Established 2009
Thinking
Learning
Leading
White Oak E.S. Student Handbook
Table of Contents
Vision Statement
Attendence
Arrival of Students
Assessing Student Progress
Bad Weather/School Closing
Birthday Celebrations
Cafeteria Information
Cell Phones
Changes of Adress & Phone
Check In/Out Procedures
Clinic
Code of Ethics / Consequences
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
Consequence of Misconduct
Communication with Parents
Discipline Procedures
Dress Code
Drug Free Schools
Emergency Procedures
Evening Events
Field Trips
Fighting & Bullying
Gwinnett County of Educ. Core Beliefs
Individuals with Disabilities
Lost and Found
PTA
Parking
Physical Education
Pictures at School
Registration & Withdrawal
Report Cards/Progress Reports
Safety of Students
5
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
8
8
School Council
School Rules
Snacks
Student Recognition Programs
Student Records
Telephone Use
Textbooks
Transportation/C hanges
Visitors
Volunteers
White Oak Family Business Sponsor
Other Special Needs
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WHITE OAK ELEMENTARY’S VISION
ARRIVAL OF STUDENTS
Thinking, Learning, Leading
Students may enter the building at 7:45am. Prior to that time, no one is
available to supervise students. Therefore, students may not be dropped off
at school before 7:45am. Our official school day begins promptly at 8:15am.
Please be sure your child arrives on time. Morning announcements begin at
8:10am.
ATTENDANCE/MAKE-UP WORK
See Gwinnett County Student Handbook
Learning hours are from 8:15am to 2:45pm daily. Children arriving after
8:15 are considered tardy. Frequent tardiness and early checkouts
negatively impact students’ academic performance. Please try to schedule
any appointments after school hours.
If your child is absent, please submitt the electronic notice to the school stating
the reason your child was out. If you fail to submitt the notice, your child’s
absence will be considered unexcused. Notices must be submitted in a timely
manner as we are not able to update absenses after a quarter ends.
For parents without access to the internet, a hand written note signed and
dated with the reason for absence will be accepted.
PROCEDURE FOR MAKING UP ASSIGNMENTS: It is the responsibility of
the student to make up assignments following an absence. If your child will be
out 2 or more days due to illness or family emergency, please call the office
before 8:30 a.m. and request the assignments for the projected number of
days. Pick up the assignments in the front office the following day. If your
child will be absent for only one day, the work can be made up when your
child returns to school.
Unexcused absences for vacation and family outings are discouraged.
Teachers will not give assignments in advance for unexcused absences. The
work will be made up when your child returns to school.
Many of our students have perfect attendence and receive a special
certificate at the semester recognition assemblies. Students with perfect
attendance for the school year will receive a special recognition with the
principal and counselor in May. Please make this a goal for your student!
Buses will arrive and unload in the front parking lot between 7:45 - 8:05am.
Arrival point for cars is the side parking lot via a secondary entrance on
Suwanee Dam Road. Students must wait in the car until a staff member has
instructed them to exit the car. The side parking lot is the ONLY place for
student drop off from 7:45-8:10am. Do not drop off students in front bus
lanes. By following the student drop off procedures, we ensure the safety of
our students.
Students arriving at 8:15am or later must come into the front lobby and be
signed in by a parent/guardian.
ASSESSING STUDENT PROGRESS
Parents have many opportunities to see a child’s progress. Report cards are
sent home every nine weeks.
Parents may also access student progress and grades via the Parent Portal. If
you need access to this, please contact the school registrar.
In addition to local school assessments, the school participates in county interims
and standardized tests required by the state. These results help us to keep a
history of students’ achievement over time. Please refer to the County AKS
booklet for promotion information for each grade.
BAD WEATHER/ SCHOOL CLOSING
See Gwinnett County Student Handbook
I f school is closed, there will be no before or after-school activities.
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BIRTHDAYS
Student birthdays are recognized during the morning news pogram. Birthday
“ parties” are not permitted at school. Individual snacks (no punch or drinks)
may be sent to school. The teacher will serve them at an appropriate time.
Ice cream may be purchased from the cafeteria for the class. Please call the
teacher in advance to let him/her know if you will be bringing a snack. Please
save special gifts such as balloons, flowers and whole cakes for at home
celebrations.
he/she may charge. After 2 charges have acrued, the student will be given a
sandwich and milk in place of a hot lunch.
