The latest Lake Windward Elementary School Policy Handbook is from 2005–2006. You can read the text from the handbook below, or download a PDF version. (Free Adobe Reader available here.)
Absences
Students who check in after 11:15 a.m. or leave before 11:15 a.m. are marked absent for the day. Parents can request homework for absent students by calling the front office before 9:30 a.m. Homework is ready for pick-up in the office at the end of the school day. See Homework for information concerning make-up work during family trips.
Attendance
The school day begins at 7:50 a.m. and ends at 2:20 p.m. Adult supervision of students begins at 7:20 a.m. Students should not arrive prior to this time. Students, who arrive in class after 7:50 a.m., are tardy and should get a tardy slip from the office before going to class. Parents should escort their child into the office to complete the tardy slip.
A parent/legal guardian, when necessary, may check out students early. Parents must show a picture I.D. when checking out students. Office staff members call the students to the office to meet their parent. The staff cannot call a classroom for students to be checked out after 2:00 p.m. since dismissal procedures start at this time.
Birthdays
Students may not “celebrate” birthdays at school. Parents may send cupcakes, cookies, pre-cut pan cookies, and fruit snacks etc. for “birthday” snacks if arrangements with the teacher are made in advance. Please make sure the snack is ready to serve and can be served quickly and easily. Teachers do not have access to knives or serving utensils in the classroom. Birthday “snacks” should be dropped off at the front office for delivery to the classroom. Balloons and party favors should not be included with birthday “snacks.” No personal party invitations may be distributed at school. A school directory is available in the fall from the P.T.A. as a part of the membership package.
Bullying
The Board of Education prohibits bullying at any location or activity under the jurisdiction of the school system. Any students who engage in bullying are subject to disciplinary action that may include expulsion. The administration promptly investigates each complaint of bullying. The school system prohibits retaliatory behavior against any complaint or any participant in the complaint process.
Bus Safety
Behavior of students on school buses is an extension of classroom behavior. The bus driver and assistant principal are to discipline children whose conduct affects their safety or the safety of others. The North Fulton County Transportation Department answers questions concerning bus schedules and routes. Parents may contact them at 770 667-2970.
Cafeteria
When visiting for lunch, sign in at the lunch visitor’s table in the front office and wear a Lunch Visitor tag. You may meet your child’s class at the cafeteria and sign out before leaving the building. Please do not plan to confer with the teacher or return to the classroom with your child. Menus are published weekly in the Gator Gram. Menus are subject to change. Lunch tickets are available in the mornings in the cafeteria. Cashiers may not check student accounts or take payments during serving hours. This service is available from 7:15 a.m.–10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Fast food may not be brought in by parents to eat in the cafeteria.
Parents and visitors MAY NOT provide any food or drink to any child other than their own. Many children enrolled in school have potentially life-threatening food allergies. Teachers emphasize to students that sharing food is not allowed. Students may not eat food from outside vendors nor drink carbonated beverages in the cafeteria. If your child is going to miss his/her lunchtime due to doctor appointments, etc., please plan accordingly.
Carpool
Students do not need to be walked to class by parents. We have staff members on duty to assist students who need help finding their classroom. Students should exit/enter cars on the curbside only. Please “organize” your car so that children do not have to get in or out on the driver’s side and walk between cars. This is a serious safety concern and we appreciate your assistance.
Classroom Visits
The faculty and staff work closely with parents to provide the best education possible for your child. However, parents are not allowed to visit classrooms unannounced. Also, parents are not allowed to visit classrooms in the morning, prior to school starting, or after dismissal. If you would like to visit your child’s class for an observation, please contact the Curriculum Support Teacher (CST) to set up an appointment for a 30-minute visit. Classroom visitations are not a time for parent-teacher conferences. Do not expect the teacher to confer with you at this time. The instructional program must continue during your visit. Observations in classrooms can be arranged by following these procedures:
1. Visitations need to be scheduled through the CST, at least one day prior to observation.
2. Introduce yourself to the secretary in the front office and inform her why you are here.
3. Please sign in on the parent visitation folder and pick up a visitor name tag.
4. The principal, assistant principal, CST, counselor, or secretary will take you to the classroom and/or provide you with a building map.
