ASSESSMENTS

Williamson County Students participate in both formative and summative assessments.  Formative assessments are ongoing classroom assessments utilized to inform instruction.  Examples include: exit tickets, quizzes, unit tests, universal screeners and benchmark assessments.  Summative assessments typically take place at the end of a course.  They are utilized to guide the school on overall approaches and strategies for instruction. 

Students in grades K-5 will participate in the district-wide reading and math screeners.  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 the WCS Assessment page for information regarding district assessments including the assessment calendar.

 ATTENDANCE

School Hours 

School hours are 8:50 – 3:50. Arrival begins at 8:25 am.

 Consistent attendance and punctuality is the cornerstone of student progress and success. If students repeatedly miss school or are often tardy/early dismissed, 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 or not they are making adequate yearly progress. Consistent attendance is a priority at Fairview Elementary.

 Student attendance will be taken daily. 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)

Students are tardy if they are not in their classrooms by 8:50 am. Students may be dropped off at school starting at 8:25 a.m.  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 (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.

• Students can have a total of 3 tardies and/or dismissals and still qualify as perfect attendance.

Parents must send a note to the teacher the morning of the request for early dismissal (unless an emergency) with the following information:

• Student’s name and teacher’s name
• Date and time child is to be dismissed
• Reason for early dismissal

The parent must sign the student out in the office stating time and reason, and office personnel will call the student to the office when the parent arrives to pick up the student.

 

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 reach 8 days, a doctor’s note will be required to excuse all future absences.  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, Shirley Hammon, shirleyh@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 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 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 or phone.
• 5 unexcused absences – a meeting will be held with family and school personnel. The team will create a plan to support the family and 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 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.

BEHAVIOR

All students are expected to adhere to the following school expectations:

Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be a Role Model.

Individual classroom teachers will establish classroom procedures for meeting these expectations. 

Character Education & PBIS

The teachers and staff at Fairview Elementary School strive to provide classroom environments and experiences where all children feel safe and have a positive learning environment. Our school focuses on character education, appropriate behavior and the elimination of bullying.  We support these goals in everything we do within our school community.   We expect all students, staff, and parents to follow the school rules so that teachers can teach, and students can learn.

School Rules

Be Respectful-Be Responsible-Be a Role Model

 Please take time to discuss these simple and effective rules with your child and ask him/her to explain what they mean in a school setting.  All three rules will be taught and discussed in class.  We want every child to “get caught” following the rules. 

7 Habits of Highly Effective Kids

1. Be Proactive – I have a “Can Do” attitude. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods.
2. Begin With the End in Mind – I plan ahead and set goals.
3. Put First Things First I spend my time on things that are most important.
4. Think Win-Win – I want everyone to be a success.
5. Seek First to Understand – I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings.
6. Synergize – I value other people’s strengths and learn from them.
7. Sharpen the Saw – I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep.

 The Williamson County School System has a Zero Tolerance Policy for drugs, alcohol, assault, and weapons. For more information please visit www.wcs.edu.

 Fairview Elementary School

Policy for Administrative Discipline Referrals

(Severe Offenses or Incidents/Office Referrals)

The disciplinary actions listed below are a minimum recommendation for any of the offenses listed in this document. Administrative discretion, in regards to consequences, will be used based on the severity of the offense.  Parent Contact will be initiated for each offense. The following consequences are in compliance with WCS policies 6.3061-6.316.  Classroom consequences may be used in addition to 1^st/2^nd offense by the teacher.

 

Misuse of technology

1^st Offense: Teacher verbal warning 

2^nd Offense: Teacher will confiscate device to be returned to student at the end of the day and parent notification 

3^rd Offense: Teacher will confiscate device, turn it into the office and parent will be required to pick up the device from the office 

4^th Offense:  Team (parent, teacher, administrator) conference to discuss appropriate consequence and develop individual plan (Loss of privileges could occur)

 

Cheating/Plagiarism 

1^st Offense: Administrator notified with documented proof, parent notification, and student will redo assignment 

2^nd Offense: ½ Day ISS and 1^st offense consequence 

3^rd Offense: 1 Day ISS and 1^st offense consequence

4^th Offense:  Team (parent, teacher, administrator) conference to discuss appropriate consequence and develop individual plan

Defiance/Disobedience 

1^st Offense: Administrative referral, parent notification, silent lunch in the office and student loss of recess

2^nd Offense: ½ Day ISS and parent notification 

3^rd Offense: 1 Day ISS and parent notification

4^th Offense:  Team (parent, teacher, administrator) conference to discuss appropriate consequence and develop individual plan

 

Disrespect / Excessive Distraction or Disruptive Behavior / Lying/Dishonesty

1^st Offense: Parent Contact by Teacher

2^nd Offense: Parent/teacher Conference

3^rd Offense: Administrative referral, parent notification, silent lunch in the office and student loss of recess

4^th Offense: Team (parent, teacher, administrator) conference to discuss appropriate consequence and develop individual plan

 

Inappropriate Language or Gestures/Use of Profanity (written or verbal) 

1^st Offense: Parent Contact by Teacher (teacher discretion based on direct/indirect)

2^nd Offense: Administrative referral, parent notification, silent lunch in the office and student loss of recess

3^rd Offense: ½ Day ISS and parent notification 

4^th Offense: 1 Day ISS and parent notification

5^th Offense:  Team (parent, teacher, administrator) conference to discuss appropriate consequence and develop individual plan

 

*Administrative discretion will be used to determine severity of consequences based on direct/indirect use. Consequences can range from silent lunch and loss of recess to OSS.

