Creekside Elementary Family Handbook 4239 Gosey Hill Road Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: 615-472-5370 School Hours: 8:50-3:50 Office Hours: 8:00-4:30 Updated: July 30, 2020 Chris Schwartz, Principal Amy Akin, Assistant Principal Williamson County Schools Mr. Jason Golden, Superintendent (615) 472-4000 www.wcs.edu
29
Embed
Creekside Elementary Family Handbook · Family Trips Forwarding Information Field Trips Fire, Tornado, and emergency drills Homework Internet Policy Lost & Found Medication Protocol
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Creekside Elementary Family Handbook
4239 Gosey Hill Road Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615-472-5370 School Hours: 8:50-3:50 Office Hours: 8:00-4:30
Updated: July 30, 2020
Chris Schwartz, Principal
Amy Akin, Assistant Principal
Williamson County Schools Mr. Jason Golden, Superintendent
This is a unique year for schools across the country as we are in the middle of a pandemic.
The challenges of COVID have resulted in changes to what school looks like to keep students
and staff safe. There will be times when instruction will be delivered in person and times when
we will have to close school and have remote instruction. Our teachers are prepared to switch
to a remote model whenever needed to continue instruction during uncertain times. In
addition, we have an online learning program available to students this year.
As you read the handbook, you will notice changes to accommodate differences due to the
pandemic. I indicated changes to the norm with a heading of “COVID Change” whenever
necessary. I also struck through portions that do not apply at this time.
At Creekside, we strive to create a climate where everyone feels safe, warm, welcome, and
successful. This will be more challenging this year with all of the changes! Please know that
we will do our very best to foster an environment where students feel supported and loved!
Schools and communities are the most successful when there is a strong home-school
connection, when communication is positive, and all stakeholders adopt a “whatever it takes”
philosophy.
Our focus is on academics, but we also understand the importance of developing the
whole child. Our teachers and staff work hard to empower our students as learners,
collaborators and changemakers. We believe in developing children both academically and
socially. We will strive for an inclusive, equitable and engaging learning environment for all
students.
As always, if you ever have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to your teacher or
administration.
Let’s have a great year!
Chris Schwartz
Table of Contents Arrival and Dismissal Assessments Attendance Behavior Bully-free school Bus Riders Cafeteria/Lunch Celebrations Cell Phones & electronics Child Find Chromebooks Clinic/Illness Custodial Plan Discipline Dress Code Emergency Dismissal Emergency Information Face coverings Family Trips Forwarding Information Field Trips Fire, Tornado, and emergency drills Homework Internet Policy Lost & Found Medication Protocol Moment of Silence or Prayer - Tennessee State Law – (TCA 49-6-1004) Parent Online Communication Parent-School Communication Pet Policy Photography & Video Guidelines Physical Activity PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Tennessee State Law – (TCA 49-6-1001) Protecting Instructional Time Recess & Playground Safety SACC (School Age Child Care) School Hours School Safety Student Enrollment School Immunization Law Student Progress Toys & Trading Cards Visitors Volunteers Weapons
Withdrawal Zero tolerance and school discipline Appendix & Federal Notices
ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL
ARRIVAL
COVID change - During times of remote learning when only K-2 students are in the building, the
building opens at 8:40.
The building is unlocked for students at 8:35 AM. For safety and supervision reasons, no one should
arrive before 8:35 A.M. (If you are enrolled in SACC, designated doors will open at 6:30 AM.) Students
arriving at 8:35 A.M., or after, will come into the school through the rear entrance (car riders) or front
entrance (bus riders) and report to their grade level’s assigned location.
Students not in their classroom by 8:50 AM will be counted tardy and should be accompanied into the
office by an adult for check-in. Students who are excessively tardy miss important directions and
organizational time at the start of the school day. Additionally, they may disrupt the classroom as they
enter after the school day has begun. We encourage students to arrive promptly at school each day.
Car Rider Arrival Procedures
● Cell phones should not be used while in the car rider lane.
