Student Handbook

At Gold Hill, we believe that discipline should be proactive instead of reactive; therefore, all teachers  should have a classroom plan to address classroom management procedures. The first few days of  school are critical to establishing the climate in the classroom and a good portion of the time during those days should be spent establishing rules, procedures, and consequences and teaching them to the  children. The secret to discipline – we will develop relationships with our students so they know we  truly care about them as an individual. As we invest in student relationships, discipline will be more effective.

The purpose of the handbook is to explain how intervention will be utilized as a preventive measure when dealing with student  behavior, to illustrate expected appropriate and respectful student behaviors and to describe violations of the Student Code of Conduct and associated interventions and  consequences that may be enforced.  

Equally important to sharing what is expected of students is that school and district policies and practices support character development, the development of self-control, and positive behavior choices. Developing positive and effective student behaviors requires collaborative efforts from  school, home, and community organizations and agencies.  

Attendance

Excellent attendance is essential to the academic success of students, and all students are expected to be in attendance each day school is in session. Attendance at Gold Hill Elementary is traditionally outstanding. Each year, we have excellent attendance by our students. This is a tribute to each family’s efforts to have their child at school daily. We appreciate this effort! See the FMSD Attendance Policy for more details.

Schedule

• 7:05 - Students can begin entering the building & adult supervision begins
• 7:30 - All students should be at school by this time, so they can be in class by 7:35
• 7:35 - Instructional day begins, students should be in the classroom and ready to learn
• 2:00 - End of the school day, students are dismissed

Lawful Absences 

According to SC Code of Laws 59-65-10, the following types of absences are the only ones considered lawful:

1. Serious, chronic, or extended illness of the student. (If your child has a chronic illness or is hospitalized for an extended period of time, please submit medical verification to the principal)
2. Serious illness or death in the immediate family.
3. Recognized religious holiday for the students of the particular religious faith when pre-arranged.
4. Pre-arranged absences for other reasons and/or extreme hardships at the discretion of the principal.

• Parents must provide the school with a note identifying the reason for the absence within three (3) days of their child returning to school.  The note should be dated and specify the reason for the absence. 
• If we do not receive a note explaining the child’s absence then it will be coded as unlawful. The school will only accept a parent's written excuse for five total days of absences when the student is ill or absent for another lawful reason. Notes are kept on file by the attendance clerk.

Unlawful Absences 

• Any absence by a student with or without the knowledge of the parent not meeting one of the conditions for a lawful absence as defined above will count toward the cumulative limit of absences.  
• Written notification will be sent by the school for accumulated absences. A call will be made by the attendance clerk after 3 consecutive absences. 
• When a child accumulates 5 absences that are unlawful or not excused by a medical note, the parents will be required to attend an attendance intervention (truancy) conference and assist the principal or his/her designee in the development of an attendance intervention plan, which will be valid in any SC school district.  
• Excessive absences and failure to adhere to guidelines of an intervention plan could result in a family court referral. The school will only accept a parent-written note for five days of absence. Following those days, doctor’s excuses are required. All vacations and trips are unlawful reasons for a student to miss school, and will be considered unexcused.

Make-up Work for Absences

• Virtual/eLearning will not be available for students who are absent.
• Assignments and class work missed may be made up if a student is lawfully absent from school at the teacher’s discretion.  
• This is the responsibility of the student. Should assignments not be available for the entire period of the absence, the student is responsible for getting them upon his/her return in order to cover the material missed. 
• Experiments, discussions, group activities, etc. may be difficult to replicate. 
• For any tests given after the student returns, the student will be responsible for the material covered in class while he/she was absent. 
• If any work is not made up, it may affect the student’s grade. The work needs to be made up within a reasonable time limit or at the teacher’s discretion. 
• If the student is absent, the parent may call and request to pick-up assignments after school in the office. Please do not expect the teacher to provide assignments during the school day.

Tardiness

• Our school day begins at 7:35 a.m. Students arriving after 7:35 a.m. are tardy and must report to the office and be signed in by an adult for admittance to class. 
• Tardies cost your child valuable educational instruction. Tardies also interrupt the learning process for other students. Be considerate of other students’ education. Excessive tardiness may result in an intervention meeting for development of an attendance plan which will remain in the child’s record and transfer to any receiving school.

Early Dismissal

• Parents are requested not to pick up a child before the regular dismissal time. This is an interruption of the educational process, not only for your child, but other children as well.
• A child must be present for at least half of the school day to be considered present as related to perfect attendance. However, any portion of the day a child can attend is to his/her benefit.
• Please provide verification for medical appointments. Please schedule these as near the beginning or end of the day as possible so your child can be in school.
• If parents plan to take a child from school before the close of the day, they should send a note in the morning stating the reason for the early dismissal and the time their child will be picked up. ○ Parents should enter the school office, and sign out their child. Students leaving early must be signed out in the office and be dismissed only to a parent or approved adult on the emergency contact list. This procedure is for your child’s protection – please keep information updated to facilitate this function, especially in emergency situations or early weather related school closings. ○ In an effort to minimize disruption at dismissal time, all early checkouts must occur before 1:30 p.m.

