Ladson Elementary
Parent and Student
Handbook
2012-2013
A Title I Funded School
3321 Ladson Road, Ladson SC 29456
Phone: 764-2225
School Fax: 569-5468
http://ladson.ccsdhools.com/home.aspx
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
Welcome to Ladson Elementary!
School Colors: Red, White and Navy Blue
Mascot: Max, the Bulldog
Ladson Office Hours: 7:10 – 3:30
Mission Statement: The vision of Ladson Elementary embraces the wide diversity of our community as we
strive to provide a setting in which students are encouraged to become responsible, respectful life-long
learners. A coherent enriched and challenging curriculum is provided, diversities are respected, skills and
talents of the individual members form strong cooperative relationships, and students are challenged to
achieve academically, creatively, socially and physically to their fullest potential.
Ladson Elementary is a school-wide Title I school based on our percentage of students on free/reduced lunch.
This is a federally funded program. Our funds are used to reduce class size and ensure appropriate resources
are available to each student. If you are interested in serving on the School Improvement Council and/or the
Title I planning team please let the Principal or Assistant Principal know. A copy of the Title I plan is
available in the main office and in the Media Center for your review and feedback. To provide feedback on
the Title I Plan or any other aspect of your school, simply fill out a feedback form, survey, or write a note and
give it to anyone in the office. You can also place your document in the suggestion/survey box. Forms will
be forwarded to the principal and reviewed on a bi-weekly basis. Responses to feedback will be provided in
writing through the monthly newsletter, in periodic letters written to parents, or via phone messages through
our parent callout system.
Proud Member of the
Elementary Learning Community
Terri Nichols
Associate Superintendent
Ruth Taylor
Assistant Associate Superintendent
MOULTRIE CONSTITUENT DISTRICT 2 OFFICE
665 Coleman Blvd.
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
849-2878
Office and School Staff for the 2011-2012 School Year
Principal: Celeste Couch
Assistant Principal: Karen Lee
School Secretary: Michelle Brewer
Attendance Clerk: Lisa Hopson
Nurse: Tracie Horton
Guidance Counselor: Kim Walls
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
Academic Calendar for 2012-2013
July 4
August 15
August 16
August 17
August 20
August 21
August 22
September 3
September 4
September 24
October 23-25
October 24
October 26
October 30
November 1
November 6
Nov. 19*-23
Nov. 22-23
December 3
December 21January 1
December 24January 1
January 2
January 16
January 17
January 18
January 21
January 23
February 18
February 20
March 6
March 19-20
March 26
March 29
April 1-5
April 1-2
April 9
April 16-18
May 2
May 7-10
May 17
May 27
June 5
June 6
June 7*
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Monday
Tuesday
Monday
Tuesday-Thursday
Wednesday
Friday
Tuesday
Thursday
Tuesday
Monday-Friday
Thursday-Friday
Monday
Friday-Tuesday
Holiday – Fourth of July (Schools & Offices Closed)
School-Based PD a.m.; Teacher Workday p.m.
Teacher Workday
Teacher Workday
District PD
School-Based PD a.m.; Teacher Workday p.m.
First Day for Students
No Students- Holiday – Labor Day (Schools & Offices Closed)
First Day for CD and Head Start Students
Progress Reports
HSAP Fall Testing (Make-ups through November 2)
45th School Day
No Students- Teacher Workday
Report Cards
Early Release (2 hours) for Parent Conferences
No Students – Holiday – Election Day (Schools & Offices Closed)
No Students- Holiday – Thanksgiving (Schools Closed)
Holiday – Thanksgiving Break (Offices Closed)
Progress Reports
No Students- Holiday - Winter Break & New Year’s Day (Schools Closed)
Monday-Tuesday
Holiday - Winter Break & New Year’s Day (Offices Closed)
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Monday
Wednesday
Monday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Tuesday-Wednesday
Tuesday
Friday
Monday-Friday
Monday-Tuesday
Tuesday
Tuesday-Thursday
Thursday
Tuesday-Friday
Friday
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Students return from Winter Break
90th School Day
No Students- School-Based PD
No Students- Teacher Workday
No Students- Holiday- Martin L. King, Jr. Day (Schools & Offices Closed)
Report Cards
No Students- Holiday – Presidents’ Day (Schools Closed; Offices Open)
Progress Reports
Early Release (2 hours) for Parent Conferences
PASS Writing (Make-ups through March 26)
135th School Day
No Students – Teacher Workday
No Students – Holiday - Spring Break (Schools Closed)
Holiday – Spring Break (Offices Closed)
Report Cards
HSAP Spring Testing (Make-ups through April 26)
Progress Reports
PASS Testing (Make-ups through May 17)