● All vehicles should proceed to the rear entrance of the school and merge to the right lane
closest to the building. For safety of all, only one lane of traffic is permitted. Do not pass cars.
● Each vehicle should pull forward to the yield corner.
● STUDENTS WILL REMAIN IN THEIR CARS UNTIL A STAFF MEMBER TAKES THEIR
TEMPERATURE.
● All children should exit on the sidewalk/passenger side of the vehicle.
● All drop-offs should take place through the Car Rider Line.
● Once the child has exited and cleared the vehicle, drivers are released.
● All visitors must enter through the front main entrance and sign in at the office.
● Please follow the instructions of the staff present.
● Parking is not allowed in traffic areas.
● Be Nice.
Early Dismissal & Late Arrival:
Early dismissal and late arrival 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.Early Dismissals are not permitted after 3:00, unless it is an emergency. Your child’s safety
is the utmost concern to us. Dismissal during this time causes confusion and disruption, which results
in an unsafe and disorderly environment.
Transportation Changes:
Transportation changes must be decided and communicated before students leave the house in the
morning. Written permission (paper note) from parents is required and must be sent in to your child’s
teacher at the beginning of the school day. An email reminder to your child’s teacher is also helpful, as
some students forget to turn in their change of transportation note once arriving to school. Please
review the change in transportation with your child that morning before sending him or her off to
school. Students without written permission for a transportation change will be sent home according
to their daily dismissal procedure.
Emergency Transportation Changes
We only allow changes to transportation for emergency situations. These changes must be made by
2:30 and approved by administration. Please email your child’s teacher, our attendance secretary
([email protected]), and call the front office to confirm this change. We respectfully request that
parents keep these emergency changes to a minimum. Please understand that unexpected dismissal
changes cause confusion and disruption, which can result in an unsafe and disorderly environment.
results in an unsafe and disorderly environment.
DISMISSAL
School will be dismissed at 3:50 PM. During times of remote learning when only K-2 students are in
the building, dismissal will be at 3:27.
organizational time at the start of the school day. Additionally, they may disrupt the classroom as they
enter after the school day has begun. We encourage students to arrive promptly at school each day.
Dismissal:
School will be dismissed at 3:50 PM.
● Car riders will be dismissed from the school building’s rear entrance at Creekside.
● Bus riders will be dismissed through the cafeteria. The WCS Transportation Department will be
calling using an automated call-out if buses are running more than 15 minutes late in the
afternoon.
Car Rider Dismissal Procedures:
● Patience and consideration for the safety of students and courtesy to staff is appreciated. The safety
of our students is priority.
● Car riders are dismissed through the rear entrance at 3:50 P.M.
● Parents will receive three car tags per family. Students will not be released from the car rider area
without a Car Rider Tag. Those without a Car Rider Tag will be required to return to the school’s main
office to show identification.
● Parents must make arrangements to share Car Rider Tags in cases where a non-custodial person is
picking up a student (ex. grandparents, sibling, family friend, etc.). This is the responsibility of the
parents
● Parents are asked to form lines in each of the two lanes by pulling all the way forward to the yield
line. SUV’s and taller vehicles are encouraged to use the far, outside lane from the school building
when possible. This helps create better sight lines for safety and allows a better view for
parents/students.
● Please refrain from “flagging” or waving at your child while engines are running and/or cars are
● Parents should remain in or stand beside their vehicles. Parents will be asked to return to their
vehicle if necessary.
● Car Rider Tags will be collected from each vehicle by school faculty and staff prior to beginning
dismissal procedures.
● Only cars between the loading zones will be loaded.
● Once students are released they will walk on the side walk in the direction of their vehicles with their
Car Rider Tags in hand.
● Please load quickly and buckle up for safety. Engines should remain off..
● All cars will be released at the same time once all students are safely loaded.
● Thank you for your patience and helping keep all our students safe and secure.
● Be Nice.
