Acknowledgement of Woodruff Primary School
Parent-Student Handbook Policies and Procedures
2016-2017
Please read the policies and procedures outlined in the Woodruff Primary School Parent-Student Handbook. You will want to keep this handbook as a reference throughout the year. It also contains the school calendar. Please sign this page and send to your child’s teacher within the first week of school. Some of the policies and procedures are outlined below. A more detailed description of each item will be found in the handbook.
- Students may enter at 7:15 a.m. at the front of the school and wait in the cafeteria. Lobby doors are not open prior to 7:15 a.m. Doors at other entry areas do not open until 7:30 a.m.
- Students who are eating breakfast should be in the serving line by 7:45 a.m.
- Students should bein classrooms by 7:50 a.m. to unpack book bags, complete morning procedures, and hear announcements. Students are counted tardy at 7:55 a.m.
- If a parent needs to speak to the teacher in the mornings, he/she should do so between 7:30 – 7:45 a.m. After 7:45 a.m., a meeting should be scheduled, as the teacher is responsible for the supervision and instruction of students promptly at 7:45 a.m.
- Students are encouraged to learn the way to their classes as quickly as possible, so they can walk on their own. A parent who needs to walk a student to class should arrive between 7:30 - 7:45 a.m. and enter through the front lobby to obtain a visitor’s pass.
- Our Check-In System requires a driver’s license scan to issue visitors’ passes.
- Early dismissals should be made by1:45 p.m.
- Students should have no more than 3 tardies or early dismissals to receive the Woodruff Primary School perfect attendance awards.
- Students must be in the classroom for three hours (8:00 – 11:00 a.m.) in order to be counted present for the school day.
- Parents should have car tags in order to pick up a child at car dismissal. Without a car tag, the parent will need to sign the child out and present a driver’s license.
- Classroom volunteers and chaperones will need to have background checks.
- Cupcakes, cookies, and candies cannot be distributed to students to celebrate birthdays. Instead, we encourage non-edible gifts, such as pencils, stickers, etc.
- The child’s teacher should be notified by 8:00 a.m. when parents are planning to eat lunch with a student, so they can be included on the lunch count.
- Transportation changes cannot be made over the phone. A note should be sent with the child or the parent should come into the office to make a transportation change.
- Deposits into meal accounts should be made upon receipt of low balance notices. Parents should send meals until a positive balance is in the account.
- Truancy court referrals will be made for excessive absences and tardies.
- Do not bring weapons (real or toy) on school property. If these items are allowed in the home, parents should check children’s bookbags and pockets to ensure that they are not brought onto school property. Any violation related to weapons may result in suspension or expulsion.
I have read the policies and procedures outlined in the Woodruff Primary School 2016-2017 Parent-Student Handbook.
Teacher’s Name ______Student’s Name: ______
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature: ______Date: ______
Woodruff Primary School
2016-2017
200 Lucy P. Edwards Road
Woodruff, SC 29388
Phone: 864-476-3174
Fax: 864-476-7067
Web Site:
Ann H. Hodge, Principal
Meredith Welch, Assistant Principal
Casey Dover, Assistant Principal/Curriculum Coordinator
Table of Contents
Welcome from the Principalp. 4
ABOUT THE SCHOOLpp.5-7
Facts and Highlights
Philosophy
Goal, Mission, Vision, and Beliefs
School Mascot, Colors, Motto, Promise, and Theme
CALENDARS, MAP, ROOM NUMBERS, PERSONNELpp.8-14
District & School Calendars
School Map
Room Numbers
School Personnel
TRAFFIC PATTERNS & VISITOR PROCEDURESpp. 15-17
Drop-Off Procedures
Dismissal Procedures
Child Passenger Restraint Requirements
Visitor Passes
Parking
Locked Doors & Keyless Entry System
ATTENDANCEpp. 18-20
School Day Schedule
Tardiness
Early Dismissals
Attendance Requirements
Withdrawal Information
Spartanburg District Four Attendance Policy
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONSpp.20-24
Social Emotional Development
Counseling Services
Student Behavior and School Rules/Procedures
School Bus Transportationand Bus Rules
Dress Code
Appearance
CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENTpp.24-28
Curriculum
Assessments
Report Cards
