Cedar Hill Elementary School 3615 Sugarloaf Parkway • Lawrenceville, Georgia 30044-5403 Phone: (770)962-5015 • Fax: (678)377-8980 • Website: www.cedar-hill.org

2004-2005 Parent/Student Handbook and Calendar

Calendar “At-A-Glance” 2004-2005 Holidays August 9 September 6 October 8 October 11 November 2 November 24-26 December 20January 3 January 4 January 17 February 21 March 7 March 25 April 4-8 May 25

Curriculum Night First day of school Labor Day Holiday Student/Teacher Holiday Columbus Day-Student Holiday Election Day Holiday Thanksgiving Holidays Winter Break Staff Development – Student Holiday Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Staff Development – Student Holiday (Snow Makeup Day Priority 1) Staff Development – Student Holiday (Snow Make up Day Priority 2) Good Friday –Student/Teacher Holiday Spring Break Last day of school

Report Card Issue Dates October 15 January 7 March 11 May 25

Early Release Days November 10-11 February 9-10

August 17 (K-2)

7:00 pm

August 19 (3-5)

7:00 pm

School Wide PTA Meetings August 17 August 19 October 14 December 16 March 17 May 5

(Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade) (3rd, 4th and 5th Grade) Math Carnival & Fundraiser Pick up Holiday Program 3rd Grade Wax Museum, Scholastic Book Fair & PTA Election of Officers Introduction of New Officers & Learning in the Summer

PTA Executive Board Meetings August 10 September 14 November 9 January 11 February 8 March 8 April 12

Family Fun October 29 – BBQ Bingo March 22 – Family Breakfast

Fall Fundraiser August 22 – September 12

Table of Contents Calendar “At-A-Glance” 2004-2005........................................................................... 0 Table of Contents........................................................................................................ 1 Faculty and Staff 2004-2005....................................................................................... 2 Map of School............................................................................................................. 4 About Cedar Hill Elementary ..................................................................................... 5 Gwinnett County Public Schools ................................................................................ 6 Vision Statement..................................................................................................... 6 Mission Statement................................................................................................... 6 Gwinnett County Public Schools Strategic Goals................................................... 6 School Board............................................................................................................... 6 Business Partners in Education ................................................................................... 7 Opportunities For Parent Involvement In Local And State Decision Making ............ 7 Voices for Children................................................................................................. 7 Council for School Improvement............................................................................ 7 2004-2005 Council Members.................................................................................. 7 Cedar Hill Action Teams ........................................................................................ 7 2004 – 2005 PTA Executive Board ............................................................................ 8 The PTA Mission and Objectives, and PTA Information ........................................... 9 General Requirements............................................................................................... 10 Entrance Requirements ......................................................................................... 10 Birth Certificates................................................................................................... 10 Immunization Certificate ...................................................................................... 10 Hearing, Vision, Dental Certificate....................................................................... 10 Proof of Residency................................................................................................ 10 Withdrawal Procedures......................................................................................... 10 Education of Homeless Children .......................................................................... 10 Policies and Procedures ........................................................................................ 11 Arrival Time ......................................................................................................... 11 Dismissal Time ..................................................................................................... 11 Car Riders ............................................................................................................. 11 Tardy..................................................................................................................... 11 School Attendance ................................................................................................ 11 Make-Up Work ..................................................................................................... 12 School Visitations ................................................................................................. 12 Student Release..................................................................................................... 12 Parent-Teacher Conferences ................................................................................. 12 Change of Address or Phone Number................................................................... 12 The Cedar Hill Chest, PTA/School Newsletter..................................................... 12 Student Insurance.................................................................................................. 13 Lost and Found ..................................................................................................... 13 Avoiding Classroom Interruptions........................................................................ 13

Birthday Celebrations ........................................................................................... 13 Messages for Teachers.......................................................................................... 13 Calling the School................................................................................................. 13 Security Plan ......................................................................................................... 13 Individuals with Disabilities Services................................................................... 13 Parent Rights......................................................................................................... 14 Student Records .................................................................................................... 14 Closing of School.................................................................................................. 14 School Store.......................................................................................................... 14 School Pictures ..................................................................................................... 14 School Lunch Program ......................................................................................... 15 Breakfast Program ................................................................................................ 15 Lunch Charges ...................................................................................................... 15 Snack and Ala Carte Items.................................................................................... 15 Clinic..................................................................................................................... 16 Academic Information .............................................................................................. 16 Kindergarten ......................................................................................................... 16 Art ......................................................................................................................... 16 Music .................................................................................................................... 16 Physical Education................................................................................................ 16 Special Education ................................................................................................. 17 Gifted Education ................................................................................................... 17 Counseling ............................................................................................................ 17 Textbooks ............................................................................................................. 17 Homework ............................................................................................................ 17 Report Cards/Progress Reports ............................................................................. 17 Grade Scale ........................................................................................................... 17 Student Recognition/Awards Criteria and Recognition Methods ......................... 18 Testing Program.................................................................................................... 18 High Stakes Tests.................................................................................................. 19 Media Services and Instructional Technology ...................................................... 19 Cedar Hill Elementary School Instructional Technology Acceptable Use Policy 20 Student Conduct.................................................................................................... 21 Discipline .............................................................................................................. 21 Cedar Hill School Rules........................................................................................ 21 Gwinnett County Board of Education Rules......................................................... 22 Discipline Statement ............................................................................................. 23 Student Dress Code............................................................................................... 23 School Admission of Suspended or Expelled Students......................................... 23 Student Transportation.......................................................................................... 24 PTA Committees....................................................................................................... 26

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Faculty and Staff 2004-2005 First Grade Teachers

Administration Susan White Beverly Smith Emily Thomas

Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal

Office Peggy Dutzy Jennifer Allen Vicki Beaver Joyce Dyer Lisa Woung

Secretary Receptionist Bookkeeper SASI Records Analyst

Clinic Mercedes Dyer

Diane Staskiewicz

Counselors Anita Baker

Joyce Schmidt

GCPS School Support TBA Ann Diegnan Lauren Ross

Psychologist Special Education Support Teacher Special Education Occupational Therapist

Kindergarten Teachers

Kindergarten Parapros

Carol Crew Vicki Hedrick Kimberly Huston Amy LeMay Sara Mitchell Barbara Neville Kristina Schmitt Jeanette Tripp Carolyn Yost

Mary Ann Nicholson Joan Brewer Kay McBryde Susan Smith Linda McDonald Dianna Cordell Pam Aronson Azra Handac Marion Milardo

Robin Bertone Mike Dillon Sharifa Knowles Terri Mylander Katherine Wells

Heather Cox Victoria Johnston Teresa Lowery Jennifer Renna

Second Grade Teachers Kimberly Atkinson Stacy Greenstein Natalie Knowles Kathy Pembroke Crystal Willis

Julia Gagne May Isles Mary Monaco Marni Rogers TBA

Third Grade Teachers Sonya Brown Caroline Cashion Sally Hollyfield Kim McDermon Christina Wingo

Mark Caponigro Gary Fryns Gladys McCurry Christine Vaughn

Fourth Grade Teachers Kristen Adams Meg Dowd Michele Link Kelly O’Dell Michele Smith

James Asztalos Falicia Gibbs Patsy Loyless/Sue Strange Jennifer Schrader

Fifth Grade Teachers Tammy Berneking Donna Davis Ben Hartman Katie Neighbors Beth Wiechman

Jeremy Coto Julie Furgala Charlotte Matchette Adrienne Thompson

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Faculty and Staff 2004-2005 Support Area Teachers Sabrina Biccum Carol Boring Carol Bloomquist Nancy Craddock Linda Davis Betti English Carol Ann Fulgham Laura Hayes Nona Hodges Debby Kim Wanda Mangum Joy Moe Allison Quevedo Beth Richard Sharon Sherling Stephanie Smith Dorothy Sutton Alexia Thornton Sandy White

Stellar Substitutes Interrelated Resource Autistic Resource Speech Resource Focus Title I Reading Recovery/Title I ESOL ESOL Speech Resource Reading Recovery Literacy Coordinator ESOL ESOL Interrelated Resource Literacy Coordinator Reading Recovery Reading Recovery/Title I Autistic Resource Speech Resource