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, Aimsweb 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 state and district assessment windows we ask that parents make every attempt to have students at school on time. No absences will be excused for family trips during these assessment times.
Please refer to the following link for information regarding district assessments including the assessment calendar. https://www.wcs.edu/district/departments/tla/assessment/
ATTENDANCE
Consistent attendance and punctuality is a cornerstone of student progress and success. 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 Creekside. 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 emergencies.
Written Documentation
The Williamson County School Board Policy 6.200 requires written parental or medical documentation
for all absences, tardies, and early dismissals. This documentation ensures that school personnel are
fully and accurately informed about your child. All absences are considered “unexcused” until a note is
sent, preferably within 48 hours of the student’s return to school. When a student’s absences exceed 8
days, a doctor’s note will be required to excuse all future absences. Notes are kept on file for the
school year. Parents may also send an email with all appropriate information to their teacher and our
Lunch charges are discouraged. Parents will be notified when a child charges lunch. A maximum of 3
charges will be allowed. There is a no charging policy for “Special Sales.” Any overdrawn cafeteria
accounts should be paid in full at the end of each grading period. Failure to do so may result in
withholding the student’s report card. Questions or concerns about the cafeteria may be directed to the
Cafeteria Manager.
CELEBRATIONS
We love to honor and celebrate students at Creekside. 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.
Class Parties
COVID Change: The classroom teacher will plan two celebrations: a winter party and an end of year
party. Volunteers will not be permitted in the classroom for the party. They can support the teacher
through donation of supplies.
Two class parties are held during the year. The approved parties are a winter party during the last
school week in December and an end of the year party during the last school week in May. Each party
will have two parent volunteers to help coordinate and run the party, and each party must be pre-
planned with the classroom teacher. The lead room parent for the class will work to set up which
parents will staff the parties. The lead room parent will only attend one of the parties. PTA board
members will be on site on party days to assist as well. Parent party volunteers must remain with their
designated class for the duration of the party and cannot attend other parties. Siblings may not attend
class parties.
Party Food
In an effort to abide by the WCS Wellness Policy as well as address the increasing number of students
with food allergies or diabetes, we ask all parents to be mindful of the following: All foods for
scheduled school-wide 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. 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.
Birthdays
Students love to celebrate birthdays at school, as it is a memorable time to share with teachers and friends. In an effort to abide by the WCS Wellness Policy as well as address the increasing number of students with food allergies or diabetes, students are not allowed to bring in cupcakes, cookies, or other food items to celebrate their birthdays. Instead, here are some other ideas for how you can make your child’s birthday special:
● Send in a non-edible treat for the class 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 will 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 since everyone will be receiving one (entire class, all boys, or all girls).
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.
In addition, teachers will not communicate information via email or newsletter about any sort of party
or event that is not school sponsored should a parent make that request. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Other holidays
Please do not send in “treat bags” for the class on holidays. School staff simply do not have the time
to review the contents of treat bags nor make decisions as to the appropriateness of items being sent
home with children. Thank you for your help with this.
CHILD FIND
Child Find is how Williamson County Schools identify students who may be having problems. This may
include children who are gifted as well as students who have trouble seeing or hearing, need special
education services, or need supports to learn. It is important to find these children and give them the
help they need as early as possible. Families concerned about how a child is doing can refer the child
for screening by calling Student Support Services 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.
CLINIC/ILLNESS
COVID Change:
Parents/Guardians should always follow the WCS Illness Guidelines, found on the WCS website.
Parents/Guardians should conduct health screening(s) on their children before sending them to school.
This includes taking their temperature and assessing for the following COVID-19 symptoms:
• Have you been in close contact with a person with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19? • Have you had unusual cough or shortness of breath? • Have you had a sore throat or other flu-like symptoms? • Have you had a fever of 100F or greater in the past 72-hours? • Have you had new loss of taste or smell? • Have you had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24-hours?
If they answer ‘yes’ to two or more of any of the above questions, or have a temperature of 100F or
higher, then please keep them home and seek medical attention, as necessary. Please assist your
younger children in how to answer these questions once they get to school.
