Asa G. Hilliard
Elementary School
Parent & Student Handbook
2015 – 2016
Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
3353 Mount Olive Rd
East Point, GA 30344
470-254-8050
470-254-8230 Fax
It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion,
national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any program, activity, or
service. If you wish to make a complaint or request accommodation or modification due to discrimination in any
program, activity, or service, contact Compliance Coordinator at 6201 Powers Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30339
470-254-3600. TTY 1-800-255-0135
Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
Principal’s Message
Greetings Asa G. Hilliard Family,
It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 2015 – 2016 school
year! This will be an exciting year full of new beginnings and endless
possibilities. Asa G. Hilliard Elementary, formerly Mount Olive Elementary,
prides itself on student achievement and high expectations for all. I am
honored that we have the opportunity to continue the great work that has
been started to ensure that every student receives the most innovative
and challenging instruction to prepare them to be college and career
ready. I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, parents, and
students to ensure that each student is challenged to be a critical thinker
in school and in life.
This is a community oriented school that strives for excellence for all through open
communication, collaboration and a sense of collective responsibility. I encourage you all to take
an active role in the education of your child by volunteering and maintaining regular
communication with teachers. Join the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) early in the year to
help support school wide-initiatives. Attend School Governance Council (SGC) Meetings to be a
part of the decision making processes that impact the school. We will continue to offer
meaningful parent workshops for our community throughout the school year to increase your
knowledge and awareness about instructional content, resources and effective strategies. There
will also be workshops on additional topics that are important to our parents and community.
These are just a few great ways that we can work together to demonstrate our commitment to
every child’s education and the goals of the school.
As a school community, we will continue to challenge our students to make significant academic
gains through hard work, dedication, and personal accountability. Students will be exposed to
more rigorous instruction and authentic performance tasks that will keep them engaged and
strengthen their critical thinking skills. There will also be a variety of extracurricular activities,
events and programs that will allow students to explore different interests and be active citizens
in our school and local community.
Please utilize this agenda book to strengthen the level of communication that exists between the
home and school, because we are a team. Collectively, we can maximize our impact on
educating tomorrow’s leaders!!! Thank you for all that you do to make our students and school
successful, as we embark upon another great year of teaching and learning.
Respectfully,
Adrienne Grainger Smith
Adrienne Grainger Smith
Principal
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School is a Title I school, that met or exceeded the state requirements for academic
performance for twelve consecutive years. A huge component of our success as a Title I school
depends on parental awareness and engagement. Thank you for your continued support, hard
work and dedication to excellence.
What Is Title I?
It’s the largest federal assistance program for our nation’s schools. The goal of Title I is a highquality education for every child, so the program provides extra help to students who need it most.
The program serves millions of children in elementary and secondary schools each year. Most
school districts participate. Title I also serves children who attend parochial and private schools.
Services may be provided at a public (this includes charter schools), or at the private or parochial
school (under certain conditions).
The Title I School Works To:





Identify students most in need of educational help (students do not have to be from lowincome families to receive help)
Set goals for improvement
Measure student progress, using standards set forth in the state’s Title I plan
Develop programs that add to regular classroom instruction
Involve parents in all aspects of the program
Parents’ Right To Know
In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statute, Fulton County Schools
informs parents that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your child’s
teacher(s). The following information may be requested:

Whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission
requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher
provides instruction;

Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through
which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived;

The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher;

Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their
qualifications.
If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s qualification, please contact the
principal, Ms. Adrienne Grainger Smith, at (470) 254-8050.
For more information on Title I, please visit:
http://www.doe.k12.ga.us
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
ASA G. HILLIARD
ELEMENTARY
HOME OF THE PANTHERS
QUICK FACTS
School Hours:
7:40 AM – 2:20 PM
School Colors:
Red, Black and Silver
School Mascot:
Panther
School Newsletter:
The Panther Post (Sent home every Thursday)
After School Program:
Global Tech Academy
Cost of breakfast for students:
Cost of lunch for students:
Regular $0.00
Regular $0.00
Report Cards:
People to Contact
Principal:
Assistant Principal:
Curriculum Support Teacher:
Counselor & SST Coordinator:
Administrative Assistant:
Front Office Secretary:
Data Clerk:
Parent Liaison:
Clinic Aide:
Cafeteria Manager:
PTA President
School Governance Council Chair:
Teacher:
Reduced $ 0.00
Reduced $ 0.00
Adult: $1.55
Adult: $3.35
Report card will be sent home every 9 weeks
Adrienne G. Smith
Graingersm@fultonschools.org
DeShunta Hawkins
Hawkinsd1@fultonschools.org
Brandi Nichols
Nicholsb@fultonschools.org
Preston Jones
Jonesp4@fultonschools.org
Keenya Jackson
Jacksonk1@fultonschools.org
Sylvia Dunlap
DunlapSA@fultonschools.org
Viola Jackson
JacksonViola@fultonschools.org
Raymond Selmon
Selmon@fultonschools.org
Shawn Neason
NeasonS@fultonschools.org
Jackie Baker
Bakerj@fultonschools.org
Xana Hardeman
DeShunta Hawkins
_________________ _________________________
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
Access to Students’ Records
The parent or legal guardian has the right to examine the student’s records and to have them explained. Principals,
counselors, teachers or other authorized personnel who supervise or instruct a student shall have access to that student’s
records.
After School Program
Global Tech Academy’s mission is to empower a new generation of students by integrating technology programs into
everyday life, to pave the way for the future. This program offers the basics of STEAM education using the Lego
Mindstorm Robotics kits. Students use a hands-on approach while using the latest in tools for designing and programming
robots. This collaboration with the STEM initiative helps students with Science, working with gears and pulleys,
programming, creating sensors and learning how robots and human interact with their environment. Our program
encourages students to excel. Students quickly realize that challenges and mistakes are some of the best ways to learn.