Ice cream is sold as a snack during lunch for $1.00
Free and reduced lunch applications are available at the school office. If you
would like information about the Free and Reduced Lunch Program, please
contact our Cafeteria Manager. PARENTS MUST REAPPLY FOR THE BENEFIT
EACH YEAR..
No Birthday Party or other invitations may be distributed at school.
LUNCH ROOM GUILDINES FOR GUESTS
CAFETERIA INFORMATION
Parents and family are welcome to have lunch with their student at their
assigned lunch time. If visitors are not on the student’s locator card, then a
parent must accompany the visitor or contact the school giving the visitor
permission to have lunch with the student. Adult lunches are $3.00 and guests
may go through the children’s lunch line or you may prefer the Adult Food Bar.
Parents are also welcome to bring in a “brown bag” lunch but we ask that you
do not bring in commercially prepared lunches for your child (such as
McDonalds, Wendy’s, Pizza, etc).
The breakfast and lunch programs are vital parts of health education at our
school. A nutritious breakfast is served daily from 7:45 a.m. - 8:10 a.m.. The
cost is $1.50. Breakfast must include 3 of the 4 items at a minimum (milk can
be a side). Any extra items purchased will be an additional a la carte
charge.
A well-balanced lunch is offered for $2.25 Lunch includes 5 components
daily: protien, fruit, vegetables, grains, and milk. A lunch must take at least 3 of
the 5 and one of which must be a fruit or vegetable. A choice of chocolate or
white milk is available. Extra milk may be purchased for an additional $.40.
Any extra menu items purchased will be an additional a la carte charge.
Students may purchase additional items when he/she has money in their meal
account. It is not the responsibility of the school food nutrition employees to
restrict students from purchasing additional items. It is the responsibility of the
parents/guardians to notify the Cafeteria Manager in writing if their student
may NOT purchase extra items. The students account will be notified
accordingly.
Your child may pay daily or prepay weekly or monthly. If a check is used to
pay, please make the check payable to White Oak Elementary Cafeteria.
You can make quick and secure payments to your child’s account by logging
on to www.mypaymentsplus.com. If a child forgets his/her lunch money,
Visitors are asked to sit with the student at the visitor’s tables. No other
student may accompany the student and their guests.
After lunch, we ask that all visitors leave through the front lobby and not
walk with the students to their classroom.
CELL PHONES
Students are discouraged from bringing cell phones to school. If it is necessary
for a student to bring a phone to school, it must be turned off and remain in
their backpack while on school property and on the bus. Please notify the
teacher if your student is to have a cellphone at school.
CHANGES OF ADDRESS/ PHONE
The front office needs to maintain accurate addresses and phone numbers in
case of emergency. If you move, send a copy of the lease or contract with the
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new address immediately to the office. If your work phone, home phone, or
emergency numbers change, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SCHOOL IMMEDATELY
IN WRITING OR BY THE INFORMATION UPDATE LINK ON OUR WEBSITE.
the clinic., by the clinic worker. Teachers are not authorized to dispense
medication.
IN A MAJOR EMERGENCY, the following procedures are followed:
CHECK IN/OUT PROCEDURES
1.
Students are always checked in and out through the school office. If a student
is tardy, (arrives after 8:15) an adult must accompany the student into the
office and sign them in. When checking out a student, you will be required
to present a picture ID.

A student may not be checked out after 2:30 p.m.

Only those people listed on the student locator card in the office
may pick up a child.
A school official calls the paramedics.
2.
A school official calls the parents. If the parent cannot be reached,
a person designated on the card will be contacted.
3.
The paramedics will determine the need to transport the child to the
hospital.
CODE OF ETHICS FOR STUDENTS
1.
I will be honest in my statements and actions.

If you are checking a child out early, remember to send a note or
email to the teacher that morning.
2.
I will respect myself, the school staff, and fellow students.

3.
I will respect the beliefs of others.
If your child misses the afternoon bus, we will contact you. The
student must be picked up by 3:30pm in the office.
4.
I will display good conduct and sportsmanship at school, on the bus,
and at all school activities.
CLINIC
5.
I will respect the property of others.
White Oak has a clinic where children may go if they are hurt or sick. It is
located next to the office and is open every day from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
If deemed necessary, parents will be notified to come for their child. If both
parents work, it is important that arrangements be made so that the child can
be picked up and proper medical attention can be administered. PLEASE
PROVIDE CURRENT TELEPHONE NUMBERS AS WELL AS EMERGENCY
CONTACT INFORMATION.
6.
I will work to the best of my ability.