Upon arrival at school students will go through health screening conducted by staff. Their temperature
will be checked with a no touch thermometer, and they will be asked to answer the above six COVID-19
symptoms questions. Any student who does not pass this screening will be kept in the isolation room
under the care of staff until you can be contacted to pick-up your child from school
Staff will report any observed symptoms in students during the day to the school nurse. The school
nurse will determine if any symptoms are present and, if so, to contact you to pick-up your child. Please
refer to the WCS Illness Guidelines for return to school.
We are very fortunate to have a full-time nurse on staff. She is committed to serving all students and
staff. If a student becomes ill or injured at school, the teacher will have the student evaluated by the
school nurse. Through her examination and in accordance with the district WCS Illness Guidelines, the
nurse will determine treatment or if the student does not meet criteria to stay in school. The nurse will
notify parents if a student becomes significantly ill or injured. The school is not equipped for prolonged
care of your sick child. We ask that you or an emergency contact pick up your child within the hour
that you are called.
The school nurse may only administer medications that are provided and authorized by the
parent/guardian. Refer to the WCS Medication Administration Protocol for guidance and contact Nurse
Susan for more information about medications.
Students will be checked for head lice by the school nurse when demonstrating symptoms of
infestation. Parents of students with live lice or an active infestation will be asked to pick up their child
as soon as possible to begin the treatment process. The student may return to school only after the
hair has been treated appropriately and the parent presents proof of treatment.
When determining whether your child is well enough to attend school, please refer to the Williamson
County Schools Illness Guidelines found here. Please note that your child should not be sent to school
until he/she has been diarrhea free, vomiting free and fever free for at least 72 hours without taking a
fever reducing medication.
For questions regarding health services, policies or procedures, please visit the Williamson County
Schools Health Services Site at http://www.wcs.edu/departments/health-services/.
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.
DELIVERIES
While the school realizes that students occasionally forget an item at home, we encourage parents to
allow their students to take responsibility for their own items. If you need to drop off a forgotten lunch
or homework assignment, please have their name on the item and deliver it to the office.The item will
be delivered by school personnel or the student will be permitted to pick up the item in the office at an
appropriate time. Since it can be disruptive in a classroom, the school does not allow deliveries of
flowers, balloons, birthday cakes, etc. to students during the school day. The school is not responsible
for items not picked up by students.
DISCIPLINE
The purpose of discipline at Creekside Elementary School is to maintain a positive and orderly learning
environment for all students, while helping students to learn to manage their own personal choices. We
believe that relationships of mutual respect are foundational to learning. Maintaining an effective
school climate requires the cooperation and the commitment of students, parents, and teachers.
A copy of your child’s classroom management plan will be sent home at the beginning of the year. Each
teacher will establish and teach expected behaviors, which are based upon respect and will enhance
the learning process. When compliance of these rules does not occur, a progressive discipline
approach is used. This may include the following: student conference, parent contact, parent
conference, loss of privilege, detention, suspension and expulsion.
It is the desire of both parents, and school personnel, that students grow in the direction of
appropriate/acceptable behavior at school and at home. We know that problems, conflicts, and
misunderstandings arise from time to time. Our responsibilities as adults must always be to teach
children acceptable ways to deal with conflict, anger, and hurt feelings. We can best do this by our own
examples and by insisting that students respect themselves, their peers, their parents, and all school
personnel. We will not tolerate disrespect. Students will be expected to show respect for themselves
and others at all times. Unsafe/inappropriate behavior as well as responding to conflict in a physical
way (hitting, fighting etc.) is not acceptable. Creekside Elementary School follows all Williamson
County School’s policies, procedures, and guidelines concerning discipline for Zero Tolerance & Zero
Tolerance Reasoned Judgement offenses.
In most cases, discipline concerns can be handled in the classroom by the teacher. If a child is sent to
the office, the following will occur:
1. Talk with all of the students involved individually.
2. Investigate the situation.
3. Document what has occurred and ask students to reflect on the situation and determine better
choices that they could have made.
