Las estrategias de enseňar con eficacia y los métodos de evaluar que utilicen los estilos de aprender diferentes y tomen en cuenta los ritmos diferentes de aprender de los alumnus, ayudan a aumentar el logramiento académico.
• Todos los alumnos tienen capacidad, y serán tratados con dignidad y respeto mientras trabajan para lograr sus metas.
• El respeto mutual, la responsabilidad, y el dominio propio impactan el logramiento estudiantil.
• Las metas claras y las expectaciones altas, los cuales están establecidas y comunicadas a los alumnos y a los padres de familia, aumentan el logramiento acadeémico.
• El éxito de los alumnos aumenta cuando el curriculo está relatado a las situaciones que se encuentra en la vida diaria.

 

 

School Mascot, Colors, Motto, & Promise

 

 

Mascot: Woody Bear

 

 

Colors: Red and Yellow

 

 

Motto: “We Prepare Students”

 

We

Prepare

Students

 

 

Promise:                      I come to school to learn.

I promise to do my best.

I promise to be safe.

 

 

Theme for 2009 – 2010:     Woodruff Primary…

 

Car Rider Procedures & Traffic Patterns

 

Lucy P. Edwards Road will be blocked off in front of Woodruff Primary School during drop-off (7:15 – 8:00 a.m.) and dismissal times (2:00 – 3:00 p.m.) each day. There will be “no through traffic” allowed on Lucy P. Edwards Road during these times. This has been designed to eliminate cars passing on the wrong side of the road, and hopefully, make it safer for everyone. .

 

If you wish to drop-off or pick-up a preschooler or kindergartner, you should enter

from Hwy 146. You may only make a right turn after picking up your preschooler or kindergartner, which will take you back to Hwy 146.

 

If you wish to drop-off or pick-up a 1^st grader or 2^nd grader, you should enter from McEdco Rd. You may only make a left turn after picking up your 1^st or 2^nd grader, which will take you back to McEdco Rd.

  

 

Drop-Off Procedures

 

Preschool & Kindergarten

Doors to the preschool & kindergarten sections of the building are opened at 7:30 a.m. If you should need to drop off a preschooler or kindergartner prior to 7:30 a.m., you should enter from McEdco Rd and drop him or her in front of the school. He or she should enter through the front lobby. Children should not be dropped off earlier than 7:15 a.m. as supervision begins at 7:15 a.m.

 

Beginning at 7:30 a.m., enter the preschool or kindergarten drop-off area and pull to the right curb. An adult will be at the curb to assist your child out of the car and into the building. This adult will be on duty until 7:55 a.m. If, for any reason, you should need to park and enter the building with your child, please enter from McEdco Rd., utilize the front parking lot, and enter through the school lobby. Beginning August 24^th, a new Visitor Check-In System, which is located in the front lobby, will be utilized for issuing visitors’ passes. This system will require that you present your driver’s license to be issued a visitor’s pass.

 

If you arrive later than 7:55 a.m., you should enter from McEdco Rd. Your child should be in his/her classroom by 8:00 a.m., after which time he/she is considered tardy. Late students should be escorted in by a parent through the front doors and properly signed in to receive a tardy slip to enter class.

 

Please encourage your child learn the route to his or her classroom as soon as possible. After two weeks of school, we would expect preschool and kindergarten children to be able to find their classrooms on their own. We appreciate parents’ encouragement in this area.

 

First & Second Grades

Doors to the front of the building (lobby doors) are opened for students at 7:15 a.m. Children should not be dropped off earlier than 7:15 a.m. as supervision begins at that time. If you are dropping a child in the front of the school, remember to enter on McEdco Rd.

 

Please pull over to the right curb to drop off a student. Beginning at 7:30 a.m., an adult will be at the curb to assist your child out of the car and into the building. Please drop your child with one of the adults on duty, and do not drop him or her at the steps or flagpole. This adult will be on duty until 7:55 a.m. If, for any reason, you should need to park and enter the building with your child, please utilize the front parking lot, so drop off of students can continue safely and uninterrupted. Beginning August 24^th, a new Visitor Check-In System, which is located in the front lobby, will be utilized for issuing visitors’ passes. This system will require that you present your driver’s license to be issued a visitor’s pass.

 

Your child should be in his/her classroom by 8:00 a.m., after which time he/she is considered tardy. Late students should be escorted in by a parent through the front doors and properly signed in to receive a tardy slip to enter class.

 

Please encourage your child learn the route to his or her classroom as soon as possible. After one week of school, we would expect first and second grade children to be able to find their classrooms on their own. We appreciate parents’ encouragement in this area.  

 

 

Preschool & Kindergarten Dismissal Time: 2:15 p.m.

First & Second Grade Dismissal Time: 2:30 p.m.

Early dismissals should be made prior to 1:45 p.m.

 

You will be issued a car sign with your child’s name that should be displayed on the driver’s side of the windshield as you enter the pick up area. The adult on duty will call your child when she sees this sign. Please keep the sign in your dash until your child is in the car in case we need to re-call a name. If you need additional car signs, please notify your child’s teacher.

 

As you enter the pick up area, please pull to the right curb. Your child should be entering the sidewalk area as you approach. An adult will be present to help your child into the backseat. As you leave from the preschool & kindergarten pickup area, please make a right turn toward Hwy 146. As you leave from the first & second grade pickup area, please make a left turn toward McEdco Road.

 

If the person picking up a child does not have the car sign, he or she will need to park

on the left curb and walk to the sidewalk where an adult can assist. He or she

will need to sign the child out, similar to the early dismissal procedure. We will need to check the list of persons authorized to pick up your child. A driver’s license must be presented as proper identification. If the person picking up the child is not on the authorized list or does not have proper identification, he or she will need to report to the office before receiving the child. 

 

We dismiss students being picked up in cars first. If someone needs to walk up for any reason, we will dismiss walkers last after car riders have been loaded. An adult picking up a walking student will still need a sign with the child’s name. Without the sign, the adult’s name must appear on the authorized list and proper identification must be presented.

 

If you have first or second grade children, preschoolers and kindergartners are allowed to meet them in the cafeteria and be dismissed through the front pick-up area at 2:30 p.m. An adult, usually a teaching assistant, will walk your preschool or kindergarten child to the cafeteria to meet the older child. You will need to contact your child’s teacher to make these arrangements. We make these accommodations as long as the younger child is able to wait this extra time. Sometimes, it is very difficult for young children to sit quietly for the extended time that is required during dismissal.  Only preschoolers and kindergartners are dismissed at the preschooler and kindergarten pick-up area. All first and second grade car riders are dismissed through the front of the building.