Students will experience challenges and find solutions to the problems.
GTA also understands the importance of providing quality after school enrichment programs that benefit students, their
families, schools and their community. Our programs are designed to (a) help improve the academic performance of
participating students; (b) contribute to raising students’ self-confidence; and (c) develop greater interest from families to
be involved in their child’s learning.
The program is in session from school dismissal time to 6:30 p.m. The program is closed on teacher workdays, the day
before school breaks, the last day of school and holidays/vacation days.
Assessments
Georgia Milestones Assessment System
The Georgia Milestones Assessment System (Georgia Milestones) is a comprehensive summative assessment program
spanning grades 3 through high school. Georgia Milestones measures how well students have learned the knowledge
and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Features the Georgia Milestone Assessment System include:
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Open-ended (constructed-response) items in language arts and mathematics (all grades and courses);
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A writing component (in response to passages read by students) at every grade level and course within the
language arts assessment;
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Norm-referenced items in all content areas and courses, to complement the criterion-referenced information and to
provide a national comparison; and
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Transition to online administration over time, with online administration considered the primary mode of
administration and paper-pencil as back-up until the transition is complete.
The Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA)
The Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA) is a key component of the Georgia Student Assessment Program. An essential
tenet of both the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA), is the fact that states must ensure that all students, including students with significant cognitive disabilities, have
access to a general curriculum that encompasses challenging academic standards. States must also ensure that all
students are assessed for their progress toward meeting academic standards.
The GAA is a portfolio of student work that enables the demonstration of achievement and progress relative to selected
skills that are aligned to the Georgia curriculum. The portfolio is used to capture student learning and
achievement/progress in four content areas: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. This
assessment program promotes a vision of enhancing capacities and integrated life opportunities for students who
experience significant cognitive disabilities. Committees of Georgia educators developed the requirements of the
portfolio system including the number of required pieces of evidence of student performance of tasks aligned to content
standards (i.e., student work samples), types of evidence, and the parameters/timing of the collection of student work
samples.
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (GKIDS)
Georgia’s Quality Basic Education Act requires that children enrolled in Georgia public school kindergarten programs be
assessed for first grade readiness with an instrument or instruments adopted by the Georgia Board of Education.
Kindergarten students are defined as those who are reported to the state as “kindergartners” on official attendance forms.
This includes those children who have been retained or are enrolled in transitional or readiness programs. This readiness
assessment shall include data obtained from multiple sources including, but not limited to, the Georgia Kindergarten
Inventory of Developing Skills (GKIDS). GKIDS is the instrument adopted by the State Board of Education. Readiness
information obtained by the instrument shall be used by the local school system, in concert with teacher recommendations
and other relevant information, to make appropriate individual student grade placement decisions.
Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills series measures students’ school achievement in reading, language arts, mathematics,
science, and social science. The ITBS is a norm-referenced test, which will be administered during the fall.
2015-16 Testing Schedule
September 1, 2015- March 18, 2016
The Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA)
October 19-23, 2015
ITBS
January 19-March 2, 2015
ACCESS for ELLs
April 120 26, 2016
Georgia Milestones End of Grade
Ongoing
GKIDS Assessment
May 23- 25, 2016
Georgia Milestones End of Grade Retest
Grades K, 3-5
Grades 3 & 5
Grades K-5
Grades 3- 5
Grade K
Grades 3 & 5
Attendance
School Hours
The school day at Asa G. Hilliard begins promptly at 7:40 AM and ends at 2:20 PM. Students should not arrive at the
school before 7:05 AM, as staff members are not required to report for supervision of students before this time. Students
who are tardy must be signed in by parents in the office and will be given a pass to class. When students incur continual
tardies, a social worker referral will be initiated. When a Fulton County school bus is late, children who ride that bus are
not counted tardy. Students should be picked up no later than 2:30 p.m.
Absences
Good attendance is essential to ensure that your child maximizes his or her opportunities to obtain a quality education.
Students who are absent from school are deprived of a variety of educational experiences shared with their peers. The
Georgia Board of Education lawfully excuses students for the following reasons:



personal illness
serious illness or death of an immediate family member
special and recognized holidays observed by their faith
A written excuse for each absence is necessary and should be submitted to the teacher immediately upon the student’s
return to school. Written excuses are kept on file at school. House Bill 1190, (section 10-Minimum Number of Unexcused
Absences – 20-2-690.1) that passed during the 2004 legislative session, adds responsibilities for parents and guardians
of school-age children who have five or more of unexcused absences. This is a misdemeanor, and you could be subject
to one of more of the following penalties at the discretion of the court:
1) a fine not less than $25.00 and not greater than $100.00,
2) imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or
3) community service
Each additional unexcused absence from school is considered an additional violation of the state mandatory attendance
policy and must be reported as a separate offense. A social worker referral will be initiated. A letter will be sent home
addressing this issue if it should occur.
Students must be present a minimum of one-half of the school day in order to be considered present for the day. Thus,
students arriving after 11:00 a.m. are considered absent for the day. Likewise, students who leave school before 11:00
a.m. and do not return in time to be present for a combined minimum total of 3 hours and 15 minutes are also considered
absent for the day.
Should you need to pick up class work for your child due to an absence, please allow 24 hours so that the teacher will
have adequate time to prepare the list of assignments.
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
For extended excused absences, your child’s assignments may be collected during or after the absence. Completion of
work missed during an absence is determined at the teacher’s discretion and the needs of the student. The student will
be allowed to make up all required work and tests.
Please notify the school office if your child has a contagious disease or an extended illness.