Last Day for CD and Head Start Students
No Students- Holiday – Memorial Day (Schools & Offices Closed)
Half Day for Students
Last Student Day (Half Day) – 180th School Day
No Students - Teacher Workday
*Make-up Days if needed
Early Release for
Parent Conferences
November 1, 2012
March 6, 2013
Teacher PD & Workdays
Aug. 15 (1/2 School PD, ½ TW); Aug. 16 (TW); Aug. 17 (TW);
Aug. 20 (District PD); Aug. 21 (1/2 School PD, ½ TW); Oct. 26
(TW); Jan. 17 (School PD); Jan. 18 (TW); March 29 (TW); June 7
(TW)
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
School Volunteers and Visitors
The faculty and staff at Ladson Elementary School believe that it takes involvement from all facets of a student’s life for
the student to truly succeed. For that reason, we welcome all volunteers to come and help educate our children. Parents
have the opportunity to serve on the School Improvement Committee, the Title I Planning Committee, and being an
active member of the PTA. All that’s needed is an announcement of your interest so that we can notify you of the
meeting time and dates. If you have a desire to share your time with our children, please call the school office or stop by
the school to find out the various ways we have for you to help.
Classroom Visits and Conferences
We are always excited to have you visit your child’s classroom and see what he or she is learning. . All visitors to the
school are required to report to the front office upon arrival to LAES with proof of identity and receive a
Visitor’s Pass. This pass must be visible and worn during your entire visit at LAES. Please remember, no parent
conferences can be held during instructional time. Contact your child’s teacher to schedule an appointment. While in
the classroom please sit quietly. This is not the time for a conference as the teacher is responsible for instructing
the class. No one is permitted to interrupt instruction or interfere with the teachers’ supervision of the class.
While visiting the instructional settings please leave younger children/siblings in the care of others as this could
cause a disruption to the class.
Ladson Parent/Teacher Association
The Ladson PTA invites you to support our children and teachers by becoming a member of our association. PTA
Board will meet regularly and any parent is welcome to attend! PTA meetings will be held regularly and reminder
messages will be sent home through your students Tuesday Folder and ParentLink.
Academic Conferences
Academic conferences are conducted three times per year for students who are not meeting grade-level expectations,
who have not met standards on a portion of the PASS test (once scores become available), or who are repeating the same
grade level. If a conference is needed, you will be contacted to set up and attend a conference before the end of
September. Teachers will meet with parents throughout the year to discuss academic progress. Parent conferences will
also be scheduled in the 4th grading period to discuss end-of-the year decisions and placements for the 2012-2013 school
year. Please remember you may contact your child’s teacher to schedule a conference by calling (843) 764-2225 or by
simply writing a note to the teacher. Your feedback is always welcomed and appreciated. Together we will ensure that
every child reaches his or her maximum potential!
Attendance
Attendance is a requirement for promotion. Students may not be eligible for promotion if they have more than ten
unlawful or unexcused absences. The school office must receive a valid excuse (a note), written by the parent or
guardian within three days after the student returns to school. This excuse (note) must contain:





Student’s name
Teacher’s name
Date(s) of absence
Specific reason for absence
Signature of parent or guardian
Attendance conferences will be held with parents of children who exceed the South Carolina Attendance Regulation
Laws. When a child accumulates 3 unexcused absences, the school will contact the parent by letter or phone about the
unexcused absences. After 10 handwritten excuses, a doctor’s note is required to excuse an absence. Student attendance
is monitored very closely. Please read the Student Code of Conduct and Attendance Policy in your child’s beginning of
the year packet.
Please remember that your child’s attendance is extremely important to the performance of our school. Our school
must meet certain attendance requirements through the students and the staff. Please have your children at school on
time everyday.
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
Bell Schedule
7:10- Student Arrival
7:10-7:30 Breakfast is served
7:30 a.m. Tardy bell; News Show begins
2:25 p.m.
Dismissal of car riders and
2:30 p.m. Dismissal of bus students
daycare van rider
For the safety of your child, we are unable to release children after
1:45 p.m. ~
NEW!
!!