4. Call a parent to explain the situation.
5. Determine consequences: (may choose one or a combination)
A. Warning only
B. Time out in the office
C. Loss of privileges
D. Parent conference with principal and student
E. Complete work/assignment in Office or designated area
F. In-School Suspension
G. Out of school suspension
H. Thinking/Reflection time during lunch in the office
I. No more than 10 minutes missed from recess
J. Before or after school detention
Causing Physical Injury
*Administrative discretion will be used to determine severity of consequences based on an
investigation of the incident. Consequences can range from loss of privileges to OSS.
DRESS CODE Students should dress appropriately for comfort, weather and learning. Creekside 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).
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
The 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. In the event of an early
dismissal during the school day (such as for inclement weather) we will strictly follow the instructions
provided by you on the blue emergency information card you filled out at the beginning of the year. We
cannot accept changes to this plan once an early dismissal has been announced. You will be notified
through a phone call either through the district or from Mrs. Schwartz in the event of an emergency.
Please keep your phone numbers and email address up to date in Skyward so that these calls go to the
best contact.
COVID Change - FACE COVERINGS
A cloth or disposable face covering must be worn by all students, staff and visitors while on school property except as follows:
● When an individual cannot safely wear a cloth or disposable face covering.· ● While eating and drinking. ● While indoors and maintaining social distancing, at the direction of WCS staff. ● While outdoors and maintaining social distancing, at the direction of WCS staff.
Cloth face coverings should be washed after each use.
Allowable Exemptions
● Student has an approved Student Face Covering Exemption Request form on file with the school. Parents should contact the school Principal to request the form.
● Any child on campus who is under age 2.· ● Student is having trouble breathing or is sleeping ● Student is unable to remove their covering without assistance. ● Staff or Student is eating or drinking. ● Staff has provided a documented medical reason approved by Human Resources
Face shields may only be used in place of a face covering if a student or staff member has an approved exemption on file at school or with Human Resources.
FAMILY TRIPS
The Tennessee Department of Education Accountability Regulations (ESSA) defines students as
"chronically absent" after 18 absences per year, regardless of excused or unexcused. 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.
We ask families to plan their vacations around the designated holidays already built into our school
district’s calendar. If you are planning a trip that is longer than 2 days, please email our assistant
principal, Mrs. Akin, at [email protected] for approval. A determination will be made as to whether the
absence will be excused or unexcused. We will consider your child’s current attendance record,
academic standing, and reason for the trip. Work will NOT be provided in advance when your child
misses school for a family trip. If your child reaches 8 absences prior to an approved trip, the trip will not
be excused.
FIELD TRIPS
COVID Change:
For health and safety reasons, all field trips have been cancelled for the 2020-2021 school
year.
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. A permission form will be sent
home at the beginning of the year for parents to sign, giving permission for all future field trips for the
upcoming school year. The school must have this permission from the parent on file before a student
can go on a field trip. Williamson County Policy directs that all students must ride the bus with the
class to and from all field trip locations Any exceptions to transportation must be approved by the
principal.
CHAPERONES
According to Williamson County School Board Policy, all chaperones must be Tier 3 Volunteers.
Chaperones are not permitted to ride on the bus with students, and no siblings are allowed on school
field trips
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: 10 fire drills, 3 tornado
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 - TN 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.
PARENT ONLINE COMMUNICATION
Williamson County Schools Family Access gives parents the ability to track their child’s academic progress safely and securely online. We encourage you to visit Skyward regularly to check your child’s grades. Helpful information about how to use Skyward can be found on the WCS site under the Parents & Students tab.
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:
● Please make sure students have needed items for school each day.
● Ensure that students arrive to school in time to be in their classrooms by 8:45 a.m.
● Try to schedule appointments for students before or after school.
● Plan family vacations when school is not in session.
● Only visit classrooms when scheduled with teachers.