Arrangements for Irregular Departure
In order to ensure the safety of students, the following rules for irregular departure from school will apply:

If a student does not plan to go home in the regular manner, the student must show a letter of permission to the
classroom teacher from the student’s parent/guardian before school begins on the date of the irregular departure.

If it is necessary for a student to leave school early, discuss this with the student and send a note to the student’s
teacher. Students leaving before the regular dismissal time must be signed out through the office by a parent/ legal
guardian or parent designee.

Students will not be released from school at any unscheduled time without a written explanation of the reason from
a parent or legal guardian. Students are released only from the office.

Students can be released to a parent designee only after the parent/guardian has notified the school.
Bullying
The Fulton County Board of Education prohibits bullying at any location or activity under the jurisdiction of the
school system. Any student who engages in bullying may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including
expulsion. Each complaint of bullying will be promptly investigated. The school system prohibits retaliatory
behavior against any complainant or any participant in the complaint process. Please reference the Fulton
County Code of Conduct & Discipline Handbook for further information.
Cafeteria
A nutritious breakfast and lunch are available for all students. All students will receive free breakfast from 7:10 am- 7:35
am. We encourage parents to pay at least weekly for student meals for the week. This may be done on Monday of each
week. They may also pay daily, but the advance payment method is more convenient for the students, parents and the
school. Students who forget their lunch money may request a charge that should be paid the following day. Charging
for lunch is discouraged, but students may charge up to three times. Charges are not permitted for juice, extra milk or
any extra food or snack. Students who accumulate a balance on their lunch accounts may not use money to purchase
ice cream or other non-nutritional items. These students will also be served an alternative lunch each day until all charges
have been resolved with the cafeteria manager. No charges will be allowed the last two weeks of school.
We encourage nutritious lunches; therefore, sodas, canned drinks, candy, etc., are not appropriate. State guidelines
prohibit any commercially prepared food (McDonald's, Chick-Fil-A, Arby's, Church's, Pizza Hut, etc.) in the cafeteria.
Children need healthy meals to learn; therefore, the Fulton County Schools (FCS) offer healthy meals. Families meeting
specific income requirements may be eligible for Free and Reduced-Price Meals and can apply for this program through
applications available online and at each school.
Households no longer need to complete a separate application for each student. Instead, they will complete one
application listing all household members and identifying students who attend a Fulton County School (FCS).
Cell Phones/ Electronic Devices
According to Fulton County Board of Education Policy and Procedure concerning Disruption and Interference with School:
A student shall not (g) use, display, or turn on a pocket pager, cellular telephone or other personal electronic
communication device on school property, except for middle and high school students who may use such devices on
school grounds before or after the regular school day. Elementary students are prohibited from using or displaying cellular
telephones on school property at any time. However, with the increased use of technology and personalized learning,
some teachers may request that students bring electronic devices to use in class for educational purposes only. Parents
will receive information from your child’s teacher regarding the use of technology in the classroom. These limits on the
use of personal communication devices do not apply to students whose special needs require the use of such a device
to enhance speech or hearing. Students who are found with such devices in the “on” position, in use, or displayed except
as permitted above, shall have the device confiscated by the school administrator. Parents will be responsible to come
to the school office for meeting with a school administrator in order to sign for and to pick up the confiscated item(s).
Change of Address/Telephone
Please notify the front office and your child’s teacher of any change of address, along with supporting documentation,
or telephone number as soon as possible. Accurate records are necessary to be able to notify parents in case of an
emergency.
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
Character Education
The Fulton County School System supports a mandate from the Georgia General Assembly requiring all schools to teach
character education. The school system believes that society and culture are tied together through common threads that
guide the way we live, work, and play. These common beliefs are taught at home and reinforced by the community,
schools, religious institutions, and youth service groups. They are the threads that bind our society together and are as
basic as honesty and as complex as conflict resolution. These basic tenets guide the way Fulton County teachers teach
and the way the school system conducts business.
Child Abuse Reporting
In line with the law and Fulton County Policy and Procedures, all staff members must report any suspected child
abuse to the school social worker.
Class Parties
Class parties are held twice a school year. There is a Winter Holiday party and an End of the Year party, which will last
approximately one (1) hour. We do not use instructional time for a child’s birthday party. Due to food allergies and diet
restrictions, students will not be allowed to pass out cupcakes or other food items to their classmates. All food items must
be store bought with ingredients clearly listed to ensure that an adult is able to monitor intake while considering food
allergies.
Clinic and Medication
The clinic is staffed with a clinic assistant. However, we are not staffed or equipped for a serious injury or illness. Students
who are ill must be kept at home. If a student is injured or becomes ill, parents will be contacted and must pick up their
child. The clinic assistant may administer medication to a student when appropriate written authorization from the
student’s parent and physician accompanies the medication.
If a prescribed medication is necessary in order to allow a student to attend school on a regular basis, a school employee
may assist in administering the medication to the student under the following conditions:
The parents/legal guardian must provide the following:
 Written verification by a licensed physician that such medication must be administered to the student during the
school time.
 Written verification by a licensed physician that the student is in need of assistance to take the medication.
 Written instructions from a licensed physician regarding the dispensing of the medication, including dosage, expected
duration of administering the medicine and side effects of the medication.
The parent/legal guardian must take the following action:
 Provide written verification that according to the doctor’s instructions, a medication must be administered to their child.
 Execute a release (on the form required by the school system) releasing the Fulton County Board of Education, the
school and any system employee from any liability for administering medication.
 Deliver medication to the clinic aide in its original prescription bottle.
Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences, as well as parent-administrative conferences, are an integral part of reporting student
progress. Our reporting system emphasizes a close relationship between the home and the school because we regard
parents as partners in the education of their children. We consider it important, therefore, to have regularly scheduled
conferences in order that parents and teachers may share information concerning the child. This will enable the school
to plan a more effective educational program to meet the needs of each student.