 

Stealing/Theft 

1^st Offense: Restitution/ ½ Day ISS and parent notification  

2^nd Offense: Restitution/ 1 Day ISS and parent notification

3^rd Offense: Restitution/ 1 Day OSS and parent notification

4^th Offense: Team (parent, teacher, administrator) conference to discuss appropriate consequence and develop individual plan

 

Student Conflict

Harassment of Students (verbal, repetitive and/or bullying) / Offensive Touching, or Physical Contact 

1^st Offense: Parent Contact by Teacher

2^nd Offense: Administrative referral, parent notification, silent lunch in the office and student loss of recess

3^rd Offense: Administrative referral, parent notification, ½ day ISS 

4^th Offense: Team (parent, teacher, administrator) conference to discuss appropriate consequence and develop individual plan

 

Causing Physical Injury 

*Administrative discretion will be used to determine severity of consequences based on an investigation of the incident. Consequences can range from silent lunch and loss of recess to OSS.

 Vandalism

1^st Offense: Restitution/ ½ Day ISS and parent notification  

2^nd Offense: Restitution/ 1 Day ISS and parent notification

3^rd Offense: Restitution/ 1 Day OSS and parent notification

4^th Offense: Team (parent, teacher, administrator) conference to discuss appropriate consequence and develop individual plan

 Zero Tolerance 

WCS Zero Tolerance policy 6.309 will be following for any offense involving:  drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons, or assault.

                                              

“BULLY-FREE” SCHOOL

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.

 

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:

• Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property
• Knowingly placing the student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student’s property.
• 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.

Technology

Fairview Elementary teachers work to incorporate technology into student learning on a regular basis.   All other electronic games, toys, trading cards, hand-held games, etc. are not permitted.  If any of these items are seen or heard during the day they will be taken up and returned only to the parent/guardian.  If, as a parent, you feel that it is imperative for your child to have a cell phone at school for after school communication, it is to remain in your child’s backpack, turned off during the school day. All items in backpacks are the responsibility of the student and the school is not liable for ANY loss or damage incurred. Cell phones, Apple watches and cameras may not be used to take pictures or video in the school setting unless requested by the teacher for instructional purposes. We are working to keep students focused on learning.

The student’s classroom teacher will communicate to parents any exceptions to this policy for that specific classroom.  The teacher will state when it is appropriate to bring electronic devices from home.  District information about technology and the Acceptable Use Agreement for Digital Devices Form for grades Pre-K-5 must be electronically checked and agreed upon during the re-enrollment process must be completed and agreed upon during new student registration in order for your child to participate.   In addition, students take full responsibility for personal digital devices at all times.  The school is not responsible for the security of the device.

• The device must be in silent mode while on school campuses unless otherwise directed by the teacher.
• The device may not be used to cheat on assignments or tests or for non-instructional purposes during instructional time.
• The device may not be used to record, transmit or post photographic images or video of a person, or persons on campus during school activities and/or hours unless assigned by the teacher.
• The device may only be used to access files or internet sites which are relevant to the classroom curriculum. Non-instructional games are not permitted.
• Students must comply with a teacher’s request to turn off the device.

Students acknowledge and agree that:

• The school’s network filters will be applied to the WCS guest network access to the internet and shall not be circumvented.
• The school district may collect and examine any device at any time for the purpose of enforcing the terms of this agreement, investigating student discipline issues, or for any other school related purpose.
• Personal technology must be charged prior to bringing it to school, and the device must run off its own battery while at school.
• Students remain subject to all other school behavior rules.

Students are responsible for the well-being of their device.  Please consider the following to help ensure the safety and success of your child’s device:

1. Record the serial number on the device in the event of it being lost or stolen
2. Seek to use a password protected device
3. Do not share any passwords
4. Consider an insurance policy for your device
5. Monitor your child’s use of the device on a regular basis

Fairview Elementary will follow the guidelines set by the district located at www.wcs.edu.

 Parents are encouraged to attend any community meetings regarding digital citizenship.

CAFETERIA INFORMATION

 FES will comply with all CDC and district guidelines for COVID19 related issues, including health, safety, and learning guidelines. 

Meals will be free to all students for the 2021-2022 school year.

Extra items are NOT free

Please send items in your child’s lunch that can be easily managed by the child.  Carbonated drinks and food brought from anywhere other than home are not allowed in the cafeteria.  Please consider managing your child’s lunch account online.  This way you can check the account daily.  Please visit the WCS Food Services page for more information related to our cafeteria.

In visiting this website, you will be able to do the following:

• Find Instruction Book on How to Sign Up for online payments
• Make an On-Line Payment
• Transfer of Funds between student accounts
• Add purchasing restrictions to child’s account
• Request a Lunch Account Refund
• Apply for Free & Reduced Lunches (application is not currently available)
• Menus and pricing

Meal prices:

• Student Breakfast – $2.25
• Student Lunch - $3.25
• Adult Lunch - $3.75
• Reduced Breakfast - $0.30
• Reduced Lunch - $0.40

 

Free & Reduced Meals at School

Almost every family has experienced financial difficulties at some time.  Job losses, marital changes, health concerns and many other issues can cause challenging economic times for any family. If your family is going through a difficult financial period, your child may qualify for free or reduced school meals.  It is easy to apply, you get results quickly, and your child’s free or reduced meal information is highly confidential. 

In addition to helping your family, our school receives extra money and services for all of our students based on the numbers of students who receive free or reduced services.  You have the necessary information in your enrollment packet and available on line through the school lunch app or call Trish Donegan, our cafeteria manager, at (615) 472-4387.

 

Eating Lunch with Your Child:

FES will comply with all CDC and district guidelines for COVID19 related issues, including health, safety, and learning guidelines.

