PARENT and STUDENT
HANDBOOK
2012-13
ROSEWOOD ELEMENTARY
3300 ROSEWOOD DRIVE
COLUMBIA, SC 29205
TELEPHONE (803) 343-2930
August 20, 2012
Dear Rosewood Parents,
Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! I hope you all had an enjoyable summer and are ready
for an exciting year of learning at Rosewood Elementary. To promote a safe and productive school
environment, please take time to review our parent handbook.
For the upcoming school year, we will be joined by three new faculty members. We happily
welcome Lena Lee as our new librarian. We also welcome Mary Germany and Michelle Woodyard as
they join third grade teachers Fran McFall and Llewellyn Shealy. We are very excited they have joined
our faculty. Also, Taylor Ligon has moved to a full-time second grade position.
During the summer months, several projects have been started to enhance the learning
environment of our school. In several classrooms, the old carpet was removed, and these rooms now
glow from the newly refinished hardwood floors. Over the course of the spring, wireless access was
added to the building, and this summer we acquired a wireless computer lab equipped with laptop
computers. We appreciate the assistance of our district, our PTO, and our Educational Foundation for
making this possible. Our new, portable, wireless lab will greatly increase student access to technology
during the upcoming school year.
Parents and the community are still our most valuable resources to the children and faculty of
Rosewood Elementary. Working together with our parents and the community, we are committed to
providing our students a safe, caring, academically challenging and diverse learning environment that
will develop productive citizens for a changing world. I encourage each of you to be involved in your
child’s education, and to be a partner with us in your child’s education. If you ever have a question or
concern related to school, please contact us so that we may work together for the benefit of our
students. In the first few weeks of school, you will be receiving information from the PTO about its
activities and volunteer opportunities. Family activities planned for this year include science day, fall
carnival, student performances, end of the year picnic and the Rosewood 5-K run. While there are
many opportunities to be involved or support our teachers and students through the PTO or Rosewood
Educational Foundation, I also encourage parents and community members to consider sharing time
with our students promoting literacy and reading skills by serving as a Rosewood Reader. We hope to
see you around Rosewood and that you will consider offering your time or talents to assist and support
Rosewood Elementary School.
It is always exciting to begin a new school year! I look forward to the year ahead, getting to
know our new students and parents, and being a part of the many wonderful things that will take place
for our students at Rosewood Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Williams
Elizabeth Williams
Principal
ROSEWOOD ELEMENTARY PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK
2012 - 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL.........................................................................................................
1
ABSENCES ...........................................................................................................................
1
ACCELERATED READER ...................................................................................................
2
AFTERNOON DISMISSAL – CHANGE IN PLANS ..............................................................
3
ART CLASS – WHAT TO WEAR .........................................................................................
3
ATTENDANCE ZONE MAP ..................................................................................................
25
AUTO DIALER ......................................................................................................................
3
BACKPACKS ........................................................................................................................
3
BEING PREPARED FOR CLASS ........................................................................................
4
BICYCLES .............................................................................................................................
4
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AT SCHOOL ........................................................................
4
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAMS ............................................................................
4
CALLING HOME ...................................................................................................................
5
CELL PHONES & IPODS .....................................................................................................
5
CHANGE OF ADDRESS ......................................................................................................
5
CHESS CLUB .......................................................................................................................
6
CONFERENCES ...................................................................................................................
6
CROSSING ROSEWOOD DRIVE .........................................................................................
6
DISCOURAGING TEMPTATION THROUGH SIMPLICITY .................................................
6
DOGS ....................................................................................................................................
7
DRESS CODE .......................................................................................................................
7
DROPPING OFF AND PICKING UP STUDENTS BY CAR .................................................
7
AFTERNOON DISMISSAL…………………………………………………………………………
8
EMERGENCY DISMISSAL ...................................................................................................
9
ENTERING CLASSROOMS BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ................................................
9
FIELD TRIPS .........................................................................................................................
9
FOUNDATION .......................................................................................................................
9
GUM.......................................................................................................................................
10
HALF DAYS ..........................................................................................................................
10
HEAD LICE, RINGWORM, ETC. ..........................................................................................
10
HEALTH CARE AT SCHOOL ...............................................................................................
10
HELPING YOUR CHILD GROW ...........................................................................................
11
HOMEWORK .........................................................................................................................
11
HOMEWORK AND SCHOOL WORK DURING ABSENCES ..............................................
11
HONOR ROLL .......................................................................................................................