Conferences will be set up within the first six (6) weeks of school. Bi-monthly papers, email, student agenda, and notes
are additional ways that we keep parents informed about their child’s progress. We believe that the educational success
of your child is a joint venture between the school and the home, and we want to keep the lines of communication open.
Additional conferences may be scheduled as necessary. These may be initiated by the parent, teacher or administrator
and held at a mutually agreeable time.
Counseling Program
The school’s counselors provides leadership in the school through the implementation of developmental, preventive and
crisis intervention programs designed to further social, emotional and intellectual development.
Working with students, parents, teachers, staff members, and counselors help to establish an environment, which will
provide the best possible conditions for achieving the objectives of the educational program.
The counselors work with students in the classroom, in small groups and individually. Referrals for counseling may come
from the student, the parent/guardian, teachers or administrators.
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
Curriculum
Curriculum is defined as a plan for learning. The curriculum in Fulton County Schools focuses on the development and
application of skills and knowledge as identified by the state of Georgia, national curriculum standards and local system
objectives.
The curriculum promotes the understanding and knowledge as well as concepts and skills necessary for students to
contribute to the nation and the world. It is the framework upon which all local system curriculum is developed.
Denial of Students Rights
If a student or parent believes that the student is being improperly denied participation in any educational function of a
Fulton County School or that the student is being subjected to an illegal rule or standard, the matter should be discussed
promptly with the teacher before contacting an administrator.
Parents are always welcome to discuss problems and concerns with the Fulton County School official who is responsible
for the activity in question. However, if the parent or student still feels there is a denial of a basic right, they should
telephone/outline in writing the alleged denial to the Superintendent of Schools.
Discipline Cycle
The Fulton County School System believes that all students have the right to learn. A school climate that is satisfying
and productive without disruptive behavior will be provided for each student. A variety of methods are encouraged to
ensure appropriate conduct including student and parent conferences, counseling, school social worker referral, SST
referral, detention, out-of-school suspensions and expulsion. A Discipline Handbook will be sent home to explain Fulton
County Schools’ Elementary Discipline Cycle.
An attempt is made to create a climate that will foster learning, develop self-control in each student, and encourage each
student to develop responsibility. To this end, students will be expected to respect the rules established cooperatively
with teachers.
School discipline is the joint responsibility of the school and home. Parental support for good discipline enables the
schools to maintain a wholesome environment for learning. We are working at all times to develop self-discipline within
each student. We feel it is the student’s responsibility to follow established school and class rules. Parents will be notified
if their child is having discipline problems. Chronic misbehavior or violation of school system rules will result in appropriate
disciplinary measures. Among these are office time-outs, out-of-school suspension or referral to the Discipline Tribunal.
At Asa G. Hilliard ES we will have an emphasis on a school-wide system of support that include proactive strategies for
defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create positive school environments. This system
will allow a range of positive behavior support for all students within a school is implemented in areas including the
classroom and non-classroom settings (such as hallways, buses, and restrooms). Positive behavior support is an
application of a behaviorally-based systems approach to enhance the capacity of schools, families, and
communities to design effective environments that improve the link between research-validated practices and the
environments in which teaching and learning occurs.
In an effort to inform our parents of the student’s daily behavior, we utilize a numeric system that will give you
an overview of each school day.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Indicates there were no problems for the day and the teacher was pleased with the student’s behavior and
work efforts
Indicates there may have been 1 – 2 minor infractions that were handled by the teacher
Indicates the student had some trouble staying on task throughout the day. They may have been placed in
time out in their classroom or in a neighboring class for a period of the day
Indicates the teacher experienced some major disruptions and a note has been placed in the student’s daily
agenda. The student may have also received a Step 4 which is an informal documentation of inappropriate
behavior.
In addition, the following discipline cycle will be documented by the classroom teacher. Parents will normally be involved
beginning with the third infraction as detailed below; however, the offense may require parental notification before that
time. We need your support and intervention at that time to avoid a possible suspension.
Verbal reprimand
Time-out
Action plan (copy to parents)
Parent conduct report
Telephone call to parents
Referral to an administrator-Report of student conduct
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
Repeated offenses and major violations may result in immediate removal from the classroom and/or suspension from
school. All students are expected to adhere to all school rules, cafeteria procedures and school bus procedures to ensure
that we have a safe and positive learning environment.
Panther PRIDE
Prompt and Prepared
Respect for Self and Others
In Charge of My Words and Actions
Direct Ears and Eyes on the Speaker
Excellence is Expected Everyday
NOTE: For additional information, see your copy of the Fulton County Board of Education Student Code of Conduct
Elementary School Student/ Parent Discipline Handbook.
No Drugs, No Weapons, No Gangs
Students found with a weapon on their body or in their book bag, purse, locker, or car while on school property face
expulsion from school and will be reported to the police.
Students found selling or distributing illegal drugs face expulsion from school. Those found in possession of or using
illegal drugs will be suspended or expelled from school and will be reported to the police.
Any student who engages in an activity that threatens, intimidates or physically harms another student faces possible
expulsion from school and the filing of charges with the police. Be advised that if this activity is gang related, additional
criminal charges may be filed.
Dress Code & Uniforms
Students are expected to dress and groom themselves in such a way as to reflect neatness, cleanliness and safety. All
students shall dress appropriately so as to not interfere with the educational program or the orderly operation of the school
as stated in the Fulton County Policy Manual. Examples of inappropriate dress and grooming include: lack of cleanliness
in person or dress, lack of shoes, short-short clothing, bare midriffs, tank tops, see-through clothing or apparel that
designates gangs or similar organizations, or any dress that is disruptive to the educational process. On the days that
students are able to wear jeans, the jeans should not have holes in them. Flip flops, open toe shoes, wheelies, or house
shoes will not be permitted for safety reasons.