● Meet your child at the cafeteria when having lunch at school and say “goodbye” to your child in
the cafeteria.
● Do not go to classrooms during arrival and dismissal times.
● Avoid early dismissal whenever possible. Attendance matters!
COVID Change:
When learning remotely, parents can assist in instructional time in the following ways:
● Check to make sure students have needed items for school each day before the class starts
(technology charged and working, homework, and supplies).
● Ensure that students are seated in an area free from distractions 5 minutes before the start of
class.
● Ensure your child has the “speaker view” set up on his computer so he may attend to the
speaker.
RECESS & PLAYGROUND SAFETY
Students will have recess for 20 minutes each day. At Creekside Elementary, a 10-minute
Focus period is adjacent to recess on our daily schedule. Students that have all their work
completed could earn an additional 10 minutes of recess as a reward. Students that are not
finished with their work will spend 10 minutes working to complete unfinished assignments
and/or classwork.
COVID Change:
During times of active COVID cases, students will continue to receive recess. Students will socially distance as feasible. Students are permitted to bring their own non-electronic toys to play independently. Teachers will encourage and help lead students in social games that do not require close contact with others such as charades and shadow tag.
We strive hard to put safety first at Creekside. To that end we have established common playground rules. Please review these rules with your children.
● Respect the rights and feelings of others.
● You may not cause a problem for yourself or anyone else on the playground.
● Rough play will not be tolerated (touch football only!)
● Learn to interact with others in a positive manner – cooperate.
● Play fairly and take turns.
● Rocks, sticks, and dirt are to remain on the ground.
Staff members observing children on the playground are equipped with a first aid kit and a two-way
radio for additional safety. Children may be removed from play for a “cool-down” period if involved in
unsafe playground behavior.
Children go to recess every day unless it is raining or extremely cold/hot. Please keep this in mind
when helping your child select clothing and shoes for the day. Creekside will follow the Williamson
County Schools Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 6.119 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, the following 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
SACC (School Age Child Care)
SACC offers before and after school care (6:30 am - 6:00 pm) at Creekside. SACC also has a summer
program. Please visit: http://www.wcs.edu/parents-students/before-and-after-school-care-sacc/ for
more information.
SCHOOL SAFETY
A school safety plan is in place and has been vetted by local law enforcement. The following school
safety policies have been established:
1) All school doors are locked throughout the day.
2) Parents, visitors, and volunteers must sign in and out in the office and wear either a visitor or
volunteer badge.
3) Parking is only allowed in designated parking places.
4) Parents and visitors must schedule appointments to visit classrooms.
5) Volunteers or school personnel escort visitors touring the school.
6) A school nurse staffs the clinic and notifies parents by phone when a student has an accident or
becomes ill.
7) Medication policies established by the school system are followed.
8) Students are expected to follow safety guidelines established by the school and classroom
teachers.
9) Students must have written permission from parents to change the bus the student rides at
dismissal.
10) Office personnel will verify the identification of individuals when releasing a student. Parents must
communicate, preferably in writing, the permission for someone to pick up a student other than the
parent.
11) Teachers and teacher assistants supervise students and direct traffic during arrival and dismissal
following safety policies.
12) The custodial and maintenance staffs work to keep the school clean and free from safety hazards.
13) The State Fire Marshal inspects the school annually to ensure fire safety policies are followed.
14) A fire drill is conducted every month.
15) Tornado and lockdown drills are conducted throughout the school year.
16) A student information card is on file in the office with the student’s updated emergency
information. Please make sure you keep this information updated.
17) An emergency dismissal form is on file with the dismissal plan for students in the event that school
is dismissed early due to weather conditions, power failure, or hazardous conditions.
SCHOOL HOURS
Typical school hours are 8:50 – 3:50. Arrival begins at 8:30. Students cannot arrive prior to that time
because we do not have staff available to supervise.
COVID Change: If we have only Kindergarten through 2NDgrade in the building for instruction, student