Returning to Class After School Hours

• Students are responsible for bringing home materials needed for assignments.
• Should a student need to return to class after school hours, we ask for that student to report to the front office to be escorted back to the classroom.
• Our office closes at 3:00, after that it is not possible for students to return to class.
• At no point should a student or adult enter a classroom after hours without an escort from the school.

Inclement Weather

• The decision to close or delay schools will be made by 6:00a.m.

• Announcements will be made via BLACKBOARD®, and on WRHI AM radio, CN2, and Charlotte TV stations (WSOC, WBTV, WSOC).  Delays and closings will be posted on the district website  and available at the district office phone number (803-548-2527). 

• Information will be listed for FORT MILL SCHOOL DISTRICT #4, not York County Schools.  

• No breakfast will be served if school is delayed.  

• When weather is threatening, please be sure your child and the teacher know how he/she is to get home if school is dismissed early.  

• The BLACKBOARD® phone system (803-548-8379) will leave messages about changes of schedules.  In order for you to receive these messages, we must have your up-to-date phone number and email address in our database. 

• It is the parent’s responsibility to contact after-school care to learn about their procedures.

Book Bags

Book bags are required at school. However, rolling book bags are not permitted without a written recommendation of a physician.

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices

• A cell phone may not be used during the school day. If a student brings a phone to school it should be kept in their book bag and turned off at all times. If a student needs to contact a parent during the school day they should ask a teacher for help.
• Electronic devices, including cell phones and smart watches, must be turned off during the school day, while on the school grounds and kept in their bookbag. A cell phone or smart watch may not be used during the day to play games or to text message. If a student attempts to make a phone call or send a text message during school hours, the teacher can ask the student to put the device away in their book bag, or confiscate it and contact the parent. We want to minimize distractions and maximize engagement in our school environment.
• As noted in School Board Policy JICJ, the school principal or his/her designee will have the authority to limit the use, take disciplinary action and/or confiscate electronic communication devices if the use or possession of these devices may cause or is causing a disruption to the school and/or event. Unauthorized use of a cell phone or personal electronic device may include, but is not limited to, taking pictures or recording without permission, cheating, harassment or bullying, use during any emergency drill, use during unauthorized time or use for unlawful activities.
  • First Offense: Student warning and email sent home to parents
  • Second Offense: Device is taken by teacher for the day and parents are contacted
  • Third Offense: Device is given to administration and parents will need to pick up the device from the office.

Textbooks

• Textbooks are provided by the state and the school is accountable to the state for these resources.
• Students are responsible for all textbooks and library books issued to them during the school year. Students will be charged replacement costs for lost or damaged books, and these monies will be collected by the end of the year to replace the state funded textbook. ○ If a lost book is later found, the money paid will be refunded.

Bullying

Bullying is an ongoing pattern of targeted behavior, not a one-time occurrence.

• While every effort will be made to shape behavior through positive reinforcement, we must all keep in mind that every child should have the right to study, participate in class, and work in a safe environment.
• Name calling, intimidation, threats, and disrespectful attitudes toward classmates, volunteers, school staff members, or visitors is not acceptable. Bullying is intentional aggressive behavior. It can take the form of physical or verbal harassment and involves an imbalance of power. It is not acceptable for a child to draw, write, or make threatening statements online or in person.
• This behavior will be addressed through disciplinary action at the discretion of the school administrator, as per FMSD Board Policy JICFAA.
• Please be aware that School Board policy and South Carolina Code 59-24-60 require school officials to contact law enforcement officers when a student engages in any activity that may or does result in injury or serious threat of injury to a person or property.

Parents are asked to support the schools in their effort to maintain discipline and high standards of conduct. At the beginning of each school year teachers and administrators discuss with students behavior expectations, but parents are requested to discuss with children the importance and the need for good behavior and a positive attitude at school, too. Children must learn self-discipline in order to become effective learners and good citizens. With home-school cooperation, an environment in which all students are safe, secure, and able to learn can be created and maintained.

Discipline & Conduct

At GHES, we have high expectations for teachers and students.  

• Teachers will create behavior expectations with their students, and use a house ticket system for positive reinforcement.
• We believe that discipline should be considered as teachable moments. Most concerns can be handled by the teacher in the classroom.
• When behavior has risen to a level when the student, other students, or the staff are endangered, then students may be required to be removed from class. Our goal is to maintain a positive learning environment for all of our students. 
• Students participate in morning meetings with their classmates which helps to build community and form positive relationships with their classmates.
• While each child is responsible for his or her own behavior, we encourage parental support of the school expectations.
• In the event that a student is sent to the office for a discipline referral, parents will be notified by an administrator.
• Depending upon the nature of the problem, some possible consequences for inappropriate actions include parent conferences, denial of privileges, and in-school or out-of-school suspension. Student actions that disrupt class work, involve substantial disorder, or invade the rights of others could be a basis for out of school suspension or expulsion. 