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Preschool Home Visits
Grading
Homework Policy
HEALTH & SAFETYpp.29-33
Medication Procedures
Criteria for Students Being Sent Home
Head Lice
Health Screenings
Immunizations
Students with Special Health Care Needs
Accidents and Emergencies
School Insurance
Emergency Contacts and Phone Numbers
Change of Clothes
Naptimes and Rest Times
Diapering and Potty Training
Outside Play and Weather
Supervision of Children
Emergency Drills
Pets and Other Live Animals
NUTRITIONpp.33-36
Breakfast Program
Preschool Snack Program
Lunch Program
Meal Accounts
Free or Reduced Meal Applications
Lunches from Home/Outside Food
Snack Foods & Birthday Celebrations
Class Parties
PARENT INVOLVEMENTpp.36-39
Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
Spirit Days
Volunteer Program
School Improvement Council & Title I Committee
Substitutes
Field Trips, Chaperones, Background Checks
Agencies & Services
POLICIES & PROCEDURES pp.39-48
Confidentiality of Student Records
Returned Checks
Deliveries to School
Public Release of Information
School Pictures and Yearbooks
Library Policies and Procedures
Textbooks and Lost Book Charges
Gifted and Talented Screening
Awards
Title I Program, Parent Involvement Policy, Resource Center, Compact
Professional Qualifications of Staff
Spartanburg District Four Policies
Welcome to Woodruff Primary School!
Children
We will fill their hearts with laughter.
We will help them grow wings.
We will nurture their sense of wonder.
We will inspire them to believe.
And, we will love them like there is no tomorrow.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The hopes and dreams that you have for your children are the same ones that the Woodruff Primary staff and I have for them. It does not matter what age they come to us because we will love, nurture, and provide the best learning environment possible for them. We want to get to know each child individually so that his/her experience at Woodruff Primary School will be the best it can be. Working with you as a team can make that happen. We want to make decisions with you about what is best for your child. We encourage you to attend conferences, keep in contact with your child’s teacher as needed, attend evening events, volunteer, and join our PTO. It is important to us that you feel involved in your child’s education.
I often think that out of all the places in the world, we are in Woodruff, SC. I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to get to know this community and to work with the children. I am so proud to be a part of a school with national accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). I encourage you to read more about NAEYC at in order to understand how our beliefs coincide with the organization that is the biggest advocate for high-quality early care in the country.
The absolute best part of the job is the people. In the past sixteen years I have worked closely with teachers and administrators to make school-wide decisions and to evaluate our programs. The teachers are dedicated and provide a rigorous curriculum for the students while understanding the importance of making the children feel safe and loved so they can build confidence as they grow. They also understand that all children are different and want them to be successful. All members of the Woodruff Primary staff, along with our district administrators and our school board, have a part in making the school successful. We not only do it because we want to, we do it because the students, parents, and community deserve it.
Sincerely,
Ann H. Hodge
Principal
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Woodruff Primary School Facts and Highlights
Woodruff Primary School serves approximately900young children between the ages of three through seven in Spartanburg District Four. Our school enrolls children in preschool through second grade. We occupied the current facility in 1984. Today, it houses 4 three-year-old preschools, 9four-year-old preschools, 8 kindergartens, 9 first grades, and 8 second grades. A unique feature of our school is that our full-day preschool program is available to every four-year-old in our district.
Our school currently holds accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), AdvancED, and the South Carolina Department of Education. One hundred percent of our faculty are highly qualified under “No Child Left Behind” criteria.In 2014-15, our district was #1 in the state of South Carolina according to the ESEA rating.