12
INSURANCE FOR STUDENTS ............................................................................................
12
LIBRARY ...............................................................................................................................
12
LOST AND FOUND ...............................................................................................................
13
LOST BOOKS .......................................................................................................................
13
LUNCH DELIVERY ...............................................................................................................
13
LUNCH WITH YOUR CHILDREN .........................................................................................
13
MAP TESTING………………………………………………………………………………………
13
MATHEMATICS FACTS .......................................................................................................
14
NEWSLETTER ......................................................................................................................
15
PASS AND SCHOOL REPORT CARD ................................................................................
15
PARENT AND TEACHER ORGANIZATION ........................................................................
15
PICKING UP STUDENTS EARLY ........................................................................................
16
PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS ..............................................................................................
16
RECESS ................................................................................................................................
16
REGISTRATION ....................................................................................................................
16
REPORT CARDS, INTERIM REPORTS & GRADES ..........................................................
16
RESPONSIBLE THINKING CENTER ...................................................................................
17
RESTROOMS........................................................................................................................
17
RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS .................................................................................................
17
SCHOOL BUS EMERGENCIES ...........................................................................................
17
SCHOOL HOURS AND SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS ....................................................
17
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER .........................................................................................
18
SCHOOL RULES .................................................................................................................
19
SECURITY CHECKS ON ADULTS ......................................................................................
20
SELLING ITEMS AT SCHOOL .............................................................................................
20
SHOES ..................................................................................................................................
20
SKATEBOARDS & SCOOTERS ..........................................................................................
21
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR ........................................................................................
21
STAFF ROSTER ...................................................................................................................
24
STRANGERS PICKING UP STUDENTS..............................................................................
21
STRINGS CLASS..................................................................................................................
21
STUDENT BEHAVIOR ..........................................................................................................
21
SUGGESTION BOX ..............................................................................................................
22
TARDINESS ..........................................................................................................................
22
TELEPHONE MESSAGES ...................................................................................................
22
TEXTBOOKS ........................................................................................................................
22
TRANSFER STUDENTS .......................................................................................................
22
TRANSFERS AND WITHDRAWALS ...................................................................................
23
VISITING SCHOOL ...............................................................................................................
23
WEB PAGE ...........................................................................................................................
23
WRITING ...............................................................................................................................
23
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Rosewood serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. From their grade
level teachers, students will receive instruction in language arts, mathematics, social studies,
science, and health. Weekly art, music, physical education, computer, and Spanish classes
are provided by specialist teachers. A resource room and, beginning in third grade, an
advanced academic program (AAP) are available to meet the special needs of students. Also
available at our school are specialists who provide psychological testing and speech therapy.
ABSENCES
The State of South Carolina and Richland District One have mandated that attendance
be given high priority. Attendance and truancy procedures will be strictly enforced.
Reasons for excused absences include:
 Contagious illness.
 Serious illness.
 Death in the family or illness.
 School sponsored field trips.
 Any other reasons must be approved by the principal in writing in advance.
When your child is absent from school, you must provide a written excuse within 2 days
after he/she returns to school.
 A doctor’s note is the best excuse. Please ask for one if you take your child to the
doctor or dentist.
 Send the excuse to your child’s teacher or bring the excuse to the office.
 Fax the excuse to 929-3849.
 E-mail an excuse to Sspivey@richlandone.org
Include in the note:
 Child’s full name.
 Reason & date(s) for the absence(s).
 Teacher’s name.
 Your signature.
Attendance and Truancy Rules:
 After a student is absent for three consecutive days, or for a total of five days, the
school will set up a conference with the parent/guardian to develop an Attendance
Intervention Plan to improve the student’s attendance.
 A school social worker may assist in contacting the parent/guardian and developing
a plan.
 If a student’s absences continue after an intervention plan has been developed, the
parent/guardian and student will be summoned to appear before a Family Court
judge.
 Following a Family Court hearing, if the parent/guardian does not adhere to the court
order, the school is required to file a contempt of court complaint against the
parent/guardian with the Solicitor’s Office.
 After a student has accumulated an excessive amount of absences due to illness,
the school may require a doctor’s excuse for any such further absences.
Copies of the attendance policy are in the office. You can come by the office if you would like
a copy.
ACCELERATED READER
This program begins with a computerized test administered individually in our computer
lab to determine each student’s independent reading level. A student will then select a library
book that is coded to his/her particular reading level. After students read a book, they will take
a short computer administered test that determines how well they understood their particular
book.
