Karen Caldwell, Principal karenc@wcs.edu

Christy Serpas, Assistant Principal christys2@wcs.edu

Val Shirley, Bookkeeper Valerie.shirley@wcs.edu

Crystal Howell, Office Assistant Crystal.howell@wcs.edu

Beth Alexander, Secretary betha2@wcs.edu

Jason Golden, Williamson County Schools Superintendent  

jasong@wcs.edu

1320 West Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064

(615) 472-4000 www.wcs.edu

Williamson County Students participate in both formative and summative assessments.  Formative assessments are ongoing classroom assessments utilized to inform instruction.  Examples include exit tickets, discussion boards, observations/conversations, and benchmark assessments. Summative assessments typically take place at the end of a unit. They are utilized to guide the school on overall approaches and strategies for instruction.  Each summative assessment will include an academic integrity notice.  Performance on an assessment informs a teacher on student progress toward a standard.  It is imperative that a student does his/her own work.

Students in grades K-5 will participate in the district-wide reading and math AIMSweb screener.  Students in grades 3-5 will participate in state and district assessments.  During assessment windows we ask that parents make every attempt to have students at school on time.  No absences will be excused for family trips. 

Please refer to Assessments for information regarding district assessments including the assessment calendar.  

Consistent attendance and punctuality is a cornerstone of student progress and success. If students repeatedly miss school or are often tardy, it puts them at risk for misunderstanding concepts that are taught and reinforced while they are not present. Additionally, student attendance is one of the categories the federal and state governments use to evaluate schools and assess whether they are making adequate yearly progress. Consistent attendance is a priority at Sunset.

Student attendance will be taken daily, even while learning remotely. If your child is ill or otherwise is unable to attend a scheduled learning session, please contact your child’s teacher. Teachers will be posting daily classroom materials and activities to their Google Classroom.

Tardies and Early Dismissals (before 3:50 PM)

Students are tardy if they are not in their classrooms by 8:50 AM Students may be dropped off at school starting at 8:30 AM.  If you need childcare prior to this time, please contact our SACC program.

Late arrival and early dismissal may be excused for the following reasons: (1) illness, (2) death in the family, (3) recognized religious holiday, (4) doctor or dentist appointment, or (5) Principal approved emergency or exceptional circumstances. 

Early dismissals are strongly discouraged after 3:20 PM (except in an emergency) due to safety issues and the interruption of instructional time in classes.  Instructional time extends until dismissal at 3:50 PM. 

The parent must sign the student out in the office at dismissal time stating time and reason, and office personnel will call the student to the office when the parent arrives to pick up the student.   A student is considered absent for the day if they are picked up prior to 12:20 PM.

Excused Absences

Excused absences include: (1) illness, (2) death in the family, (3) recognized religious holiday, (4) doctor or dentist appointment, or (5) Principal approved emergency or exceptional circumstances.

Written Documentation

The Williamson County School Board Policy 6.200 requires written parental or medical documentation for all absences, tardies, and early dismissals. This documentation ensures that school personnel are fully and accurately informed about your child. All absences are considered “unexcused” until a note is sent, preferably within 48 hours of the student’s return to school. When a student’s absences exceed 8 days, a doctor’s note will be required to excuse all future absences with the exception of bereavement and religious holiday.  Notes are kept on file for the school year.  Parents may also send an email with all appropriate information to their teacher AND our attendance secretary, Beth Alexander at betha2@wcs.edu 

Notes should state:

• child’s name
• teacher’s name
• date(s) of absence
• reason for absence
• doctor’s note attached (if applicable)
• parent or guardian signature

School Notification

When a student accumulates a total of 8 excused absences, all other absences will be considered unexcused unless a doctor’s note is presented upon the day of returning to school. 

In accordance with new state guidelines for schools related to truancy, Williamson County Schools has implemented a three-tiered system to monitor attendance.  Parents will be notified as unexcused absences accumulate (recorded) to proactively help with truancy concerns.