Support Paraprofessionals Libby Humphries Suzanne Troendly

Jackie Neighbors

Media/Technology Anne Foley John Dalton Laurie Davis Martha Gordon Jan Martin

Media Specialist LSTC (Local School Technology Coordinator) Media Clerk Technology Paraprofessional Technology Support Technician

Rosa Butts Tamara Frazier

Teresa Dillard

Special Area Teachers Keith Foster Joi Treadwell Elizabeth Hill Heather Mitchell Jane Moore Adam Heidenreich

PE Specialist PE Specialist Art Specialist Math Specialist Math Specialist Music Specialist

Special Ed. Teachers

Special Ed. Parapros

Mary Bernhardt Darren Boyce Betsy Farmer Agnes Kahiga Kristin Pepin Laura Stratton

Dot Baker To be announced Dinah Gerone Zobia Siddiq Cindy Kearny Sandra Depietro

Cafeteria Carmen Wilson, SNP Manager Inez Allen Tina Brackens – Asst. Mgr. Inocencia Cristales Melody Hebert Pat Hill Cecelia Nelson Paula Parks Parveen Rahman Nahar Sukhram Flor Vargas

Maintenance June Hoopaugh, Head Custodian Ana Diffut Anne Johnson Teddy Mamaril

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Map of School Map goes here

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About Cedar Hill Elementary School History

Cedar Hill Elementary School stands near the site occupied by the original Cedar Hill School built in the late 1800s. It was a school for the rural children who lived on and near the Robert Craig Plantation known as “Little Egypt” and was located in the heart of a cedar grove – thus the name, Cedar Hill. In 1906, Cedar Hill became a public school and continued as such until 1948, when the late Jesse J. Baggett renovated the building and hired an Atlanta teacher, who rode the bus out from the city each day to the now public school. In 1927, Cedar Hill School was valued at $250, according to public school records. Cedar Hill stayed open until 1951; in 1952 the students were added to the rolls of Hooper-Renwick School of Lawrenceville. Babye Baggett, an area resident, recalled the school’s history and submitted the name of “Cedar Hill” for the school, which opened in the fall of 1988. Mrs. Baggett consulted with artist Robert Cunningham and together they captured the feeling of the original building in a painting, which currently hangs in the halls of Cedar Hill. Cedar Hill was completed on August 16, 1988. It was built to relieve Lawrenceville, Benefield, and Gwin Oaks elementary schools. In 1992-93 an eleven-room addition was completed, bringing the capacity to 1,100. Hugh May was selected as its first principal and served until his retirement in 1992; Debbie Allred succeeded Mr. May and served as principal until December of 2000. Susan White, the current principal, began her service with Cedar Hill in January, 2001. A ten-room addition was completed in summer of 2001. Central Gwinnett Cluster Cedar Hill is a part of the Central Gwinnett community of schools referred to as Central Gwinnett Cluster. Lawrenceville, Margaret Winn Holt and Simonton Elementary Schools, Richards Middle School, and Central Gwinnett High School complete the cluster.

School Telephone Numbers Main Office – Cafeteria – Clinic – Media Center –

School Colors Black and Gold

770-962-5015 678-377-8988 678-377-8998 678-377-8986

School Mascot Black Knights

School Song (to the tune of I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”)

“I’m a Cedar Hill Black Knight that is what I am I’m a Cedar Hill Black Knight and I’m proud of that I am Work and play is what we do all day Learning things to help us pass – HOORAY! Friends we make forever true CEDAR HILL WE LOVE YOU!”

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Gwinnett County Public Schools Vision Statement Cedar Hill Elementary We envision Cedar Hill Elementary as a community of responsible, motivated, and empowered learners with the knowledge and skills to maximize our individual potential to be productive citizens. Gwinnett County Public Schools Gwinnett County Public Schools will become a system of world-class schools where students acquire the knowledge and skills to be successful as they continue their education at the postsecondary level and/or enter the workforce.

School Board Gwinnett County Board of Education The Gwinnett County Board of Education is a policy making body composed of five members, elected on a staggered basis during the November general elections. They serve four-year terms and represent five geographic districts. Citizens are always welcome to attend the Board of Education meetings, usually held at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Building in Lawrenceville, on the second Thursday evening of each month. Items to be considered by the Board must be submitted to the Superintendent by the Wednesday preceding the meeting.

Superintendent of Schools

Mission Statement The mission of Gwinnett County Public Schools is to pursue excellence in academic knowledge, skills, and behavior for each student, resulting in measured improvement against local, national, and world-class standards.

Alvin Wilbanks P.O. Box 343, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Phone: 770-513-6600 or 770-963-8651

Gwinnett County Public Schools Strategic Goals

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Ensure a world-class education for all students by focusing on teaching and learning the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum.

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Ensure a safe, secure, and orderly environment for all.

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Optimize student achievement through responsible stewardship of its financial resources and the proactive pursuit of all resources necessary to meet current and future demands.

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Recruit, employ, develop, and retain a workforce that achieves the mission and goals of the organization.

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Meet the continuing and changing demand for essential information through technological systems and processes that support effective performance and desired results.

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Provide and manage the system’s facilities and operations in an exemplary manner as determined by programmatic needs and best management practices.

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Apply continuous quality improvement strategies and principles as the way the organization does business.

Board of Education District 1: Dr. Billy Britt

District 2: Dan Seckinger

Grayson, Central, Dacula

Collins Hill, North Gwinnett, Peachtree Ridge

1621 Rocky Knoll Lane Dacula, GA 30019 Phone: 770-995-1739 Fax: 770-513-8560

4583 Mulberry Fields Lane Auburn, GA 30011 Phone: 770-962-3214 Fax: 770-338-4854

District 3: Dr. Mary Kay Murphy

District 4: Dr. Robert McClure

Norcross, Duluth

Brookwood, Shiloh, South Gwinnett

4516 Ridgegate Drive, NW Duluth, GA 30155 Phone: 770-840-9752 Fax: 770-582-7507

1448 Oleander Drive Lilburn, GA 30047 Phone: 770-736-0001 Fax: 770-736-4591

District 5: Louise Radloff Berkmar, Meadowcreek, Parkview

4439 Plantation Lane Norcross, GA 30071 Phone: 770-923-4784 Fax: 770-931-5700 6

Business Partners in Education This program is a voluntary relationship between one or more businesses or organizations and a school for the support and enrichment of the education process. The goal is a key component of the economic well being of any area. The Cedar Hill Partners in Education this year are Publix, Sugarloaf Parkway and Kroger, Highway 20 in Lawrenceville and Ingles, Highway 29 in Lawrenceville. Parents, their friends and relatives are encouraged to use their Publix, Kroger and Ingles commitment cards when shopping at any of their locations. Cedar Hill receives a portion of each purchase in cash returned to the school. Cards may be picked up at the school.

Opportunities For Parent Involvement In Local And State Decision Making Voices for Children Voices for Children is a group of concerned parents interested in influencing legislation regarding public education in Georgia and the general welfare for all children. Formed in 1988 under the auspices of the Gwinnett PTA Council for the purpose of monitoring – and then supporting or opposing – state legislative issues affecting children, the group is composed of representatives from local school PTA units throughout Gwinnett County and meets frequently throughout the year. Representatives are kept abreast of issues, and then pass along this information to their local PTA members. PTA strongly encourages its members to communicate with their legislators during the legislative session on issues affecting education and children. For further information and State and Local representative contact information, please visit the Gwinnett County Public School website at www.gwinnett.K12.ga.us/GCPS and go to “Instructional and Research Resources for Students and Teacher”.

Council for School Improvement “To improve academic achievement, to solve difficult education problems, and to share ideas for school improvement,” are a few reasons that the state legislature in House Bill 1187 established School Councils.

Cedar Hill’s School Council which meets at least twice per quarter, provides advice and makes recommendations to the principal and/or Board of Education on matters of student activities and achievement. Items may include:

• • • • • •

school calendar school codes for conduct and dress curriculum, program goals and priorities budget priorities school-community communication school progress and student achievement

Council members maintain a school-wide perspective on issues, regularly participate in Council meetings, participate in information and training programs, act as a link between the School Council and the community, encourage the participation of parents and others within the school community, and work to improve student achievement and performance. Cedar Hill’s Council includes two teachers, two parents, two community business people, and our principal. Parent and teacher representatives are elected by their representative bodies and will be announced in the August edition of the Cedar Chest Newsletter. All parents are invited to attend Council meetings. Meetings will be announced in the Gwinnett Post, in the Cedar Chest, on our school sign and on the enclosed calendar. Minutes of the meeting are posted on our school website.