Designated dress involving school activities approved by the principal shall be acceptable. The principal or other duly
authorized school officials shall determine whether any particular mode of dress or grooming results in a violation of the
spirit and/or the intent of this rule.
School uniforms are mandatory for all students (Pre-K-5th). Parents, educators and students have experienced the
following benefits with their school uniform or dress code policies: increases school safety; enhances academic
performance; decreases peer pressure; increases school spirit; promotes creativity and individuality; decreases clothing
expense; increases harmony at home; creates a learning focused mind set.
Girls’ Basic UniformTop - Long or short sleeved collared blouse or polo style shirt (Red, White, Gray or Black)
Bottom - Skirts, walking shorts, slacks, skorts, jumpers (Black or Khaki {Tan})
Boys’ Basic UniformTop - Long or short sleeved collared shirt, polo style, oxford or dress shirt (Red, White, Gray or Black)
Bottom - Long pants or walking shorts (Black or Khaki {Tan})
Early Intervention Program (EIP)
Children start school at a designated chronological age but differ greatly in their individual development and experience
base. The Early Intervention Program is designed to serve students who are at risk of not reaching or maintaining
academic grade level. The Early Intervention Program is to provide additional instructional resources to help students
who are performing below grade level obtain the necessary academic skills to reach grade level performance in the
shortest time possible. Children may be placed in EIP if they do not meet the standards according identified assessments
(GA Milestones, STAR, etc.).
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
Early Release of Students (Check-out)
If there is ever a need to check your child out of school early for any reason, please come to the front office and be
prepared to show positive identification. The secretary will call the classroom to have your child dismissed. To assist the
office in the dismissal process, we ask that all student checkouts occur BEFORE 2:00 PM. For the safety of all of our
students, children may not be released directly to the parent from the classroom. If you are a volunteer in your child's
classroom and wish to have them dismissed early, we ask that you leave him/her in the classroom, come to the front
office, sign the early checkout form, and the secretary will dismiss your child over the intercom. Only those parties that
you have listed as emergency contacts in your child’s records at the school may check your child out of school.
Emergency School Closing
If the decision is made to close school due to inclement weather, local television and radio stations will broadcast this
information. The office of Safety and Emergency Management serves as a resource and works with principals in the field
of comprehensive planning and preparedness to lessen the impact of natural and man-made disasters. Each Fulton
County School has detailed disaster and evacuation plans, which are reviewed and updated periodically. In addition,
each school’s emergency procedures are practiced to ensure adherence to plans and procedures.
Asa G. Hilliard has processes and procedures in place in the event of different kinds of emergency situations. Some
situations such as a bomb threat, gas leak or chemical spill call for an off-site evacuation. In the event that the school has
to be evacuated off-site, parents will be contacted by staff regarding the evacuation, and specific location for pick-up at
a designated reunification site. This is one reason that it is of the utmost importance that you send updated contact
information to the school to ensure that the staff is able to reach you immediately. The transportation department will also
be contacted regarding the site change. Buses will be rerouted to the reunification site to collect students who normally
ride the bus and transport them home.
In case of fire, gas leak, explosion or bomb threat:
•Do not come to the school for your child.
•Students will follow their regular dismissal procedures from the alternate site.
In case of tornado:
• Do not try to contact the school, the school will contact parents. All lines need to be free for emergency personnel.
• Do not come for your child, we must ensure everyone’s safety.
• Children will be moved to an area in the school building designated for safety during a tornado.
• Bus drivers are trained in procedures to ensure the safety of children during a tornado.
• A battery-operated radio will be used at school in case of electrical failure and will allow the school to follow the progress
of a tornado.
• Parents should listen to their radios or television stations for all emergency broadcasts.
English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
The Quality Basic Education Act provides for the creation of programs designed to help limited English proficient students
develop proficiency in all areas of the English language so that students can experience success in their classrooms and
in social contexts both inside and outside of the school. This program helps students from other cultures become
acclimated to American culture through language-based activities. All instruction in the ESOL program is given in English
to facilitate the acquisition of English language skills for successful academic and social pursuits.
Enrollment Requirements
All students enrolling at Mount Olive Elementary must have a complete and current Affidavit of Residence form filled
out and notarized. These forms are sent home at the start of the year and must be completed each year the student
attends Asa G. Hilliard. All students must have a current Georgia Certificate of Immunization as required by law (GA.
Code 20-2-771). This certificate of immunization must be on a form provided by the Georgia Department of Human
Resources (Form 3231).
Field Trips
Field trips are often planned to supplement and enrich units of schoolwork. In an effort to ensure students’ safety,
transportation is provided by the Fulton County school buses or an approved vendor for a fee. No child will be denied
permission to attend field trips due to an inability to pay; however, continuously disruptive behavior or refusal to
comply with adult orders may result in the denial of going on a field trip. We would like to encourage everyone that is
able to pay for the trips to do so to help offset the costs for transportation and entry. Every child must have written
permission from a parent/legal guardian before going on a field trip.
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
Grading System
Methods and Frequency of Reporting
Teachers should use a variety of ongoing, developmentally appropriate methods to measure student
progress such as tests, exams, rubrics, quizzes, projects, reports, homework, class participation and other
assignments. Teachers should use their own judgment in determining how much weight to give each
graded activity. Two years ago, the cluster created the suggested weights indicated below. If a grade level
would like to make modifications, please see administration. The modification must be consistent across
the grade level.