Family members only are welcome to join their children for lunch.  Visitors must eat at the tables designated for them in the cafeteria.  Parents may only eat with their own children.  You will need to sign in at the front desk to get a lunch visitor’s badge. When your child’s lunchtime is over, please exit the cafeteria before your child’s class leaves and walk back to the office. Please turn in your lunch visitor badge to office staff before leaving the building.  Visitors for lunch are allowed only in the cafeteria and the hallway waiting area located outside the cafeteria.  To model good manners for students, we also ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while in the cafeteria.  (Taking cell phone pictures of any student other than your own is strictly prohibited.)  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.

CELEBRATIONS

FES will comply with all CDC and district guidelines for COVID19 related issues, including health, safety, and learning guidelines.

 We love to honor and celebrate students at Fairview Elementary.  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

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 6412 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 Fairview Elementary 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.
• Have a family member come and read to the class.

 

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.

CHILD FIND

What is involved in child find?

A screening checks to see if children are developing and learning at their age level.

Child find is a process of screening and/or evaluation to see if children are developing and learning at their age level.

What does it assess?

A variety of activities and observations are used to determine a child’s strengths and weaknesses in the following areas:

• Hearing
• Vision
• Speech
• Language
• Social skills
• Thinking skills
• Large and small muscles
• Self help

Who should be screened?

Parents of children ages 3-5 who are zoned for Williamson County Schools should have their children screened if they have a concern about their child’s development.  This screening is not used to help determine readiness for kindergarten.  Child Find is also for students K-12 in the Williamson County Schools. A parent, teacher, or staff member can make a referral for screening or testing after intervention or instruction has been provided.

When and where do screenings take place?

Screenings for preschool children age 3-5 take place at the school by appointment.  Screenings or evaluations can occur during any grade level at any time.

Who do I contact?

To find out additional information or set up a free screening for your child, please contact Williamson County Schools at (615) 472-4130.

 

 

CHROME BOOKS

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.

COMPLAINTS

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.

CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING

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.

CLINIC/ILLNESS

FES will comply with all CDC and district guidelines for COVID19 related issues, including health, safety, and learning guidelines.

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 illness policy, 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. Refer to the WCS Medication Administration Protocol for guidance.

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 Williamson County Schools Illness Guidelines. Please note that your child should not be sent to school until he/she has been fever free for at least 72 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 the Williamson County Schools Health Services Site 

CUSTODIAL ISSUES/PARENTING PLAN

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.

DRESS CODE

Students should dress appropriately for comfort, weather and learning.  Fairview Elementary will follow the guidelines set forth by the county school board policy 6.310.

 

1. Tops of shoulders must have a minimum of a 1-inch strap unless otherwise covered by an opaque top garment;
2. Skin and undergarments must be covered with opaque clothing from the underarm to mid-thigh.
3. Mid-thigh is defined as the mid-point between the waist and mid-knee;
4. All pants, trousers, shorts and skirts must be held at the waist;
5. Leggings and other compression-style garments may be worn so long as an opaque top garment covers the private body parts;
6. Hats may be worn in buildings on special occasion as permitted by administration;
7. Appropriate shoes are required;
8. Tennis shoes with non-marking soles are required for physical education.
9. It is recommended that students wear tennis shoes for recess.  Please do not send students in flip flops or shoes without a back as this can result in injury.

Any type of clothing, apparel or accessory, including that which denotes such students' membership in or affiliation with any gang associated with criminal activities is not permitted (TCA 49-6-4215).

Student uniforms related to student extra-curricular activities (band, cheerleading, dance, sports team, etc.) must be in compliance with this policy during the academic day.

Any apparel or dress that advertises or promotes products or activity prohibited by law or by the Board of Education is prohibited (e.g., profanity, illustrations, or suggestive language, etc).

Administrators and teachers shall enforce the dress code policy. The principal or his/her designee shall be the final judge as to compliance with the dress code.  Parents will be notified and asked to bring appropriate clothing if a student is in violation of the dress code.

EMERGENCY DISMISSAL

Director of Schools or a public relations designee from the district will use the phone system to notify you of emergency closings. The school will follow the dismissal plan on each child’s emergency dismissal card on file in the office if school is dismissed early due to weather or other emergency conditions.  Please make sure that the emergency dismissal information remains up-to-date.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

It is vitally important in times of emergency that the school is in possession of information that will enable us to promptly and directly reach the parents.  If there are any changes in your contact information throughout the year, you must notify the office immediately.

FAMILY TRIPS

In response to the new Tennessee Department of Education Accountability Regulations (ESSA), which defines students as "chronically absent" after 18 absences per year, regardless of excused or unexcused, WCS schools will be more conservative than in the past in regard to excusing absences due to family trips. Family trips should be scheduled during regularly planned breaks. Family trips will not be excused except for Principal approved emergencies or in exceptional circumstances with prior approval. 

FIELD TRIPS

FES will comply with all CDC and district guidelines for COVID19 related issues, including health, safety, and learning guidelines.

Students have the opportunity to participate in several field trips as extensions of classroom activities throughout the year.  Teachers will notify parents concerning field trips and send home permission forms for parent's signature.  The school must have on file written permission from the parent before a student may go on a field trip. If the written permission slip is not returned by the due date, the child will not be able tov attend the field trip. Students will travel by bus to and from all trips.  Any exceptions to this procedure must be approved by the principal.

Chaperones are welcome and needed for field trips. Invited chaperones should ride the bus with the students and be prepared to be responsible for a group of students.  For the safety of our students, no siblings are allowed on school field trips. According to Williamson County School Board Policy, all chaperones must be Tier 3 Volunteers.

FIRE, TORNADO, & EMERGENCY DRILLS

Fire, tornado, and emergency drills are necessary for the safety of the students and staff; therefore, we practice them throughout the year. The following safety drills are scheduled: fire drills, tornado drills, and security lockdown drills.