School honors include being named a Community Champion for Early Childhood Development by the Mary Black Foundation (2009) for working to improve the early care and education of children ages birth to five in Spartanburg County. It was named a Red Carpet School by the SC Department of Education (2010) for its family-friendly environment and customer service to the parents and community. WPS was recognized as an Exemplary Writing School by the Writing Improvement Network and the SC Department of Education (2003-06, 2007-10, and 2011 - 2014).
Our faculty members are committed to giving back to the early childhood profession. They routinely present at early childhood and early literacy conferences throughout the state. They host professionals from visiting schools and student teachers from local colleges and universities. In partnership with USC Upstate, they mentor early childhood clinical students each semester.
In addition to serving students in preschool through second grade, infants and toddlers are served in the Woodruff Primary School Childcare Center. One childcare room is provided through the Early Head Start program and the other is provided in conjunction with our Family Literacy Program, which allows young mothers who are currently enrolled as students themselves to utilize our childcare center. The Spartanburg District Four Adult Learning Center, serving lower Spartanburg County,is also housed at Woodruff Primary School. We provide many programs and services to our community and enjoy strong support from our parents and community members. We feel very fortunate to be able to serve the families and children of this area.
Woodruff Primary School Philosophy
Early childhood educators at Woodruff Primary School believe that the early years are critical in a child’s development. Experiences during these years set the foundation for all future learning. We believe our work is extremely important to young children and future society.
Early childhood is a distinct time in a child’s development, and it is different from the elementary years. Therefore, early childhood education should be designed to accommodate the needs of the young child. This requires that early childhood educators possess an extensive knowledge of early childhood development and brain research.
As early childhood educators, we believe it is our responsibility to accept children where they are. We believe it is our responsibility to meet their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs in order to educate them. Above all, we believe young children must feel safe and secure in order to learn. It is our responsibility to provide an orderly, safe environment where young children are nurtured and supported. We must be explicit in communicating expectations and procedures for young children. We must provide many opportunities for practice.
Young children are active. They learn through play and engaging activities. Therefore, we provide many opportunities for child-initiated learning to support their individual interests and stages of development. We provide activities that support them in becoming critical thinkers and problem solvers.
We recognize that children progress at different rates. As early childhood educators, we understand the stages of early literacy development and how to support children at the various stages of reading, writing and spelling. Ongoing assessments are authentic and embedded in our curriculum. We provide additional resources through reading interventions to ensure our goal of having every child reading on grade level before leaving Woodruff Primary School.
Social-emotional development is critically important in early childhood. Young children can become easily frustrated when they do not have the language skills to communicate their needs. We anticipate these times and support children as they deal with frustrations and upsets. We teach them how to calm themselves and use their words. We teach them how to solve conflicts with others.
We believe the parent is the child’s first and most important teacher. Therefore, we strive to develop close home-school relations. We view ourselves as team members with parents as we work toward common goals. We appreciate our supportive community and realize through the education of its most precious citizens that we are making a significant contribution to this community.
Goal, Mission, Vision, & Beliefs
The goal of Woodruff Primary School is student achievement
in a safe, secure learning environment.
Mission Statement
Working together with families and community, Woodruff Primary School will develop self-directed learners and leaders in a safe and nurturing environment.
Vision Statement
Students at Woodruff Primary School will become self-regulated learners, good decision makers, and critical thinkers.
Beliefs of Woodruff Primary School
•Student achievement is a priority for our school.
•School, home, and community play an integral part for providing a supportive learning environment.
•A physically and emotionally safe environment promotes student achievement.
•Education is a partnership between home, school and community.
•Each student is a valued individual that is treated fairly and respected by teachers and other students.
Comments Regarding Mission, Vision, and Beliefs
After reading Woodruff Primary School’s mission, vision statement, and beliefs, please offers any comments or suggestions that you may have. We would like to consider your input as we are constantly striving to improve our school. A form for this purpose is available in the office.