 

Our little children are too young to be dismissed as walkers or bike riders unless

accompanied by an adult. They should always be dismissed to an adult on the list designated by the parent or guardian. Again, identification will be verified before releasing a child.

 

Please request any early dismissals in the front office prior to 1:45 p.m. in an effort to avoid any confusion that changes closer to dismissal may create.

 

 

School Visitors

Parents and visitors are welcome at Woodruff Primary School. For safety reasons, we want to properly identify persons in our building. Faculty and staff wear Woodruff Primary School name badges. Throughout the day, visitors can obtain a visitor’s pass in the front lobby. Please expect school personnel to question any person not identified with a visitor’s pass. They will also be able to help you obtain one. Our newly implemented Visitors’ Check-In System will require a driver’s license scan. Be sure to bring your driver’s license if you will be receiving a visitor’s pass.

 

Remember that we do not allow interruptions to the classrooms during the instructional day. If you need to talk with the teacher during instructional time, please leave a message to schedule a meeting during her planning time or after school. If you need to talk with a teacher in the morning, please arrive between 7:30 – 7:45 a.m. Teachers are responsible for supervision and instruction of students promptly at 7:50 a.m.

 

Parking

Whenever there is a need to park and enter the building, please park in the parking lot in front of the school. This will alleviate any congestion in the traffic circle and provide clearance in the event that emergency vehicles should need to access the building.

 

Locked Doors & Keyless Entry System

The front lobby doors are unlocked at 7:15 a.m. for early arriving students to enter the cafeteria. The preschool and kindergarten doors are unlocked from 7:30 – 8:00 each morning for our young children to be dropped off closer to their classrooms.

 

At 8:00 a.m., all doors in the building will be secured, including the front lobby doors. If you need access after 8:00 a.m., you will need to enter at the front lobby, where you will be “buzzed in”. Our intention is to be an inviting place for parents and authorized visitors, but to make entry difficult for unauthorized persons. The safety of your child is a priority for us.

 

School Day Schedule

7:15 a.m. – Lobby doors open

7:15 – 7:45 a.m. – Breakfast served

7:30 a.m. – Early arriving students are dismissed to hallways/classes

7:30 – 7:45 a.m. – WPS Store available

7:50 a.m. – Students should be in class

7:55 a.m. – WPS News Show

8:00 a.m. – Students are tardy/Instruction begins

10:30 a.m. – Morning preschoolers are dismissed

11:45 a.m. – Afternoon preschool session begins

2:15 p.m. – Preschool & Kindergarten dismissal

2:30 p.m. – 1^st Grade & 2^nd Grade dismissal

 

Students should not arrive at school prior to 7:15 a.m. at which time supervision begins. It is unsafe for young children to be in the building unsupervised. Children arriving between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m. should report directly to the cafeteria where supervision is available. Classrooms and hallways will not be supervised until 7:30 a.m.

 

It is important for children to arrive on time. If a child arrives at the classroom door past 8:00 a.m., the child is considered tardy. The parent should accompany the child to the front office to sign the proper forms so that the child may be counted present for the day.

 

Car riders should be picked up at their designated times (2:15 p.m. for preschoolers & kindergartners; 2:30 for 1^st & 2^nd graders). After the initial adjustment to dismissal procedures at the beginning of the year, it generally takes about 20 minutes to dismiss car riders. At that time, students will be taken to the office. Parents should come into the office to pick up their children. Please remember to bring the car sign with you. If you do not have the car sign, you will need to sign out your child and present your identification.

 

 

Tardiness

A student is tardy if he or she is not in the classroom by 8:00 a.m. Within the first minutes of school, information is provided to students through the WPS News Show, attendance and lunch counts are recorded, and assignments are given. Late entry to a classroom is difficult for the young child, as he or she needs time to put away his or her bookbag and get materials ready for the day. This can be distracting for students who are already working. The child who is tardy also misses instruction, which may negatively affect his or her learning.

 

Students must be in the breakfast serving line by 7:45 a.m. in order to have time to eat, put away the tray, and arrive in class by 8:00 a.m. Students arriving in the cafeteria after 7:45 a.m. will not have time to eat breakfast. Students arriving on late buses are not counted tardy and may eat breakfast. 

 

Tardies and absences are indicated on the child’s permanent record each year. A child may have no more than 3 tardies or early dismissals in order to receive the Woodruff Primary School perfect attendance awards.

 

If a child arrives past 8:00 a.m., the parent should accompany the child to the front office to sign the proper forms so that the child may be counted present for the day.

 

Early Dismissals (1:45 p.m.)

It is important that a child be at school for the entire day. Please only obtain early dismissals when absolutely necessary. Since regular dismissal can be a stressful time for young children as they are separated into groups of nursery van riders, car riders, and bus riders, we do not want to create confusion by making changes the last hour of the day. In order to make regular dismissal an orderly, organized process for children and adults, we ask that all early dismissals be made by 1:45 p.m. We appreciate your help in requesting all early dismissals by this time. This should help our regular dismissal to be orderly and safe for our 800 little ones. All early dismissals should be obtained through the school office. A child may have no more than 3 tardies or early dismissals in order to receive the Woodruff Primary School perfect attendance awards.

 

Attendance

Regular attendance is critical to school success. Since young children learn through active participation, appropriate learning activities for young children often include games and activities that are not available in the form of a worksheet. Therefore, when young children are absent from school, it is difficult to make-up the learning experiences missed.

 

In the event that it becomes necessary for a child to be absent, please send a written note stating the reason for the absence upon the child’s return to school. Lawful (excused) absences include personal illness of the child, death in the immediate family, or the observance of a religious holiday. If a physician is consulted, please send a medical excuse for the absence. Medical excuses are required after 10 absences.

 

We are required to notify parents/guardians in writing when a child has 3 consecutive, unlawful absences or 5 non-consecutive, unlawful absences. We will typically meet this requirement through a letter that includes a plan to improve attendance. If you should receive this letter (form) from your child’s teacher or our guidance counselor, please complete it and return it to school promptly. 

 

After 10 absences, only medical excuses are accepted as lawful.

 

In order for a child to be counted present for the school day, he or she must be in the classroom for a minimum of 3 hours (8:00 – 11:00 a.m.). If a child has a morning appointment, he or she should arrive at school by 11:00 a.m. to be counted present. A child must have 0 absences and no more than 3 tardies or early dismissals in order to receive the Woodruff Primary School perfect attendance awards.