Clubs

Clubs are offered by teacher volunteers, our PTO, or outside organizations. All clubs take place after school, on our campus. Transportation is not provided. Club information will be shared in parent communications throughout the school year.

Fees

For your convenience, GHES utilizes online payments only through the $Pay Fees application on our website and on the FMSD website. This includes your payments for lunch funds and field trips.  This process keeps money from being lost at school. The school does not provide refunds for lost checks or cash. If you cannot pay online, here are options available to you:

1. You may pay with a credit card at the school.
2. If you must send a check, please put it in a sealed envelope with the child's first and last name, the teacher's name, and the purpose, e.g. Zoo Field Trip. Your check must have a phone number or it cannot be accepted.  You may write the phone number in the memo line if it is not printed.

Please do not send cash to school with your children for payment of field trips, etc. If you must pay in cash, please drop it off at the school. The school is not responsible for any lost cash.  

Field Trips

Field Trips are fun educational opportunities for our students. All field trips must be related to standards. For your convenience, GHES utilizes online payments only through the $Pay Fees application on our website and on the FMSD website. Our practice is not to spend more than $80 per child per school year for grade level field trips. 

Communication

Teachers to Parents

• Teachers will communicate with their families on a weekly basis. 
• Teachers may choose the means in which they communicate.  
• Teachers will hold parent-teacher conferences in the fall. Additional conferences may be requested by either the teacher, parent, or student.

Parents to Teachers

• The main job for our teachers is to provide quality instruction in a safe environment. Teachers have a brief planning time each day, and also help with additional duties during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal. We encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher should questions, concerns, or general information need to be shared; however, because teachers are busy teaching and planning, please do not expect an immediate response to an email that you send. In general, teachers should be given 24 hours to respond to an email.  
• Parents wishing to confer with teachers on the phone are requested to limit their calls to before or after school hours, as teachers cannot leave their classes for telephone conferences.  Administration encourages teachers to leave work at work when leaving for the day.
• A teacher may not be able to check email until school is out, so transportation changes (for example, ride the bus instead of car rider) should be emailed to the teacher as well as our Receptionist.

Custody

A change in custody will require new custody papers and a change of address will require a new proof of residency. If you are separated or divorced, we need to have a copy of your custody papers on file. 

Deliveries

• The school will not accept or deliver to students any items before, during, or after school unless they are of an educational nature/value or medical necessity.  
• When sending balloons or flowers to a child, please use his/her home address. Do not send these items to the school. District procedures do not allow these items on a bus.

Pets

• Pets are not allowed on school property as a violation of health code, and as a courtesy to students and staff who may have allergies or anxieties related to animals.

• If you bring your pet through the car line, then they must remain calmly in the vehicle. We have had students afraid of loud barking, and dogs have jumped out of cars. We all love our pets, and must remember that the primary purpose of the car line is to have students enter safely and happily into school. Designated service dogs may be on school property.

Invitations

Students and/or teachers may not hand out invitations to out-of-school birthday parties or other gatherings unless every child in the class receives an invitation.

Visitors & Volunteers

Entering the School Building

• Visitors and volunteers must enter by the front door and stop by the office. Security doors to other parts of the building will be opened by an office person after the visitors sign-in at the computer and scan their driver’s license or official government-issued identification.  
• Visitors must always sign-in at the office and obtain this visitor badge/sticker before entering the building. Security procedures require that badges/stickers of visitors/volunteers must be visible at all times.
• This ensures all students’ safety by letting office and classroom personnel know who is in the building.
• To ensure uninterrupted instruction time, parents will be allowed in the classroom only at the request of the teacher. 

Lunch

• Due to increased safety measures and rotating lunch schedules, all FMSD elementary schools are inviting parents or guardians to join their child for lunch up to four times per school year per child. 
• Visitors coming for lunch should limit the number of adults to two per visit.
• Parent lunches will begin on the 16th day of school. This gives us time to teach children the cafeteria routines, procedures, and expectations.
• We will close lunch visits at the end of the school year when our state testing begins to ensure an appropriate testing environment school-wide. The specific date will be included in parent communications.
• If your child has a birthday prior to the 16th day of school or at the end of the school year after lunch visits have closed, please contact the school office. We will do our best to work with you and accommodate your request of being able to come in and have lunch with your child.
• Parents must communicate with thor child(ren)’s teacher(s) of when they plan to join their child for lunch as there may be schedule changes. This helps families and teachers plan appropriately.

Volunteers

• We appreciate that many parents and other family members like to help our school. In order to provide a learning environment free from distractions, we ask that volunteers dress in an appropriate manner, check in at the office, turn off cell phones, and avoid unscheduled teacher conferences. 
• Teachers can request volunteers for help with copies or other planning related tasks, or for field trips. 
• All volunteers who work with students must complete a background check and be approved before serving in the building or on an off campus field trip as a chaperone. This check typically takes approximately two weeks to complete. Once approved, initial background checks are good unless we receive a concern about a volunteer/chaperone. 
• Volunteers should plan to attend the volunteer training that is offered by the school. The maintenance of copy machines is expensive, so we require volunteers to be trained by a GHES staff member before operating school machines.
  • Volunteers should only work in designated work rooms. Teachers will have items ready for volunteers in the work room so that volunteers do not need to go to the classroom to pick up or drop off materials. Again, this helps us provide a learning environment free of distractions.
• Children are not able to accompany volunteers at school.