HOMEWORK

Homework is an extension of the learning and allows independent practice and reinforcement of skills and concepts presented in class.  Students in grades Kindergarten – Second should not exceed more than 30 minutes nightly of homework.  Students in grades Third – Fifth should not exceed more than 1 hour nightly.  If you believe your child is spending too much time on homework, please contact the teacher right away.  The general rule of thumb is about 10 minutes per grade (i.e. 3rd grade – 30 minutes).  Please encourage children to read every day at home for at least 20 minutes in addition to homework. In order to protect instructional time and reinforce responsibility, forgotten homework brought to school late will not be delivered to classrooms. It will be placed in teacher’s mailbox and graded at teacher’s discretion.  Homework should be done independently.  Parents should monitor the homework and not complete it for their child.  School Board Policy 4.607 has further information as it relates to homework.

INTERNET POLICY

(Also see Acceptable Use Policy 4.406– Williamson County Schools)

In order for a student to use the Williamson County Public Schools’ internet connection, a copy of the policy must be read, and the contract must be signed by the student and a parent or guardian.

LOST AND FOUND

Please label all students’ items inside with first and last name (backpacks, jackets, coats, notebooks, lunchboxes, etc.).  Items without names will be stored in the Lost and Found located in the cafeteria.  Items not retrieved will be donated to local charities at fall break, Thanksgiving break, winter break, spring break and on the last day of school.

PARENT ONLINE COMMUNICATION

Williamson County Schools Family Access gives parents the ability to track their child’s academic progress safely and securely online.  Visit www.wcs.edu for more information.

PARENT – SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

Ongoing communication from school to home and from home to school is essential to working together as partners in providing excellence in education for all students.  Your ideas, questions, and concerns are important to the entire Fairview Team.  We welcome your notes, calls, and visits.  Listed below are possible ways teachers can communicate with parents:

1. Parent Back to School Night
2. Parent Information Night/Open House
3. Parent Handbook
4. Weekly Teacher/Classroom newsletters
5. Teacher-parent phone calls and/or email
6. Monthly email or newsletter from the Principal

7. School Web Page

1. WCS Skyward Family Access
2. Phone calls from the principal through a message system
3. Parents should also sign up for the county’s district-wide In Focus digital news.

 

E-mail Policy

All teachers have a published e-mail address.  Although you may wish to communicate with your child’s teacher by e-mail, please be aware that e-mail is not always confidential.  Please do not send time sensitive information by e-mail as the system is occasionally down and teacher’s instructional schedules do not allow for immediate response.

 

Voice Mail Policy

Please do not leave time sensitive messages by voicemail, as teachers’ instructional schedules do not allow for immediate response.  In an effort to keep in communication with parents, teachers will check their voicemail before and after school each day.

 

School staff will make every effort to return parent communication within 48 business hours 

PET POLICY

Due to allergies and potential safety concerns, pets are not allowed in the school building or on the school campus without permission from the classroom teacher and the administration.

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO GUIDELINES

Following are guidelines from the WCS office of communications regarding parents taking photographs at school events.  The purpose of the guidelines is to address problems that have occurred at some schools when parents have taken pictures at school and posted them to online social media sites.

 

• Parents are not to post on social media any pictures taken at school that include any children other than their own.
• Picture-taking at non-public school events: These events occur before, during, and after school and include class parties, field trips, assemblies to which the public is not invited.  Parents are encouraged to take photos/video of their own children but should not take photos/video of other children.
• Picture-taking at public school events: This includes events that are open to the public such as Back to School Bash, Family Fun Night, etc.  Parents may take photos at public school events that include other people's children but should avoid posting these photos to social media.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Per Tennessee State Law, elementary students are required to participate in physical activity.  Physical education class and recess are examples of physical activity.  Therefore, students must have a doctor’s note in order to be excused from participating in recess or physical education.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Tennessee State Law – (TCA 49-6-1001)

As required by our School Board, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag each day at a designated time. No student will be compelled to participate in such exercise if the student or the student’s parents or legal guardian objects on religious, philosophical or other grounds. Students not participating will remain quietly standing or sitting at their desks while others recite the Pledge of Allegiance and shall make no display that disrupts or distracts others who are reciting the Pledge.

PROTECTING INSTRUCTIONAL TIME

Parents can help protect instructional time in the following ways:

1)   Please make sure students have needed items for school each day.

2)   Ensure that students arrive to school in time to be in their classrooms by 8:45 a.m.

3)   Try not to schedule appointments for students during the school day.

4)   Plan family vacations when school is not in session.

5)   Only visit classrooms when scheduled with teachers.

6)   Meet your child at the cafeteria when having lunch at school and say “goodbye” to your child in the cafeteria.

7)   Do not go to classrooms during arrival and dismissal times.

8)   Avoid early dismissal whenever possible. Attendance matters!

RECESS & PLAYGROUND SAFETY

Children go to recess everyday unless it is raining or extremely cold/hot. Please keep this in mind when helping your child select clothing and shoes for the day.  Fairview Elementary will follow Williamson County Schools Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) regarding whether students will go outside or have indoor recess. This SOP was carefully written by a team of people including medical professionals to determine what is safe for students. As you know, we all value recess time and the opportunity for students to get some exercise; however, the effects of cold and heat exposure can be very uncomfortable and even life threatening. Therefore, guidelines have been established.

• Students will not go outside for recess when the outdoor temperature including wind chill is less than 32 degrees. In addition, if the wind chill is less than 40 degrees with precipitation, students will not go outside.
• When the heat index is between 90 F and 100 F, the principal will monitor and consider the appropriateness of outdoor activities. Recess time may be decreased.
• When the heat index is 100 F or greater students will not go outside for recess.