Students accumulate points for passing short comprehension tests and can earn
rewards and recognition for their successes. Students do not compete against each other but
strive to meet their own individualized weekly or monthly goal.
The purpose of the program is to foster growth in students’ reading abilities, as reading
is the foundation of all school success. To this end, we are requiring all students, as part of
their homework, to read at home for at least 30 minutes each day and for 30 minutes over the
weekend. Parent’s may be required to sign or initial a sheet on a daily basis certifying that the
student did complete his daily reading responsibility.
We are convinced that if students diligently participate in this program, their reading
abilities will improve. However, parents play a major role in their children’s success with this
program by consistently encouraging and monitoring students’ reading activity at home.
Accelerated Reader book lists have been provided at our local public libraries.
The purpose of this program is to encourage, not discourage, students’ reading. If you
feel at any time that the program is not having its intended effect, please bring this to the
attention of your child’s reading teacher so that together you can analyze the problem and
make adjustments.
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You will receive more specific information about the program from your child’s reading
teacher.
First graders will ease into the program with a 15 minute daily and weekend home
reading requirement.
Kindergarten students have their own daily reading program, Families Read Every
Day (FRED). Kindergarten parents will receive information about FRED.
AFTERNOON DISMISSAL – CHANGES IN PLANS
At the end of the school day students ride a school bus, ride a daycare van, are picked
up in a car, or walk home.
If a student will deviate from his/her established mode of dismissal (i.e. going home with
a friend, not getting on a bus or van, etc.) we must receive this notification of a change in
writing by 1:00 p.m. We cannot change a student’s mode of going home or going to his afterschool provider based on his/her verbal communication or a phone call.
You can send a note with your child to that effect or you can fax a note to the school
office (Fax: 929-3849). All faxes must be received prior to 1:00 p.m.
ART CLASS – WHAT TO WEAR
On the day that your child has his/her art class, remember your child will be working
with paints and other materials that may, in fact, stain clothing. A word to the wise is sufficient!
ATTENDANCE ZONE MAP
For your convenience, you will find a Rosewood School Zone Attendance Map on the
last page of this book. Any child who lives within the perimeter of this map is zoned for our
school. The Richland One web page also has a feature called School Zone Locator to assist
with school zone and transportation information.
AUTO DIALER
From time to time you will be receiving automated telephone calls from our school,
reminding you of important school events and/or information. Additionally, auto dialer will call
you each time your child is absent from school.
If, after a month of school, you notice that you have not yet received a call from our auto
dialer, please call Sheila Spivey, our attendance secretary (733-3048), to make sure we have
3
your correct telephone number.
BACKPACKS
We encourage you to purchase a backpack for your child as soon as possible. Each
year students are issued textbooks and workbooks. If a book is lost, you must pay a
replacement cost before a new one can be issued. Providing your child with something in
which to carry his books, papers, and pencils could help prevent such a loss. Bookbags with
wheels are discouraged as they present safety issues – such as tripping others – and the
wheels can damage our hardwood floors.
BEING PREPARED FOR CLASS
Students should come to school prepared with the necessary tools for learning,
including pencils, paper, books, and homework assignments. Students will not be allowed to
call home for homework left at home. It is their responsibility to come to school with completed
homework assignments.
BICYCLES
Students may ride their bicycles to school and lock them up on the bicycle rack located
on the patio next to the parking lot. Students should walk, not ride, their bicycles on the
campus.
Bicycle students crossing Rosewood Drive must exit the school grounds through the
gate at South Ott Road and Rosewood Drive.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AT SCHOOL
In order to guarantee smooth functioning of our daily school routine and to avoid hurt
feelings, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:
1.
Balloons, flowers, or other items may not be delivered to students at school.
2.
Parents may bring cupcakes, cookies, or other treats to be enjoyed by all children in a
homebase class. These should be sent in the morning so that they can be given to the
child’s class as a dessert treat during lunch.
3.
A student may not distribute birthday party invitations at school unless there is an
invitation for each of the students in his or her homeroom class.
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAMS
4
Breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. to 7:25 a.m. Except when a school bus is late, no
student will be allowed in the cafeteria after 7:15 a.m. The cost of a student breakfast is 75
cents and the cost of a student lunch is $1.35. Your family income may qualify your child for
free or reduced price breakfast and lunch.