• 3 unexcused absences - parents will be notified via email.
• 5 unexcused absences – a phone call will be made by school personnel to develop a contract. The team will create the plan with the family to ensure subsequent school attendance. Follow-up meetings will be planned to monitor progress.
• If the student continues to accumulate absences, additional interventions will be established.
• The new Tennessee Department of Education Accountability Regulations (ESSA) defines students as "chronically absent" after 18 absences per year, regardless of excused or unexcused. Students who accumulate 18 or more absences will be considered “Chronically Absent” and reported to the state.

All students are expected to adhere to the following school expectations: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe. Individual classroom teachers will establish classroom procedures for meeting these expectations. If a student fails to meet expectations, it may result in a conference with school administration. Administrative consequences will be determined based on behavior and any prior behaviors or interventions. Consequences may include but are not limited to: time in the office, silent lunch, ISS (in school suspension) and possible OSS (out of school suspension).  In addition, all Sunset students are expected to follow WCS policies, procedures and guidelines concerning discipline for any offenses concerning Zero Tolerance and Zero Tolerance reasoned judgement offenses.

During the time of active COVID cases, teachers will implement routines and procedures to keep students and staff safe.  Any intentional behavior that puts another person at risk will be taken seriously and addressed accordingly. 

 

Bullying is not tolerated. We ask all parents and students to report any bullying to a teacher or staff member in the building. The report will be investigated by administration within 48 hours.  The investigation and required intervention will be implemented within 20 calendar days.  Administration will notify the parent/guardian of any students involved immediately.  Administration will also provide information regarding any support services available. Administration will follow investigation procedures and definitions set forth in policy 6.3032. Behavior that is found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to discipline, up to and including suspension as deemed by administration.

Definition:  Bullying is defined by Tennessee law as any act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities or performance.  Bullying is:   1) repeated, 2) intentional harm, 3) against someone perceived with less power.  Bullying has the effect of:

1.  Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property
2. Knowingly placing the student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student’s property.
3. Causing emotional distress to a student or students; or
4. Creating a hostile educational environment.

If a student needs help with resolving a conflict or if a student feels that he/she is being bullied, he/she should communicate with a staff member such as a teacher, counselor or administration.

Families may also report bullying to a WCS toll free tip line.  The toll free number is 1-855-284-0669. Incidents can also be reported via email at bullying@wcs.edu.  Please reference School Board Policy 6.3032.

 

As part of the U.S Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) meal program, students receive the meals (one breakfast and one lunch) at no cost for the 2021-2022 school year and the school district is reimbursed for each full meal served when each meal is composed of the correct components.

Breakfast includes: Any hot item entrée, fruit and or veggie, one milk, water or juice.

Not included in the reimbursable program are muffins, pop tarts, cereal, or cinnamon rolls.  They cost $0.75 and up.

Lunch includes: any one entrée, fruit and or veggie, one milk, water or juice.

More than one entrée with lunch is $1.50.

Not a full lunch entrée only is $2.50.

Not included in the reimbursable program is any snack.  Examples include chips, fruit snacks or ice cream at a cost of $0.75 and up.

When in the cafeteria:

Lunch should be a relaxing and fun time for students. To that end, cafeteria rules have been established to help create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.  Please review these rules with your children.

Cafeteria Rules:

1. Enter and exit the cafeteria in a neat line on “Zone 0” voice.
2. Get all utensils and condiments before sitting down.
3. Purchase all items when you go through the line.
4. Gather all trash and clean up your area when your table is dismissed.
5. Stay in your seat with your feet under the table and keep your hands to yourself.
6. Talk to the people at your table.
7. Raise your hand and wait for permission before leaving your seat.
8. Only eat food you brought or bought.
9. Listen to the cafeteria monitors.
10. Use proper dining manners.

Family members only are welcome to join their children for lunch.  Visitors must eat at the tables in the rotunda.  Parents may only eat with their own children.  They cannot bring a friend to lunch with another parent without written permission.   In the best interest of all students and in alignment with the district’s wellness policy and allergy protocol, outside restaurant food is not permitted. Parents should plan to purchase a school lunch or bring a sack lunch from home for themselves. We appreciate your understanding of this request as we work to reduce disruption, promote healthy school lunches, and diligently protect our students with allergies.