7.
I will use criticism in a helpful manner.
8.
I will promote school cleanliness and the upkeep of school property.
9.
I will make substitute teachers and visitors feel welcome.
10.
I will support school activities.
If your child needs to take medication at school, an Administration of
Medication at School Form must be filled out. This applies to all medications,
prescription and over the counter.
Medications must be maintained in the original container and transported
to and from school by an adult. All medications must be dispensed from
CONSEQUENCES OF STUDENT MISCONDUCT
Local school administrators have discretion to determine consequences for
student misconduct at the local school level. The range of consequences for
misconduct assigned by a local school administrator may include without
limitation, student conference, student action plan, parent conference, before
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or after school detention, , in-school suspension, or out-of-school suspension. A
student could be referred to a Student Disciplinary Panel hearing, which may
result in long-term suspension or expulsion and, depending on the severity of
the offense, Safety and Security may be contacted for referral to law
enforcement officials
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
During the year, there are two scheduled Early Release Parent Conferences.
Teachers and parents may also schedule other conferences as needed.
Conferences with teachers should be scheduled in advance. Please do not
conference with a teacher during instructional time. This time is reserved for
teaching and learning. Weekly folders and teacher webpages will keep you
informed in a timely basis. Our electronic newsletter, “THE WOW” is sent to
parents with school news on Sunday evenings. There will also be e-blast
communications as needed.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
See Gwinnett County Student Handbook
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to dress in a tasteful manner appropriate for school
and weather. Hats may only be worn outside unless a specific day has been
designated.
Additionally, the Board of Education specifies in their policy Manual, Policy
JCDB Student Dress Code, the following statement:
The wearing of or absence of any item of clothing that will distract from the
learning process of other students, or offensive words, and/or design, and/or the
advertising of drugs or alcoholic beverages will not be tolerated. If a student
comes to school in clothing which creates a disruption in the learning environment,
and is in violation of any of the above stated rules, he/she will be asked to call
his/her parents to bring something more acceptable.
Fridays are Spirit Days and we encourage students to wear White Oak
Spiritwear.
DRUG FREE SCHOOLS
The Board of Education declares that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful
possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful. Compliance with the rules
of student conduct in this regard are mandatory. Disciplinary actions as
described by the Student Conduct Behavior Policy (Policy JCD) will be
imposed on students who violate these standards of conduct.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
See Gwinnett County Student Handbook
EVENING EVENTS
Evening events at school are planned for our families to engage with the
White Oak Community. Students are never to be dropped off without parent
supervision. An adult is expected to accompany student(s) at all events.
FIELD TRIPS
Each class may schedule field trips. Field trips serve as a resource for enriching
and enhancing Academic Knowledge and Skills. There are academic activities
before and after each trip related to the AKS. Teachers will send home
information regarding the field trip and deadlines. Payment and Permission
slips will be done electronically via www.mypaymentsplus.com They may also
arrange chaperones to accompany the class. Anyone wanting to join on the
field trip must notify the teacher prior to the trip. Any visitor must be listed on
the student’s locator card or approved by the parent prior to the trip. No
child will be denied the opportunity of going on the field trip for monetary
reasons. A field trip, however, may be cancelled if we do not have
enough contributions.
FIGHTING/BULLYING
Fighting and bullying at school is strictly prohibited and will result in an
administrative referral and a possible school suspension. Students should
always seek adult help rather than fighting. Students should talk to an adult if
they feel they are a victim of a bully’s behavior.
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GWINNETT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION CORE BELIEFS
PARKING
Below are the Core Beliefs of the Gwinnett County Board of Education as
adopted in December 2006. The Board is committed to putting its beliefs into
action. (That commitment is paraphrased here.)
Parking for visitors is located in the front parking lot of the school. Visitors
parked out front when buses arrive will not be permittd to leave until buses
are gone. DO NOT USE THE FIRE LANE FOR PARKING AS YOU MAY BE
TICKETED.
• Our core business is teaching and learning. (And we will give it priority over all
other functions of the school system.)
• All children can learn at or above grade level. (It is our job to see that every
Gwinnett student does so.)
• All children should reach their learning potential. (And through our best efforts,
and theirs, Gwinnett’s students will.)
• The school effect is important and has a profound impact on every child’s life.
(Gwinnett County Public Schools will have a positive impact on every child’s
life.)
• A quality instructional program requires a rigorous curriculum, effective
teaching, and ongoing assessment. (We will settle for nothing less in every
Gwinnett school and classroom.)