Grades should be based on the individual student's mastery of standards for the grade level in which the
student is currently placed, subject to any Individual Education Plan (IEP). Grades should not be
determined by a bell curve. Academic grades should not be lowered as a result of unsatisfactory conduct
except in cases of cheating. Students’ grades will not be lowered due to submitting the assignment late.
There is no policy that supports deducting points for late assignments.
The board policy indicates that the minimum number of grades used to determine the final grade should be
nine per semester, per subject area. Asa G. Hilliard Elementary requires six to nine grades for Reading,
ELA and Math per nine week grading period. Due to the nature of Social Studies and Science pacing, nine
grades per subject per semester are expected for each of these subjects.
Students coming from another school system or private school are given the grade the sending school
indicates. The final grade is determined by combining the transfer grade and the grades earned in the
Fulton County School.
Students withdrawing from a Fulton County school are given the grade they have earned in each subject up
to the date of withdrawal.
Grading Weights
• Homework 5%
• Classwork 50%
• Quizzes, At- Home Projects, Oral Presentations
15%
• Tests, Performance Assessments, End of Unit Writing, Group Work 20%
• Projects 10%
Grading Scale
Listed in the chart below are the academic symbols used for the Report Card and the Progress Skills
Checklist in grades K-5.
Grades K-1
Grades 2-5
Report Card
S (satisfactory/80-100)
N (needs improvement/70-79)
U (unsatisfactory/69-0)
NG (no grade)
A (90 – and above)
B (80-89)
C (70-79)
F (below 70)
NG (no grade)
Progress Skills Checklist
S (satisfactory)
N (needs improvement)
NE (not evaluated this term)
S (satisfactory)
N (needs improvement)
NE (not evaluated this term)
Standards Based Report Cards
Several Fulton County elementary schools utilize a Standards Based Report Card for grades two through
five. The Standards Based Report Card merges the traditional report card and progress skills checklist into
one reporting document. Asa G. Hilliard will continue using the combined standards based report cards for
these grade levels. The Standards Based Report Card is distributed four times during the school year, one
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
at the end of each nine week grading period. More specific information will be sent home regarding our
Standards Based Grading system at the beginning of the year.
Course/Subject Grade
Grades 2-5
A (90 – and above)
B (80 – 89)
C (70-79)
F (below 70)
NG (no grade)
Mastery of Standards in Core
Subjects
EX (exceeds standard)
MS (meets standard)
IP (in progress)
DNM (does not meet standard)
No grade (NG) is required on a progress report or report card if the student has been enrolled in the school
fewer than 20 school days of the grading period and/or there have been no grades received from the
previous school for that time period. In order to provide consistency, students who are not receiving grades
in their core subject areas special areas
Reports of Student Progress are distributed at the end of each 18-week semester. The minimum number of grades used
to determine the final grade should be nine per semester, per subject area.
Student Recognition
At Asa G. Hilliard Elementary we believe that is important to recognize our students for their hard work and efforts. We
recognize students twice a year for academic achievement, attendance, and citizenship. There will be a program held in
January to acknowledge their accomplishments for the first semester and again in May were we will acknowledge their
achievements for second semester and the entire school year. The following are the different categories students can
receive
Perfect Attendance No Absences
 No more than (5) tardies
First Grade Academic Achievement Satisfactory (S) in all grades for the semester
Honor Roll for Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades All B’s for the Semester
A- B Honor Roll for Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades
All A’s and B’s for the Semester
Principal’s List for Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grades A in all semester grades
Most Improved Three student from each homeroom will be recognized by the classroom teacher as most improved for the semester.
Citizenship Three student from each homeroom will be recognized by the classroom teacher as the citizenship recipient for the
semester.
Homework
Each student is expected to spend some time working at home in addition to scheduled class instruction. Some
assignments are long range in nature and require planned study time at home for completion. Planned study eliminates
spending too much time in completing an assignment the day before it is due. Homework reinforces skills taught in the
classroom, increases the student’s success on achievement tests, provides opportunity for parent involvement, and
develops responsibility.
Instructional Materials and Supplies
Textbooks and other instructional materials and supplies are furnished free of charge to all elementary students. If a
textbook or library book is lost or damaged, parents are required to make restitution. Immediate written notice will be sent
to parent/guardians when a student needs to make restitution for lost or damaged books or materials. If restitution has
not been made within ten days, students will not be issued a replacement text; however, they will be allowed to use a
loaned textbook at school only. When a student’s delinquent fees and restitution for lost or damaged materials equals or
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
exceeds $150, a notice will be sent to parents stating that a claim will be filed in small claims court. Fees collected for
lost and damaged materials are credited to the school’s textbook account.
Newsletter
A Parent Newsletter, The Panther Post, is published so that parents and supporters are kept abreast of school-wide
activities. The Parent Newsletter is sent home weekly with each student. Grade Level Newsletters are sent home
monthly.
Parent Concerns
The teacher should be the first point of contact regarding a concern. If the matter is not resolved, please contact the front
office.
Pre-Kindergarten Program
Fulton’s Pre-Kindergarten Program will follow the traditional school day/school year. Pre-K students will start school on
August 10, 2015 for a total of 179 days. Certified teachers in early childhood education are chosen as instructors with
school assistants working under their direct supervision. Each pre-kindergarten classroom serves twenty-two (22)
children.
Fulton County’s Pre-Kindergarten Program provides a developmentally appropriate curriculum designed by the Fulton
County Instructional Services Division in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, music and movement, and
fine arts. Pre-kindergarten teachers and school assistants receive intensive training in accelerating student achievement
to prepare children for kindergarten.
Social Networking Web Sites and Internet Safety
Students are logging on to social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Kik, Instagram, etc. These sites,
when used safely offer young people and adults a unique opportunity to interact. However, when used inappropriately,
these sites can become a hurtful or dangerous place for students.