You are welcome to fill out a free or reduced lunch application and have your child give
it to his teacher. If last year your child was on free or reduced breakfast and lunch and you did
not fill out a new application during the summer, it is necessary for you to fill one out as soon
as your child enters school. Your child must pay full price for his breakfast and lunch until a
decision is made on your new application.
You may wish to purchase a meal plan rather than have your child bring the cost of
lunch or breakfast to school daily. Students may pay the cafeteria cashier prior to the start of
the school day. You may pay by cash, check, or money orders made out to Rosewood
Cafeteria.
A ten-day lunch plan costs:
Reduced Price - $4
Full Price - $13.50
A ten-day breakfast plan costs:
Reduced Price - $3
Full Price - $7.50
Milk is served with school lunches. Water can be substituted for milk only if we receive
a note from a doctor stating that your child cannot drink milk for medical reasons. Students are
not permitted to use the cafeteria microwave to warm their breakfasts or lunches.
Please feel free to have breakfast or lunch with your child any time you would like. Adult
breakfast is $1.80 and adult lunches are $3.00.
CALLING HOME FOR PARENTS TO BRING FORGOTTEN ITEMS
Students may not call home to ask their parents to bring homework, lunch, and
other forgotten items to school.
If a child forgets to bring his work or lunch to school, it is not the end of the world.
Students need to learn that their parents have more important things to do than to run to
school with a forgotten book, work sheet, or lunch box.
All students are encouraged to place money in their lunch accounts so that they can buy
school lunches on the days that they forget to bring lunch from home.
CELL PHONES AND IPODS
Students are not permitted to bring cell phones or iPods to school. Exceptions to this
rule can only be granted by the Principal.
5
CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND/OR TELEPHONE NUMBER
If you move to a new address at any time during the current year, you must present the
office with two proofs of your new address. It is a district requirement to establish proof of
residency as a part of each student’s permanent record. If the school receives returned mail,
your child’s schedule will be dropped until proof of residency in the Rosewood attendance
zone is verified.
Please inform us immediately of any changes in your personal or work telephone
numbers. It is the only way we have of notifying you in case of an emergency involving your
child.
CHESS CLUB
Fifth graders are eligible to join our chess club that meets after school every Tuesday in
the school library from 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fifth grade students and their parents will be hearing more about the club in the near
future.
It is sponsored by the PTO and is coached by parent volunteers. If you would like to
volunteer for the club, please inform the principal.
CONFERENCES
It is good for parents and teachers to talk with each other. Students do a
better job when they know their families and teachers are interested in their academic
progress. Conferences can be arranged by contacting teachers. All conferences must be
arranged in advance. Teachers cannot stop instruction in order to confer with parents. If you
have problems contacting teachers, please call the principal for help.
Two half-days of school are designated for parent-teacher conferences. However, it is
not possible for a teacher to schedule a conference with every family on these days. In
addition to these two days, teachers schedule parent conferences continually throughout the
school year.
You may find it informative to spend some time observing in your child’s classes prior to
conferring with teachers.
CROSSING ROSEWOOD DRIVE
Students who must cross Rosewood Drive should do so only at the intersection of Ott
Road and Rosewood Drive. The Police Department provides a crossing guard to control the
6
traffic at this intersection 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. and 2:25 to 2:45 p.m.
For student safety, students who walk home and cross Rosewood Drive should leave at
dismissal and go directly to the crosswalk to meet the crossing guard. Students should stand
on the sidewalk while waiting for the crossing guard to stop traffic. The crossing guard will
signal when he/she is ready for the children to cross. Under no circumstances should a child
attempt to cross Rosewood Drive without the assistance of the crossing guard.
DISCOURAGING TEMPTATION THROUGH SIMPLICITY
Small items which students bring to school often become “misplaced.” Regrettably,
sometimes, these items are taken by other students. Sometimes we are able to retrieve the
item; sometimes we are not able to do so.
You can help by sending your child to school with only those basic, simple, inexpensive
items necessary for school. Please avoid sending your child to school with unnecessary or
extravagant items when simpler ones will perform the same functions.
Additionally, if your child brings home something that is not his, please inquire and
follow-up in a responsible manner.
DOGS
Dogs are not allowed on the school grounds. If you walk to school with a dog, do not
enter the school grounds.
DRESS CODE
We ask that you send your children to school dressed simply, modestly, and safely. A
few guidelines………
1.
Students should not wear high heels or make-up.
2.