Dress Code

Although the responsibility for the dress and appearance of students rests with each student and his/her parent/legal guardian, students are expected to show pride in themselves and their schools by having their dress and appearance in accordance with good, acceptable standards. Students should dress in appropriate attire. Students are expected to dress in clothing that abides the district dress code policy. School Board Policy

• Shoes must be worn at all times for safety reasons. Shoes with cleats may not be worn.
• Logos or clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs, tobacco, racism, hate, gang affiliation, nudity, violence, or profanity is not allowed. No clothing or accessories are allowed to disrupt the educational process. The administration reserves the right to determine what is appropriate for school. 
• Students may wear shorts, dresses, skirts, etc. which are of appropriate length. Tops must be long enough that they can be tucked into pants or shorts. Basketball jerseys must be worn with an appropriate garment (i.e. tee shirt). No headwear (hats, caps, hoods, etc.) or sunglasses may be worn in the building. 
• The following items are considered inappropriate for school: flip flops, tops with straps that are less than 3-fingers wide, pants or jeans with holes, tears, or tattered to the extent that skin or undergarments are visible above the mid-thigh, or visible undergarments. 
• Dress code violations will be handled with dignity, discretion, and respect toward all students by school staff members throughout the district. 
  • Violations will result in the following: First and subsequent offenses: phone call to parent/legal guardian. 

Lost & Found

• Items found at school are turned into the Lost and Found area outside the cafeteria. 
• Parents and students are encouraged to check this area if they are missing any items.  
• Several times a year, when the area is overflowing, we take items not claimed to a local clothing closet. 
• Please put your child's name on clothes, lunch boxes, notebooks, etc.

Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.  The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the US Department of Education.  The law requires that student records be managed in a confidential manner. Regulations and procedures for compliance of this act are provided through board policy. For more information about your rights under FERPA, please refer to the district’s website.

Technology

Please click the link to access information on our district technology policies.

Food & Nutrition

General Information

• Our cafeteria staff serves breakfast and lunch every school day. Breakfast is an important start to our student’s day and it is served in the classroom. Lunch is served in the cafeteria daily. 
• Menus, nutritional and allergen information are available on our website and teachers post the menu in the classroom. 
• There is also a free App available for your smart phone called LINQ Connect. Menus are planned by a Registered Dietitian and include input from parents, staff and students. The menus must meet dietary guidelines that include calorie, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium restrictions. We believe in giving students a variety of healthy options and we offer several fruits and vegetable choices daily.
• A lunch meal includes foods from the five food groups- 2 oz of grains, 2 oz of protein, 1/2 cup fruit, 1/2 cup vegetable, 1 cup of milk. Students may choose all of five groups or at the minimum three food groups out of the five. One choice must be 1/2 cup of a fruit or a vegetable. Students have the option to select up to a cup of fruit and a cup of vegetable with their meal.
• A breakfast meal includes 4 items and students must select 3 of the 4 items and one choice must be a fruit.
• If a student does not take the required food components, then each item on the tray must be charged at a la carte pricing. Our cafeteria staff reminds students to take the required food groups.
• The cafeteria also offers extra sale items like milk, juice, water and snacks to purchase. If you do not want your student to purchase extra sale items, please complete the online form Opt Out for Snacks and Extras.
• All foods served by the cafeteria meets State and Federal guidelines.
• Our kitchens are tree nut and peanut safe.

PIN Number

Each student is set up with a unique meal account identification number to use in the cafeteria to purchase breakfast, lunch and ala carte items. This is a 6 digit number and is the last 6 digits of your student’s PowerSchool number. This number should never be shared with other students. Please help your student memorize their pin number.

Meal Payments

• Please take advantage of the options to prepay for your student's meals. Prepaid meal accounts help the lunch lines go faster and gives students more time to eat, relax, and play. It also gives you the peace of mind of not having to worry about meal money every day or that the money might get lost, stolen or used for items other than meals.
• There are three easy ways to pay for meals and extras. 
  1. Online via the district website’s Pay Fees lunch card feature Quick Pay. This is a free service for adding money to your student’s meal account. You are also able to see meal purchases and balances. You can set up email alerts for balances on Parent Portal.
  2. By a separate check made out to your school’s cafeteria. The check should not include other school fees. Please note the child's cafeteria account number on the check - if the check is written for more than one child, each child's account number and the amount to credit to each child should be noted on the check. The check must include a phone number.
  3. Cash is also accepted as payment but is strongly discouraged as it can be lost. 
     • Transfer of funds from one sibling to another is also available by completing this form