 

  

     DISTRICT FOUR ATTENDANCE POLICY

2009/2010

 Under the Education Improvement Act, the State Board of Education made provisions to monitor student attendance.  Under Section S9-65-90 of the Attendance Regulation, the Board amended the 1976 Code to read:“The State Board of Education shall establish regulations defining lawful and unlawful absences beyond those specifically named in this article and additional regulations as are necessary for the orderly enrollment so students so as to provide for uniform dates of entrance.  These regulations shall require: (1) that school officials immediately intervene to encourage the student’s future attendance when the student has three consecutive unlawful absences or a total of five unlawful absences, and (2) that the school administration shall promptly approve or disapprove any student absence in excess of 10 days.  As used in this section, “intervene” means to identify the reasons for the student’s continued absence and to develop a plan in conjunction with the student and his parent or guardian to improve his future attendance.”

 

4.  Students may be excused from attendance in school due to emergency conditions that are approved by the principal as excusable.

 

parent(s).  Some examples of these type of excuses are truancy, shopping, birthdays, missing the bus, fishing/hunting, vacation,     cleaning house, babysitting, or gainful employment not approved by the school authority.  This list is not inclusive.

2. Students who are willfully absent without the knowledge of their parent(s)

3. Absences not verified by written permission of parent within three days of return to school after an absence.  Phone calls are not acceptable excuses, although it is nice to know when the student will not be attending.

 

After three consecutive or a total of five unlawful absences, school officials shall identify the reason for the child’s continued absence and develop a plan in conjunction with the student/parent to improve future attendance.  AT THE EIGHTH (8TH) DAY OF UNLAWFUL ABSENCE, A REFERRAL WILL BE MADE TO THE COURT FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THE COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW. 

 

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT

In each class where high school credit may be awarded, a student must attend a minimum number of days each instructional period before receiving consideration for credit, unless the school administration grant approval for each excessive absence in accordance with the board policy.  For a semester course (90 days), a minimum of 85 days of attendance is required to obtain ½ credit.  For a year long course (180 days), a minimum of 170 days of attendance is required to obtain one credit.

 

 

SPECIAL NOTE

AFTER THE TENTH  (10TH)  ABSENCE, ONLY DOCTOR EXCUSES WILL BE ACCEPTABLE.  In hardship cases or under special circumstances, absences may be approved at the time of the absence or prior to the absence by the principal.

 

PLEASE SIGN THAT YOU HAVE READ THE ABOVE POLICY AND RETURN IT FOR PLACEMENT IN YOUR CHILD’S PERMANENT RECORD.

 

 

 

I have read and understand the school attendance policy.

 

 

STUDENT’S NAME:_______________________________________________________________________

 

PARENT’S SIGNATURE: ______________________________________ DATE:______________________

 

SCHOOL:  _____________WOODRUFF PRIMARY SCHOOL____________________________________

 

The following documents are necessary for enrolling new students:

1. State-issued Birth Certificate
2. Up-to-date South Carolina Immunization Record
3. Social Security Card
4. Current Proof of Residency (residential property tax receipt or lease agreement)

 

*The parent or guardian who has custody of the child must enroll the child.

 

This information must be provided before enrollment is complete. The student may attend class the day after the enrollment process is complete.  Students will be assigned the first day of school if they registered on the registration days of July 30 or July 31, 2009, or made other arrangements with the office to register.

 

Withdrawal Information

A parent or guardian may withdraw a child from school by completing a withdrawal form in the office. All fees must be paid before withdrawing a child. Textbooks and library books must be returned.

 

Opening and Closing of School Due to Weather Conditions

When weather conditions make the regular operating hours of school questionable, please listen to the broadcast over the local TV or radio station. If these are not available to you, please make arrangements to contact a friend or have a friend notify you. Please do not contact the school except in an extreme emergency. The school’s telephone line needs to be kept open in order to send and receive messages as decisions are made about the opening or closing of school.

 

Student Behavior and School Rules

We believe an orderly learning environment and academic achievement are related. We establish and communicate explicit procedures and routines, so that our young children understand what is expected of them at school. We try to help children understand that most rules are created to keep them safe. Please go over these procedures, routines, and rules with your child. Continue to review them throughout the year.

 

School Rules

1. Follow directions of school adults. (This includes bus drivers.)
2. Always walk in an orderly manner inside the building. (Running is for P.E. and recess.)
3. Use a speaking voice when inside the building. (Shouting is for outside at play.)
4. Dress according to the dress code found in the handbook. Remember that Heelys© are not allowed. They cause falls.
5. Arrive on time to school and be prepared. (Being prepared involves completing homework assignments.)
6. Leave unnecessary items at home. (This includes toys and other valuable items. They could become lost, stolen, or broken. An administrator or teacher may also take them if they are out of the bookbag.)
7. Gum is not permitted at school or on the bus.
8. Take care of the school property.
9. Be helpful and kind to members of the school family.

 

Before School Procedures

1. From 7:15 – 7:30 a.m., all children should report to the cafeteria.
2. Beginning at 7:30 a.m., students should report to the cafeteria only if they are eating breakfast or shopping at the pencil cart. All other students should report directly to their designated areas (rooms or hallways).

 

After School Procedures

1. Bus riders should sit quietly and listen carefully for directions to enter bus loading areas.
2. Car riders should sit quietly and listen for their names to be called.
3. Follow the directions of the adults on duty.
4. Everything should remain in bookbags while waiting to be dismissed.

 

Hallway Rules

1. Walk orderly and safely.
2. Be very quiet.
3. Place hands by the sides or clasp in front. (Individual teachers may provide other options.)
4. Watch the person in front and follow closely behind.
5. Listen to and follow the directions of the teacher.

*Students must have a hallway pass if they are in the hall without the teacher between 8:00 a.m. and dismissal.

 

Playground Rules

1. Play in the area designated for your class.
2. Use the playground equipment properly. (Do not climb up the slide backwards or climb on top of the tunnel slides.)
3. Follow the directions of the adults on duty.
4. Play safely without fighting. (No “play” fighting)
5. Rocks, sticks, sand, or mulch should not be thrown in the play areas.
6. Line up as soon as the teacher gives the signal that recess is over.
7. Re-enter the building in a quiet, orderly fashion. Stand quietly while waiting for the water fountain.

*Flip-flops, sandals, cowboy boots, and dress shoes can be dangerous on the climbing equipment. Tennis shoes are the safest choice for running and climbing.

 

Cafeteria Procedures

1. Follow the directions of the adults on duty in the cafeteria.
2. Hold tray with both hands.
3. Sit at your assigned table and seat.
4. Practice table manners.
5. Walk slowly and orderly. Speak quietly.
6. Place napkins and straw paper in empty milk cartons and close cartons when finished eating.
7. Leave your table space and floor clean.
8. Stay in order when entering the dish room.
9. Report any spilled items to the custodian.
10. Do not share food from your tray with other children.
11. Do not remove food or drinks from the cafeteria.