2004-2005 Council Members Elected Parent Representatives:

Sherri Horenstein Margie Wilfley

Teacher Representatives:

Laura Hayes, ESOL Teacher Beth Richard, Interrelated Resource Teacher

Community Business

Mark Gifford, Legacy Academy To be announced

Cedar Hill Action Teams Cedar Hill has three Action Teams (Literacy, Math, and Parent Involvement), each consisting of grade representatives and two parent representatives. Action Teams meet once a month to implement related local school improvement goals. Please call the principal if you are interested in serving as a parent representative. 7

2004 – 2005 PTA Executive Board Sayea George Co-President 678-471-1927

Bridget Lane Co-President 678-985-3849

[email protected]

[email protected]

Theresa Lewis Melinda Thomas Co-Vice President Co-Vice President 770-277-3754 770-339-8039 [email protected]

[email protected]

Carla White Treasurer 678-462-9637 [email protected]

Sara Mitchell Secretary 770-513-3343 [email protected]

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

CULTURAL ARTS

LITERACY

Counselor Assistant Vacant at time of print

Guest Authors Series/ Cultural Arts Program Lyniece Glover - Chair

Book Fair Sherri Horenstein -Chair

Melinda Thomas – Co-Chair

Family Fun Sara Mitchell *Assistant Needed Fifth Grade Celebration Sara Mitchell – Chair Melinda Thomas – Co-Chair

Reflections Vacant at this time

Media Parents Rebecca Baxter - Chair

FUNDRAISING

MEMBERSHIP Theresa Lewis - Chair

Fall Fundraising Margie Wilfley –Chair Say-ea Georgia –Co-Chair

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Room Parents Liz Reid - Chair

Spirit wear Lisa Woung *Assistant Needed

Campbell Soup Labels/Box Tops Dorothy Sutton * Assistance Needed Mentoring – BOOST Bridget Lane- Chair

Handbook Peggy Dutzy Cedar Chest Patti Skelton Reader Board Lisa Woung

PTA is one of the largest child advocacy groups in the nation. One year, the organization’s main goal was to advocate the supervision of motion pictures because of their influence on children and youth … that year was 1910! Over it’s 100-year history, the organization has been a leader in efforts to change child labor laws … implement the nationwide school lunch program … educate parents and youth alike on drugs, alcohol and smoking … call for laws requiring the use of seat belts and child restraints … and recently in Georgia rally for the establishment of the graduated drivers license program.

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The PTA Mission and Objectives, and PTA Information The PTA Mission – – –

To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community and before government agencies that make decisions affecting children. To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children. To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of the nation.

PTA Objectives – – – – –

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community and place of worship. To raise the standards of home life. To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth. To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children. To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advances in physical, social and spiritual education.

PTA Offices and Officers National PTA Office Linda Hodge, President 330 North Wabash Avenue Suite 2100 Chicago, IL 60611-3604 312-951-6782 State PTA Office Cherie Eastburn, President 114 Baker Street N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-659-0214

District 12 PTA Office Not available at time of print Gwinnett PTA Council Office Cindy Thompson – Area Representative

Cedar Hill Elementary PTA Officers

Cedar Hill 2004-2005 PTA Meeting Schedule •

August 17, 2004 Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade Curriculum Night 7:00 pm

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August 19, 2004 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Curriculum Night 7:00 pm

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October 14, 2004 Math Carnival & PTA Meeting 7:00 pm

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December 16, 2004 Holiday Performance & PTA Meeting 7:00 pm

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March 17, 2005 Wax Museum, School Council Nominations and PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.

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May 5, 2005 Summer Opportunities & PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Co-Presidents Sayea George Bridget Lane

(678) 376-0001 (678) 985-3849

Co-Vice Presidents Teresa Lewis Melinda Thomas

(770) 277-3754 (770) 339-8039

Secretary Sara Mitchell

(770) 513-3343

Treasurer Carla White

(678) 462-9637

Theme “Every child. One voice.”

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General Requirements

to not be legitimate residents, they will be legally responsible for the school district’s cost to educate the student.

Entrance Requirements

Withdrawal Procedures Notify the teacher at least a week before the student is to withdraw from Cedar Hill Elementary. A “Record of Pupil Withdrawal” form will be sent home on the last day of attendance and should be given to the new school upon enrollment. Upon receipt of a signed “Release of Records” from the former school, student records will be mailed to the new school.

Birth Certificates All students entering school for the first time in K or 1st grade must present an official copy of the birth certificate at the time of registration. Children must be five years old on or before September 1 to participate in Kindergarten. Immunization Certificate All students enrolling in a Georgia school must have on file an official Georgia Department of Human Resources Certificate of Immunization. Any student without the required form will not be allowed to enter school until the form is on file. [State law O.C.G.A. 20-2-771(h).] Hearing, Vision, Dental Certificate All students entering a Georgia public school for the first time must present a certificate of ear, eye and dental examination by the health department, a physician and/or dentist licensed by the State of Georgia. This certificate must be an official Georgia Department of Human Resources form. Proof of Residency School officials must require the parent or guardian to provide proof of residency in the district at the time the student is initially enrolled in a Gwinnett County Public School. Proof of residency may be verified by two of the following documents: a sales contract, a lease agreement, deed and a utility bill. Please note that if the home residence is not in the parent’s name and if there is not a lease agreement, the parent must complete a Residency Affidavit. The living arrangements cannot be for the sole purpose of establishing school attendance eligibility. Untruthful statements are made under penalties of perjury and if the student’s parents are found

Education of Homeless Children The McKinney-Vento Act was a law passed in 1987 and re-authorized in 2002 under the No Child Left Behind Act. The purpose of the law is to remove the barriers to access or success of homeless children in school. The law defines “homeless” individuals as someone who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes shelters, motels, campgrounds, cars, abandoned buildings or other inadequate shelter. It also includes situations where an individual shares housing with relatives or others because they have lost housing or cannot afford housing. Should you become homeless please contact one of our Assistant Principals and the Principal. Particular rights are assured by the McKinney-Veto Act which include: The ability to enroll the child without having health and school records at the time of enrollment. Participate in school related activities and receive other needed services. Utilize the dispute resolution process if you have a grievance.

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Policies and Procedures Arrival Time Students may enter the building at 7:50 a.m. Prior to that time, no one is available to supervise students. Therefore, students may not be dropped off at the school before 7:50 a.m. Our official school day begins promptly at 8:15 a.m. Please be sure your child arrives on time. Dismissal Time Students who go home by car or daycare bus are dismissed at 2:45 p.m. It is very confusing to young children to alternate between daycare, parent pickup and buses. Changes are only permitted in an emergency. These changes must be approved by an administrator and must be completed in writing. In the absence of a note from you, your child will be placed on his/her usual transportation. If plans are changed during the day and you are going to have your child ride in a car rather than ride the bus, you must come in the office and sign your child out on the sign-out sheet. No sign-outs are permitted after 2:30 due to bus dismissal. The safety of your child is our primary concern therefore our office staff will check your child’s locator card and request that you provide picture identification. Car Riders Parents who bring their children to school or pick up their children after school should use the drive at the back of the school. Cars are routed through the parking lot and school personnel assist children. Parent cooperation is requested in this matter. No drop offs are permitted after 8:10 a.m. so personnel can get to class on time. Parents arriving at 8:10 a.m. or later should drive around the front and check their children in at the office. We make every effort to provide a safe procedure for your child’s arrival and departure from school. Of course, all students are encouraged to ride the bus. All students should be picked up by 3:10 p.m. each day. Parents not able to pick children up by 3:10 p.m. need to make other childcare arrangements.