Meal Pricing

• Meal prices are set to cover the cost of food and labor. Our department is self funded and our goal is to break even at the end of the school year. 
• We depend on our students paying for their meals. If you are unable to pay for your meals, please apply for free and reduced priced meals. Free & reduced price for meals is free.
• Breakfast=$1.85 
• Lunch=$3.00 
• The price for adult breakfast is $3.35; adult lunch is $5.65

Free and Reduced Meal Application Program

• Our district participates in the USDA Free and Reduced Meal Program. We encourage families to apply if they meet or fall at or below the income guidelines found on each application. Applications are printed in English and Spanish and we can provide any language needed. If another language is needed, please contact our office at 803.802.1968.
• To qualify for free or reduced priced meals, students must complete a meal application and have it approved. Applications are available in the school office, cafeteria, district website and you can apply online.

Charge Policy

Our cafeteria does not deny students meals and we allow students to charge meals up to $15. Automated calls, emails and letters are sent out weekly for students who owe the cafeteria money. Our cafeterias depend on meal payments to provide funding for our program.

Food Allergies & Special Dietary Needs

Due to the number of food allergies, homemade or home baked foods are not allowed to be distributed to students within the classroom or applicable classroom setting. Acceptable foods for distribution are those items that were prepared in a commercial and/or licensed kitchen, and most importantly, are packaged with a label clearly listing the contents and ingredients of the food item. This policy is designed to provide consistency and minimize allergy risks in all classrooms, while maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for all students. (Board Policy J LCDD)

Students with Special Dietary Needs will need to have documentation of their diet changes signed by a medical provider. Please contact the school nurse for the forms to complete.

Wellness Policy

Our district has a Wellness Policy (Board Policy ADF and EFE). Information on the wellness policy and how you can be a part of this committee can be found here. 

Classroom Celebration Baskets

Let us help make celebrating your child’s birthday or any special occasion at school easier. Order a Classroom Celebration Basket from the Cafeteria and we’ll take care of everything. Celebration treats will be delivered to your child’s classroom on the date you specify. Complete the Celebration Basket Form and add money to your student’s account to purchase a basket.

• Please note that when visiting your child(ren) for their birthday, please refrain from bringing balloons, decorations, party favors, and table cloths. A simple birthday treat for the class will suffice and minimize distractions for other students.  Parents should communicate treat plans with the teacher in advance.

Grading & Report Cards

Report Cards

• Report cards will be shared with families quarterly. Schools in Fort Mill use a computer program called Parent Portal to post grades. By logging on to this secure program, parents will be able to check the grades of their students.
• Grades K-2 will use a standards based report card.
• Grades 3-5 will use traditional percentage and letter grade reporting.
  • A: 90-100%
  • B: 80-89%
  • C: 70-79%
  • D: 60-69%
  • F: 0-59%
• The letter S-satisfactory or N-needs improvement will be used to denote participation in certain related arts classes. 

Types of Graded Assignments

• Classwork (25% weight)
• Quizzes (50% weight)
• Tests (100% weight)
• Projects (200% weight)

Reassessment

• Summative assessments can be reassessed. 
• Projects will not be reassessed. 
• Scores below 90 can have an opportunity for a retake for full credit up to a 90, meaning a student reassessing can’t earn above a 90. 
• D’s and F’s will be required to retake. B’s and C’s will have the option to retake. 
• Students will have the opportunity for a reteach and one retake on each assessment that is eligible to retake. 
• Students scoring below proficiency on a specific skill on a standards-based reporting grade level can be reassessed prior to the end of the quarter. 

Late Work

• The teacher has the discretion of what work needs to be made up if a student misses a day. For chronically absent students, the attendance plan will address missed assignments and grades. 
• Students will be given a maximum of two weeks to turn in late work. The teacher has the discretion to provide more time depending on the circumstances. 
• During the 1st Quarter, teachers will follow up with students on late work and teach skills to be prepared. 
  • After the 1st Quarter, students will need to take the initiative to turn in late work. 

Homework Policy

• Homework can be checked for completion, but is not a graded assignment. 
• Daily reading is an appropriate expectation for all students. 
• Homework will be reinforcement activities; no new skills or material will be introduced as part of homework.
• Written homework will be such that it can be completed with minimal parental support.
• Homework assignments should be such that they can be completed within a reasonable length of time taking into consideration the age and ability level of the children. This does not include reading. (ex.: 1st grade = 10 minutes, 2nd grade = 20 minutes, 3rd grade = 30 minutes, etc.) 

Homework suggestions for parents

• Designate a homework spot and time and be available to assist if help is needed.
• Encourage your child to write down assignments and check on a daily basis to see what homework is due.
• When assistance is needed, talk your child through the problem or question until he/she can find the solution.
• Help your child check his/her homework and discuss specific problem areas.
• Be observant of signs of problems and if homework becomes too challenging, talk with your child's teacher.
• Remember to help your child balance household responsibilities, play, and study.
• Review the classwork that the teacher sends home.