 

 

School Bus Transportation

Students are expected to ride the bus to which they are assigned based on information provided by the parent/guardian at registration. A written note from the parent must accompany any changes in bus routes or changes from bus rider to car rider. The note will be initialed by the teacher and administrator and given to the driver. In emergency situations, a parent may contact the school office to authorize a change over the phone.

 

Riding a bus is a privilege for students and helpful for parents. Our goal is to ensure that all school buses provide safe transportation to and from school. Since safety is a priority on a school bus, misbehavior cannot be allowed and will result in disciplinary action. This disciplinary action most often involves removal from the bus for a period of time. When a student is removed from the bus due to bus misbehavior, it is the responsibility of the parent to provide transportation to school.

 

Mr. Scott Adkins is Spartanburg District Four Transportation Director. He will be able to answer questions about route descriptions or other concerns regarding the buses. He can be contacted at Woodruff High School at 476-7045 or 476-3158. School administrators provide disciplinary action for misbehavior on the school buses. They can be contacted through the school office at 476-3174.

 

Dress Code

Proper dress and safe shoes are important in maintaining a safe, orderly learning environment. Clothing should cover tummies, backs, and bottoms. Children should dress appropriately for the weather, as they will be outside daily during recess except on rainy days or in the most extreme cold. They should wear well-fitting clothes that do not present a safety hazard on the play equipment.

 

Shoes are important to the safety of children. Heelys® (shoes with built-in wheels) can be unsafe for the children wearing them and unsafe for other children around them. Therefore, Heelys® are not allowed at school. We have found tennis shoes to be the safest for young children. Sandals, flip-flops, cowboy boots, and dress shoes can be dangerous on the climbing equipment on the playground. They can also cause falls on the steps and sloped hallways in the building. Students must wear tennis shoes on PE and music days in order to participate.

 

Rolling bookbags create a tripping hazard in our hallways and loading areas. Since our young children are not required to carry heavy books, rolling bookbags are not allowed. 

 

Lost and Found

A “lost and found” area for clothing is available for items found throughout the campus and on buses. Other items, such as eyeglasses, jewelry, money, etc., should be turned into the office. Due to space restraints, we are only able to keep clothing items for a limited amount of time. Articles of clothing that have remained in “lost and found” for 1 month will be donated to a charitable agency. Please come to search through the “lost and found” as soon as you discover an item is missing. To assist us in finding the correct owner of lost items, please write your child’s name in his/her coats, jackets, sweaters, bookbags, etc.

 

 

 

Report Cards

Report cards are sent home at the end of each nine weeks grading period. This year they will be given out during parent conferences on October 22 & 23, 2009 and sent home on January 13, 2010, March 24, 2010, and May 28, 2010. All grade levels will adhere to this schedule with the exception of preschool. Preschool teachers will provide “progress reports to parents” during parent conferences in October, February, and May.

 

The signed report card must be returned to the teacher the next day. After verifying that you have seen and signed the report card, the teacher will return it to you, so that you may review the skills listed throughout the next grading period.

 

Interim reports will be issued at the mid-point of each nine-week period for first and second graders. Interim reports will be sent home on September 16, 2009, November 24, 2009, February 10, 2010, and April 21, 2010. First graders will not receive an interim report in September.

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Ongoing communication through conferences with your child’s teacher is very important for your child’s success in school. You do not need to wait until the teacher requests a conference. You may request a conference at any time by calling or writing the teacher. Teachers will promptly accommodate your requests. While a phone call may be necessary at times, it is not as effective as a face-to-face conference where you can examine your child’s work.

 

Scheduled Conference dates:

October 22, 2009 – Parent-Teacher Conference Day (3:00 – 7:00 p.m.)

October 23, 2009 – Parent –Teacher Conference Day (9:00 – 12:00 noon)

 

Each grading period, teachers should request a conference with the parent of any child reading below grade level. Please contact the teacher if your child is reading below grade level and a conference has not been scheduled.

 

Grading

Kindergarten, first grade, and second grade report cards list the skills and strategies that are important to the particular grade level. Children are marked on their grade level skills using the following scale:

C – Consistently Demonstrates

S – Sometimes Demonstrates

R – Rarely Demonstrates

 

The report cards are also designed to provide information to the parents about reading levels, writing levels, and high frequency spelling words.

 

Test Schedule

This is the tentative testing schedule for Woodruff Primary School. Some dates may change. You will receive a letter about these tests and the testing format prior to the tests.

 

MAP Testing –2^nd Grade – August 24 – September 18, 2009

MAP Testing – 1^st & 2^nd Grades – November 30 – December 18, 2009

MAP Testing –1^st & 2^nd Grades – April 26 – May 14, 2010

CogAt/ITBS – 2^nd Grade – November 2009

Project STAR – 2^nd Grade (selected students) – March 2010

 

Homework Policy

A moderate amount of homework, properly assigned and checked, can provide valuable reinforcement and practice of skills and concepts learned in the classroom. The homework assignment should be one that the child understands and can do outside the class without the teacher’s help. New work should not be assigned as homework. If an extenuating circumstance caused the student’s homework not to be completed, the parent should send a note on the day the assignment is due stating the reason the work was not completed.  Otherwise, the student may miss recess or another activity in order to complete the homework and get the practice that the homework provides.

 

Homework should be a top priority for the child. Please provide your child with a quiet area with needed supplies in which to complete homework. At the completion of the homework, please check your child’s work and review any items that he or she had difficulty with. Please allow the child to complete the assignment on his or her own before providing help.

 

If you have questions about assigned homework or instructional strategies taught in the classroom, please contact the teacher to determine the best method to support your child’s learning. If your child is absent from school, please request homework assignments by 10:00 a.m. You may leave a message on the teacher’s voicemail or contact the office to request assignments.

 

Medication Procedures

Oral medication will be given or topical medication will be applied only when prescribed by a licensed physician. The medicine must be prescribed to be given at least four times per day or at a specific time of day in order to be given at school. Medication prescribed three times a day or less needs to be given at home, before and after school hours. A parent or guardian must bring the medicine to school in the original container and must complete a written permission form for the medicine to be given. These forms are available in the health room. If you anticipate your child needing to take medicine at school, you may ask the pharmacist for two prescription bottles, one for home and one for school. Over the counter medications will not be given at school unless prescribed by a physician to be given four times a day, or at a specific time of day.

 

If a student has a health condition that requires specific treatment, for example, asthma, severe allergies to insect stings, diabetes, or seizure activity, emergency medications will be administered as written by a physician. Please bring Epi-Pen injection kits, inhalers, or necessary emergency medications to the school to be used as necessary.