Tardy Tardiness is very disruptive to the learning of the entire class. Please be on time. When circumstances delay a student from arriving at school past the 8:15 a.m. starting time, parents must accompany their child into the office, sign them in and complete a tardy slip. All tardies and absences become a part of the student’s permanent record and system database. School Attendance School attendance is important because it underscores the significance of learning and the importance of obtaining an education in our society. It teaches students responsibility and develops a work ethic. Regular attendance in school helps develop good habits that will carry over in life. Good attendance correlates very strongly with improved grades in school. School attendance is the responsibility of both parents and students. After 10 absences, students are documented on the “Critical Absentee List.” According to the State Board of Education Policy JBD excused absences shall be defined by the policies and regulations of the school system Board of Education which are in accordance with authority granted by the compulsory school attendance law and the following guidelines: Students may be temporarily excused from school (1) who are personally ill and whose attendance in school would endanger their health or the health of others; (2) in whose immediate family there is a serious illness or death which would reasonably necessitate absence from school; (3) on special and recognized religious holidays observed by their faith; (4) students may be excused from school attendance when prevented from such attendance due to conditions rendering school attendance impossible or hazardous to their health or safety. Students shall be permitted to make up work when absences are excused. All of the reasons listed above affect the Perfect Attendance policy in that an absence is an absence regardless of the reason. A short-term absence is 1 to 3 days. A long-term absence is 4 days or more. All students should bring a note from their parent following an absence in order to be recorded as an excused absence. Absences 11

without notes will be recorded as unexcused absences. Parents will be called any time a student is absent for two consecutive days or has a growing number of absences. Students must be present for the majority of the day to be counted present. All tardies and absences become part of the student’s permanent record and the system’s database. Perfect attendance will be awarded for students who are present for each day throughout the year. Students with early check-outs or tardies will be allowed up to a total of five and still qualify for perfect attendance recognition if they are present the majority of the day (4 hours per day). Students who are tardy or leave early more than 5 times will not receive perfect attendance recognition. No exceptions will be made to this policy. (Please note: One hour of lost instruction time each day equals a total of 27 days out of school.) Make-Up Work Assignments missed during an excused short-term or long-term absence will be made up upon return. If the parent feels the student is able to work at home, a message requesting make-up work received before 9:00 a.m. can be honored. Requests for make-up work received later in the day (after 9:00 a.m.) will be honored the following day. Students who miss 10 days or more may be eligible for homebound instruction. Contact the Principal for details concerning homebound instruction. School Visitations We encourage you to visit the school and participate in our many activities. Parents should check in at the office before locating students. As part of our security plan, you must check in at the office, show ID, state your purpose, sign the Visitor Log and complete a visitor’s badge. Before leaving the building you should sign out at the office and return your badge. As a courtesy to teachers, please arrange conferences ahead of time.

Student Release Children will not be released from school at any unscheduled time without written explanation from the parents. Any person other than a parent signing out a child must have a note from the parent even if that person’s name appears on the clinic card. Any person checking out a student must show identification. Students are released only from the office. Do not go to your child’s classroom to check him/her out. Teachers have been instructed not to release students to any adult without notification from the office. This is for your child’s safety. Parent-Teacher Conferences In addition to progress reports, teachers report student progress to parents in the form of conferences twice a year. It is essential that parents attend these conferences. Teachers will make every effort to arrange them for your convenience. Non-attendance will be documented in the child’s records. In addition to these two planned conference times, parents, teachers, students or administrators may initiate additional conferences. For planning purposes, all conferences must be scheduled in advance. Parents can write or call the school to schedule appointments. Change of Address or Phone Number For emergency purposes, we must have updated information on each student. Please notify the school office and teacher in writing (preferably by email) if any changes in work or residential phone numbers or addresses occur. The Cedar Hill Chest, PTA/School Newsletter A PTA/school newsletter is published at mid-term of each grading period. News about the school will help you understand your child’s school work. It will include an updated calendar section to keep you informed of school events. You can then add these dates and revisions to your monthly calendar. Reminders and special announcements may be sent home between newsletters.

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Student Insurance Student health and accident insurance is offered as an option and service to interested families at the beginning of the year. Purchases and claims are made directly to the vendor. Parents are responsible for providing insurance coverage or paying medical expenses in the case of an accident. Lost and Found Items found in hallways, playground, or cafeteria – other than eyeglasses, jewelry, money, or keys – are placed in the hallway next to the entrance to the cafeteria. Students should check this area to retrieve lost items. Unclaimed items are donated to charity organizations on the last Friday of each month. Avoiding Classroom Interruptions It is important to keep interruptions to instruction to a minimum. If it is necessary to bring books, lunches or other supplies to your child during the day, please leave the items in the school office. There is a procedure in place for getting items to classrooms. Teachers are not available to confer with parents while they have students in their class. School Parties School system policy allows students to enjoy two parties per year: Winter Holiday and Valentine’s Day. Please do not request that your child’s teacher participate in a party at another time during the school year. No outside food or drink will be allowed in the classroom on the last day of the year. Birthday Celebrations Teaching and learning are our main functions at Cedar Hill. Even though most teachers recognize birthdays, we do not celebrate them at school. We believe that birthday celebrations are family functions that should occur on family time. Please do not send goodies, cupcakes, etc. to school for birthday celebrations. Invitations can not be distributed at school. If the class has a class directory, parents should mail invitations according to their discretion.

Messages for Teachers Phone calls will be received between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Messages will be taken so that teachers are not interrupted during instructional time. Phone calls will be returned as soon as possible. Calling the School It is our hope to avoid obtaining a voice prompt answering system. You can help us continue to have a secretary answer the phone throughout the day by utilizing the school website at www.cedarhill.org for informational questions such as lunch menu, upcoming events, etc. Security Plan Our school has drafted a security plan in an effort to provide a safe environment for our students. Portions of the plan remain confidential and portions are communicated to our public. Our plan requires that all visitors enter through the front doors and check in at the office before locating students or walking through the school building. Your cooperation is essential. Violators will be documented with school security personnel. Parents will be informed about any unusual circumstances that may affect the majority of students. Parents may receive a letter the following day; a message will be left on the school’s answering machine, and/or the principal will leave a message on the school’s website – www.cedar-hill.org. Individuals with Disabilities Services It is the practice of the Gwinnett County Public Schools to provide instructional and related services appropriate to provide a free appropriate public education for individuals with documented disabilities. Individuals may contact their local school for information regarding such services.

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Parent Rights “Under the Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, parents have specific rights. These include: the right to inspect and review educational records of their child, the right to challenge the content of those records, the right to complain to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Office about the school’s failure to comply with the law, and the right to be informed of the rights just listed. “Copies of a student’s educational record may be transferred to officials of other schools or school systems in which the student seeks to enroll. Unless parents express, at the time of enrollment in the Gwinnett County Public Schools, a need for additional notice of the transfer of student records, the records transfer to the enrolling school or school system will occur without further notice. School officials must require the parent or guardian to provide proof of residency in the district and attendance zone at the time a student is initially enrolled in a school.” Student Records Gwinnett County Public Schools provide the student and his/her parent with important rights pertaining to their student records through policy “JR.” These rights include: – The right to receive this information in a format understandable to the student and parent; – The right to inspect and review student records by parents (and in the case of students over the age of 18, by students) within 45 days of the request and the right to have the record explained; – The right to copies of student records; – The right to challenge the content of student records and the procedures for doing so, including the availability of formal proceedings to resolve these disputes; – The right to request that material be removed from student records and the procedures for doing so; – The requirement of parental or student consent and the methods of consent before the disclosure of student records except in certain specific circumstances;

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The rights of separated or divorced parents and legal guardians pertaining to student record; – The schedule of destruction of particular student records; – The content, location and particulars concerning permanent records, official records and supplemental records. Closing of School In the event of severe weather or mechanical breakdown, the starting time of a school may be delayed or all schools may be closed. Announcements will be made over radio stations WSB and WLAW between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. If no report is heard, school will be in session. The same conditions may also necessitate early dismissal. In the event of an early dismissal, all teachers will refer to the Emergency Dismissal for to determine where to send your child. It is imperative that this form be completed at the fall conference. Fire, Tornado and Other Emergency Drills Emergency drills are held throughout the school year. School Store As a service to parents, our school store operates Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. Our intent is to offer necessary school supplies in a convenient setting.

School Pictures Individual school pictures are taken in the fall; group and individual pictures are taken in the spring. These are offered as an option to students and parents.