The Fulton County School District’s firewall prevents such access at school, but these sites are being accessed on
personal computing devices and/or on home computers. While at school, students are sharing or acting on what they
have read. This creates disruptions and negatively impacts peer relationships, as well as the learning environment.
Some students create hurtful websites and post negative messages about other students and adults. We consider
such incidents a form of “cyber harassment”. Please talk with your child about appropriate internet behavior and
the importance of never posting something mean, hurtful, profane or obscene online. Having access to your
child’s online networking account or internet use is a step in the direction of understanding your child.
Students sometimes share personal information that jeopardizes their safety. For instance, the following pieces of
personal information can be found posted by students:
*Suggestive photos
*Home phone and cell phone numbers
*Date of Birth
*Personal identifiable journal entries
*Student’s real name
*School Name
*Classmates’ personal information
*School Location
When a student lists personal information, they are at risk of attracting the attention of online predators that may use
this information to search for potential victims. Online predators may pose as teenagers or young adults in order to
establish relationships with young people.
Please take time to review your family’s safety guidelines for using the Internet wisely. Some helpful websites for
internet safety contracts and discussions with your child include www.netsmartz.org and www.ikeepsafe.org (for
younger students).
Student Support Team
The Student Support Team (SST) is a regular education, interdisciplinary group that uses a systematic approach to
address learning or behavior problems of students.
The team members brainstorm and recommend instructional and behavioral strategies to be used by teachers in the
classroom. Data are collected and strategies are evaluated by the team as to their effectiveness for the student at
subsequent SST meetings. It is anticipated that the consistent use of effective strategies will make a referral to special
education unnecessary in many cases.
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
Student Injuries
If your child has been subjected to an injury off school grounds, it is the parent’s responsibility to contact the school to
report the incident. If he/she is unable to participate in any physical activity, please send a note from your family
doctor/pediatrician.
If your child is injured on school grounds, you will be contacted concerning the injury and incident. The school
is not responsible for the doctor bill. At the beginning of the school year, you will be able to purchase insurance.
For more information, contact the Fulton County Schools @ 404-768-3600 to inquire about additional insurance.
Talented and Gifted (TAG)
The Fulton County talented and gifted program is a response to the need to address the unique learning characteristics,
interests, personal needs, and capabilities of gifted children. The program emphasizes the gifted students’ need for
interaction with intellectual peers. Emphasis on the individual highlights the fact that there are differences among gifted
students. There is a need for specialized educational experiences to meet these differences.
The Talented and Gifted Program identifies gifted students based on State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-38.
Classroom teachers screen all Fulton County students twice a year for the gifted program. If a student is referred for the
gifted program, the school gathers information based on multiple criteria: mental ability, achievement, creativity, and
motivation. In order for students to be eligible for gifted services they must qualify in at least three of the following four
areas:

Mental Ability: 96th percentile component or composite score on a nationally normed test of mental ability

Creativity: 90th percentile score on a nationally normed creativity test

Achievement: 90th percentile score in total reading, total math, or complete composite on a nationally normed
achievement test; or significantly above-level in language arts or math

Motivation: 90th percentile on a standardized motivational characteristics rating scale
Telephone
Children are permitted to use the school telephone ONLY in an emergency. Forgotten papers, instruments or school
materials DOES NOT constitute an emergency.
Toys/ Non-School Related Items
Students should not bring toys, games or other non-instructional related items to school. They tend to cause distractions
and upset classroom routine and order. Such items will be collected by the teacher or administration and returned to the
parent upon request.
Transportation
Bus Rider
Behavior on school buses is an extension of classroom/school behavior. Students need to be aware that all rules
governing student conduct while on campus/school property apply while students are on the school bus. Riding the bus
is a privilege contingent upon proper and courteous conduct. For the safety of all students on the bus, children whose
conduct negatively affects their safety or the safety of others will be referred to the assistant principal by the bus driver.
Students may be subject to disciplinary procedures when bus safety rules are violated. These may include assigned
seats and/or suspension from riding the bus for one or more days. All bus safety rules must be followed by bus riding
students. Because of the additional safety factors and for the protection of the driver and students on the bus, school
administrators have the authority to impose an immediate suspension from the school bus for both serious offenses and
for minor violations. Consequences will occur after the bus driver has communicated verbal and/or written warnings and
has attempted intervention strategies. Examples of possible consequences are: verbal/written warning, parent
conference, out-of school suspension, and/or bus suspension. Depending on the severity of the offense, the administrator
may place the student on the most appropriate step of the cycle. Bus discipline does not preclude additional sanctions
as provided in policy, procedures, school rules, or federal, state and local laws.
-
1st Bus Offense- Student conference will be held with an administrator.
2nd Bus Offense- Student may be placed on bus probation, and parent will be notified that the student may be
suspended from the bus when the next bus offense occurs.
3rd Bus Offense- Student may be suspended from riding the bus for one to five days with parent contact or
notification.
4th Bus Offense- Student may be suspended from riding the bus for five or more days with parent conference
required before student resumes riding the bus. Student may be referred to an Informal Disciplinary Hearing.
All questions concerning bus schedules and routes should be directed to:
South Fulton Transportation Department at (770) 969-6060.
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
Car Rider
To facilitate the dismissal process, Asa G Hilliard Elementary maintains an efficient car pool schedule. At the beginning
of the year, parents will be issued a number to be displayed in the car when they arrive to pick up their child (ren).
Please help us keep our students safe. Children should be dropped off and picked up in the parent drop-off area and not
in the bus drop-off area. Both areas are posted. Cars should not enter any roadways marked with BUSES ONLY. Cars
should form a single line in the car riders’ lane where they will stop for children to enter or exit the car. Students should
exit/enter cars from the curbside only. Please refrain from pulling out of line to go ahead, endangers all persons in your
car as well as pedestrians and contributes to an already over- crowded traffic situation.