5. There will be an adult size chair in the room set aside for you to sit in.
6. We ask that you not interact with students or the teacher during your observation, as instructional time is very valuable.
7. Please maintain confidentiality regarding the performance level and placement of individual students in the classroom.
THE OBSERVATION IS FOR 30 MINUTES
8. At the end of your observation, please sign out in the front office and return your visitor name tag.
9. If you have any specific questions after your observation, please schedule a conference with the teacher, CST, assistant principal or principal, through the office.
Clinic
We care about the safety and well being of your child. Please take a few moments to make sure we are aware of your child’s allergies, diseases or medical conditions. Stop by, or call the clinic, so we can have a written record of your child’s condition and your specific instructions for their care. Please notify the front office and clinic if your emergency numbers, work numbers or home numbers change. It is imperative that we are able to contact a parent/guardian in case of emergency.
Students, requiring daily medication, must come to the clinic to have it dispensed. Written permission is required to administer any kind of medication. Students taking prescription medication must have a permission form signed by the doctor and on file in the clinic before they can take the medication. Over-the-counter medications require a form, to be signed by the parent/legal guardian, to be on file in the clinic. Forms are available at the front desk and in the clinic.
Communication
Communication, between school and home, is very important. There are several methods of communication available to parents.
• GATOR GRAM — A school newsletter, posted each Friday, includes current information about the school/school system, dates to remember, menus and activities going on in the school.
• GATOR GAZETTE — This PTA newsletter, posted each Friday, includes information about PTA activities, programs, dates to remember and opportunities to volunteer.
• NEWSLETTERS — Periodic newsletters are posted by each grade level/teacher to update parents on classroom activities and curriculum.
• PHONE CALLS — Teachers are unable to come to the phone during instructional time. Parents can call and leave a message for teachers on the teacher’s voice mail. Teachers will pick up messages during their planning time or at the end of the day. Please be aware that it may be late afternoon before your message is picked up.
• WRITTEN NOTES — Most communication can be handled with a written note. Please be sure to let your child know he/she has a note for the teacher. The office must approve notes concerning changes in transportation home. See TRANSPORTATION for additional information.
• CONFERENCES — Fulton County sets aside one day in the fall for parent conferences. Additional conferences are scheduled at teacher or parent request. Please contact your child’s teacher to schedule a conference.
Discipline
Each grade level has a discipline plan, appropriate to the age and ability of the students. Each student is aware of the procedures followed and a copy is provided to parents. In addition, the school has an overall discipline plan:
First Office Referral — 30 minutes in O.R*/Write Action Plan
Second Office Referral — 1 hour in O.R./Administrator calls parents
Third Office Referral — 2 hours in O.R./Parent Conference
Fourth Office Referral — 1/2 day in O.R./SST-Visiting Teacher Referral
Fifth Office Referral — Continued Disruption/County Plan — Level 4
* O.R. = Opportunity Room/Assistant Principal’s Office
A student who is involved in serious disruptive behaviors may receive consequences, as outlined in the Fulton County Board of Education’s Policy JD and Procedure JD. Parents may view these at the Board’s web site, http://www.fulton.k12.ga.us/, under “Policies.”
Dress Code
Students are expected to dress and groom themselves in such a way as to reflect neatness, cleanliness and good taste. All students are to be modestly dressed and groomed so as not to distract unreasonably the attention of others, or to cause disruption or interference with the educational program or the orderly operation of the school. The school administration will determine the appropriateness of any particular mode of dress or grooming.
Drills
In order to provide a safe learning environment for our students, we have fire, tornado, bomb threat, and intruder drills. Staff and students participate in these on a regular basis, in order for them to know the correct procedure in case of a real emergency. Visitors and volunteers are to participate in the drills to set a good example for our students.