Promotion & Retention

• Every parent and teacher would like for students to move along successfully through each grade. Our goal is to evaluate each child's skills at the beginning of the year and provide instruction to ensure academic growth throughout the year.  

• Please examine student work that is returned for your review because it will help you to see how your child is progressing. 

• Parent conferences during the first semester will provide you with another opportunity to discuss your child’s progress. 

• State law requires that the school send a letter at the end of the second quarter and at the end of the third quarter to alert parents of the possibility of retention for a student. The final decision will be made in May, but the letters give parents a chance to work together with the teacher to make the progress needed to meet state standards for their grade.  

  • If you receive a retention letter, it does not mean that your child will be held back. We continue to hope that she/he will improve and be ready for the next grade. 

• Retention can often be prevented by making sure the child completes and turns in all assignments, examining the possibility of health issues which may affect classroom performance, providing a routine time and place for the child to study daily, reading daily with the student, and making sure children have enough sleep.  

• If you are unsure of what your child needs to know to pass, you can visit the state website and search for curriculum standards, or ask your child’s teacher or administrator for the information.  

• Many things are taken into account in determining if a child is ready for the next grade, such as attendance, mastery of state standards, knowledge of the English language, age, physical size, intellectual ability, previous grade placement, behavior, maturity, level of achievement, motivation and disabilities are all considered.  

• A Light’s Retention Scale is a normed assessment used by elementary schools in Fort Mill to assist with making this important decision. 

Review Board Policy IKE-R Promotion And Retention Of Students for additional information.

Medical

Students Not Feeling Well

• The health and well-being of all students is of utmost importance.  We will request that you pick up your child if his/her medical condition is unstable, or if he/she is not capable of participating in the daily school activities. This decision is based upon an assessment conducted by the school nurse. In addition, the school must also follow the DHEC School Exclusion List for specific medical conditions to be in compliance with SC State Health guidelines.

Contagious Diseases

Students with contagious diseases are not allowed to attend school. Children should be kept at home if they have experienced vomiting or fever during the night. Students should be fever free for 24 hours without using medicine to bring the temperature down before returning to school. 

Immunization Requirements

• All students in grades Pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are required to furnish a valid South Carolina Certificate of Immunization prior to enrollment.
  •  
• School officials will record the immunization data on the student’s health record and/or attach a copy of the certificate to the health record.  Please see the link to a ToolKit provided by the DHEC: Resources

Medication 

If a student brings medication to school, the following requirements must be met:

Prescription Medication

1. The Medication Consent Form must be completed and turned in with the medication.  The form must be signed by the doctor and the parent.
2. Prescription medicines must be in the pharmacy container with your child’s name on it. (Ask your pharmacist for an extra bottle in order to divide the prescription between home and school.)
3. Parents must deliver all medications to school.
4. The medication must carry a prescription label with the following information:

1. Child’s name   b. Name of drug   c. dosage instructions  d. doctor name e. CURRENT prescription date

5. Medication will be kept in a locked cabinet in the office at all times.
6. School personnel will give medication only with a completed form signed by the parent and the doctor.
7. Medication must not be sent with a child on the bus or with a child walking to school.

Over-the-counter Medication

1. The Medication Consent Form must be completed, signed by the parent and turned in with the medication when the parent brings it to the office.
2. The over-the-counter medication must be in the original container or box (not in a plastic bag).
3. The following items will be available in the health room for first aid treatment of your child during the school day: Saline eye wash, Vaseline, Hydrocortisone 1% cream, and Aloe Vera.  If you do not wish for your child to be treated with these items, please send a written note to the nurse including your child’s name, the teacher’s name, the date, and your signature.
4. NO other medications are supplied by the school.

Note: Aspirin or products containing aspirin cannot be given out without a doctor’s prescription.

Medical Emergencies

• If medical emergencies arise, the school nurse and school administrator will enact medical care deemed appropriate to the student (i.e. call 911 or transport the student to the hospital).
• In these cases, the schools will make every attempt to contact the parent/guardian. Please be sure to keep your student's emergency information updated with correct phone numbers.  If a parent/guardian is out of town and has left their child in the care of another adult, written documentation should be on file with the school. This documentation will authorize the school to contact the alternate person in case of illness or a medical emergency.

Homebound

Students who experience extended illness or injuries that result in long term absence from school may apply for homebound instruction. Information concerning homebound may be obtained from our school psychologist or an administrator.

Restraint

For the purposes of these guidelines, physical restraint is defined as a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of an individual to move his or her arms, legs, or head freely. This definition encompasses mechanical restraints, further defined as a device that restricts the movement or function of a child or a portion of a child’s body.