Cars must not park in the pickup or dismissal area along the front curb or block fire lanes or handicapped/ reserved
parking. Please use a slow speed at all times and do not leave your car unattended. In order to facilitate the unloading
or loading of car riders, we ask that you pull all the way to the end of the walkway as directed by duty personnel before
stopping to let your children out or in. Children are expected to be picked up in the afternoon by 2:20 p.m. in the car pool
line.
Transportation Changes
A student’s method of transportation will not be altered without a written request from a parent and approval from the
administration. We will not allow any changes in transportation unless we have written communication which has been
signed by the parent or guardian. The written communication should include the students name, teacher, new
transportation method and duration. Example: My daughter Koryn Nelson is usually a car rider. She will be riding bus
343 for the next three days ( 8/20/15 – 8/22/15) to her grandmother’s house at 5646 Sir Henry Street, East Point, GA
30344. She will resume being a car rider on 8/23/15. Please contact me if you have any questions at 404-669-8050.
Ms. Regina Nelson.
Students must get on and off the bus only at their own stop. Students may not ride another bus for the purpose of visiting
a friend. If it is necessary to change buses due to a long-term childcare situation, written authorization must be granted
by the South Fulton Transportation Department.
Visitation
Professionalism
In an effort to model professionalism for our students, we ask that all staff, parents and visitors come to school dressed
appropriately and displaying their best behavior. This means that visitors, parents and staff should not wear clothing with
inappropriate language or symbols, bonnets, pajamas, or clothes that display various body parts. All adults are expected
to speak to each other and students respectfully without using loud tones or obscene language. We do understand that
there may be times when an adult may be frustrated about something that needs to be addressed, the staff will work
diligently to handle it respectfully, professionally and quickly. The expectation is that all adults will interact with each other
in a respectful manner. Any adult that chooses to be unprofessional will be asked to leave the area/school until they have
calmed down. If an adult is physically or persistently verbally aggressive, a school resource officer will be contacted. We
thank you in advance for helping to create a professional and supportive environment for our students. They watch
everything that we say and do and we want to make sure we are modeling appropriate behavior, dress and attitudes for
success.
Classroom- Parents are always welcome to visit their child’s class. Classroom visitations are not the time for
parent/teacher conferences. Classroom visits are strictly for observational purposes. A teacher is not to be interrupted
for any reason. Due to the fact that visits often cause disruptions for some students, observations should be limited to
monthly visits. If there is a concern, please contact the principal who will accompany or appoint a designee to accompany
you on subsequent visits. Contacting the teacher by note or telephone at least one day in advance is recommended for
all visits. Please note that classroom visits are not the same as volunteering.
To ensure the safety of our students and staff, we ask that all parents and visitors sign-in through the main office upon
arrival. All visitors must always report directly to the school office if they are in the building for classroom visitation,
delivering articles/messages to students, eating lunch, or reporting as a volunteer. Visitors will be asked to wear an
identification badge while in the building.
School-The Fulton County Board of Education expects that all parents and visitors will treat school staff and students
with courtesy. While we are very hopeful that this will not be an issue, you should be aware that Georgia law prohibits
certain behavior on school property and in school safety zones. For example, the law prohibits a person from loitering or
being on school property without a legitimate need to be there. It requires that visitors check in at the school’s designated
location. It also provides penalties for individuals who refuse to leave school property when directed. The law also
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Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
prohibits disruptive conduct on school property, including school buses and bus stops. Additionally, the law prohibits
individuals from upbraiding, insulting, or abusing public school employees in the presence of students and minors.
If the educational environment is or could be negatively impacted, the Fulton County Board of Education reserves the
right to place restrictions on the ability of certain individuals to come onto campus, attend school events, or interact with
staff. We may also place restrictions on individuals who have violated certain school policies or state law. We appreciate
your understanding and cooperation as we strive to provide a safe and productive environment for students and staff.
Volunteers
Asa G. Hilliard seeks to involve interested and supportive groups of parents and volunteers who pool their talents for the
benefit of our children. In order to volunteer, you must attend a volunteer orientation and complete the online volunteer
registration process. Any volunteer who has not completed this process, will be unable to volunteer around any of the
students. Please see our Parent Liaison for more information.
Withdrawal Procedures
Families leaving Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School will need to contact the Data Clerk for withdrawal procedures. Parents
should notify the school of a student’s withdrawal at least 24 hours in advance to allow for teacher reporting of grades
and student levels. All library books and textbooks should be returned to the school, and any cafeteria charges should
be paid. School records will be forwarded t0 the new school upon their request.
2015- 2016 School Calendar
First Semester
August 4 – 7.............................................Preplanning for teachers
August 10........................................................ First Day of School
September 7......................................... Labor Day (schools closed)
October 9....................................... Teacher Workday (students off)
October 12.......................Teacher/Student Holiday (schools closed)
November 23 – 27...............Thanksgiving Holidays (schools closed)
December 18.........................................Last Day of First Semester
December 21 – January 1...................Winter Break (schools closed)
Second Semester
January 4........................................ Teacher Workday (students off)
January 5..................... Professional Development Day (students off)
January 6......................................................First Day of Semester
January 18............... Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (schools closed)
February 12*............... Professional Development Day (students off)
February 15....................... President’s Day Holiday (schools closed)
March 10*...................................... Teacher Workday (students off)
March 11..................... Professional Development Day (students off)
April 4-8........................................... Spring Break (schools closed)
May 26.............................................................Last Day of School
May 27*................................................. Postplanning for teachers
* Designated as inclement weather days if needed.
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