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School Lunch Program Our cafeteria serves a nutritious lunch of choices of entrees and vegetables daily. The cost of a student lunch is $1.50 per day, milk is $.35. (Additional ala carte items can be purchased each day. Check the lunch menu for a list of items available.) Lunches for adults are $2.25. Children may pay daily or establish a lunch account utilizing our lunch cards. Children give checks/money to their teacher who sends a payment envelope to the cafeteria cashiers. Money for cards should be sent in a sealed envelope with the name of your child on the check and the teacher’s name indicated. Please send separate checks for each child. An important part of our nutritional program is the modeling of healthy nutrition habits. We ask that children not bring soft drinks or glass containers to school. Breakfast Program Cedar Hill Elementary provides an optional breakfast program for students. Breakfast is served from 7:45 a.m. – 8:10 a.m. only. The serving line will be closed at 8:10 a.m. If your child qualifies for free lunch, he/she also qualifies for free or reduced breakfast. The cost for breakfast is: Full Pay - $1.00; Reduced - $.30; Adults - $1.25; Extra Milk - $.35. Our breakfasts consist of simple quick items that will help start your child’s day with a good breakfast and allow them to be in their classroom on time. Monday – Wednesday – Friday Choice of different cereals Choice of fruit juice or fresh fruit Tuesday Chicken biscuit Choice of fruit juice or fresh fruit Thursday Sausage biscuit Choice of fruit juice or fresh fruit Of course, as always, milk is required!

Students and adults will use their same cards as for lunch – it’s one account with any amount of money deposited. If you plan for your child to have breakfast, be sure to deposit enough money in his/her account to cover breakfast and lunch. No charges will be allowed for breakfast. Lunch Charges We appreciate parental assistance in reminding students to bring lunch money and frequently checking with children about when additional payments are needed. It is upsetting to children to be without lunch money. Only two charges are permitted. After two charges, students will not be permitted additional charges. However, our cafeteria will provide the child with one item from the serving line and milk. Students receive a charge slip indicating the amount due and that additional money is needed the following day. No lunch charges are permitted the last two weeks of school. Complete the e-mail notification form at Registration if you’d like to be contacted regarding low balances or charges. If a child does not have sufficient funds after two charges, or the charge cut off date, they will receive a peanut butter sandwich and milk in lieu of a regular lunch. Special Diet/Food Allergies In order to substitute milk with juice as part of the regular daily diet, documentation from your physician indicating an allergy is required. Special diets should be provided from home. Snack and Ala Carte Items Various ice creams are sold after lunch for .50 - $1.00 each. Ala Carte lunch items are available for sale each day. A list of items and their costs are posted on the monthly menus and on the Cedar Hill website at www.cedar-hill.org.

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Clinic A clinic worker staffs our clinic each day. Basic first aid services are provided. Our clinic worker is not a registered nurse. Our clinic staff will administer minor first aid, prescription drugs, and long-term medication. Over-the-counter medication will be administered only when a parent request is furnished in writing for a specific reason and day. When parents bring medications to school, detailed written instructions should be provided along with the medication in the original container. Should your child require long-term medication (several weeks to indefinite in length), our clinic staff will dispense medication only after your doctor has written specific instructions that include the exact dosage to be given. We also require that a document be provided to us giving us permission to administer emergency-type medication for specific known problems, i.e. bee stings. No prescription or over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, aspirin, Pepto Bismol, etc.) should be sent to school via the students. According to school bus rules, students are not permitted to have tobacco, alcohol, drugs or any controlled substances (Ritalin, Adderall, etc.) on the bus. The safety of your child as well as other children is the primary consideration behind this rule. Note: The clinic depends on donations for supplies such as BandAids, first-aid ointment, zipper lock sandwich bags, thermometer covers, and tissues. Monetary contributions may also be made as provided on the contribution form distributed on Orientation Day.

Academic Information Kindergarten The Gwinnett County Kindergarten Program is designed to meet the academic and developmental needs of five and six year old children. An environment is provided which supports and nurtures the natural inquisitiveness of the active young learner and allows him/her to take risks. Music, art and PE AKS are taught by the regular Kindergarten Teacher.

Art Each student in grades one through five will have 45 minutes of art instruction once every seven school days. Our goal is to provide fundamental art experiences in a variety of media and techniques based on our Academic Knowledge and Skills. Children are encouraged to dress appropriately for art class due to occasional accidents with markers and paint. Music Music instruction emphasizes the fundamentals of music through songs, instrumentation, music games, musical listening lessons and many other musical activities. Each student in grades one through five will have 45 minutes of music instruction once every seven school days. The musical elements of melody, harmony, tone color, form and rhythm are explored. Classes promote curriculum correlation with Language Arts through reading musical texts, writing music vocabulary, spelling, categorizing music instruments and sequencing musical form through songs and compositions. Math skills are reinforced through rhythm counting, music notation and math song memorization. All other curriculum areas are continuously incorporated through musical selections as well. Sound, movement and puppetry are a primary focus for young children, while units of study in older grades include the study of composers, music symbols, and orchestra instruments. Physical Education Each first through fifth-grader will participate in two 45 minute physical education or health class each seven school days. Please make sure your child wears the appropriate shoes on his/her P.E. day. Gwinnett County has required Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) in Physical Education for each grade level. We have two primary goals for children at Cedar Hill: – To encourage children to develop positive attitudes about themselves and about physical activity, so they will choose to be physically active throughout their lives; and, – To help children develop the movement competence that enables them to participate in physical activity successfully. 16

Special Education Special education programs are available in the areas of learning disabilities, emotional handicaps, other health impairments, and speech/language therapy.

Textbooks The school district provides textbooks for all students at no cost. Every student is obligated to give his/her book the best of care. Textbooks and other school materials must be paid for if lost or damaged.

Gifted Education The Gwinnett County Public Schools gifted education program serves students in grades K-12 by providing academic challenges for those who are intellectually advanced. The gifted program is called FOCUS at the elementary level, PROBE at the middle grades and Gifted Program at the high school level. Any responsible person who has knowledge of a student’s intellectual abilities may refer a student to the local school’s gifted referral committee.

Homework Home study is a necessary part of each student’s educational program. The necessity increases as student’s progress into higher grade levels. Some assignments are very brief in nature and others require extended planning. Parents are advised to plan and supervise a daily study time at home. If your child has no current assignments, the time can be used for reading. Live homework help is available at www.gwinnettpl.org Sunday – Thursday, 4-11 p.m.

The classes offer accelerated learning and enriched academic curriculum experiences that focus on and extend Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Academic Knowledge and Skills. Students are identified and placed in gifted education based on criteria established by the Georgia General Assembly and the Georgia State Board of Education. Students who transfer from gifted education programs within the state of Georgia have reciprocity into the Gwinnett program provided the original placement was correctly completed. Students who transfer from out-of-state must meet Georgia requirements. Parents should notify the school when registered their child that he/she was identified as a gifted education student in their previous school.

Report Cards/Progress Reports Report cards will be issued four times at nine-week intervals: October 15, January 7, March 11, and May 25. Parents participate in parentteacher conferences twice a year as indicated on the school calendar (November 10 & 11, 2004, and February 9 & 10, 2005). Report cards will not be issued simultaneously with these conferences. However, staff members see this as a benefit as it allows them to focus their attention on your child’s growth through sharing of actual work samples.

Counseling Our school guidance counselors assist teachers, parents and students to develop positive achievement in both academic and social adjustment. The counselors work with parents and students individually, in small groups, and in classroom activities.

Grade Scale Report cards and the grade scale will be reviewed during Curriculum Night in August.