 

Criteria for Students Being Sent Home Due to Illness

1.      Fever of 100 degrees or higher during the past 24 hours, with or without symptoms

2.      A cold in the contagious stage; severe nasal discharge that is not clear in color

3.      Any communicable diseases

4.      Undiagnosed rash or skin eruptions

5.      Vomiting or diarrhea within 12 hours

6.      Untreated head lice or scabies

 

 

 

 

Students with Special Health Care Needs

 

Many health care services can be provided for students to keep them at school where they can learn and participate with other students. Our goal is to provide information to parents and legal guardians about some of the services and programs available for addressing the health care needs of students during the school day to help students succeed in school. It is important that the necessary health care information is shared with the appropriate people—such as teachers on duty during recess, bus drivers, and cafeteria employees—to make sure that the students’ needs are met throughout the school day.

 

Individual Health Care Plans or Individual Health Plans (IHPs)

 

Individual health care plans are also called individual health plans or IHPs. School nurses who are registered nurses write IHPs to guide how a student’s health care needs will be met while at school. The nurse works with the student, the student’s parents or legal guardians, the student’s health care provider, and other school staff to write the plan. IHPs are written for students who have special health care needs that must be met by school staff during the school day. IHPs are also written for students who have been approved by the school district to self-medicate or self-monitor. To learn more about IHPs, contact your child’s school nurse.

 

 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)

Section 504 is a federal law that requires public schools to make adjustments so that students with certain disabilities can learn and participate in settings like other students who do not have disabilities. To be eligible for services under Section 504, a student must have a condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A team decides if a student is eligible. The team should include the student’s parent or legal guardian, the student (if able), and others who know the student or know about the student’s disability, such as a teacher, a guidance counselor, a school nurse, and other school staff. If the student is eligible, the team develops an individual accommodation plan. The individual accommodation plan explains how the student’s needs will be met while at school and may include health services for the student during the school day if needed. To learn more about Section 504, contact the Section 504 Coordinator, District Administrative Offices at (864) 476-3186

 

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Students, ages 3 through 21 years, may receive services under the IDEA if the student needs special education and related services to benefit from his or her educational program. A team decides if a student qualifies for services under the IDEA. The team includes the student’s parent or legal guardian, teachers, and other school staff. The team develops an individualized education program (IEP) if the student meets federal and state requirements. The IEP outlines a plan for helping the student receive a free appropriate public education and meet goals set by the team. The IEP may include health services for the student during the school day if needed. Contact the Director of Special Education, District Four Administrative Offices at (864) 476-3186, to learn more about the IDEA.

 

Medical Homebound Instruction

Medical homebound instruction is a service that is available for students who cannot attend school for a medical reason even with the aid of transportation. A physician must certify that the student has such a medical condition but may benefit from instruction, and must fill out the medical homebound form that the school district provides. The school district then decides whether to approve the student for medical homebound services. The school district will consider the severity of the student’s illness or injury, the length of time that the student will be out of school, the impact that a long period away from school will have on the student’s academic success, and whether the student’s health needs can be met at school. To learn more about medical homebound services, contact the Student Services Coordinator, District Four Administrative Offices, at (864) 476-3186.

 

 

Accidents and Emergencies

Every effort is made to prevent accidents. However, in case of an accident, first aid will be provided by authorized school personnel. If it is considered serious or the child is uncomfortable, a parent is called. In all cases of accidents or illnesses, every effort is made to contact the parents. However, if we are unsuccessful in reaching parents, the school will follow parents’ directions provided on the emergency card to contact a designated individual to pick up the child. EMS will be called if deemed necessary.

 

Emergency Contacts and Phone Numbers

Since emergencies require quick decisions, please help us by keeping your contact information up-to-date. It is important that we have parents’ current address, home phone number, and work number. It is also important that this information is updated on persons designated as emergency contacts. Please notify your child’s teacher and the office staff to update addresses and phone numbers.

 

Fire Drills

The purpose of fire drills, tornado drills, and earthquake drills is to provide practice for children in case of emergencies. During a fire drill, students are instructed on the proper procedures for evacuating the building in the most efficient manner. State law requires one fire drill per month. Evacuation routes are posted in each classroom. Students should remain extremely quiet during drills in order to hear any directions given by the teacher. Students should never take the time to retrieve personal items before exiting the building. In addition to monthly fire drills, tornado drills and earthquake drills are conducted once per year.

 

 

Breakfast Program

Breakfast is served to kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students each morning from 7:20 – 7:45 a.m. Students must be in the breakfast line by 7:45 a.m. in order to be served breakfast. Children who wish to eat breakfast at school should report directly to the cafeteria. If a child goes to class first, he or she will likely be too late for breakfast. Arrival after 7:45 will not allow the child time to eat, take his or her tray to the scullery, and arrive in class by 8:00 a.m. Only late arriving bus students are served after 7:45 a.m.

 

Preschool students in full-day classes should report directly to the preschool classrooms. These classes will enter the cafeteria following the WPS News Show and eat breakfast together with their teachers.

 

Children participating in the school breakfast program should be able to come to the cafeteria and follow the procedures explained by the adults on duty. Children who are hesitant about eating breakfast in the cafeteria (and still require the parent to be nearby) should become more familiar and comfortable with lunch procedures before beginning to participate in the school breakfast program. We regret that we are unable to provide breakfast for parents.

 

The cost of the student breakfast is $9.00 for a 10-day ticket. A free/reduced priced breakfast is available for those who qualify. The reduced breakfast is $3.00 for a 10-day ticket. Please complete the free or reduced application at registration. Parents are responsible for paying for the days the child eats until the application has been approved.

 

Snack Program (Preschoolers Only)

Only preschool children are served snacks from the cafeteria. The cost for snack is $.50 per day. Reduced snack cost is $.10 per day. The free or reduced application may apply for snacks as well as meals. Parents are responsible for paying for the days the child receives snacks until the application has been approved.

 

Lunch Program

A well-balanced lunch is provided for students each day. If a student is allergic to milk or milk products, juice may be substituted. Any request to substitute juice for milk must be accompanied by a letter from a physician and submitted to the school nurse. The nurse will notify the cafeteria manager. Any other food allergies should be handled in the same manner. It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the teacher and the nurse each year that the student has allergies to milk or foods.

 

Students bringing lunches and drinks from home should not bring canned colas, glass bottles, or carbonated drinks. Opened drink containers may not be carried from the cafeteria as they easily spill creating sticky messes in the classrooms. Foods cannot be microwaved at school unless prescribed by a physician.