Students should not wear midriff tops, tank tops, or muscle shirts.
3.
Students should not wear pants that sit below their waist.
4.
Fifth grade students may not wear shorts that are more than four (4) inches above the
knee.
5.
Students may not wear hats or bandanas in school. Hats should be worn to school only
for health reasons and not for fashion. Baseball-style hats are particularly discouraged.
6.
Students should wear safe shoes to school, preferably sneakers and socks. Flip-flops
7
are not safe for running around the playground at recess.
7.
Students should only wear soft rubber-bottomed shoes to school. Hard plastic heels
and soles scrape and scratch our hardwood floors.
DROPPING OFF AND PICKING UP STUDENTS BY CAR
Morning Drop-Off
1.
Students must arrive at school by 7:25 a.m. Students who arrive earlier should proceed
to the auditorium where they will be supervised until 7:25 a.m. at which time they will
proceed to their classrooms.
2.
South Ravenel Street is closed to southbound traffic from 7 to 8 a.m. Hope Street,
between South Ravenel and Walker, is closed to eastbound traffic also at this time.
3.
Cars must enter South Ravenel Street from behind the school.
4.
As you come down South Ravenel, be patient as it is a one lane car line. Students in
grades K – 2 may be dropped off at the supervised sidewalk location on South Ravenel.
Students in grades 3 – 5 may be dropped off at the supervised location behind the
school on the sidewalk near the cafeteria.
5.
Do not drop off your children prior to 7:10 a.m. if they are not eating breakfast at school.
We provide supervision in the auditorium from 7:10 a.m.
6.
South Ott Road is not a student drop-off area.
Afternoon Pick-Up
1.
From 2 to 3 p.m. South Ravenel Street and Hope Avenue are one way just as from 7 to
8 a.m.
2.
Cars should approach South Ravenel Street from behind the school and turn into our
driveway. NOTE: We cannot prevent homeowners – or anyone else for that matter –
from parking on South Ravenel Street. So, at times parked cars may narrow the path of
traffic, making it difficult for school buses and day care vans to pass the line of cars.
When you are in this line, you can help by driving as close as possible to the right side
of the street.
3.
At 2:20 p.m. we will dismiss day-care students, school bus students, and car riders. To
avoid congestion, walkers may be picked up in front of our Rosewood Drive portico for
parents who wish to meet them on the school grounds and then walk together to their
parked cars. This will relieve the congestion on the South Ravenel Street portico, as
bus students and day-care students are exiting the building.
8
You are still welcome to congregate on our patio before and after picking up your
children who will be waiting for you at the front of our school.
4.
From 2 to 3 p.m. cars may not park or pick up students on South Ravenel Street. In the
afternoon, South Ravenel is reserved for school busses and day care vans.
5.
The driveway is basically one lane. If at 2:25 p.m. your child is not at the sidewalk
waiting for you, please drive around the block again to maintain the orderly and efficient
flow of traffic.
6.
Please impress upon your child the importance of being ready for pick-up when you
arrive.
7.
Between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. parents may park their cars on Hope Avenue.
8.
School is over at 2:30 p.m. Please note that we do not provide supervision after
2:30 p.m., and, for safety and supervision reasons, students will not be allowed to
re-enter the building once they have been picked up by their parents.
Do not park on South Ott Road to pick up students. Students should not be
dropped off or picked up on South Ott Road.
9.
10.
Do not attempt to enter into a conversation with a teacher on duty at the driveway.
EMERGENCY DISMISSAL
Local television and radio stations will announce any school closing or changes in
school hours as a result of extraordinary weather conditions or events. District I Infophone
(231-7512) also will give similar information, and information is generally posted quickly on the
Richland County School District One website.
ENTERING CLASSROOMS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL
At 3:00 p.m., outside doors to our school are locked. Students and parents should not
attempt to enter the school after hours to retrieve forgotten books, etc., from classrooms.
Secretaries and custodians should not be asked to open locked classrooms.
FIELD TRIPS
During the year, students will be taking several field trips with their classes. We must
have a form signed by a parent or guardian granting permission for a student to go on each
trip. Without this signed form, a child will not be allowed to leave the school.
Sometimes, a student finds it difficult to consistently display appropriate behavior. Such
9
students can have a disruptive effect on class activities. Therefore, if a student demonstrates
a pattern of such behavior, his/her parent (or an adult stand-in for the parent) will be required
to accompany the student on the day’s outing.