 

Finally, the county provided guidelines regarding appropriate dress. The following has been recommended:

• Wind chill below 60 degrees: jacket or long sleeves recommended
• Wind chill below 50 degrees: coat and long pants recommended
• Wind chill below 40 degrees: gloves and hats with previously recommended gear necessary

 If you are unable to meet these clothing needs for your child, please reach out to us.  We will provide help as quickly as possible.

SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE (SACC)

The Williamson County School’s SACC program is a year-round program that provides extended care services for school aged children. SACC is open 6:30 am – 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. SACC is also available during school holidays, inclement weather days, and throughout the summer.

SCHOOL SAFETY

Fairview Elementary adheres to the Williamson County Crisis Intervention Plan.  School safety policies have been established and are reviewed often under the leadership of the School Health Team and the Building Leadership Team. In addition, Williamson County Schools employs a full time SRO (School Resource Officer) at all WCS schools.  Safety policies include:

• All visitors must enter the building through the front doors and exit through the front office
• Visitors should use the outside security system to state their name and purpose and present photo ID to enter the building. You will also show your ID to the receptionist once you have entered the office.  
• All other doors remain locked to outside entrances. Students have been instructed to never open an outside door to anyone, even someone they know
• Parents, visitors, and volunteers, no matter how often they are in the building, must sign in and out in the front office and must wear either a visitor or volunteer badge/sticker. Photo identification is required.  Please do not be offended if a teacher sees you without a badge in the building and asks you to return to the office.  This is for the safety of the staff and the children
• Parents and visitors must schedule appointments to visit classrooms
• Volunteers or school personnel escort visitors touring the school
• Parking is only allowed in designated parking spaces
• Safety drills such as the following: fire, severe weather, intruder lockdown, and earthquake are scheduled throughout the year. During severe weather warnings/situations, all measures and precautions for the safety of our students will be taken
• A State Fire Marshal inspects the school to ensure fire safety policies are followed
• Office personnel must verify the identification of individuals when releasing a student, please be prepared to show your ID.
• Parents must communicate in writing, the permission for someone to pick up a student other than the parent. A student will not be released to anyone who is not specified by the legal parent/guardian. If there are changes in release information, you must come in and make those changes in person.  Please do not be offended if someone asks for your ID when picking up your child.  We have numerous parents and school personnel working the front desk who may not know you by sight.  This is for the safety of your children.
• Students are expected to follow safety guidelines established by the school and classroom teachers
• Parents and students are expected to follow the guidelines in the car rider lines during drop-off and pick up
• The custodial and maintenance staffs work to keep the school clean and free from safety hazards.
• Fairview Elementary adheres to the American Lung Association’s Tools for School Indoor Air Quality program.
• There is no smoking/smoking devices on the Fairview Elementary campus.
• Students must have written permission from parents any time dismissal is different from their normal plan.
• Fairview Early Dismissal Form/Student Information Card will be used for early dismissal due to inclement weather
• Required legal documents are on file in the case of custody/non-release situations. (Please see front office personnel for these requirements)

STUDENT ENROLLMENT

All new and returning students will register online using their Family Access account login. 

STUDENT IMMUNIZATION LAW: CHAPTER 76, SECTION 15

“No child shall, except as hereinafter provided, be admitted to school except upon presentation of a physician’s certificate, that the child has been successfully immunized against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, mumps, and rubella.” Requirements for kindergarten also include immunizations against Hepatitis B and chickenpox (or physician-documented history of disease). NOTE: Children exempt from physical examination and immunizations must present a statement signed by the parent or guardian upon entrance.

MEDICATION PROTOCOL

Medication procedures are consistent with State of Tennessee Law 49-5-415 and are implemented in our schools district wide. Medications should be limited to those required during school hours to assure safe administration of medications for those students who require them.  Please be aware of the following:

1) The school must have a medication authorization form completed each school year for both prescription and non-prescription medications.  These forms are available in the office.

2)   Parents, or legal guardians, must bring their child’s medication into school.  Students are not allowed to bring in their own medication.  This includes prescription as well as non-prescription medication.  Empty prescription bottles may be given to the student to take home, unless you inform the school otherwise.

3)   Prescription medications must be in the original, pharmacy labeled container and match the doctor’s orders exactly (up to 30 day supply at a time).  If your child is taking an antibiotic that is prescribed for three times per day, parents should administer the medication before school, after school, and at bedtime.  DO NOT send the antibiotic to school.

4)   All over-the-counter medications, must be in the original, unopened manufacturer’s packaging with the child’s name affixed. You can supply over-the-counter medication with an expiration date that will not expire during the school year.  Only FDA approved medications can be administered at school.

5)   Designated school personnel will be trained to assist students with their medications on field trips.  If you do not want your child to receive medication on a field trip, please notify your school nurse in writing.

6) Medications must be kept at school no longer than the expiration date or end of the school year, whichever is sooner. All medications not picked up by the last school day will be destroyed.

MOMENT OF SILENCE OR PRAYER - Tennessee State Law – (TCA 49-6-1004)

In order for all students and teachers to prepare themselves for the activities of the day, a period of silence of approximately one minute in duration shall be maintained in each grade in public schools at the beginning of each school day. The teacher shall not indicate or suggest to the students any action to be taken by them during this time but shall maintain silence for the full time. It is lawful for any teacher in any of the schools of the state to permit the voluntary participation by students or others in prayer. Nothing contained in this section shall authorize any teacher or other school authority to prescribe the form or content of any prayer.

STUDENT PROGRESS/REPORT CARDS

Student progress may be accessed through Skyward Family Access for students in grades K– 5.  Parents may request that a printed copy of their report card be sent home each nine weeks.

Parents may request a printed copy of progress reports be sent home if needed. Teachers offer opportunities for parents to schedule conferences.  Parents and teachers may request conferences at any time during the school year.  Teachers will notify parents at any point if students are failing to show progress toward standards.