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Student Recognition/Awards Criteria and Recognition Methods The recognition of students is extremely important as it enhances selfesteem and encourages students to set high goals. Teachers use a variety of techniques within their classrooms to recognize student achievement in academics and behavior on a daily basis. In addition, students are honored school wide in the following ways: Principal’s Honor Roll Criteria: All A’s on the report card (grades 2-5) S or S+ in conduct and special area performance (handwriting grades do not affect this award) Recognition: Ribbons will be awarded each nine weeks.* Academic Excellence Criteria: All A’s and B’s on the report card (grades 2-5) S or S+ in conduct and special area performance (handwriting grades do not affect this award) Recognition: Ribbons will be awarded each nine weeks.* Perfect Attendance Award Criteria: Perfect attendance for the grading period with no more than 2 tardies or early check-outs during the grading period. Students must be present for the majority of the day each day. Recognition: Perfect Attendance ribbons each nine weeks.* Citizen of the Month Criteria: Teachers will select one student each month. Students will be selected based on the demonstration of good manners, excellence in behavior, cooperation with staff and classmates, consideration for others, and willingness to help others. Recognition: Ribbons will be awarded each nine weeks.*

“Caught Being Good” Award Criteria: Anything a teacher or other staff member sees a student doing which demonstrates excellence in attitude, responsibility, respectfulness, supportiveness, manners, hallway behavior, or other acts of citizenship. The intent is to have every staff member on the lookout for students doing the right thing! Recognition: Teacher or staff member will provide a sticker and coupon to the student. Coupons will be placed in a box and drawings will be held weekly on the morning announcements. Students whose names are drawn will receive a free ice cream. *Award ribbons will be distributed and worn on designated “Ribbon Days” held the Friday following Report Cards. Testing Program The Gwinnett County Group Testing program provides information about student achievement to teachers, parents, students, educational policy and decision makers, and concerned citizens. Individual student results on the norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests will be sent to parents. Grade Test K GKAP-R (on-going through the year) 1 Cognitive Abilities (October) 1 CRCT (April-May) 2 Terra Nova (Spring) 2 CRCT (April-May) 3 Cognitive Abilities (October) 3 Georgia Writing Assessment (March) 3 ITBS (Sept. - Oct.) 3 CRCT (April-May) 4 Gateway Assessments in LA and Math (April) 4 CRCT in SS and Science (April-May) 5 ITBS (Sept. – Oct.) 5 Cognitive Abilities (October) 5 Gateway/Georgia Writing Assessment (January) 5 CRCT (April-May) 18

High Stakes Tests In Gwinnett, Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) are the curriculum standards that outline what all students are expected to learn and be able to do. The Gateway Assessments are tests designed to show how well a student has learned the AKS. These tests are a measure used in grades 4, 5, 7, and 8, to determine whether or not a student is promoted to the next grade level and in high school to determine whether a student graduates with a regular Gwinnett High School Diploma. Third grade students, as determined by the State Department of Education, must pass the Reading Portion of the CRCT (CriterionReferenced Competency Test). Students who do not pass will have the opportunity to attend Summer School at Cedar Hill and then retake the Reading portion. The Gateway test in fourth grade consists of Language Arts and Math. (Students will be tested in the areas of Social Studies and Science by the CRCT test.) The Gateway test at fifth grade is the Georgia State Writing Test that is given in January. Any student who fails the Gateway Test will be recommended for academic summer school, which is offered system wide at no charge to parents. If they do not pass a retest at the end of the summer, they will not be promoted to the next grade. Media Services and Instructional Technology The purpose of media services and instructional technology is to provide access to information and resources. Media services and instructional technology support and enhance teaching and student learning across all areas of the curriculum. Cedar Hill’s media center is an inviting place filled with a wide variety of materials for students and teachers. The media specialist, clerk, paraprofessionals and teachers provide information to students and teach them the skills necessary to find the needed resources. Students are encouraged to visit the Media Center at least once a week. Books

are checked out for a two-week period, but may be returned early and another book selected. A student with an overdue, lost, or damaged book loses check out privileges until the book is returned or a $15.00 replacement fee is paid. Refunds will be given for returned materials until September of the following year. Our media center network also provides students with access to an online catalog as well as other online resources such as GALILEO, CERF, SIRS, and the Gwinnett County Public Library. The media Center is home to our video production studio that offers students and teachers alike an opportunity to create and produce curriculum related video projects and presentations, including a daily live morning news show. Additionally, video cameras, satellite programming, and other instructional technology are available for student and teacher use. Instructional technology is available throughout the school through our wide area network and includes Media Center student stations, classroom computers, and three IBM Labs. Accelerated Reader is a computerized reading/testing program that is used primarily in 2nd-5th grades. Students select books to read from the Accelerated Reader list, then take a test to determine their comprehension of the story. AR books are available for all grade levels, with more difficult books earning higher points. AR books are identified in the Media Center with a red dot on the spine. The Cedar Hill AR lists are also available at the public library branches and are posted on our web pages. The Media and Technology Task Force is composed of faculty, staff, parents, and students who work to support media and technology at Cedar Hill. If you are interested in serving as a parent member of this task force, please contact us. We invite you to visit our media Center and our computer labs and would love to have you as a volunteer. Media and/or Technology expertise is not required; we will train eager volunteers!

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Cedar Hill Elementary School Instructional Technology Acceptable Use Policy The Board recognizes that electronic media, including the Internet, provides access to a wide variety of instructional resources in an effort to enhance educational opportunities. Use of electronic resources must be in support of, and consistent with the vision, mission and goals established by the Board and for the purpose of AKS instructional support. All users of the district wide area network and/or other electronic informational services must maintain strict compliance with all applicable ethical and legal rules and regulations regarding access. Strict compliance with all applicable ethical and legal rules and regulations must be maintained by all users of the wide area network and/or other electronic informational services including electronic mail (e-mail). Users must respect intellectual property rights and understand that school system data accessible over the network constitutes property. All electronic, telephonic, and communications transmitted by, received from, or stored in these systems are property of the Gwinnett County Public Schools. Users of such systems should have no expectation of privacy. Student e-mail use for legitimate educational purposes will be subject to monitoring and review, including review of text and attachments that are related to that student or students. At NO TIME should a student consider GCPS e-mail private or confidential in any way. It is important to note that with a global network it is impossible to control or predict all materials a user may accidentally or purposefully discover on an electronic resource. Gwinnett County Public School personnel will make every effort to educate and guide all users in the proper use of electronic media, including the Internet. Because access to the Internet provides connections to other computer systems located all over the world, users (and parents of users) must understand that neither the Gwinnett County Public Schools or any district staff member controls the content of the information available on these other systems. Some of the information available is controversial and sometimes may be offensive. The Gwinnett County Public Schools DOES NOT CONDONE the use of such materials. Therefore, it is

imperative that the user be held accountable for the appropriate utilization of this technology. ACCESS IS A PRIVILEGE - NOT A RIGHT! Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of these privileges as well as possible assignment of disciplinary action consistent with the policies and procedures of Gwinnett County Public Schools. Local schools may establish additional regulatory guidelines for use of electronic resources that include, but are not limited to, guidelines established by this system wide procedure. Building administrators shall establish a process for informing students and staff about the district and local school Acceptable Use Procedures. The definition of GCPS information and data resources will include any computer, server or network, or access provided or supported by GCPS, including the Internet. Use of the computer facilities includes the use of data/programs stored on GCPS computing systems, data/programs stored on magnetic tape, floppy disk, CD-ROM's, DVD-ROM's computer peripherals, or other storage media, that is owned and maintained by the GCPS. The "user" of the system is the student using GCPS technology. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that all GCPS technology users share the GCPS technology resources in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful manner. GCPS technology should be used for legitimate educational reasons only, and not for personal use. Access is a privilege, not a right, and all students are expected to treat this learning tool with respect. GCPS technology and electronic resources must not be used to: • Harm other people. • Interfere with other people's work. • Use a computer to steal property. • Gain unauthorized access to other people's files or programs. • Gain unauthorized access to on-line resources by using someone else's password. • Make changes to the hardware or software configuration of any machine, including installing or deleting any software. • Improperly using the network, including introducing software viruses and/or bypassing local school or office security policies. 20

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Steal or damage data and/or computers and network equipment. Access, upload, download, and distribute pornographic, hateoriented, profane, obscene, or sexually explicit material.

Failure to follow these guidelines can violate the Official Code of Georgia, OCGA, Codes 16-9-90, 16-9-91, 16-9-92, and 16-9-93, as well as United States Public Law 106-554, known as the Children's Internet Protection Act. Such actions can also lead to disciplinary actions, up to and including loss of access to GCPS technology resources and further disciplinary actions as defined by existing GCPS policies. Finally, please note that GCPS technology use is subject to auditing for legitimate purposes, as well as live monitoring where appropriate. Student Conduct Each student is expected to conduct him or herself in an appropriate manner at all times when attending school or a school related event. Our goal is to provide an environment that is safe and conducive to learning. Staff members use strategies and techniques to encourage appropriate behavior and maintain a learning environment for students. Teachers work collaboratively with parents, counselors, or administrators as needed in handling disciplinary infractions. Discipline It is our belief that discipline is a learning process that should build positive relationships as well as foster a positive self concept. We will clearly define expectations, reinforce appropriate choices and develop the use of natural and logical consequences for inappropriate choices. In an effort to help children make wise decisions and appropriate choices we will guide them through the process of: – Identifying inappropriate action/actions. – Developing strategies to solve their problems. – Assuming responsibility for their own actions.