To preserve instructional time, parents are asked to wait at the cafeteria to join their children for lunch and to say “goodbye” to their children in the cafeteria. Don’t forget to sign in/out in the office and wear a visitor’s sticker.

Students may not be picked up from car services such as Uber and Lyft.  These companies prohibit minors from being transported alone.

We love to honor and celebrate students at Sunset.  There will be two class parties scheduled during the year.  The parties will be a time for students to participate in fun activities with their classmates.  It is vital that staff and parents be mindful of food allergies when planning for celebrations.  Food allergies can be life threatening and are a serious concern to all schools.  We have several students with serious food allergies.  Therefore, we will make every effort to protect students with allergies while not taking away from traditional childhood celebrations.  The guidelines listed below are in accordance with the district's Wellness Policy.

Class Parties

The classroom teacher and room parent will plan two celebrations: a winter party and an end of year party. 

All celebrations must be pre-planned with the classroom teacher.  The room parents and party planners for each classroom organize classroom celebrations and coordinate the plans with the teachers.  As we work to keep our buildings and children safe, parties will no longer be open to all family members. Only the party planners (2 per class) and PTO Board members will be allowed to attend/facilitate parties.  All foods for scheduled schoolwide and classroom celebrations must be pre-packaged with ingredient and nutritional values listed.  Food made from home may not be distributed during the school day or brought into the classroom.

Birthdays

Students love to celebrate birthdays at school, as it is a memorable time to share with teachers and friends. In an effort to abide by the WCS Wellness Policy as well as address the increasing number of students with food allergies or diabetes, we are asking all parents to follow these simple guidelines when planning for your child’s birthday this year. The Sunset staff feels strongly that by following these guidelines, we are promoting a healthy lifestyle and maximizing learning:

• Send in a non-edible treat for everyone in the classroom such as pencils, bookmarks, etc.
• Donate a book in your child’s name to our school library.
• Donate an educational game or book to your child’s classroom teacher in their honor.

Your child’s birthday will also be recognized on our school-wide announcements and they will receive a card from the office. Again, the emphasis is on honoring your child on their birthday without a focus on food.

Individual invitations to private birthday parties may not be distributed during school hours unless there is an invitation for every child in the class or one for every student that is the same gender as your child (i.e. for your daughter, an invitation for every girl in the class). There is no need to put student names on these invitations as there will be enough for one per child. Please note that these invitations will be distributed to students in your child’s class only. Invitations sent to school where there is not one for every child in the classroom will be returned home.

Cell phones, Apple watches and cameras may not be used to take pictures or video in the school setting. If, as a parent, you feel that it is imperative for your child to have a cell phone/Apple watch at school for after school communication, it is to remain in your child’s backpack, turned off during the school day and during bus transports to and from school.  All items in backpacks are the responsibility of the student and the school is not liable for ANY loss or damage incurred.  We are working to keep students focused on learning.  All electronic games, toys, trading cards, MP3 players, virtual pets, hand-held electronic games, etc. are not permitted AND should not be seen or heard during the school day. If any of these items are seen or heard during the school day they will be taken up and returned only to a parent/guardian.  Students take full responsibility for personal digital devices at all times.  The school is not responsible for the security of the device.

Child Find is how Williamson County Schools identify students who may be having problems.  This may include children who are gifted as well as students who have trouble seeing or hearing, need special education services, or need supports to learn. It is important to find these children and give them the help they need as early as possible. Find more information on  Child Find or call Student Support Services at 615 472-4130.

Chrome books will be provided at the beginning of the school year. Before students are issued a Chromebook, both the child and parent must read and sign the Acceptable Use Policy, the Video Conferencing form and the Authorization District Device form. These forms will be made available in Skyward prior to the start of school for review and acceptance.