TEXTBOOKS

The county provides textbooks free of charge. All textbooks should be handled with care and returned in good condition at the end of the school year.  Students will be required to pay full publisher price for lost or damaged books.

THREATS

A threat is defined as any expression of intent to harm someone.  Threats can be spoken, written, emailed, or expressed in some other way.  When a threat is made, immediate action will be taken to protect students, employees and visitors.  Administration will investigate and take appropriate action which may include discipline and support in the form of counseling or services.  Please speak with your child about using appropriate language at school 

TITLE 1 PARENT RIGHT-TO-KNOW

Through written parental request, the following information is available to parents of students attending Title I schools:

• Information regarding the professional qualifications of their student’s classroom teacher, including the following:
  • Whether the student’s teacher:
    • Has meet state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
    • Is teaching under emergency or another provisional status through which state qualifications or licensing criteria have been waived; and
    • Is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification/license of the teacher.
  • Information regarding instructional support services provided to their student by one or more paraprofessionals and the paraprofessionals’ qualifications.

Parents of students attending Title I schools will be notified in a timely manner when students have been assigned or have been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet applicable state certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.

TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS

The use of Tobacco products, including vaping products and battery-operated devices, is prohibited on school property.  This policy shall be in effect whether or not school is in session.

TOYS

Students are not allowed to bring toys, computer games, virtual pets, trading cards, etc. to school. We are working to keep students focused on learning. Classroom teachers will communicate to parents any exceptions to this policy for specific dates, times. The teacher will state when it is appropriate to bring items from home; what these specific items may be; and what they will be used for during instruction/class time.

Students are not allowed to bring focus/concentration tools (fidget spinners, stress balls, silent fidgets, etc.) to school without prior discussion and approval from parents and teacher.

TRANSPORTATION

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

Arrival and Dismissal: Bus and Car 

Morning Procedures for All Students - School Hours 8:50 a.m. – 3:50 p.m. 

• The front office will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Gym door (for bus riders only) and Hawk Walk doors (for car riders only) will open at 8:25 a.m. each morning.  All other exit doors will stay locked at all times. 
• No child should be left unattended outside the building before school.
• For safety reasons, only students and staff will be allowed past the security doors during morning arrival. Fifth grade helpers and staff will accompany any student to class who requires assistance. Any school projects will be left in the front office and our office staff will get them to your child’s classroom. 
• There is NO student drop off in front of the building. Park and walk your child in.
• All children should use the crosswalk and sidewalks.
• Children arriving by car should walk in front of the vehicle when crossing traffic.
• Buses unload at the gym entrance @ 8:25 am.
• All students are to go directly to the gym. Students eating breakfast will be dismissed to the cafeteria from the gym at 8:25 a.m.
• A bell will ring at 8:45 a.m. and a tardy bell will ring at 8:50 a.m.
• No cars are allowed in the bus lane between 8:30 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.

Morning Drop-Off Procedures for Car-Riders

• 8:25 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. Use the Playground Drive behind the school, entering from Old Franklin Road traveling west. Traffic will enter and turn right only into Playground Drive.  Left turns that block Old Franklin are a city traffic violation.
• Drive slowly on school property. Speed limits are posted and enforced for student safety.
• Cars should proceed slowly and form one lane as they come around the corner of the building.
• Students will unload on Playground Drive at the Hawk Walk door only.
• Hawk Walk Door will open at 8:25 a.m. All children should remain in the car until the Hawk Walk door is opened.
• Staff will tell children when it is safe to exit the car, and staff will release cars when students are safely across Playground Drive.
• For safety reasons, car riders are only allowed to unload from the cars waiting between the front end of the awning and the back corner of the building. When it is your turn, drive all the way forward to reduce wait time.
• Do not leave your car unattended in the car rider line.
• Buckle up!
• Exit with the crossing guard on Highway 100.
• Playground Drive gates will be locked at 8:45 a.m. Any students arriving after that time must enter through the school’s front entrance.  Gates will remain closed until 3:30 p.m.

A parent/adult must sign the child in.

• By law, smoking/smoking devices are not allowed on school property including drop-off areas.

 

Parking Procedures

• Parents wishing to enter the building must park in the front parking lot and enter through the front doors of the school. During arrival times, this is highly discouraged as it is a safety concern and creates traffic congestion in the parking lot/front office. Please only use this means in the event of an emergency or meeting with a school representative near the beginning of the school day.
• No cars are allowed in the bus lane between 8:15 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. and 3:15 p.m and 4:15 p.m.
• Please do not park in the fire lane at any time. It must remain unobstructed for use by emergency vehicles.

 

Afternoon Procedures for All Students:  Gates will be locked until 3:30 p.m.

• Students will load on Playground Drive at the Hawk Walk door only. Traffic will enter and turn right only into Playground Drive.   Left turns that block Old Franklin are a traffic violation.
• NO PARKING ON OLD FRANKLIN ROD
• When the gate is opened, cars will proceed slowly and form two or three lines as directed as they come around the corner of the building.
• Car riders will be released to load only the cars waiting between the cones. Drive all the way forward to the front cone to allow as many children to load as possible.
• Do not leave your car unattended. Either stay in your car or stand beside it.
• Staff will tell the children when it is safe to go to the cars.
• Law dictates that smoking/smoking devices is not allowed on school property, and this includes all
• Traffic will merge and exit with the crossing guard on Highway 100.
• No cars are allowed in the front parking lot while buses are loading. Cars will be allowed after the buses leave.
• CHILDREN ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DISMISS FROM THE SCHOOL’S FRONT OFFICE/LOBBY – You must use the car rider line. If you are a walker, please contact the principal to discuss walker procedures.