WE WILL NOT TAKE TRANSPORTATION CHANGES FOR STUDENTS
OVER THE PHONE. If there is a need for a student to change their
means of transportation, there must be a note written to the teacher
that is signed by the parent or guardian with contact information to
verify. We will also accept a signed faxed note with a copy of parent
identification to the school. Our fax number is 569-5468. We
understand that circumstances arise that there may be a need for a
student’s means of transportation to change, however, STUDENTS
SHOULD KNOW HOW THEY ARE GETTING HOME EVERY MORNING
BEFORE LEAVING FOR SCHOOL. THIS IS FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR
CHILD AND TO CREATE A SMOOTH FLOW OF COMMUNICATION.
Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast will be served from 7:10 until 7:30 in the classrooms. Accommodations will be made for students arriving on
late busses. Unfortunately our policy does not allow us to accommodate other students that arrive after the tardy bell.
This is the Charleston County Food Service policy. Questions regarding Food Service should be directed to Ms. Grubb,
our cafeteria manager. Students should report directly to his or her room at the direction of the staff on duty throughout
the school.
Weekly lunches can be prepaid at any time. If you pay by check, please put your child’s name and the teacher’s name on
the check. The cost per week is $10.25. Please be sure your child has lunch money as appropriate. It is very disruptive
for students to regularly have to contact someone for lunch money. Students without money will be fed a commodity
lunch.
Free and reduced prices are available for qualified students. The cafeteria will begin serving breakfast and lunch on the
first day of school. Did you know? You can find CCSD Breakfast and Lunch menus each month on the CCSD website.
Go to http://www.ccsdschools.com , click on the “Parents” tab at the top, and click on “Food Services” located in the
left hand column.
Meal
Lunch
Extra milk
$.50
Full
Price
$2.15
Reduced
Price
$0.40
Adult
Price
$3.35
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
Free/Reduced Lunch
Forms to request free or reduced lunch status are sent home at the beginning of school and are available in the office all
year long. Please complete the form and return as soon as possible. Students that were on the “Free or Reduced
Program” last school year will have the first 10 days of school to return this years’ form. All other students are
expected to pay for his or her lunch daily until your application has been approved for the free or reduced
program.
Bullying, Harassment, Threats, and Intimidation
Please refer to the Charleston County School District Student Code of Conduct regarding our no tolerance policy on
bullying, harassment, threats, and intimidation. Students will be referred to administration/Guidance if they are involved
in any activity that involves bullying or harassment.
What is Bullying? Bullying is aggressive behavior that involves unwanted, negative actions. It involves a pattern of
behavior over repeated time. Bullying involves an imbalance of power and strength.
Check Policy
At this time the school is unable to accept personal checks for anything except lunch pre-payment.
Corporal Punishment
Per CCSD Policy JKA, Corporal punishment will not be used as a disciplinary action at Ladson Elementary School.
Drop Off/Pick up Systems for Car Riders
The drop off and pick up point will be beside the breezeway in the back of the school. Faculty members will be present
to assist children. Parents may drop children in the morning from 7:10 to 7:30am. PLEASE DO NOT DROP
CHILDREN OFF AT THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL.
Children may be picked up in the afternoon from 2:20 to 2:45 pm.
A plaque will be assigned to each child participating in the pick up system. This plaque must be clearly displayed in the
windshield of the car. If you do not have a plaque displayed you must park in the parking lot and come into the building
to sign your child out through the front office. Proof of identity is required and you must be listed on the emergency
card in order to leave the school with a child.
We ask that all parents remain in their car and proceed through the car rider line to receive their children.
After 3:00pm children not picked up will be placed in the after school program and charged an hourly rate.
Electronic Devices
Students are to leave all electronic devices (I-Pods, Walkman, PSP’s, Nintendo DS, etc.) at home. These devices create
disruptions for others students and are often targeted for theft. If these devices are brought to school and are lost or
stolen, the school will assume no responsibility in the recovery of these items.
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
Bus Discipline Policy
Durham Bus Services - 725-3170
Durham Bus Services and the bus drivers have the responsibility to provide your family with safe
transportation to and from school. Therefore, it is extremely important for students to show behavior that
allows the bus driver to provide his/her service in a safe manner.
Students should follow the expectations explained in the Student Code of Conduct in order to show our PAWS
rules on the bus and at the bus stops. Transportation to and from school is a service delivered to your family
free of charge and is an extra service.
In order to maintain safety on the bus, service will be denied to students that cause a danger to
the safety of others by acting in ways that distract the bus driver or show disrespect to others
or school property. Please direct concerns or questions about bus transportation to the
bus company. Call Durham Transportation Services at 725-3170.