 

The cost of the student lunch is $14.00 for a 10-day ticket. A free/reduced priced lunch is available for those who qualify. The reduced lunch is $4.00 for a 10-day ticket. Please complete the free or reduced application at registration. Parents are responsible for paying for the days the child eats until the application has been approved.

 

Some parents wish to eat lunch with their children on special occasions throughout the school year. We are happy to accommodate as long as you notify the child’s teacher and cafeteria manager by 8:30 a.m. on the day you would like to eat so that you can be included in our lunch count. Mrs. Thackston, our cafeteria manager, may be contacted at 476-2089. Two meals at which we are unable to accommodate guests for lunch are the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Also, if you are coming to eat lunch at school, we do ask that you eat school lunch and not bring restaurant food into the cafeteria.

 

Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)

The Woodruff Primary School PTO assists with school functions, coordinates fundraising efforts, sponsors projects, and supports the school in many ways. Previous projects sponsored by the PTO have included playground equipment, risers for the music program, sound systems, and murals. This year, fundraising efforts will go toward new playground equipment. Membership in the PTO is $2.00 per person and you receive a very handy school magnet with the school year calendar printed on it. It is great for the refrigerator at home or a file cabinet at work!

 

2009 - 2010 PTO Officers

Tobey Rhodes – President

Kim Reed – Vice President

Amanda Weaver – Secretary

Lynne C. McAbee - Treasurer

 

Dates for Upcoming PTO Meetings and Events:

July 30 & July 31, 2009 – Join the PTO & buy your WPS t-shirt

August 27, 2009 – Back-to-School Picnic; PTO Membership Drive

September 8, 2009 – Sally Foster Fundraiser Begins

September 14, 2009 – PTO Meeting (5:00 p.m.); Open House & Book Fair (5:30 – 6:30 p.m.)

September 22, 2009 – Sally Foster Orders and Money Due

October 13, 2009 – Family Literacy Night

October 22 & 23, 2009 – Sally Foster Orders to be Picked Up at Conferences

December 5, 2009 – Visit with Santa (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon)

April 29, 2010– WPS Arts Festival & Spring Music Program

 

Fundraising through the PTO

The WPS PTO will sponsor fundraising drives to raise money for various school projects. If you do not wish to participate in these fundraising events, please request an “opt out” form in the office, so that the PTO will not send you fundraiser packets. Of course, you will continue to receive notification of PTO meetings and other events.

 

Spirit Days

The PTO will sell Woodruff Primary School t-shirts this year. We encourage children to wear school t-shirts for our School Family Celebrations (school spirit days), which will be held the last Friday of each month.

 

Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) – WPS Volunteer Program

If you are interested and have the time, we would love to have you volunteer at WPS. We have several areas where you would be very helpful.

Tutor (These instructional activities would take place in the classrooms during center time, writing workshop, or reading workshop.)

• Preschool Readers (Read books to 3 and 4 year old children during center time.)
• Kindergarten Readers (Read books to kindergartners during center time.)
• Adult Underwriters (Write underneath the kindergarten child’s writing during writing workshop.)
• Literature Circles (Listen to a group of children conduct a book talk.)
• Poetry Readings (Listen to children share poems with expression.)
• Readers’ Theater Groups (Listen to children practice and perform lines.)

Assistant (Serve as volunteer assistant in a classroom performing roles

assigned by the teacher.)

Chaperone for Field Trips

Grade Parent for Parties

Clerical Assistant (If you are unable to volunteer during the school day, but would like to help in some way, please let us know. Perhaps you could staple books, cut out laminating, or do other helpful things from home.)

Donor (We are always in need of items for the classrooms. Some are items you would collect over time. Others are purchased items. If you are interested in “volunteering” in this manner, please let us know. We will send a wish list.)

 

Younger children should not accompany an adult who is volunteering at the school, helping with a party, or chaperoning a field trip.

 

In an effort to ensure the safety of our students, it is the policy of Spartanburg District 4 to conduct background checks (SLED checks) on all employees and volunteers (persons who will come in contact with children other than their own). If you are interested in volunteering at WPS, please come by the school office to pick up a form providing the information needed to conduct a background check or request it from your child’s teacher. These forms will be available at registration, also.

 

 

 

 

WPS@WPS!

“Wednesday Parents Sessions at Woodruff Primary School” are offered on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 throughout the school year. The sessions this year will be on the following Wednesdays: October 7^th, November 4^th, January 6^th, February 3^rd, March 3^rd, and April 14^th. During these informal sessions, administrators and members of the school leadership team address a variety of topics relevant to the education and development of young children.

 

School Improvement Council (SIC) and Title I Meetings

The School Improvement Council (SIC) serves many functions, including assisting in the development, implementation and evaluation of the five-year school improvement plan. The council also develops an annual Report to Parents and collaborates with the principal in writing the narrative for the School Report Card. Elected members serving for the current school year are Joann Brasington – chairperson, Regina Arnold – vice-chairperson, Sarah Catto – secretary, Kim Taylor, and Lynn Teague. In addition, there are appointed members and ex-officio members. We invite all parents to attend and participate in our meetings. The dates for the meetings scheduled for this year are as follows:

September 29^th (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.)

November 17^th (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.)

February 16^th (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.)

April 20^th (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.)

 

 

Substitutes

We are always in need of good substitutes for our classrooms. If you would be interested in substituting at Woodruff Primary School, please complete an application through the District Office. Substitutes must attend one training workshop. The substitute workshops are scheduled for August 19, 2009 and December 10, 2009 at the District Office.

 

Field Trips

Field trips are planned as part of the school’s instructional program. Teachers will schedule field trips related to their areas of study and the SC Academic Standards. Throughout a child’s years at Woodruff Primary, we plan a variety of trips to enhance and extend classroom lessons. Younger children will participate in more trips and older children will participate in fewer trips. Children enrolled from preschool through second grade at Woodruff Primary should have the opportunity to participate in seven field trips over those years.

 

Some teachers have already planned field trips. The following are trips that have been scheduled for the upcoming year. Of course, field trips are subject to change due to inclement weather or other circumstances. All trips will be completed prior to spring break.

 

Preschool – 3 field trips

1. Pumpkin Patch – October 13, 14, & 15, 2009 *Your child’s teacher will let you know the specific date.
2. “Mr. Al” – March 25, 2010

Kindergarten – 2 field trips

First Grade – 1 field trip

Second Grade – 1 field trip

 

When your child brings home information about a field trip, please sign and return the paper the next day. We will not take a child off of school property without the parent’s written permission on the field trip paperwork.