Emergency Evacuation/School Closings
In the event of an emergency (fire, gas leak, bomb threat, explosion, etc.), which necessitates the evacuation of the building, evacuated students will go to Webb Bridge Park or another location on campus away from the building and then will be transported to Webb Bridge Middle School. Do not try to contact the school. Students will be released from Webb Bridge Middle School to a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult, who is delegated by the parent and listed on the registration card. Tune to WSB-750 AM or WSB-TV for any emergency broadcast information.
In case of a tornado, students will be moved to an area designated for safety during a tornado. If necessary, students will be evacuated to Webb Bridge Middle School after the danger has passed. If the decision is made to close the school due to inclement weather, local television and radio stations will broadcast the information. Radio station, WSB–750 AM, will broadcast emergency closings or early school dismissals. In case of early dismissal, teachers and staff will follow the instructions from the PARENT REQUEST FOR EARLY DISMISSAL FORM. Please be aware that the superintendent makes the decision concerning school closings.
Gifts for Fulton County Employees
Fulton County Board of Education Policy requires that gifts meet the following guidelines:
• An individual gift with a value of $25.00 or less
• A group gift with a value of $10.00 or less per contributor
• Neither gift to exceed $500.00
Homework
All teachers should give homework a minimum of two times per week. Homework is any assignment that is to be completed at home. This does not refer to the completion of daily class work.
Homework for grades 1–3 should range from 15–30 minutes.
Homework for grades 4–5 should range from 30–60 minutes.
Upper grade students will also have long-range assignments, such as reports and projects. Kindergarten students will have assignments to be completed at home with their parents beginning in October. Students’ grades on make-up work will not be penalized if the work is submitted, as directed by the teacher. Homework for absent students can be requested by calling the front office before 9:30 a.m. Homework will be ready for pick-up in the front office at the end of the school day. Classwork is not provided for students during family trips. The work is collected and students are allowed to make the work up when they return.
I. D. Badges
All guests, visitors and volunteers must wear a badge, provided when they sign in at the front office. Please sign out when leaving the building. Visitors, not wearing a badge, will be asked to go to the front office to obtain one. Your cooperation with these security procedures is appreciated.
PTA badges are provided for classroom volunteers.
“Lunch Visitor” badges are provided for lunch.
“Visitor” badges are provided for all others.
Lost and Found
Lost items are located in the hall by the cafeteria. Please help us get items back to students by putting names on lunch boxes and in jackets, coats, etc.
Lunch Program/Free and Reduced-Price Meals Children need healthy meals to learn; therefore, the Fulton County Schools (FCS) offers healthy meals that are reasonably priced. At elementary schools, the price for breakfast is $0.80 and for lunch it is $1.35. Families meeting specific income requirements may be eligible for Free and Reduced-Price Meals and can apply for this program through applications available at each school.
As of July 1, 2005, the process for completing these applications changed. This means that households no longer need to complete a separate application for each student. Instead, they will complete one application listing all household members and identifying students who attend a Fulton County School (FCS).
New Process:
• Parents/guardians must complete one application per household indicating the school attended for each student
• The application should be returned to the school cafeteria manger of the youngest student
• New students to FCS will pay for meals until the household application is approved
• Returning FCS students will maintain last years meal status until the application is approved
• The approval process will be completed within 10 days
For more information about Free and Reduced-Price Meals or the new application process, contact the FCS School Nutrition Program at 404 669-8960.
Media Center
Students may have two books checked out at one time. Students may keep the book checked out for two weeks at a time. Lake Windward has an open Media Center policy. Students may exchange books before and after school and during times designated throughout the school day by the classroom teacher. Students do not have to wait for a designated day to exchange books. Students may also use the Media Center in small groups to work on research projects assigned in class. In addition to an extensive book collection, the Media Center also offers a parent library for your use.
Parties
Students have two class parties during the school year, Winter Holidays and Valentine’s Day. The Classroom Coordinator organizes these parties and solicits volunteers to assist. Only designated volunteers may attend the party as helpers.
Pets and Animals
Classrooms may have pets that are kept at the discretion of the classroom teacher and administration. If your child has allergies, please notify the teacher immediately.