Students must act responsibly with their Chromebooks.  Teachers will review proper practices with students to maintain good condition.  If a student willingly and intentionally damages a Chromebook, the student may be charged for repairs up to the total cost for replacement.  Charges will be determined by administration.

Students should take their Chromebook home nightly to charge the device, use the device for any assigned homework, and to be prepared for any transition to Remote Learning. Student issued Chromebook charge cords are not needed at school.

We are very fortunate to have a full-time nurse on staff.  She is committed to serving all students and staff.  If a student becomes ill or injured at school, the teacher will have the student evaluated by the school nurse.  Through her examination and in accordance with the district WCS Ilness Guidelines, the nurse will determine treatment or if the student does not meet criteria to stay in school.  The nurse will notify parents if a student becomes significantly ill or injured. The school is not equipped for prolonged care of your sick child. We ask that you or an emergency contact pick up your child within the hour that you are called. The school nurse may only administer medications that are provided and authorized by the parent/guardian. Please contact Nurse Robin for more information about medications.

Students will be checked for head lice by the school nurse when demonstrating symptoms of infestation.  Parents of students with live lice or an active infestation will be asked to pick up their child as soon as possible to begin the treatment process.  The student may return to school only after the hair has been treated appropriately and the parent presents proof of treatment. 

When determining whether your child is well enough to attend school, please refer to the WCS Illness Guidelines.  Please note that your child should not be sent to school until he/she has been fever free for at least 24 hours without taking a fever reducing medication. In addition, if student is absent from school due to illness, he/she may not attend after school activities that same day.

If you have any other questions regarding health services, policies or procedures, please visit Williamson County Schools Health Services.

Should a parent become dissatisfied with the action of a teacher, administrator, or other school employee, there is a recommended course of action to follow. First, try to resolve the complaint directly with the person on an informal basis. Following the teacher/parent discussion, persons can bring the issue to the principal.

We believe it is imperative for the home and school to work harmoniously in helping students grow into responsible individuals who can demonstrate good character traits while weighing the rights and interest of others at the same time. This learning related to character development is as important as academic achievement. Developing good character traits will allow students to learn empathy and celebrate everyone’s achievements. It is our goal to ensure our school environment is a place where students want to be and where they see themselves as capable of success. 

Custodial parents must inform the school immediately upon any changes in custody, especially court restraining orders. Non-custodial parents requesting information for a student should provide the child’s teacher with self-addressed, stamped envelopes for periodically mailing information or arrangements may be made for the child’s teacher to collect information to be transported with the student to the non-custodial parent. All families with a parenting plan must have that plan on file in our office along with any subsequent orders or changes to the parenting plan. Students will be unable to register for school without a parenting plan or court order establishing the primary care parent, should any court order exist.

1.501 Visitors to the Schools

3.500 Food Services Management

4.300 Extracurricular Activities

6.303 Interrogations and Searches

6.400 Promoting Student Welfare

6.405 Medicines

6.709 Student Fees and Fines

Board Policy 6.200 Attendance

6.304 Student Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying, Cyber-Bullying, and Intimidation

6.3041 Title IX & Sexual Harassment

6.309 Zero Tolerance Offenses

6.315 Detention

6.316 Student Suspension/Expulsion

3.400 School Bus Safety/Student Conduct

4.406 Student Access To Electronic Media

6.310 Dress Code

4.600 Report Cards and Grading Systems

4.603 Promotion and Retention

Annual Public Notices including FERPA, Child Advocacy Groups Contact Information, Homeless Education, Rights of Children with Disabilities and Parent Responsibilities, Section 504 Notice, State Statutory Rights of Parents and Students, Teacher Information, and the Williamson County Schools Statement of Non-Discrimination can be found on the Annual Public Notices posted to the WCS website.

Williamson County Schools Statement of Non-Discrimination

Williamson County, in compliance with federal and state law, performs a countywide Child Find. Child Find uses screening to find students in both public school or private school located in the geographic region who may need special education services and supports.