The following progressive discipline schedule will be in place for this school year:
 First referral from the driver: Verbal warning and referral sent home for signature, review of bus





expectations
Second referral: One day suspension from the bus service
Third referral: Two/three day suspension from the bus service.
Fourth referral: Not less than one week suspension from the bus service.
Fifth referral: Two weeks suspension from the bus service and warning letter sent home warning of
removal from the bus for the rest of the year.
Sixth referral: Bus riding privileges denied for the remainder of the year.
Please note:
State school law in part states that, “A student may be excluded from bus transportation for disciplinary
reasons by the principal and his parents shall provide for his transportation to and from school during
the period of such exclusion”.
Students may also lose bus riding privileges for the year by demonstrating behavior that is extremely
dangerous to others on the bus or in the public. To report problems at the bus stop contact the North
Charleston Police department. To report problems with the route or the bus driver contact Durham Bus
Services at 725-3170..
School Bus Misconduct State Law 59-67-245: Interference with operation of school bus; penalties- No person
shall interfere with the operation of a school bus by boarding, restricting movement, or using threats, either
physical or verbal, to the driver
STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RIDE ANY BUS OTHER THAN
HIS/HER REGULAR BUS WITHOUT A NOTE SIGNED BY A PARENT AND
APPROVAL OF THE PRINCIPAL OR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL.
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
Daily Arrival/Daily Dismissal/Early Dismissal
Arrival Adult supervision at Ladson Elementary begins at 7:10. Students should not be dropped off before this time
due to the lack of adult supervision. For this reason, the school will not be responsible for students left unsupervised by
parents before 7:10. Ladson Elementary does not provide an early morning before school program at this time. It is the
responsibility of the parent to ensure supervision before school hours. Bus students will enter the building through the
door at the back of the school off of the bus loop. Car riders should be dropped off at the rear of the school in the area
designated following school policy.
Dismissal Students will be dismissed at 2:20 P.M. Car riders and Daycare riders will be dismissed first, followed by
bus riders. Parents are asked to arrive promptly to receive students. Arrangements should be made for students to be
picked up from the school by 2:30. There is no one to provide supervision for students that are waiting on a ride.
Parents that are consistently late could be charged a late fee.
Transportation Changes WE WILL NOT TAKE TRANSPORTATION CHANGES
FOR STUDENTS OVER THE PHONE. If there is a need for students to change their
means of transportation, there must be a note written to the teacher and signed by the
parent or guardian with contact information and a copy of their identification to verify.
We will accept a signed faxed note to the school. STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW HOW
THEY ARE GETTING HOME EVERY MORNING BEFORE LEAVING FOR
SCHOOL. THIS IS FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR CHILD AND TO AVOID
COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS.
Car riders will be dismissed through the rear exit at the back of the school. We ask that all parents wait in the
car line to avoid creating a waiting area in the office. The office is a place of business and the secretaries need to
be able to continue to conduct their work during dismissal.
Early Dismissal Students will only be dismissed from the office at the request of the student’s parent or guardian
before 1:45. Please be prepared to show identification during the sign-out procedure. This is for the safety of your
child and is county policy. Only the individuals listed on the child’s emergency card will be allowed to sign students out
of school. Students will not be allowed to be signed out after 1:45. Parents will be asked to wait until school is
dismissed to pick up student.
Students in the trailers will not be dismissed without notification from the office.
Dangerous Weather
In case of sudden, extreme weather conditions (hurricane, flooding, tornado, etc.), school may
be dismissed early. A form will be sent home at the beginning of school for you to indicate
your preference for emergency dismissal. If inclement weather occurs during the morning
hours, there may be a “two-hour delay” called for by the superintendent. At this point parents
should monitor our local television and radio stations for further information. Families can also
receive updates from Facebook and Twitter regarding the status of our school for the day. No breakfast will be served.
Discipline (PBIS)
Our school is an Exemplar PBIS school. Our school uses positive consequences to recognize students that follow the
school rules. Our school also follows the Charleston County behavior policies in the Student Code of Conduct. We
have a set of expectations that follows “PAWS”. Each of the letters in the word “PAWS “stand for a school wide
expectation.