 

Chaperones for Field Trips

We need chaperones to supervise our field trips. We require 1 adult for every four children. Therefore, we will need approximately 3 or 4 parent chaperones to help our teachers and assistants on field trips. The following guidelines are in place for our field trip chaperones:

• Chaperones are scheduled in advance by the teacher. All chaperones will have been notified by the day of the field trip. Please do not make plans to chaperone until the teacher confirms that she needs your assistance.
• Other children should not accompany the parent while chaperoning a field trip, as the chaperone’s full attention is required to supervise students.
• All chaperones should plan to accompany the children on the school bus. Due to space limitations on buses and in some events, we are limited to 3 or 4 chaperones per trip.

 

Background (SLED) Check

Spartanburg District Four requires a background (SLED) check on all employees, chaperones, and volunteers who come in contact with students. The District Office handles all background checks. If you are willing to help chaperone field trips or volunteer in any other capacity, please complete a form providing information necessary for the background check. You may obtain the form from the school office or from your child’s teacher. These forms will also be available at registration.

 

Class Parties, Treats, & Snacks

Two class parties are scheduled each year. One is scheduled at Christmas and another on Valentine’s Day. Teachers may ask up to three parents to help with each party.  Some teachers may not require help with the class parties. The teacher will notify parents if she needs assistance. Other children should not accompany the parent while helping with parties. Given the increasing number of children with food allergies, teachers should assist parents in planning a menu that will accommodate all children in the class.

 

From time to time (i.e., Halloween, birthdays, celebrations, etc.), parents may like to send treats to the class. Because increasing numbers of students have food allergies, diabetes, and other health issues, we ask that you send treats that are non-food items, such as pencils, stickers, etc. so that all children in the class may enjoy them. Except for our preschool program, the school does not provide snacks for students. If you would like for your child to have a snack during recess (snacks will not be served during instructional times), please send the snack from home. Please do not send a drink with the snack, as water is always available. Please make sure it is something that can be eaten quickly and easily on the playground. Children should not share snacks.

 

School Pictures & Yearbooks

Fall Picture Day – Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Fall Picture Make-Up Day – Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Spring Picture Day & Kindergarten Graduation Pictures – Wednesday, March 10, 2010 (No make-up day for spring pictures and kindergarten graduation pictures)

 

Picture proofs will be sent home for parents to view, but there is no obligation to purchase any picture packets that will be offered.

 

Yearbooks will be pre-sold at registration on July 30^th & July 31^st, 2009. The cost of the 2009-2010 yearbook is $20.00. This is completely optional. Yearbooks will be distributed in late spring. In the event that there are a few extra yearbooks, they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at $25.00 each. Again, please do not feel obligated to purchase pictures or yearbooks.

 

Fees for Returned Checks

There is a $25.00 service fee for returned checks. If you find that you may have a check returned from the bank, please notify us as soon as possible.

 

Public Release of Information

We are proud of our children and their accomplishments at Woodruff Primary School. We share our children’s activities and accomplishments with family and community members in a variety of formats, such as student-made booklets, school web pages, newsletters, bulletin boards, newspaper articles, community displays, etc.

 

If you do not want public release of information on your child, please complete a form to this effect. You may obtain a form from the office or from your child’s teacher.

 

Library Policies and Procedures

All students are encouraged to check out books. Reading at home is one of the most important reinforcements of what students are learning at school. If you will not allow your child to check out books, please send a letter to the librarian stating this. If your situation changes and you decide to allow your child to check out books, please send another letter stating that he/she has your permission.

 

Students are responsible for all library materials checked out to them. If books are lost or damaged, the student is responsible for any lost book or damaged fines. Students will be fined $1.00 for any barcodes that are torn off. Students will not be allowed to check out additional materials if they have overdue books or unpaid fines. If a book is paid for and later returned, money will be refunded. All fees must be paid in order to receive the last report card. Unpaid fees must be taken care of before registering for the next school year.

 

Textbooks

Free textbooks are provided to students by the State of South Carolina. Students should take special care of their textbooks. Most of the books issued in kindergarten and first grade are consumable books, such as math workbooks. Second graders will have hardback textbooks that will be issued to them and taken up at the end of the year. Students will be required to pay for lost books. Fees will be assessed if a textbook is damaged. Teachers will have an updated listing of fees each year. All fees must be paid in order to receive the last report card. Unpaid fees must be taken care of before registering for the next school year.

 

 

 

 

Gifted & Talented Screening

The screenings and selections for the gifted and talented programs are conducted during the 2^nd grade year. The actual programs will begin in the 3^rd grade at Woodruff Elementary School. Selection for the gifted art and gifted music will be conducted in the spring. The art and music teachers will send information regarding tryouts to 2^nd grade students at that time.

 

Screening for the academically gifted and talented program is conducted throughout the second grade year. The screening process includes the following:

• Dimension A (Reasoning Abilities)
  • CogAt (Cognitive Aptitude) administered in November of 2^nd grade year
• Dimension B (Achievement in Math and/or Reading)
  • Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) administered in August/September of 2^nd grade year or the ITBS administered in November of 2^nd grade year.

• Dimension C (Intellectual/Academic Performance)
  • Project STAR (performance tasks) administered in March of 2^nd grade year

 

 

The qualification criteria are as follows:

1.      A composite score at the 96^th percentile or higher on the CogAt (Dimension A)

2.      A composite or subtest score at the 93^rd percentile on the CogAt (Dimension A) AND a score at the 94^th percentile on MAP reading or math (August/September administration only) or the ITBS

 

*If a child meets the criteria under Dimension A - CogAt or Dimension B – MAP (or ITBS), he or she may participate in the performance tasks screening (Project STAR). A child must meet the criteria under either Dimension A - CogAt or Dimension B – MAP (or ITBS) to be eligible to participate in Project STAR in March.

 

 

Awards

We think all of our children are special and make their own unique contributions to the Woodruff Primary School family. We recognize their contributions and achievements in a variety of formats with a variety of awards. These are just some of the awards that we present our children throughout the year at our Success Days.

• Outstanding Readers
• Most Improved Readers
• Accelerated Readers
• Outstanding Writers
• Most Improved Writers
• Outstanding Mathematicians
• Outstanding Scientists
• Science Fair Winners
• Art Awards
• Music Awards
• PE Awards
• WPS News Crew
• Greeters
• Terrific Kids
• Good Citizens
• School Helpers
• Perfect Attendance (Student must have no more than 3 tardies or 3 early dismissals to receive WPS perfect attendance award.)
• Donna Cannon Award – (criteria include MAP scores, writing assessment, science fair participation, math assessment, citizenship – 2^nd graders only)

 

Our Success Days will be held during the school day. We are not able to retrieve a sibling from another classroom to attend a program. If you want your child to see his/her sibling receive an award, please keep your child with you until after the awards program and obtain a late slip to class following the program. Remember that he/she will be missing classwork during the program. 