 

Traffic Laws, Safety, and Courtesy

• Please do not block through traffic on Old Franklin Road.
• Please do not block through traffic on Highway 100.
• Please do not block through traffic on Playground Drive.
• Please do not block a private driveway.
• Please do not break line. Traffic moves quickly.
• To avoid back up on Old Franklin Road during arrival or dismissal, please form two lines behind the school then merge back into one before going through the gate. Please be courteous and alternate as you merge.

 

For improved traffic flow, right-of-way priority will be given as follows:

• First – Buses in main driveway
• Second – Traffic from Playground Drive
• Third – Other vehicles from parking area loop

Without all drivers following these exit guidelines, traffic on Highway 100 and Old Franklin Road becomes completely blocked.

 

Bus Transportation

Rules of the Ride

School transportation is a very important part of the education process of the school system. The Transportation Department’s goal is to provide safe, efficient transportation for all passengers to and from school and school events.

Student conduct on the bus plays an essential role in achieving this goal. There are serious safety concerns involved with the operation of school buses. When a bus driver’s attention is diverted because of misconduct, a serious safety hazard develops.

Education is required by state law. Transportation is not required by law. Because the bus is an extension of the school day, the code of conduct also applies to behavior on the bus. Eligibility to ride the bus may be revoked if students violate school bus conduct policy. This pamphlet explains the rules, regulations and policies of Williamson County Schools regarding student conduct while traveling on school system buses.

Rules and Regulations

The rules and regulations regarding acceptable student conduct are developed by the cooperative effort of the Transportation Director, school principals, bus drivers and administrators. School children being transported on a school bus are under the supervision, direction and control of the school bus driver and shall be subject to the discipline of the bus driver and student’s principal. The bus driver will be competent and fair in dealing with students and will be responsible to the principal for the conduct of students on the bus.

Drivers will provide all students the safest, most comfortable and least troublesome journey to and from school. In order to assure safe transportation while traveling on a bus, certain rules for pupils have been established by the Transportation Director.

1. Students shall obey the driver. The driver must be totally in charge. Students shall respond promptly to instructions given.
2. Each student will be seated in the seats which they are assigned, take their seats promptly upon entering the bus and stay in their seat while the bus is in motion. No windows or doors will be opened or closed except by permission of the bus driver.
3. Students will not be allowed to tease, scuffle, trip, hold, hit or use their hand, feet or body in any objectionable manner.
4. The use of electronic devices or other items in a manner that might interfere with the school bus communication equipment or the driver’s operation of the school bus is prohibited. This may include, but is not limited to, cell phones, audible radios, tape or compact disc players, mirrors, lasers, flash cameras or other reflective devices.
5. The use of alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, eating, chewing gum or soda drinks on the bus is prohibited.
6. Students must observe classroom conduct. Ordinary conversation is permitted. Loud, boisterous, profane language and obscene gestures or indecent conduct will not be tolerated.
7. Students must keep the aisles clear of items such as musical instruments, books, backpacks, etc. If student must carry such items, they will NOT occupy another student seat nor extend above the seat back. Animals (alive or dead), oversized objects as well as glass containers are not permitted.
8. At no time will a student put hands, head or other body parts out the window.
9. Students must treat bus equipment as they would the furniture in their homes. Any damage to bus seats, windows, equipment, etc., will be charged to responsible student.
10. STUDENTS MUST HAVE A BUS PERMIT TO RIDE ANY BUS OTHER THAN THEIR ASSIGNED BUS. Parents must send written notice in advance to school principal with appropriate information for child to ride a different bus. Principal or their designee will approve and issue a Bus Permit. STUDENT WILL GIVE BUS PERMIT TO BUS DRIVER WHEN THEY BOARD THE BUS.
11. Students will not ask the driver to let them off at such places as a store, job, etc. All extra stops must be approved in writing by the school principal or designee or Transportation Department in advance.
12. Students are asked to use the hand rail when getting on and off the school bus.
13. If students must cross the street or road to board the bus, they must wait for the driver’s signal. They must cross well in front of the bus.
14. Students are expected to do the following:
    • Be at the stop 5 minutes BEFORE scheduled pickup time
    • Never run to catch the bus
    • While waiting for the bus, stay clear of the roadway and wait in an orderly line
    • Never exit using the rear door unless in an emergency and directed by the bus driver 

Failure to follow the rules and regulations may result in the following disciplinary actions:

 First Offense – Driver completes Bus Behavior Referral Form and submits to Administrator
 Second Offense – Administrator notifies parent
 Third Offense – Suspension from school bus

 Extreme or zero-tolerance offenses may bypass the above steps for immediate bus suspension.

Parents must assume responsibility for the behavior of their children while their children are riding the bus. If permission to ride the bus is revoked, the parent must provide transportation to and from school for the student until such time as reinstatement is made.

VISITORS

 FES will comply with all CDC and district guidelines for COVID19 related issues, including health, safety, and learning guidelines.

• All visitors must enter and exit through the main office doors.
• Parents, visitors, and volunteers must sign in and out in the office, present a photo ID and wear either a visitor or volunteer sticker/badge at all times.
• Parents and visitors must schedule appointments to visit classrooms in the event of a conference or volunteering in the classroom.
• School personnel escort visitors touring the school.
• Office personnel must verify the identification of individuals when releasing a student. Parents must communicate in writing the permission for someone to pick up a student other than the parent. Office personnel will ask for a driver’s license as an ID when someone comes to school to check out a student.

VOLUNTEERS

FES will comply with all CDC and district guidelines for COVID19 related issues, including health, safety, and learning guidelines.

We welcome and appreciate parent volunteers at Fairview!  One of our main priorities is to keep children safe.  Williamson County Schools has created a three-tier guideline to protect children and to continue to maintain the high levels of volunteerism.  Parents are required to adhere to the following procedures in order to protect the students and classroom instructional time.