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
The School Wide expectations are as follows:
P – Personally Responsible
A – Actively Respectful
W– Well-Prepared
S – Safety First
PAWS is a program to help each child develop the self discipline to make good choices. Together the home, school and
community share the responsibility for developing good citizens. Each teacher has a classroom discipline plan that
informs students of classroom rules, consequences and incentives. We recognize the good choices students make with
Top Dog Tickets which can earn them prized. In addition, classes can win the Golden Bulldog awards for exhibiting
good behavior in Special Areas. These are just a few ways we intend to promote positive behavior at LAES.
When expectations are not met, a number of consequence options may be given. There are a number of support services
in place to help struggling students. Our school offers a guidance counselor, a truancy interventionist, and reading/math
interventionists. These services are provided to students so that students are supported in his/her effort to adhere to
school expectations.
Shared responsibility is an option that would require you to spend time in school with your child. According to CCSD
policy, the fact that a parent may miss a day of work is not considered a reason for not participating in shared
responsibility. Automatic office referrals and suspensions include infractions such as fighting and blatant disrespect. If
your student has difficulty with his or her behavior, you will be contacted by your child’s teacher, school staff or
administrator.
Parents are responsible for:
 setting limits
 tutoring their children in ethical standards
 expecting children to be responsible for their actions
 communicating high expectations to their children and expecting them to be careful listeners
 actively participating in learning in order to achieve.
Students are expected to:
 respect themselves, others and all property
 assume responsibility for his her actions
 strive to become the very best person they can be
Dress Code
The Dress Code for Ladson Elementary allows student the opportunity to choose what to wear to school with parents’
consent. In order to maintain a safe environment that promotes learning; rules about appropriate clothing will be
enforced.
1. Shorts and skirts must be an appropriate length (they should come to the tips of fingers when your hands are at
your side). Undergarments should not be visible at anytime.
2. No hats are worn in the building except on Hat Days.
3. Shoes MUST have an enclosed heel or heel strap. NO clogs, flip-flops, or high heels should be worn.
4. Indoor athletic shoes should be worn on PE days. Clothing should be comfortable for the movement in PE.
5. No tight or revealing clothing. No bare midriffs or crop tops. No halter tops, tank tops or strapless dresses or tops
are permitted.
6. Belts should be worn. No baggie pants and no underwear showing at any time.
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
7. Clothing may not have distracting pictures or words. This includes distracting
graphics, or advertisements for alcohol or tobacco.
8. Perfume should be worn only at home.
9 Shoe strings and straps must be tied or Velcro-ed. “Wheelies” are not allowed to be worn to school as they
present a safety hazard for the student.
10. Belts must fit, have appropriate buckles and be tightened around the students’ waist.
11. Pants must be worn properly at the student’s waist.
Emergencies
Emergency cards will be sent home on the first day of school and then through out the year. Please fill these out
completely and return them with accurate information as quickly as possible. Please provide the school with a working
number where you can be contacted, as well as, the number for the family physician in case of emergency. This
information needs to be kept current. If you cannot be reached during the day, YOU MUST list someone with a
working phone who has transportation who will be responsible for your child’s emergency care.
Equal Access
Each parent, whether the custodial or non custodial parent of a child, has equal access and the same right to obtain all
educational and medical records of their minor child (ren) . If you have any further questions concerning this matter
please contact the school Superintendent’s Office at 937-6310.
Field Trips
Field trips are recognized as part of the curriculum. They must be limited to educational matters and not recreational.
Written parental consent must be obtained before the trip. Pupils on field trips should be properly dressed as
representatives of our school. Every reasonable precaution will be taken for the safety of the children on the trip. Severe
behavior problems may require a parent to accompany him/her on the field trip to ensure safety.
Grading Policy
*Grades will be
recorded as numbers
on report cards for
students
3-5.*
Kindergarten, First and
Second Grade
CD-Consistently Demonstrates
SD- Sometimes
Demonstrates
RD-Rarely Demonstrates
Third, Fourth and Fifth
Grade
100-93
92-85
84-77
76-70
69-0
A
B
C
D
F
The school year is divided into 4 nine weeks. Report cards are given to the students at the end of each nine week’s
period. Parent conferences are required in November and March. At this time the teacher will share you samples of your
child’s work. Sharing this information will help us all to work together to support your child. A county report card will
be issued.
Gum and Candy
At the request of teachers, students may be asked to bring in healthy snack to have eat mid-morning These snacks
include popcorn, raisins, celery baked chips, sliced or ready to eat fruit (grapes, sliced apples, etc). We are concerned
about creating healthy eating habits with your students and therefore, students are not allowed to eat candy or chew gum
at school, on school grounds or on the school bus. Please have them leave all candy and gum at home.