• All children should be taught in a safe and secure learning environment. (We
pledge to provide that for every Gwinnett student.)
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
Gwinnett County Public Schools wishes to meet the needs of all of its students and
families. If any member of your family needs assistance or has questions
regarding mobility impaired issues or handicapped access, please contact the
principal.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for physical education.
All children need to wear active wear shoes no platforms, no slip-ons or flip
flops. Girls should wear pants or shorts on their physical education days. All
children will be expected to participate in all activities unless we have a note
from a doctor that states specifically what activities the student is to be
excused from as well as the duration.
PICTURES AT SCHOOL
White Oak encourages parents to share in the memories of their students here
at White Oak Elementary. Due to student privacy, we ask that parents refrain
from taking pictures at school events outside of the classroom. We also ask
that any pictures taken here at school in the classroom are not shared via
social media unless it is strictly of your child.
REGISTRATION & WITHDRAWL INFORMATION
PTA
To enroll a student, you must provide the school with two proofs
of residency within our attendance zone as listed on our website.
Only a parent or legal guardian may register a student. Proof of
Residency can be verified by a sales contract, a current lease agreement, or a
deed, along with a current utility bill (no phone bills). If you move during the
school year, a new proof of residency is required. Please call the school office
for information regarding registration requirements.
We encourage all parents and teachers to be a member of the PTA. You can
find more information about the PTA on our website. Please join by paying
the PTA dues online at www.mypaymentsplus.com, if you have not already
done so.
To withdrawl a student, the enrolling parent must come to the office to
complete the appropriate paperwork. and show proof of ID. All library
books, and textbooks must be returned, and all cafeteria fees must be paid
before records will be released.
LOST AND FOUND
Items found in hallways, playground, or cafeteria – other than eyeglasses,
jewelry, money or keys – are placed in lost and found. Unclaimed items are
donated to charity at the end of each nine weeks.
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REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS
Report cards are sent home every nine weeks. The following grading system is
being used in Grades 2nd – 5th for Math, Science, Social Studies and
Language Arts:. Students in Grades Kdg & 1st will earn an E, S, N, or U
Excellent Progress = A (90-100)
Above Average = B (80-89)
Satisfactory Progress = C (74-79)
Below Average Progress = D (70-73)
Unsatisfactory Progress = U (Below 70)
SAFETY OF STUDENTS
Learning in a safe environment is of utmost importance to the staff at White
Oak. Please help us by letting the front office know if you see anything that
might be unsafe on campus. Children are continually supervised by teachers
and other staff during the day from 7:45 until 3:05.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Georgia A+ Education Bill outlines the duties of School Councils in each
school in the state of Georgia to serve as an advisory body to the
principal on issues such as curriculum, school goals and priorities,
budget and preparation or distribution of data to the community. The
School Council is composed of a minimum of two parents, two
teachers, two business representatives and the principal. All parents
and community members are welcome to attend the monthly school
council meetings.
4.
will show self control with themselves, with other people, and with
property.
5.
will follow the Gwinnett County Conduct Code (12 rules).
SNACKS
Students should bring nutritious snacks that are easy to manage in the
classroom. No candy, juice, soft drinks, etc are permitted.
STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAMS
The student recognition ceremony occurs at the end of each semester.
Parents of students who receive awards will receive an invitation to
attend.
Academic Awards – There are two academic certificates: Honor Roll, A’s
and B’s; Principal’s Honor Roll, Straight A’s.
Perfect Attendance- Students with perfect attendance for the semester are
recognized at the grade level ceremony.
The Owl Award- This award is presented to students who demonstrate
outstanding citizenship and conduct. Students will have 2 E’s on their report
card per semester in the conduct section. These students’ behavior reflect our
vision that they are a thinker, learner and a leader.
The White Oak Award- This award is presented to students who show
exceptional effort to achieve at their highest level of learning. This is a student
that comes to school ready to learn and do their personal best. Students will
have a minimum of 8 E’s in effort per semester reflecting no N’s or U’s.
SCHOOL RULES
Students:
1.
will follow the directions of the person in charge the first time given.
2.
will be on time and ready to work.
3.
will respond to each other with honesty, respect and caring.
Music Award- The Music award is given to students that demonstrate an
aptitude, as well as a personal progression, within White Oak's music
program. Students receiving the award often participate in White Oak's
band, chorus and general music programs as well as extracurricular lessons.