It is everyone’s responsibility to assist with discipline throughout the building. Our priority is to involve children, staff, and parents to create a positive learning environment. Cedar Hill School Rules Be Responsible – take responsibility for actions – make appropriate choices – have school materials – complete classroom and homework assignments – share school communications with parents and return as needed – keep work area clean – dress appropriately Be Supportive – be a cooperative student and classmate – share materials and ideas – encourage and help others – have a positive attitude – look for successes in yourself and others Be Respectful – respect others’ right to learn, i.e. raise your hand, listen to others, keep hands and feet to yourself – respect others’ ideas (no put downs) – respect differences in others – use appropriate language – respect adult authority – take care of school property Chain of Consequence 1. Teacher implements classroom management plan. This may include: a. a verbal or nonverbal warning b. discussion with student c. loss of privileges, time out d. parent notification e. reward for positive actions f. a point system 21

g. written action plan h. alternative setting i. other consequences on the “Love and Logic” discipline philosophy j. restitution Administrative Intervention

j) Each student will not miss school or class without an excused absence. k) Each student will not exhibit unsafe and/or inappropriate conduct at any time. l) Severe or repeated violations of school rules may result in a parental conference and/or discipline review committee meeting.

Gwinnett County Board of Education Rules The following rules apply when a student is: 1. on the school grounds; 2. off the school grounds at a school activity, function, or event; 3. en route to and from school, or 4. off the school grounds while the student is in attendance of any school function, or is otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of school authorities.

Please note – The administrative staff may assist when major offenses occur. Major offenses include those behaviors considered to be life threatening, severe or illegal, and are specifically defined as (1) physical assault resulting in bodily harm, (2) racial or sexual harassment, (3) major destruction of school property, (4) stealing, (5) using disrespectful or abusive language and/or gestures, and (6) documented continuous disruptive behavior. Possible consequences that may occur include: After school detention, inschool suspension, out-of-school suspension, disciplinary panel, parent/student conference, and restitution. Offenses that violate state and/or federal laws will be reported to the school resource officer.

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a) Each student will not interrupt learning and teaching. b) Each student will not damage or attempt to damage or take or attempt to take the property of the school. c) Each student will not damage or attempt to damage or take or attempt to take the personal property of others. d) Each student will not threaten, hit, kick, bite, bump, push, pull hair, pinch, hurt or use disrespectful language with staff (administrators, teachers, bus drivers, etc.) e) Each student will not bully, threaten, hit, kick, bite, bump, push, pull hair, hurt or use disrespectful language with other students or any other person not employed by the school. f) Each student will not possess or use weapons, whether assembled or disassembled guns, including toy guns, knives, firecrackers, etc. g) Each student will not possess, use, or distribute alcohol or drugs or any substances they represent to be alcohol or drugs. h) Each student will not disobey directions or commands of teachers, principals, bus drivers, etc. i) Each student will not expose or touch himself, herself or others inappropriately including private areas of the body.

After problem-solving with the student regarding the action involved, an appropriate consequence will be determined. The following interventions may be suggested when a child commits a major offense: Student Study Team, individual an/or group counseling, and attendance in Parent Education classes. In addition to the above, please be aware that it is the policy of the Gwinnett County Board of Education to refer to a county-level discipline committee any student who is in possession of alcohol, drugs or weapons on school property. This is also considered a major offense. Pocket knives, BB guns, firecrackers, fireworks, knives, swords, laser pointers, etc. may not be brought to school and will be dealt with as a major offense. This includes toy weapons. Labels on laser pointers clearly state the danger of eye damage if directed at another person. Therefore, laser pointers will be confiscated and sent to Safety & Security. Severe disciplinary action 22

will be imposed. Students may not bring electronic items such as cassette players, Walkmans, Gameboys, Cell Phones etc. to school. Discipline Statement The above philosophy, school rules and possible consequences will be provided to you and your child during the first month of school, along with learning activities that correspond. After ample time and review, each child and parent will be asked to sign a statement indicating their understanding and support of our efforts in helping Cedar Hill students develop a lifelong love of learning both in academics and selfdiscipline, allowing our students to be the very best they can be. Student Dress Code We believe there is a direct correlation between student dress and student behavior and achievement. Any form of dress, hairstyle or makeup that is considered distracting or disruptive to the learning environment should not be worn to school. When deciding what to wear to school each day, these guidelines should be considered; • Halter tops are not permitted at school. • “Short-shorts” (typically those shorter than fingertips when extended naturally) are not permitted for girls in grades 4 and 5. • Tank tops for boys and “spaghetti strap” tops for girls (grades 4 & 5) are not permitted. • For all grades, hats, scarves, bandannas, and other head garments are not allowed with the exception of designated “hat days”. • Clothes with logos identified with drugs, alcohol, or gangs, or inappropriate logos are not permitted. • Pants/jeans should fit properly. Pants that sag will need a belt. • Short shirts or low riding pants that expose the midriff in natural movement are not permitted. • Flip flops or thongs are not permitted in that they are unsafe for school activities.

While styles change, it is still important to use good taste and judgment. If there is any doubt about whether to wear something or not, it’s best not to wear it to school. If students wear inappropriate items to school, we will give them the choice either to call a parent to bring them something else or to cover their clothes with an item from our clinic. Your guidance and support regarding dress are needed and appreciated. School Admission of Suspended or Expelled Students The Gwinnett County Board of Education may decide not to admit a student into the school system that has been suspended or expelled from another school system during the period of such suspension or expulsion. Before an entering student will be excluded for the operative suspension or expulsion period, the Gwinnett county Board of Education will hold a preadmission hearing to determine whether the cause for a particular student’s suspension or expulsion from another school system would justify suspension or expulsion from the Gwinnett County Public Schools. Such preadmission shall be conducted in the same manner as required for long term suspensions from the Gwinnett Schools. –

A certified copy of the other school system’s order of suspension or expulsion shall be obtained. – If the student’s conduct would have justified suspension or expulsion from Gwinnett schools, the student may be barred from admission for such time as is authorized by the school system’s rules governing long term suspension. – This same process will be used to determine school admission enrollment eligibility for students who pose a threat to the school community. – Official Code of Georgia Annotated 20-2-751.1

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Student Transportation Student Behavior Management Plan: The Behavior Management Plan is a three part program that helps the bus manager to achieve that goal by maintaining appropriate student behavior on the school bus. It consists of: 1) Prevention, 2) Interventions and 3) Consequences. The first two steps are administered by the bus manager. The third step (consequences) is administered by the school administrator or designee. - Prevention: Prevention steps are used by the bus manager to educate the students about safe and appropriate riding behaviors clarify the bus manager’s expectations for the students and assist students to successfully demonstrate safe riding habits every day. - Intervention: The bus manager helps the student and/or parent to stop unsafe or inappropriate behaviors or habits while assisting students to identify the appropriate behavior. - Consequences: If prevention and intervention steps are unsuccessful at improving the student’s behavior or safe riding habits, a bus discipline form is submitted by the bus manager to the school administrator. The school administrator is responsible for assigning appropriate, effective consequences for the student’s inappropriate behavior in an effort to affect the necessary improvement. Prevention Expectations: Bus Mangers should clearly communicate expectations and reinforce as needed. Expectations should be based on bus rules. Bus managers will learn the name of each student and their stop location. Students will be assigned seats as a part of the prevention step. Assigned seating will help with: – Ownership of property surrounding the student’s seat area. – Knowing if a student is/was on board. – Emergency evacuation procedures. – –

Increases structure, routine and consistency.