Head Lice
If a student is found to have live head lice at school, someone will be required to pick the child up from school.
The student cannot return to school until he/she has been treated and can show proof of treatment. If a student has nits
(eggs) at school, the parent will be contacted and the student must be treated before returning to school the next day. If a
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
student is absent from school because of lice, this is not an excused absence according to the Attendance Regulations of
South Carolina. Please take care of lice appropriately to prevent the spread of lice from one person to another.
Homework
Charleston County School District requires that all teachers give homework every day Monday through
Thursday. Students are to read every night!
Legal Issues
If a child reports that there is any type of abuse taking place, liability requires that we report the incident to authorities.
The school is a mandated reporting agency, even if there is only a suspicion.
Medication
Charleston County School District requires the parents of all students who need medication during school hours must do
the following:
 Present a written request form signed by a parent/guardian and witnessed by a school official and a physicians’
form.
 Bring the medication in the original prescription bottle, properly labeled by a registered pharmacist as prescribed
by law. Over the counter medication is not permitted without written permission from a doctor and parent.
In the event of a change in medication, parents/guardians are responsible for presenting a new request form.
No medicine will be given until the proper form is on file. Should your child need medication during the school, please
school so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Any drugs found in the students’ possession will be confiscated by
school officials. At the Principal’s discretion, the student may be sent home if immediate identification of the drug can
not be made.
Media Release Forms
If you do not wish for your student to appear on film, in the newspaper, or in the yearbook, you must
have a Denial of Media Release on file in the school office.
Nurse/Clinic
Students that are sick will be sent to the clinic with a pass to see our nurse. Any student that is vomiting or running a
temperature of 100 ° or more is required to go home. The student cannot return to school until he/she has been fever-free
for 24 hours. Students that are sick in the morning should stay home. Parents will be notified if students are hurt during
the school day. Oftentimes, this call is made just to keep parents informed.
PTA Meetings/School Improvement Council Meetings
PTA meetings are held in conjunction with Parent/Student activities. The meeting schedule will be sent home
and be posted on the school website at the beginning of the year. Ladson Elementary has School Improvement
Council Meetings an hour before PTA meetings. If you are interested in serving on the SIC please contact the
principal.
Parent/Teacher Communication
Teachers will regularly keep parents informed of their child’s progress through the use of Red Tuesday Folders. Please
review the paperwork, sign the appropriate sheet and return as soon as possible so the teacher can begin preparing it for
the next week.
It is expected that parents meet with their child’s teacher regularly throughout our four grading periods across the school
year. If a student is in danger of being retained in his/her present grade, the parents will be called in for a conference
with the student’s teacher prior to the end of January.
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
If a parent wishes to speak with a teacher about academic or behavior problems, the parent is to contact the teacher to
plan a conference. Conferences are held during the teacher’s planning time, before or after school. Please come to the
office immediately upon arrival in the building to sign in.
Parties
Class parties will be held at 1:30. They should be minimal. CCSD recommends parties only before winter break and at
the end of the year. Birthdays can be celebrated by a snack at lunch. Please refrain from bringing excessive party
favors such as balloons or other items that distract from our mission of providing an excellent learning
environment for the rest of the day.
Registration
All students that attend our school must complete a registration form. A birth certificate, Social Security card, South
Carolina Immunization record and 2 proofs of residency are required. The school will request records from the student’s
previous school. Please see Mrs. Hopson in the front office for more details.
Response to Intervention (RTI)
Our school offers opportunities for continued support with students that are experiencing academic difficulty. Our
school offers First Grade Academy, Second Grade Academy, an Instructional Development Teacher and a Math
Interventionist. The purpose of this practice is to improve educational outcomes for all students. Students in varying
grade levels receive support in reading and/or mathematics through research based intervention curriculums. Students
are chosen based on data that is collected by the classroom teacher and other professionals at the school. Parents are
kept informed of the process through either CORE meetings or parent conferences. Students that show growth and are
considered to be performing well enough to be successful in the classroom are returned to the regular classroom but are
monitored to ensure continued success.
School Safety Legislation
Bill H-3550 requires school officials to contact law enforcement authorities when criminal activity occurs on
school property. In order to provide a safe environment for our students, we at Ladson Elementary School will
call the police in the case of any criminal activity, which includes but is not limited to, assault and battery,
injury inflicted by an instrument which could be considered a weapon, threats to inflict bodily harm, and
disturbance of school. If you have any questions about this law please feel free to contact the Principal. In
addition, all doors, except the front entrance will be kept locked at all times.