• Restraint, as defined, by these guidelines, does not include the following:  
  • Temporarily holding an individual to help him or her participate in education or daily living activities;
  • Escorting techniques, where a student is provided limited physical encouragement to help him or her move from one location to another without rising to the level of physically forcing compliance (e.g., hand on the back or a hand on the elbow);
  • Chemical restraints (medication for safety or behavioral supports) determined by medical personnel;
  • Appropriate use of adaptive equipment or products, provided they are used in accordance with manufacturers’ recommended usage.
  • Adaptive equipment may include, but is not limited to, adaptive seating products or therapeutically prescribed devices such as weighted vests. If adaptive equipment, such as a Rifton chair or weighted vest is used for the purpose of limiting mobility or as a punitive measure, its use constitutes restraint.
• Adaptive equipment may include, but is not limited to, adaptive seating products or therapeutically prescribed devices such as weighted vests. If adaptive equipment, such as a Rifton chair or weighted vest is used for the purpose of limiting mobility or as a punitive measure, its use constitutes restraint.
• The use of restraint is limited to emergency situations where the behavior of the student poses a threat of imminent, serious, physical harm to self and/or others and the student has the ability to cause such harm.  
• Restraint may be used only as a last resort after proper positive behavioral interventions and de-escalation techniques have failed to de-escalate the risk of injury. Restraint should never be used 
  • As punishment;
  • To force compliance or address non-compliance, as a substitute for appropriate educational support;
  • In response to property destruction;
  • In response to a student’s flight, escape, or running away, unless there is imminent risk of injury related to the escape;
  • In response to verbal threats and profanity that do not rise to the level of physical harm unless the student demonstrates a means of carrying out the threats; or
  • Longer than needed to resolve the risk of actual harm.

Documentation & Review

The use of restraint in the school setting triggers the district’s obligation to create and maintain specific documentation regarding the incident. Documentation must include:

• Actions attempted prior to the restraint in an effort to manage or de-escalate the situation; 
• A clear description of the safety concerns posed to the student or others; 
• Student’s behavior before, during, and after restraint; 
• Location of the restraint; 
• Amount of time in restraint; 
• A description of the physical restraint techniques used and training personnel received prior to implementing restraint; 
• Names and position titles of personnel involved with the incident; 
• Date and time the administrator was notified, 
• Date and time the parents were notified and by whom, 
• Name and position of person(s) completing the documentation.

Training

• Restraint training must be provided, and reviewed, at least annually, by a credentialed trainer through a nationally recognized, externally developed professional training program.  
• The training must include the following components:
  • Prevention of behavior problems through a positive behavioral supports climate; 
  • Conflict prevention and conflict management skills; 
  • De-escalation skills that enable staff members to respond to students in ways more likely to calm, rather than escalate, the situation; 
  • Information on physical and emotional risks of escalation and restraint; 
  • Instruction on personal safety skills for staff who work with students who are more likely to present safety concerns; 
  • Prohibition on the use of prone restraints (face down on stomach) with the exception of approved Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) endorsed floor restraints, supine restraints (face up on the back), or any hold or maneuver that places pressure or weight on the student’s chest, lungs, sternum, diaphragm, back, neck, or throat.  
• The training program used must include some method of assessment that ensures appropriate skills are in place. 
• The program must also provide documentation that a participant has successfully completed the training, either through a certificate or other credential.  
• Fort Mill Schools must keep a list of those who have completed training, including a description of the content of the training, on file. 
• The school district retains discretion as to which personnel should receive restraint training. However, training must be provided to enough staff members that the school district can ensure a sufficient number of staff is available if restraint is used.

Risk Assessments

• The safety and security of all students is of the utmost importance to our faculty and staff. Should a concern arise about a student being a danger to him/herself or others, district protocols for conducting a risk assessment (suicide and/or threat) will be followed to the extent appropriate. 
• These assessments may include interviews with students and staff, a review of student records, and consultation with district mental health staff, local law enforcement, or other community agencies that help support our schools and students. 
• If, as part of its assessment and response, the district determines there is an articulated and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals, it may disclose personally identifiable information from education records to any person whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

School Safety

Safety of our students and staff is an extremely important priority for us. We work closely with local law enforcement and first responders to create a safe learning environment for each individual.

• Fire drills are held at least once a month.
• Tornado drills are held periodically.
• Earthquake drills are held once a year.
• Lock down and emergency procedure drills also will take place at least two times per year.
• All exterior doors of the school, except those leading to the designated main entrance, remain locked during school hours, requiring visitors to enter and sign in through the main office before proceeding further into the building.
• The main office is staffed with school personnel during school hours and is physically configured to prevent, or at least significantly delay, unauthorized entry beyond the office. 
• Staff members are trained to report suspicious or potentially unauthorized individuals on campus.  The school also has an armed security officer who regularly patrols the interior and exterior of the building and is available to provide immediate security assistance.
• During periods of heightened security, the principal may choose to secure the main entrance doors and implement use of the video intercom to identify and screen individuals wishing to enter the school building before access is granted.

Social Emotional Learning

Social emotional learning is an essential part of helping children learn, grow, and develop. Every class participates in a daily morning meeting to help build relationships, strong classroom culture, and to prepare for the day ahead. Our School Counselors provide guidance lessons, small group, and individual counseling services as needed to promote student success in the school environment.