Art Award - presented to students who consistently perform above average
in the art room. Student's who earn E's and participate in art activities.
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PE Award – The awards are given based on participation, attitude,
improvement, and athleticism. In the upper grades, fitness test scores will be
part of the consideration.
prepared for school. If an urgent message needs to be delivered to your child,
the front office staff will assist you.
TEXTBOOKS
STUDENT RECORDS
Gwinnett County Public Schools provide the student and his or her
parents with important rights pertaining to student records. These
rights include:
1. the right to receive this information.
2. the right to inspect and review student records within 45 days of
the request and the right to have the records explained.
Textbooks are checked out to students in Grades 2 – 5 during registrations.
These student will receive a math, social studies and science book. These books
are expensive and must be properly cared for throughout the year. Students
will be responsible for damaged or lost textbooks.
TRANSPORTATION/CHANGES
3. the right to copies of student records (10 cents per copy).
Gwinnett County provides bus transportation for all of our students. Please
help us to diminish traffic problems and support our bus program by
having your child ride the bus to and from school.
4. the right to challenge the content of student records and the
procedures for doing so, including the availability of formal
proceedings to resolve these disputes.
For security and safety reasons, transportation changes may NOT
be made over the phone.
5. the right to request that material be removed from student
records and the procedures for doing so
6. the requirement of parental or student consent and methods of
consent before the disclosure of student records except in certain
specific circumstances.
7. the rights of separated or divorced parents and legal guardians
pertaining to student records.
8. the schedule of destruction of particular records.
9. the content, location and particulars concerning permanent
records, official records and supplemental records.
TELEPHONE USE
If a change in transportation is necessary, a note must be brought to school by
the student. If you forget to send in a note with your student, please contact
the office prior to sending the transportation change via fax or email so that
we may guarantee the change will be received and processed promptly. No
transportation changes will be made after 12:00 p.m. If no note is received,
the teacher will follow regular transportation procedures for your child.
If you have concerns about the bus route or bus safety, please call us at school
and we will direct your concerns to the transportation department. Each
student is assigned a bus at the beginning of the year. If you move, or have
permanent transportation changes, come to the front office to fill out a bus
change form. Riding the bus is a privilege. Inappropriate behavior on the bus
will result in an administrative referral and possible bus suspension.
Our telephones are for business only and are not used by students except in
an emergency. (Students will not be allowed to use the phone if they have
forgotten their lunch money or homework.) Please help them with this
responsibility by checking with them the night before to be sure they are
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VISITORS
OTHER SPECIAL NOTICES
We welcome visitors to our school and hope that you will join us for lunch, as a
volunteer, PTA, special programs, or class visits. All visitors on school
grounds must sign in at the Main Office and request a visitor's pass.
The visitor's pass must be clearly visible the entire time the visitor is
on campus.
If you believe that you are being mistreated by school employees on the
basis of your race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, or
handicap, you have a complaint and a remedy. Please tell any school
employee in whom you have confidence that you have a complaint
about the manner in which you are being treated and why. You may
also contact the school system’s Title IX coordinator for assistance by
writing or calling: Gwinnett County Public Schools, 52 Gwinnett Drive,
Lawrenceville, GA 30045, (770-513-6603).
After School Hours
No students or unauthorized visitors may remain on the school campus
after regular school hours without supervision.
VOLUNTEERS
We have many wonderful volunteers at White Oak. There are a variety of
opportunities to help at the school during the school day and after school
hours. Volunteers can choose to work with students as an Academic Partner, in
the classroom, media center,or the front office. If you have a desire to help,
please let us know what you’d like to do and when you can do it. We need
every parent to volunteer. Our volunteer coordinator is listed on the PTA
Board list.
The Gwinnett County Board of Education may decide not to admit a
student into the school system who has been suspended or expelled from
another school system. A preadmission hearing to determine eligibility
will be held and due process will be followed.
WHITE OAK FAMILY BUSINESS SPONSOR
White Oak offers Family Business Sponsors at the $100.00 level which
includes: Business Name Listed on T-Shirt, Logo listed on PTA Website and
Pledge Forms, Thanked on posters and signs throughout the schools and Invited
to hang a company banner at the Hoot Scoot.
A $250.00 level sponosor will also include: Logo on the T-Shirt, Featured ad in
one of the WOW newsletters, Plaque to hang in business and an Engraved
Brick for the WOODZ path.
A $500.00 level sponsor will include all the above plus: recongnized on the
School’s Webpage and invited to set up a table at an event.
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