School Mascot, Colors, Motto, Promise, & Theme
Mascot: Woody Bear
Colors: Maroon and Gold
Motto: Woodruff Primary School…”My School Family”
Promise: I come to school to learn.
I promise to do my best.
I promise to be safe.
Addressing Concerns
If you should have a question or concern about a situation at school, please contact your child’s teacher first and communicate the concern to her. If you still have the question or concern following a conversation with the teacher, please contact the principal or an assistant principal at 476-3174. On most days, the principal and assistant principals will be in the building. However, if Mrs. Hodge should be out of the building, Mrs. Welch and/or Mrs. Dover will assume the principal’s responsibilities. If you have a question about a bus route, please contact Mrs. Dale Smith at 476-3158.
Insert District Calendar
CALENDARS, MAP, ROOM NUMBERS, PERSONNEL
2016-2017 School Year
July
28– 3K-2ndGrade Registration (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
30 – Great Start Woodruff @ Activity Center (8 a.m. – 10 a.m.)
August
Community Project: Helping Hands of Woodruff (paper products)and Woodruff Soup KitchenFood Drive
Character Value Emphasis:Responsibility
Career Focus: “Be Our Guest…” (Hospitality and Tourism)
5–7– Tax Free Weekend for Back to School Shopping
11 –Visit Your Classroom and Meet Your Teacher (5:00 – 7:00)
15 –First Day for Students (Kindergarten through 2ndGrade) – Lunch Begins
15–19– 3K & 4K Preschool Home Visits
17 –Breakfast Begins
22–26 –4K Preschool Staggered Entry
22–Sept. 2 – 3K Preschool Staggered Entry
26– School Family Celebration – Wear School T-Shirts
September
Community Project: Helping Hands of Woodruff (paper products)and Woodruff Soup Kitchen Food Drive
Character Value Emphasis: Organization
Career Focus: “To the Rescue” (Law, Public Safety, and Security)
5– Labor Day Holiday – No School
7– School Picture Day
13– School Improvement Council Meeting (3:30–4:00–Media Center)
14 –Interim Reports Issued for 1st& 2ndGraders
16– Constitution Day
26 – PTO Fall Fundraiser
30 –School Family Celebration – Wear School T-Shirts
October
Community Project: Helping Hands of Woodruff (paper products)and Woodruff Soup Kitchen Food Drive
Character Value Emphasis: Cooperation
Career Focus: “On the Move! All Aboard!” (Transportation)
7 – PTO Chick-Fil-A biscuit sale
9–15 –Fire Prevention Week
10– Columbus Day
10–14 – WPS Children’s Book Week; Scholastic Book Fair in Library; National School Lunch Week*Remember to thank our excellent cafeteria staff for all they do!!!
12– Make-up Day for School Pictures
12 – Flu Clinic @ Activity Center (1:30 p.m.)
14–Storybook Character Parade (9:30 a.m.)
19 –Report Cards Issued (PreK–2ndGrade)
20– Parent/TeacherConferences (3:00 – 7:00 p.m.)
21– Parent/TeacherConferences (9:00 a.m. – 12:00p.m.) – No School for Students
24–28–Red Ribbon Week (Drug Free America)
27 – Fall Event
28–School Family Celebration – Wear School T- Shirts
November
Community Project: Helping Hands of Woodruff (paper products)and Woodruff Soup Kitchen Food Drive
Character Value Emphasis:Initiative
Career Focus: “Teaching is What I Love” (Education)
4 - PTO Chick-Fil-A biscuit sale
6– Daylight Saving Time Ends (Set Clocks Back 1 Hour)
8– Election Day – No School
11 – Veterans’ Day
14–18– American Education Week*Letyour teacher and assistant know they are appreciated.
15 –School Improvement Council Meeting(3:30–4:00–Media Center)
16 –Interim Reports for 1st& 2ndGraders
18– School Family Celebration–Wear School T-Shirts
22– Career DressUpDay
23–25– Thanksgiving Holidays – No School