 

 

 

 

 

Spartanburg District Four Policies

 

Technology Practices Agreement

 

 Introduction

Spartanburg School District Four is pleased to be able to provide students access to   technologies that enhance and enrich the educational process.  Providing access to Internet resources, email capabilities, media centers with automated cataloging systems, satellite instructional television programming, and well-equipped keyboarding and curriculum labs helps facilitate the learning process.

 

Access to these forms of technologies is a privilege, not a right, and comes with expectations of appropriate actions and responsibility.  The following guidelines have been developed to ensure that all technology is used appropriately.

 

 

Acceptable Use

Spartanburg District Four’s goal in providing access to various technologies is to promote the teaching and learning process in our district.  The purpose of utilizing technologies is to allow for an expanded opportunity to develop, practice, remediate and reinforce classroom skills.   The use of technology in support of these educational objectives of the school district is the definition of acceptable use.

 

 

General Guidelines for Using Technologies

Students agree to:

1.  Use technology equipment only with permission from a teacher

2.  NOT deliberately tamper with, vandalize, destroy, or steal technology equipment.

3.  NOT install any software to the network or to an individual computer.

4.  NOT delete, alter, or willfully corrupt network programming.

5.  NOT use technology programming or equipment for personal gain, for product advertisement, or for political lobbying.

 

Internet Access

The Internet or the World Wide Web is an electronic highway linking computers all over the world.  The Internet provides instant access to a wealth of current information and educational materials and allows for worldwide communication. 

 

Students agree to:

1.  Use the resources for legitimate educational purposes.

2.  NOT use the computer to view or download obscene or other inappropriate materials.

3.  NOT download  files, images, or text to a printer,  floppy disk, or hard drive without the permission of the supervising teacher.            

4.  Use only the software provided by the district for Internet access.

5.  Keep private any personal information about themselves or friends, such as name, address, or telephone number.

6.  Correspond on Internet only with the direct supervision of a teacher and only by using a generic email address provided by the teacher.

7.  Be polite in all communications, and use no abusive, profane, vulgar, or other inappropriate language.

 

 

Penalties for Improper Use

The use of all technologies in Spartanburg District Four is a privilege, not a right.  Failure to follow the guidelines listed in this agreement could result in these privileges being denied. 

 

Disobeying the Technology Practices Agreement rules and guidelines carries the same consequences for misconduct which are set forth in the Student Handbook.  Refer to your Student Handbook for the specific consequences.

 

 

 Recordings of Sound or Video/ Images

The use of any sound or video/ images recorded at Woodruff Primary School or on Spartanburg District Four property is prohibited without the expressed consent of the Principal or Superintendent. This includes video/ images through cameras, phones, or other electronic devices and includes the posting of such material to web sites or other types of publication. Students who are involved in any unauthorized recording, videoing or release of such material involving facilities, properties, students, or staff may face suspension, expulsion, and/or criminal prosecution.

 

 

Title I Program

 

Title I Parent Involvement

Woodruff Primary School participates in the federally funded Title I program, an initiative of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. This program provides selected students supplemental instruction in reading. The goal of this supplemental instruction is to have students reading on grade level by the end of the second grade year. Since Title I funds have been utilized to provide this supplemental instruction, Woodruff Primary School students have shown outstanding achievement on standardized assessments, particularly MAP assessments.

 

Any parent who would like to provide input into the Title I program at Woodruff Primary School should contact Dr. Glen Carson, Assistant Superintendent, at the Spartanburg District Office (864-476-3186 or gcarson@spartanburg4.org). Copies of the Spartanburg District Four Parent Involvement Program and the Parent-School Compact are available in the school and district offices for inspection. Parents are also encouraged to communicate any suggestions and/or concerns to Mrs. McAbee (864-476-3174 or kmcabee@spartanburg4.org). If parents need to leave a message, they should expect a response within three days.  

 

Additional information for parents regarding the Title I program is available at several websites:

Overview of the Federal No Child Left Behind Act:

http://www.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml

 

South Carolina’s Version of the NCLB:

www.myscschools.com

(See NCLB link at bottom of home page)

 

Professional Qualifications of Classroom Teachers:

http://www.scteachers.org/titleii/parents.cfm

 

 

Woodruff Primary School Title I

Parent-Student-School Compact

Reading support services and materials at Woodruff Primary School are provided through Title 1 funding. Title 1 is a federally administered program with particular requirements regarding the use of these funds. These support services and materials include literacy coaches, intervention assistants, books, and literacy materials. A requirement of Title 1 programs is that administrators, teachers, parents, and students sign a compact (agreement) indicating their roles in the education of students. A copy of the Woodruff Primary School Title 1 Parent-Student-School Compact follows. When you receive this compact from your child’s teacher, please sign and return indicating your agreement. If you have questions, you are encouraged to note your concern and/or contact Mrs. McAbee.

 

As the parent of a student at Woodruff Primary School, I agree to….

• Take responsibility for my child’s school attendance and punctuality.
• Provide supplies and materials for my student’s successful completion of assignments at school and home.
• Provide space and supervision to ensure homework assignments are completed.
• Participate in educational decision-making about my child’s academic achievement.
• Attend parent-teacher conferences and maintain ongoing communication with my child’s teacher.

As a student at Woodruff Primary School, I agree to…

• Discuss my school progress with my parents and share all information and forms.
• Work daily to the best of my ability.
• Be prepared for school by having school materials and completed assignments.
• Treat others with respect and fairness.
• Follow rules and procedures that keep others and myself safe.

As a teacher at Woodruff Primary School, I agree to…

• Provide high quality instruction that addresses the state’s standards in a supportive, orderly learning environment.

• Participate in staff development to be knowledgeable of the latest research regarding best instructional practices in early childhood education.

• Work with families and the community to support children’s learning and development.
• Teach and empower children to treat others with, and to expect from others, equity, fairness and dignity.
• Understand children as individuals and to accommodate their unique needs and potentials.
• Maintain frequent, ongoing communication with parents regarding student progress.

As an administrator at Woodruff Primary School, I agree to…

• Provide a safe, orderly learning environment for children.
• Provide highly qualified teachers in every classroom.
• Participate in staff development to be knowledgeable of the latest research regarding best instructional practices in early childhood education.
• Utilize student achievement data in instructional decision making.
• Provide opportunities for parent and community involvement.

 

Title I Parent Resource Center

As part of the Title I funding, Woodruff Primary School maintains a Parent Resource Center where parents may check-out books and materials that relate to the education of young learners. The WPS Parent Resource Center is located in a room off the school library. Mrs. Brown, our school librarian, can help you in selecting materials and advise you regarding the check-out procedures.