Physical Education
All students receive P.E. twice a week for 45 minutes. In addition, they have 15 minutes of recess with the classroom teacher daily. Students should dress appropriately for P.E., including athletic shoes, tennis shoes, etc. and shorts/pants for girls. A student must have a written note by a parent to miss a P.E. class. Missing several P.E. classes requires a note from the doctor. Students who miss P.E. work on a P.E. assignment in the Media Center.
Report Cards/Progress Reports
Progress Reports are sent home periodically during the year. If you have questions concerning your child’s grades, please contact the classroom teacher. Teachers are more than happy to discuss your child’s progress and curriculum.
Security
Please be prepared to show a picture I.D. when checking out a student. This is for your child’s protection and security. All entrance doors are locked at 7:50 a.m., in order to provide a secure school environment, except the doors near the flagpole. You should enter the building through the doors located near the flagpole. Also, please sign in and wear an I.D. badge when you are in the building. Visitors without an I.D. badge will be asked to return to the office to obtain one.
Parents are not permitted to take homework, lunches, glasses, etc., to class. If you need to get something to your child, please bring it to the front office, before 9:30 a.m., so we may deliver it to your child.
Students and parents are not permitted to return to the classroom after school since teachers are often involved in conferences and in setting up work for the next day. Afternoon announcements include reminders to students to have everything they need to complete their assignments before leaving school. In case of emergency, an administrator may escort a student/parent to the classroom to retrieve the forgotten item.
Signed Papers
Signed papers are sent home on a regular basis form the classroom teacher. An explanatory check sheet is attached to indicate weekly progress. If you have questions concerning your child’s class work, contact your child’s teacher.
Spirit Day
The last Friday of the month is Spirit Day/Gator Giving Day at Lake Windward. Students are encouraged to wear t-shirts and caps or dress in the school colors, which are green and white. Additional spirit days are announced from time to time during afternoon announcements.
Talented and Gifted Program (TAG)
The Fulton County School System screens all students twice a year for eligibility for the system’s Talented and Gifted Program. The classroom teacher uses the Characteristics Instrument for Screening Students (CISS) form. Students must demonstrate outstanding characteristics and behaviors in five of the ten categories on the screening instrument (CISS) AND have supporting data gathered from test history, grades, products, and/or continuous achievement. Student names are then presented to the local school’s eligibility team for possible referral. TAG teachers review all standardized testing results and screen students’ scores for automatic referral. A parent must sign a consent form to evaluate their child before any individual student testing is initiated. Results of testing are given to the student’s parent(s). This process takes approximately six weeks. If you need additional information, please contact our TAG teacher or the Gifted Program Office at 404 763-5620.
Toys, Games, etc.
We will be providing many opportunities, throughout the school year, for you and your child to share special items that relate to units of study. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have special items to share with the class. Do not send one of a kind or irreplaceable items to school with your child. Please do not allow your child to bring toys and/or games from home.
Transportation
Parents must turn in a written request to the office, by 9:00 a.m. for approval, for changes in a student’s regular method of transportation home. The office can only approve a student’s riding a different bus if the parent has written a note indicating the change is needed for childcare reasons and has included the address, telephone number, and name of the person taking care of the child. Unless the school is notified in writing, students will be sent home in the normal manner. In case of emergency, please contact the office and give the information to the secretary. The information will be relayed to the classroom teacher and student.
Volunteers
We provide many opportunities for volunteers in the school. Contact the PTA, Classroom Teacher, Media Specialist, Technology Specialist and/or Local School Advisory Committee (LSAC) for areas of need. Please sign in and sign out when volunteering in the building. Your cooperation, with these security procedures, is appreciated.
Withdrawal Procedures
Families leaving the Lake Windward School district need to contact the Data Clerk for procedures. All library books and textbooks should be returned to school. Any cafeteria charges need to be paid. School records will be forwarded to the new school, upon their request.
Whom to Contact
Curriculum Concerns: Classroom Teacher, Curriculum Support Teacher
Discipline Concerns: Classroom Teacher, Counselor, Assistant Principal
Bus Concerns: Bus Driver, Transportation Department, Assistant Principal
Cafeteria Concerns: Cafeteria Manager, Assistant Principal