School Bus Rules Students will annually receive instruction in safe bus riding procedures. Bus managers will read bus rules to students starting the

first day of school and repeated monthly to enhance the safety of the children being transported. When a bus manager talks about the bus rules, they should offer practical examples to help them be more consistent. We encourage all parents to review these rules with their children and help instill in their children the importance of safe and appropriate bus behavior. The following School Bus Rules are posted on all GCPS school buses and printed in all school handbooks: – Students will follow directions of the manager. – Students should be a the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus arrives, waiting in a safe place, clear of traffic and 10 feet from where the bus stops. Parental supervision is required at bus stops. – Students will wait in an orderly line and avoid playing. – Students will cross roadway in front of the bus after the bus has stopped, they have looked at the manager for a hand signal, and they have looked in both directions for traffic; left, right, left. – Students will signal the manager with a waving motion if something is dropped and wait for the manager to give a signal before picking up object. – Students will go directly to assigned seat when entering the bus. Aisles and exits should be kept clear at all times. – Students will not eat, drink, chew gum, or bring tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substances on the bus, including prescribed or over-the-counter medications. – Students will not carry animals, glass objects, nuisance items, hazardous materials, or weapons onto the bus. – Students will be totally silent at railroad crossings. – Students will stay seated until time to get off the bus. The open door is the signal to get up from the bus seat. – Students must provide an official bus note, signed by a parent/guardian and a school official giving permission to ride a different bus or to get on or off at a different bus stop location. – Students will keep their bus clean and in good, safe condition.

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Interventions Verbal Reminder: Bus managers will remind the student of the bus rule(s) not being followed. Talk privately with student: Bus managers will let the student know inappropriate behavior and what is expected from them. Reassign Bus Seat: Bus managers will separate the students involved in the inappropriate behavior. Parent/Guardian Courtesy Call: Bus managers will call the parent/guardian to notify them of the students’ inappropriate behavior, with a request for help to achieve appropriate behavior. Parent/Guardian notified in writing: Bus managers will complete a parent Notification Form, which includes written documentation of the students’ inappropriate behavior, with all steps taken by the manager documented on the form. The form will be taken home by the student to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to the bus manager within two days. A phone call to the parents/guardian should be made if the form is not returned by the second day. ALL OF THE ABOVE STEPS MAY BE BYPASSED DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR. Bus Discipline Form sent to School Administrator: Reasons: 1. Behavior escalates beyond a driver’s control or is not improved after using the appropriate intervention steps. 2. Major offense. Violations that should be considered major offenses include, but not limited to the following: a. drugs (includes alcohol, cigarettes, lighters) b. throwing objects off the bus c. fighting (trying to intentionally hurt someone, not pushing or shoving) d. weapons, dangerous instruments, and explosive/implosive devices e. threats (verbal and physical threats) SUCH VIOLATIONS ARE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR ON A BUS DISCIPLINE FORM.

Documentation: Bus manager will maintain daily written documentation of all occurrences in the Transportation Logbook. School Administrator to Student Consequences: Administrative Referral Consequences for Elementary Schools 1st Bus Referral – The bus manager has already tried intervention strategies and has sent the parent notification concerning bus behavior. The administrator will discuss appropriate bus discipline, contact the parent, and on the referral, write future steps that will be followed. 2nd Bus Referral - The parent will choose to attend the bus intervention program at the local school or the student will be suspended from the bus for three days. 3rd Bus Referral – The student will be suspended from the bus for 5 days. 4th Bus Referral – The student will be suspended from the bus for 10 days. Parent notification of possible discipline panel. 5th Bus Referral – The student will be suspended from the bus for 15 days. The student will appear before a discipline panel. Steps can be skipped according to the offense. Emergency Evacuation Procedures Students will annually receive instruction in emergency evacuation procedures. Bus managers will read bus emergency procedures to students starting the first week of school and conduct a simulated bus evacuation drill, with monthly reviews to enhance the safety of the children being transported. The evacuation process will be held only on school grounds. Students will be evacuated from a bus ONLY when they are in more danger on the bus than they would be outside the bus. All students will be trained on how to safely evacuate a bus. Bus managers will appoint and train bus emergency helpers starting the first week of school. A permission slip will be sent home for parents/guardian to sign and return. We encourage all parents to help instill in their children the importance of participating in the bus evacuation drills and taking drills seriously.

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Emergency Evacuation Procedures

* Leave all personal items on the bus seat, * Unload one seat at a time, * If possible, exit through the front and rear doors at the same time. *

* * * * *

Use the red line in the ceiling of the bus as a guide. Students seated in front of the red line will exit through the front door. All students should follow helper #1, who will open the front door and led the students at least 100 feet from the bus. Students should walk at a 45 degree angle from the bus. Students seated behind the red line will exit from the rear or side emergency door. Helper #2 will open the emergency door, exit and hold the door open. Kindergarten and first grade students should sit down and scoot down to the ground. Students in other grade levels may choose to sit down to exit the bus. If students cannot exit through the rear door or side door, everyone should exit through the front door of the bus. If students cannot exit through the front bus door, everyone should exit through the rear or side door. Stay together until permission to leave has been given by a police officer or a person from the Gwinnett County Public School System.

Additional Emergency Exits: * Roof hatches * Side push out windows * Windshield * Side emergency door * Other windows encased in black rubber gaskets

PTA Committees Cultural Arts The National PTA states that “The Arts are an integral part of education. Dance, theater, voice, playing an instrument, story telling, visual arts creation, writing and photography – all help a child build self-esteem and add joy to his or her learning experience. The Arts are more than students watching a performance. Students should participate in activities that allow self-expression.” The Cultural Arts/Guest Authors committee is responsible for locating and booking performing arts groups for our Cedar Hill Students, as well as supporting the Media Specialist with securing guest authors. Reflections is a fine arts competition sponsored by the national PTA. Our committee organizes and executes the program according to national guidelines, with the assistance of our County and District PTAs.

Community Outreach National PTA guidelines suggest that Community Outreach work address the following areas of interest: Community Outreach, Partnerships, Diversity and Inclusion. The Cedar Hill PTA has four committees to promote these goals. Counselor Assistance helps our counselors assist needy families within our school community. We assist in the organization of a Thanksgiving food drive, a holiday gift book drive, a Back to School backpack drive, and any other charitable projects the counselors deem necessary. Family Fun plans and coordinates one fall and one spring evening event designed to bring our families together to have fun at school. Past examples include the Fall Festival, Spaghetti Night, Spring Family Breakfast and Barbeque and Bingo.

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The Fifth Grade Celebration committee organizes a graduation ceremony to ensure that all graduating fifth graders receive an appropriate celebration of their six years of effort. The Spirit wear committee works to foster school spirit by selling a small variety of tee shirts and sweatshirts with the Cedar Hill logo on them. Fundraising As fundraising is not the focus of any PTA’s efforts, but is a requirement to support many programs and projects we advocate, the Cedar Hill PTA conducts one Fall Fundraiser. The Fall Fundraiser is a wrapping paper sale, usually begun the first full week after school starts and ending the second week of September. The merchandise is ready for distribution in mid-October. Literacy Literacy in reading, math, technology, science and many other educational subjects is necessary to be functional in today’s global economy. The Cedar Hill PTA maintains three committees dedicated to providing opportunities for students to explore and become literate in these areas. The Book Fair committee coordinates the scheduling of volunteers to work at our annual Book Fair, presented in conjunction with the media Center staff. The fair gives students and parents the opportunity to purchase books for their personal reading enjoyment. The proceeds from this activity are used to buy supplemental materials for the Media Center.

Media Parents work in the Media Center on a regular basis. They assist the Media Specialist by checking out and shelving books, and by helping students located desired reading materials. Media shifts are three hours, morning or afternoon, one day per week. Membership Anyone associated with Cedar Hill is encouraged to become a member of PTA. Becoming involved with the school is a rewarding experience and keeps us informed of all aspects of our children’s educational environment. This committee coordinates the membership drive during fall orientation, PTA meetings and as new students enroll throughout the year. Publications and Media The Cedar Hill Handbook committee publishes the Cedar Hill Parent/Student Handbook and Calendar each year for distribution at Fall Registration in August. The committee collects information, designs and correlates the handbook and calendar during the summer. Room Representatives Room Representatives play a very important role in each PTA unit. They provide close personal contact between the PTA, parents, students, and teachers. At the beginning of the school year, the Room Representative Chairs, the principal and the PTA president meet with the room representatives to become better acquainted and to inform the representatives of school policies, procedures and programs (i.e. school schedules, number of parties permitted, etc.)

The BOOST committee offers to teachers, committed volunteersparents, grandparents, and community members – to work with children who may need extra attention to improve their academic or other skills. Each child works with a volunteer 15-20 minutes, usually once a week.

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