• Tier 1 – no volunteer application required, volunteers occasionally in a highly public setting with little or no access to children
• Tier 2 – volunteer application required, volunteers with student contact under constant supervision of school personnel
• Tier 3 – volunteer application and fingerprinting required, volunteers who have unsupervised contact with students on and off campus 

Parent Volunteers at Fairview 

• Please sign in on the Visitor/volunteer clipboard in the front office and obtain your Volunteer badge/sticker. Please sign out when you leave
• When volunteering please adhere to school’s dress code
• Do not drop in to talk to your child’s teacher without an appointment. Please contact the teachers by email or phone
• Due to the use of sharp cutting devices and other equipment, students are never allowed in the workroom.
• When volunteering, please make alternative arrangements for your pre-school age child/children. Please do not drop by the classroom to talk with your child.

Classroom volunteers should schedule work dates and times with individual teachers.  When volunteering in the classroom remember to encourage, praise and compliment students, always supervise students carefully and enjoy this precious time of learning and growing with our students.

WEAPONS

No weapons of any kind are allowed on school property. Any item that constitutes a weapon will be confiscated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES

If a move or other circumstance requires a withdrawal from school, a withdrawal form must be completed, all textbooks must be turned in, and a student must be in good standing with the library and cafeteria. Once the qualifications are met, a parent/legal guardian may withdraw a student from school.

APPENDIX

SECTION 504 NOTICE

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are acts which prohibit discrimination against persons with a disability in any program receiving federal assistance, among others. Both acts define a person with a disability as anyone who:

• has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities include caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working);
• has a record of such impairment;
• is regarded as having such an impairment or has had a record of such an impairment.

In order to fulfill its obligations under Section 504 and the ADA, Williamson County Schools recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person on the basis of a disability will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs or practices in the school system.

The school district has specific responsibilities under both acts, which include the responsibility to evaluate and determine if the child is eligible under Section 504/ADA, and to then afford access to appropriate educational accommodations.

If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the School District, he/she has the right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer. For further information, contact Jill Merritt, 504 Coordinator at 615-472-4000.

F.E.R.P.A.

Pursuant to the terms of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C.§1232(g), Williamson County Schools designates the following personally identifiable information contained in a student’s educational record as “directory information”, and it will disclose the following student information without prior written consent: name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, weight and height of members of an athletic team, and most recent previous educational agency or institution attended. Parents must notify their child’s school in writing if they do not want his/her directory information released. Under provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and other federal law, directory information will be provided to recruiters from the armed services upon request. Parents must notify the school in writing if they do not want his/her directory information released to military recruiters.

HOMELESS EDUCATION

You qualify for consideration under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act if any of the following apply: if you live in a shelter, motel, vehicle, campground, abandoned building or trailer, or other inadequate accommodations, or if you live with friends or relatives because of the inability to afford adequate housing. If any of these apply, you may be entitled to all services, rights and protection provided under this law.

Your children have the right to attend a school no matter where you live or how long you have lived there, continue in the school last attended before becoming homeless (if that is your choice and it is feasible) and receive transportation to the school last attended prior to becoming homeless if requested. Students, if qualified, are allowed to enroll in a school without a permanent address, without school records or without proof of immunization. These will be obtained by school personnel. For further information, contact Denise Goodwin, Asst. Superintendent of Elementary Schools at 472-4000.

RIGHTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Parents may access information about child advocacy groups and information on how to contact the state department of education for information on student rights and services from the following agencies: Tennessee Department of Education Legal Services Division, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Andrew Johnson Tower, 5th floor, Nashville, TN 37243-0380, 615-741-2851, Fax: 615-253-5567 or 615-532-9412.

Williamson County Schools Student Support Services, 1320 West Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064, 615-4724130, Fax: 615-595-4930.

CHILD ADVOCACY GROUPS CONTACT INFORMATION

In addition to the state and local resources available to parents and children, there are many agencies and organizations that offer support, information, training, and help in advocating for persons with disabilities in Tennessee. A few of these organizations are listed below:

The ARC of Williamson County, 129 W. Fowlkes Street, Suite 151, Franklin, TN 37064, 615-790-5815, Fax: (615) 790-5891

Support and Training for Exceptional Parents (STEP), 712 Professional Plaza, Greeneville, TN 37745, 615-463-2310

Tennessee Disability Law and Advocacy Center (DLAC), 2416 21st Avenue South, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37212, Phone: 615-298-1080, Toll free: 1-800-342-1660, email: GetHelp@DLACTN.org.

Tennessee Voices for Children, 1315 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-269-7751, Fax: 615-2698914, TN Toll Free: 800-670-9882, TVC@tnvoices.org.

These are but a few of the organizations available to help with information, training, and advocacy. For a more extensive list visit the Tennessee Disability Services-Disability Pathfinder Database

This information is provided as a service to individuals seeking additional avenues for help and information. The Department of Education and Williamson County Schools do not intend this as an endorsement or recommendation for any individual organization or service represented in this list.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY SCHOOLS STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Williamson County Schools in its employment of personnel and in its educational activities with students does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. Employees of Williamson County Schools are appointed as coordinators of the various activities ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations including the U.S. Department of Education regulations implementing: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation

Act of 1973 and Vocational Education Programs Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination and Denial of Services based on Race, Color, and National Origin, Sex and Handicap. U.S. Department of Justice regulations implementing: Title II of the American Disabilities Act of 1990.

Employees include a Title VI & ADA Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, IDEA

Coordinator, and Title II Coordinator, Title III Coordinator. Contact them at: 1320 West Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064, 615-472-4000. Individuals who need assistance or have a complaint should contact.

Williamson County Schools provides equal access to youth groups such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

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.