Because many of our field trips require advance planning, reservations, and deposits,
please note that payments for out of town or overnight trips may not be refunded if you decide
your child will not attend a trip after reservations have been made for your child.
To promote student safety, all parent chaperones must go through a background check.
Mrs. Drake can provide you with the needed application if you would like to volunteer to
chaperone a trip. For the privacy of students, parents attending school functions are urged to
avoid videoing and taking pictures of students and posting those images through social media.
FOUNDATION
The Rosewood Foundation’s mission is to raise funds for the school. Part of these
funds are placed into an endowment for the school and part are spent annually or as needed
on the needs of students and faculty.
Stay tuned for news about this year’s foundation event.
GUM
Students may not chew gum at school or on the school bus. Please make sure your
child leaves school in the morning without gum in his/her mouth, pockets, or bookbag.
HALF DAYS
On the school calendar you will notice a number of half-days of school. On these days
students are dismissed at noon. Please remind your daycare provider to pick up your child at
noon on these days.
HEAD LICE, RINGWORM, ETC.
From time to time at all schools throughout the world, students may contract head lice,
ringworm, etc. This is not unusual. Students from the cleanest homes can, and often do,
contract these things.
If you should have any of these problems in your family or learn of a case at school, call
the school nurse. Students who have had head lice may return to school with a parent note
following the child’s first lice removal treatment.
10
HEALTH CARE AT SCHOOL
Medical Emergency Cards - From time to time children are sent to our health room for
treatment of minor illnesses, scrapes, or cuts. It is important that you fill out and return our
school emergency card that tells us how to reach you or an alternate person in case of
a real emergency.
Dispensing of Medicine at School - Richland School Board Policy JGCD and JGCD-R
mandates that whenever medication is to be given during school hours, instructions by the
physician and a permission form signed by a parent must be on file in the school before any
prescribed medication will be dispensed. Without this permission form, medication will not be
given at school.
We understand that some medications in order to be effective must be given during the
middle of the day. Many medications, however, including antibiotics and non-prescription
medicines, can be given after school. With the relatively large number of students receiving
medication at school each day, your cooperation is important in order that all goes smoothly.
HELPING YOUR CHILD GROW
School is one of the first major experiences that provides children the opportunity to
emancipate themselves emotionally from their parents and begin to establish an independent
identity within the context of teachers and peers.
Beginning the second week of school, students should say good-bye to their parents
outside of the school. Likewise, at the end of the school day, parents should meet their
children outside of school, not inside the school. While this rule may appear overly arbitrary
and rigid, it serves the best interests of the developing child.
HOMEWORK
Students will be assigned homework on a regular basis. Homework can have a positive
effect on a child’s progress at school. Homework also serves as one of the best ways for us to
communicate with you on a regular basis what your child is learning at school.
In assigning students homework, we will follow the ‘ten-minute rule,” which translates
into ten minutes homework multiplied by a student’s grade. So, first graders would be
assigned ten minutes homework, third graders – thirty minutes, etc.
We also expect your child to read for leisure thirty minutes each evening, and spend ten
minutes memorizing math facts. You will hear more from your child’s reading teacher about
these expectations. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to simply make leisurely
reading a large part of family time together in the evenings.
11
Students should be able to complete their homework on their own without your help,
with the exception of drilling your child on math facts for ten minutes. If you find that is not the
case, you should consult your child’s teacher.
Homework should in no way wreak havoc on or induce stress into your family’s evening
existence. If that should occur, you should contact your child’s teacher to together diagnose
the problem.
Students will not be assigned homework over the weekend or on the evenings when
there is a PTO function at our school. The exception to this would be that in the upper grades,
students may occasionally have an assignment due on Mondays.
Please let us know if you feel that your child’s homework is exceeding these guidelines.
HOMEWORK AND SCHOOLWORK DURING ABSENCES
Students are absent from school for various reasons. The majority of these absences
are due to illnesses, while a smaller percentage is due to family vacations, participation in outof-school activities, etc. Reasons for excused absences include contagious illness, serious
illness, death in the family or illness, and school sponsored field trips. Any other requests for
excused absences must be submitted in writing and approved by the principal in advance.
Absences Due to Illness
It is not necessary to obtain classwork or homework for students who are absent one or
two days. After three consecutive days of absences, upon your request, teachers will put
together a packet of schoolwork and homework for your child. You should make your request
by telephone one day in advance. A packet will be ready by 3:00 p.m. for you to pick up in the
school office.