School Wide Discipline Plan
The Administration and faculty at Ladson Elementary School believe that teaching students to be responsible
for their own behavior is important. We further believe that appropriate student behavior at school is
essential and that parent support is necessary for best results with student discipline. It is especially
important that students understand that absolutely no fighting or aggressive behavior will be tolerated.
We expect students to observe the following school rules and agreements:
School Rules/Expectations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be on time and ready to work.
Toys, games, gum, beauty products are to be left at home.
Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
Respect school property. Keep all walls, desk and books clean.
Students may use the internet only after their parents and signed and returned the necessary permission
form.
Playground Rules
1. Absolutely no fighting, play fighting or rough play.
2 Stay in area designated by teacher.
3. Trees are not be climbed or played on.
4. Objects, such as rocks, pine cones, grass and sand are not to be thrown.
5. Playing must stop when vehicles enter areas
6. Show respect to everyone at all times.
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
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Excellence is Our Standard
7. Follow all teachers’directions.
8. Demonstrate good sportsmanship.
9. Use equipment properly:
•
All slides are to be used in a seated position feet first.
•
One student per swing. Students must sit, not stand, on the swings.
•
Do not throw swings over the top of the frame.
•
Do not jump from swings.
•
Sand stays in the sand box.
Bus
1. Load and unload the bus in a safe and orderly manner.
2. Use inside voice level of 2. Speak only to the person beside you.
3. Follow the directions of the bus driver at ALL times.
4. Remain seated at all times with your book bag in your lap.
5. Fighting, play fighting and disrespect will not permitted on the bus.
6. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself at all times.
7. Keep hands and all body parts in the bus at all times.
8. Eating and drinking on the bus is not permitted.
9. Keep the bus clean at all times.
Hallways
1. Always face forward on the right side of the hallway following the blue squares.
2. Stay in your own personal space
3. Remain at a voice level 0 at all times in the hallways.
4. Keep hands and feet to yourself.
5. Listen and follow directions while in line.
Cafeteria
1. WALK at all times in the cafeteria.
2. Have your money and Lunch card ready.
3. Use both hands to carry your tray.
4. Use inside voice staying at a “voice level 2” and talking only with the people beside you at your table.
5. Use good table manners.
6. Purchase special sales on with your teachers’ permission.
7. Food is NOT allowed to leave the cafeteria including special sales.
8. Clean up your area before leaving.
Bathrooms
1. Use the bathroom facilities properly:
 Sitting, standing, or climbing on sinks and doors are not permitted.
 Be sure the use of paper towels and toilet tissue are disposed of correctly.
2. Keep restrooms clean and litter free.
3. Respect others privacy.
4. Flush toilet after use.
5. Wash your hands.
In addition to school rules, teacher will also have their individual classroom rules. Students are expected
to follow the rules at all times. Classroom rules will posted in the classrooms.
If students choose to break any of the above rules, the classroom will discipline the students. If a student
receives a Teacher referral this is a referral given and handled by the teacher. Once a student receives 3
Teacher Referrals the fourth referral could result in an Office Referral handled by the Administration. A
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
parent will be contacted in this event. We need your support for best results. Encourage your child to
assume responsibility for his/her actions.
Severe Student Behavior
Severe behavior, including fighting, possession of any object at school which can be used as a weapon to
hurt others, possession of drugs, possession of alcohol or threats to school district personnel will be
referred immediately to the Administration.
Note: According to the Charleston County Policy, it is mandatory to recommend expulsion for these
severe offenses. Depending upon the severity of the incident and previous referrals, this recommendation
may be accompanied by suspension days.
Possible Consequences for Severe Behavior:
First Offense:
Student will be sent home immediately and a parent conference is required the next morning with an
Administrator to re-admit the student to school.
Second Offense:
Student will be sent home immediately and suspended one to three days. A parent conference is required
to re-admit the student after suspension. In lieu of suspension, a parent may spend 3 to 5 days in class with
the student, depending on the number of suspension days the student receives. (Shared Responsibility)
Third Offense:
Student will be sent home immediately and suspended three to five days. A parent conference is required
to re-admit the student after suspension. In lieu of suspension, a parent may spend 3 to 5 days in class with
the student, depending on the number of suspension days the student receives. (Shared Responsibility)
Fourth Offense:
Student will be sent home immediately and suspended three to five days. A parent conference is required
to re-admit the student after suspension. A recommendation for expulsion may be made to the Area
Superintendent.
