School Day

School hours for students are 7:40 a.m.-2:35 p.m. Students should be at school 10-15 minutes early so that they are prepared to begin work. Students who arrive after 7:40 a.m. will be marked tardy and must be accompanied by an adult. Supervision may not be provided to students who arrive before 7:20 a.m. Students will not be released between 2:05 p.m. and 2:35 p.m. Students are expected to be at school from 7:40 a.m. until 2:35 p.m.

Attendance/ Tardiness

It is important that students are at school on time every day. If a child is absent, a parent must write a note to the teacher the day the child returns. Please note: All absences become a part of your child’s permanent record.

Our schools strive to maintain an orderly environment for student education. Students who arrive late not only miss valuable learning time, but also interrupt the educational setting of the classroom. Since the instructional program is composed of a specific amount of time for each instructional area, it is vital that students arrive on time so as not to miss any portion of their instruction.

Students who are late to school MUST BE CHECKED IN at the school office. Parents must check the student in. Students who check in after 11:40 a.m. will be counted absent for the day.

Visitors

Visitors, especially parents, are always welcome; however, to ensure the safety of the children and the good order to the school, we require that all visitors sign-in at the Main Office and receive a Visitor’s Badge.

Note: Due to increased precautions to prevent transmission of COVID-19, we are awaiting guidance from the district about visitors and volunteers for the 2022-2023 school year.

Dress

In order to maintain an orderly environment for education, we have set a standard of student dress that we feel is conducive to a proper educational climate. Clothing worn by students should be neat, clean, and in good repair for the general health and safety of the student. The following clothing is NOT allowed: sagging pants, lengthy belts, any item that advertises drugs or alcohol, short (crop) tops, shorts that do not reach the fingertips, see-through clothing, hats worn indoors (unless on special or designated days), and hoods.

Students who come to school dressed inappropriately will be asked to call home for a change of clothes. In the case of a t-shirt that is inappropriate, the student will be asked to turn the t-shirt inside out. Individual schools may have additional requirements. The decision as to whether or not an item of clothing is appropriate will rest with the school.

Homework

Homework supplements class work, provides practice, and develops study habits, independence and responsibility. The amount and type of homework varies by grade levels, placement, teacher, and individual needs. Homework may consist of such activities as preparing reports from reference materials, collecting materials for classroom projects, watching specified television programs, completing work begun in the classroom, or completing additional practice on skills learned in the classroom. Please talk with your child’s teacher about his/her policy on homework. Children should do their own homework with parents serving as a resource.

Time should be set aside each day for children to complete their homework and to read for enjoyment. Parents can help by designating a place to do homework, encouraging their child to read, supplying library books that are of interest and on the appropriate level, praising children’s efforts and desire to read, and reading themselves.

Medication

The Clarke County School District has imposed strict guidelines for the administration of medicine at school. If a student must be given medicine at school, the parent must complete a PERMISSION FOR MEDICATION form. On that form indicate the specific length of time the medicine is to be given, dosage, and time it should be given to your child. Prescription medicines must be in the original container. This form can be obtained in the school office and will be kept on file. If there are any changes in medication, a new form must be completed before a new medicine or a different dosage can be given.

NO CHILD IS TO CARRY MEDICATION ON HIS OR HER PERSON. This includes aspirin, inhalers, cough drops, over the counter medications, and prescription drugs.

NO CHILD IS TO CARRY MEDICATION ON THE SCHOOL BUS. ALL MEDICINE MUST BE TRANSPORTED TO AND FROM SCHOOL BY THE PARENT.

Transportation

It is important that all arrangements be made prior to the student leaving for school that morning. This includes arrangements for transportation. All changes in transportation (how a child is going to get home from school) must be made in writing. Parents/guardians must send a note to the teacher that includes the date, the child’s name, how the child is going to get home, and the parent/guardian’s signature. If the change involves riding the bus, it must be approved by an administrator.

All transportation changes must be made in writing and given to the teacher at the beginning of the school day. We will not accept changes in transportation by telephone. 

Students who are car riders must be picked up by 3:00 p.m. Students who are not picked up by 2:50 or are returned to school by the bus will be placed in the After School program for a fee of $6.00 a day with a one time registration fee of $10.00.

Afterschool Program

An Afterschool Program will be in operation from the time of school dismissal until 6:00 p.m. Activities include snack, recreation, sports, study/homework time, arts and crafts, and free play. A registration form must be completed and an annual registration fee per child must be paid prior to participation in the Afterschool Program. The cost of the ASP is $6.00 a day. Late fees will be imposed for pickup after 6:00 p.m.

Cafeteria

All student meals are free; however, students may purchase a la carte items for an additional cost. Please refer to the CCSD School Nutrition Webpage for pricing information.

Expectations and Discipline

We ask that you discuss with your child the importance of and the need for good behavior and a good attitude at school. Please review the Clarke County School District Code of Conduct, Your school’s behavior plan, and the teacher’s classroom expectations with your child. Discipline should not be considered a punishment, but rather a consequence for a person’s actions by which he/she can gain understanding. The ultimate goal is to enable children to gain self-discipline in order to further their learning.

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, parents should tune to an Athens-based radio station for information regarding school closings. School closings are usually aired beginning at 6 a.m. Local stations include WMSL 88.9 AM, WGAU 1340 AM, WRFC 960 AM, and Magic 102.1 FM. This information is also available on the Clarke County School District website: www.clarke.k12.ga.us.