Absences Due to Vacation
Please do not request schoolwork in advance for students who are going on vacation.
Making Up Work Upon Returning to School
Students, returning to school after an extended absence for any reason, will be given
sufficient time to make up any necessary work.
HONOR ROLL
Third, fourth, and fifth grade students who earn all A’s and B’s in Language Arts,
Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Health will receive an Honor Roll Certificate along
with their report card.
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INSURANCE FOR STUDENTS
Each year our students are offered medical and dental accident insurance benefits.
This year Markel has changed its procedure for managing our student insurance program.
Enrollment will be done by using the internet. Parents/guardians will use a dedicated and
secure website to enroll (http://markel.sevencorners.com).
LIBRARY
Our library operates on a flexible schedule allowing students and teachers to use it as
often as possible. Students are also welcome to use the library 30 minutes before school and
30 minutes after school on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please let us know if you feel that
your child does not have the opportunity to visit the library on a regular basis during school.
Parents may donate books to our library. Please ask Mrs. Lee, our librarian, for details.
LOST AND FOUND
At the end of each month we will donate to a local charity any lost clothing in the Lost
and Found Box. We suggest the following:
1.
Write your child's name in indelible ink on all jackets, sweaters, coats, backpacks, lunch
boxes, etc. brought to school.
2.
Avoid having your child bring money to school except when absolutely necessary.
Remind your child to keep the money in a pocket until it is given to the cashier in the
cafeteria or teacher upon arrival at school.
3.
Remind your child not to bring valuable possessions or toys to school.
LOST BOOKS
Students will not receive their last report card if a lost book is not paid for by the end of
the school year. Please make every effort to locate and return lost books before the last day of
school.
LUNCH DELIVERY
Lunch or other forgotten things brought to school by a parent should be placed on the
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table in the main office. These items will be placed on a table in the cafeteria before lunch. It
will be the student’s responsibility to check the table in the cafeteria for forgotten items.
Teachers will go over this procedure with their students; you should go over this
procedure with your child as well.
LUNCH WITH YOUR CHILDREN
We encourage you to eat lunch with your children. Please call the cafeteria (3432934) before 8:30 a.m. to order a lunch for yourself on the day you are eating with your child.
This lunch reservation is important. Several parents showing up unexpectedly for lunch can
sometimes result in our not having enough food for students. So, please call on the day you
will be eating a school lunch.
Lunch visitors may enjoy lunch with their child and classmates in the cafeteria, or
parents may take just their child outside for lunch on the patio. All visitors must sign in at the
main office.
MAP TESTING
Each fall and spring, students in second through fifth grade are administered Measures
of Academic Progress (MAP) testing in the areas of reading and math. MAP is a computerized
test by Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) that identifies skills and concepts your child
knows and measures academic growth throughout the school year and from year to year.
MAP testing is different than PASS testing in that it does not just test grade level standards.
MAP tests are unique in that they are adaptive tests which means the test becomes more
difficult as students answer questions correctly. When a child incorrectly answers questions,
the test questions become easier. Therefore, the test is specifically created for each child’s
learning level while they are engaged in the test.
MAP tests report information through RIT scores which are independent of grade level
and allows educators to easily measure growth in learning regardless of a child’s grade
placement. The test also provides specific information to assist teachers in determining where
to focus attention for each child’s learning.
MAP tests also give national percentile scores that indicate how your child performed in
relation to other children in the NWEA norm study that is comprised of thousands of students
in the same grade from across the country. Fall MAP scores in the areas of reading and math
are used to assist in determining AAP placement for the upcoming year. Spring MAP scores
are utilized to measure student academic growth from the fall to the spring but may also be
used to assist with AAP placement for the upcoming school year.
MAP score reports are sent to parents in the fall and spring, and letters explaining
general information about MAP testing and testing dates are distributed in the fall and spring.
Please know that if you have any questions about MAP results or MAP testing, please do not
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hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, Mrs. Paschal, or Mrs. Williams, and we will gladly
assist you.
MATHEMATICS FACTS
Students should commit certain math facts or basic operations to memory. They should
be able to recite these facts rather rapidly:
First Grade
- Addition and subtraction facts to twelve (12).
Second Grade
- Addition and subtraction facts to eighteen (18).
Third Grade
- Multiplication to nine (9) and the inverse of these facts
as they apply to division.
Fourth Grade
- Multiplication to twelve (12) and the inverse of these
facts as they apply to division.