• Our two wonderful School Counselors are available as a parent resource. You may want to consult the counselor when you have concerns about your child’s academic achievement or you are worried about behavioral changes. 
  • Sarah Ziembiec - 803-548-8348
  • Delaney Costanzo - 803-548-8450
• Please call when you have information about your child that you would like the school to know or if you have concerns or would like more information about the guidance program.  
• GHES has resources available to students and parents with materials pertaining to alcoholism, behavior at home and school, bullying, careers, communication, death, decision-making, developmental stages, discipline, divorce, drugs, family relationships, fears, feelings, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, motivation, parenting skills, peer relationships, responsibility, self-concept, sexual abuse, social/emotional learning, stress, and study skills. 
• Materials include books, dvd’s, pamphlets, brochures, and other resources provided through the Sanford Harmony curriculum. These may be checked out before, during and after school each day, as well as during open house and PTO meetings. These materials are an aid in helping you understand your children at home and school. 
• The SRSS-IE social emotional screener will be completed three times per year in the fall, winter, and spring. Homeroom teachers will complete these for their students based on internal and external behaviors exhibited within the school setting. The purpose of the screener is to ensure students are receiving appropriate supports.

Transportation

Safety is our top priority. We need your help to ensure that students are not in dangerous situations. By following the guidelines below, we can work together to make sure our children get to school and leave safely, and our processes are managed as efficiently as possible.

Transportation Changes

• Parents are to notify your child’s teacher and our front office staff of any transportation changes. All transportation changes requests must be made by 12:00 p.m.  
• Parents should email their child’s teacher and our Receptionist to request a change in transportation.  
• It is the parent’s responsibility to notify daycares of changes.  

Car Riders, General Information

• If your child is a car rider, you will receive two car tags. If you need additional tags, a parent must come to the office with a driver’s license. They will only be given an extra tag in person.
• Students should only be dropped off and picked up at the front of the school, using the 1000 Dave Gibson Blvd. entrance.
  • Students can be dropped off using either the GHES car line or the GHMS car line. If the elementary car line is backed up, you can use the middle school for morning drop-off.
• Drivers should not talk on cell phones during drop-off and pick-up.
• No smoking in your vehicles or when on school premises during drop-off, pick-up, or visits to the school. Everyone is reminded of the district policy prohibiting smoking on any school property, including buildings, grounds, and parking lots, at any time. 
• Cars must not be left unattended in traffic lanes.

Car Riders, Morning Drop-off

• When dropping off your children, please pull forward as far as you can in the car line. This will help keep the line moving quickly and we can unload more cars.  
• All students should exit from the curb-side (right side) of the vehicle.  
• Students arriving after 7:35 a.m. should go directly to the office with a parent to sign them in and get a tardy pass to the classroom.

Car Riders, Afternoon Pick-up

• When picking up children, parents need to stay in their cars and in the car rider line until it is their turn to have the child walked to the vehicle. This is to ensure an efficient transition, which will allow for a shorter time spent in line.
• Parents will be provided a car tag during Meet the Teacher pick-up.
• For safety reasons, anyone without a car tag will be required to park in the parking lot and come into the front office to sign the child out. Without your car tag, you will be asked to present a driver’s license and wait while student records are checked to see who has permission to pick up the child.
• Students should be picked up no later than 2:15 p.m.
  • If you are unable to pick up your child by this time, please make arrangements for your child to be picked up no later than 2:15 p.m. by someone else, and notify the office and your child's teacher of the arrangements in writing by note or email. 

Bus Riders

• Administrators, parents, bus drivers, and students share the responsibility for safe transportation of students. Riding a school bus is a privilege and must not be abused.  
• Students are assigned to buses at the beginning of the year, and parents must fill out a bus request form found on the Fort Mill School District Transportation website. Any variation must be approved by the Director of Transportation. If your child needs to ride a different bus home than the one that picks him/her up, then a special request must be made to the district Director of Transportation. Students will not be allowed to ride a different bus home with friends without prior approval from the district transportation office. 
• It is important to review the bus rules and expectations set forth by our district transportation department prior to riding on a school bus. 
• A complete list of school bus rules, policies and procedures can be found through the Fort Mill School District Transportation website. 
• To ensure a safe environment on each bus, the school fully supports the driver in maintaining safe bus habits. Anyone who violates these safety standards will be subject to disciplinary action by school officials; when necessary, bus transportation will be denied.
• The driver will report to the school authorities any offenses committed by the students on the bus. When a student is reported for an infraction of the bus rules, the school administrator will investigate the incident and take necessary disciplinary action. A copy of the incident report will be made availalbe to the parents. When a student is suspended from riding a bus, he/she cannot ride another bus during the suspension period.  
• It is the desire of the Fort Mill School District that all students arrive at school and home safely. We appreciate your help ensuring student safety.
• Bus Transportation Office 803-548-1998

Bus Parking Lot

• Located in the back of the school off of Dam Rd.  
• State law requires separation of car and bus pick-up areas. No drop-off or pick-up should occur using the back entrance.
• We have many daycare providers who pick up groups of students from the back of the school.