Sexual Harassment
Any student who believes he or she has been harassed by another student, teacher, administrator, adult or
agent of the Charleston County School District should promptly report the incident to the designated
complaint manager (Guidance Counselor) or directly to the County Superintendent. Sexual harassment is a
serious matter. CCSD is taking extraordinary steps to provide a safe and positive learning environment for
every student.
Definition: Sexual harassment is any inappropriate, unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors,
and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed by a student to another student, an adult to
a student or a student to an adult. If you have any questions regarding this please contact the school
principal.
Tardy Policy
Instruction begins at 7:45. Students must be on time to reduce classroom disruptions. Any student (except bus students)
that arrives after 7:30 for any reason must be signed in by a parent. Parents of tardy students must come into the
office with their child(ren) to sign them in. Bus students will not be marked tardy if it is a bus problem. Students
tardy more than 5 times will be asked to meet with an administrator and the Parent Advocate to create an Attendance
Contract that is mandatory by the district.
Telephone
Pupils are not allowed to use the phone except in emergency situations. Messages for students will
be taken in the office for emergency situations only. Please make all arrangements for
transportation and after-school care prior to sending your child to school.
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
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Excellence is Our Standard
CELL PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE IN THE POSESSION OF STUDENTS
DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.
If the student has a cell phone and it is lost, stolen or damaged, the school will accept no responsibility for the phone. If
the student is found to be in possession of a cell phone, the phone will be taken and returned to the parent the first time.
We also ask that parents refrain from using cell phones while in the office or while in the school building.
Technology/Internet Guidelines
A copy of the Technology and Internet Guidelines must be signed by the parent, student, and student’s teacher. This
policy (GBEBD) can be found in the CCSD Student Code of Conduct on pages 33 and 34. The signature page MUST
be returned on or before Sept. 1, 2011.
Textbooks
Students are assigned a textbook for each subject area. The textbooks are assigned to each student using a system much
like the system used in libraries. Students are assigned specific numbers found on each book. When a student leaves
our school the books that are assigned to them need to be returned to the teacher. Students are responsible for the
cost of any lost book. Students are also responsible for any books that are missing the book number found on a sticker
on the back of the book. If the sticker is missing, the student will be responsible for a lost book fee.
Toys and Electronics
Students must leave all toys and electronics at home. All confiscated items will be given to Ms. Couch and will only be
released to a parent. The school is not responsible for the loss or the theft of any toy or electronic item (Gameboys,
PSP’s, Ipod’s, etc.) brought to school.
Transfers/Withdrawals
When a student transfers from Ladson Elementary, parents are asked to give the school at least 24-hour notice. Parents
are also asked to make sure all student textbooks and library books are returned to he student’s teacher. Records will be
forwarded upon request by the new school. We are unable to give records to parents. Records will be forwarded to the
new school upon request.
Transportation
Safety is always a primary concern at our school. Riding the school bus is a privilege. Any behavior that risks the safety
of the students or the driver on the bus is grounds for removal from the bus. Removal from the
bus may be from one week to the reminder of the school year. Transportation is the
responsibility of the parent if a student is suspended from the bus for any length of time.
Student absences due to bus suspensions are considered unlawful.. The Durham
Transportation supervisor is in charge of bus routes, drivers, late buses, and school bus
regulations. Students are to ride a bus only if they live in the bus zone.
Parents that have concerns regarding bus drivers, bus stops or routes should contact Durham
Bus Services at 725-3170.
Vandalism/Defacing School Property
Vandalism by defacing school property can be a reason for suspension. Examples of vandalism include (but are not
limited to) writing on any of the surfaces in the school with anything, breaking school property, and littering, etc.
Parents may be required to pay to repair or replace any item that is damaged or destroyed. This includes damaging
property on school buses.
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard
We are glad you are a part of our Ladson family and we look forward to a
Great Year! Please contact the school at 764-2225 if you have any
questions!
Committed to Excellence!
Signature Page
By signing below I certify that I have reviewed and understand the policies
outlined in the Student Handbook at home and at school.
_____________________________________
Student Signature
______________
Date
_____________________________________
Parent Signature
______________
Date
_____________________________________
Teacher Signature
______________
Date
*Teachers please collect and return signed document to the office.
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Committed to Excellence~ A “PAWS”itively Awesome School
2012-2013
Excellence is Our Standard