Fifth Grade
- Mental operations:
(a) Multiply a two-digit number by a one-digit number.
(b) Divide a three-digit number by a one-digit number.
We encourage you to practice these operations with your children at home. Often,
students who fail to memorize basic mathematics facts in elementary school experience
frustration with more complex mathematics in middle school.
NEWSLETTER
The PTO sends home a parent newsletter at the end of each month. The newsletter
contains important information for the coming month.
PALMETTO ASSESSMENT OF STATE STANDARDS (PASS)
And SCHOOL REPORT CARD
Each spring, South Carolina public school students in grades 3 through 8 are
administered a state test called PASS. Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 are administered
assessments in writing, ELA, and math. In grades 3 and 5, students will be given either a
science or social studies assessment. Students in grade 4 will be given both a science and
social studies assessment.
School report card ratings are based on student performance on PASS testing. Over
the years, Rosewood Elementary School has received the following ratings:
Year
Performance Index
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2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Good
Good
Good
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
PARENT and TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
The Parent and Teacher Organization (PTO) is an important part of our school. The
faculty and parents of students attending Rosewood Elementary are automatically members.
The PTO's first project of the year is a fundraiser to supplement the school's budget for
such things as instructional supplies, equipment, and field trips, as well as to pay for PTO
sponsored activities. Please support this fundraiser.
The PTO sponsors several programs yearly: an Open House in September, a Fall
Carnival in October, a Musical Program in December, a Spaghetti Supper in March, and a
School Picnic in May. The PTO also provides volunteer support.
Information about PTO events will be sent home with your child throughout the year,
and will be posted on the bulletin board across from the school office. The PTO Executive
committee meets the third Tuesday of each month (except December). Evening PTO meetings
will be held at 7:00 p.m. in August, September, November, January, March, and April. In
October and February, PTO meetings will be held in the morning at 7:45 a.m. in the school
cafeteria. Any parent is welcome to attend.
This year’s PTO president is Julie Stensland (Phone (803) 348-3243, E-Mail
jstensland@sc.rr.com ).
PICKING UP STUDENTS EARLY
Generally, we discourage picking up students early at the end of the day, as it has a
disruptive effect on the class. However, if you must pick up your child from school before 2:30
p.m., please send a note to that effect to school that day. A student can only be dismissed
early when an adult has come to the office to meet him and sign him out.
PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS
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The first two weeks of school normally are spent placing students in appropriate reading
and math groups. If for some reason you feel that your child is not placed at a proper level of
instruction in reading or math, you should contact your child's teacher immediately so that the
matter can be addressed as soon as possible.
RECESS
Students will have a daily outside recess unless the temperature is below 32
Fahrenheit. Therefore, on cold mornings send your child to school with a warm coat.
REGISTRATION
Registration of all new students for the 2013–14 school year will begin February 1,
2013. To register your child, you must come by the school office and fill out a registration
form. You must bring your child's birth certificate, South Carolina Certificate of
Immunization, and two (2) proofs of your address.
REPORT CARDS, INTERIM REPORTS AND GRADES
Report cards will be sent home at the end of each nine-week period. Please sign the
report card jacket and return it to school with your child the following day.
First and Second Grade - First and second grade report cards use the numbers of 4, 3, 2, 1
and PC (for parent conference requested) in reporting children’s academic progress. Your
child’s teacher will explain the evaluation system.
Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade – Third, fourth and fifth graders receive traditional grades.
Interim Reports – First through fifth grade students will receive interim reports during all four
quarters.
Grading Scale – 93-100 = A, 85-92 = B, 77-84 = C, 70-76 = D, & below 70 = F
RESPONSIBLE THINKING CENTER
The Responsible Thinking Center (RTC) serves as an in-school suspension center and
a time-out room for students who are disruptive in class.
RESTROOMS
Student restrooms are for student’s use only. Students are told that if they observe an
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adult, other than a teacher or custodian, in a student restroom they are to report this to a
teacher.
RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS
Students will be expected to behave courteously while riding the school bus. Excessive
noise and disruption is a safety hazard.
A student can be suspended from the school bus for misbehavior. If this should
happen, it is then the parents' responsibility to arrange transportation for the child to and from
school during the period of suspension.
SCHOOL BUS EMERGENCIES
If the school bus is late in picking up or dropping off your child, please call the
school bus office (695-5491or 695-5504 or 695-5505) and ask for Mr. Kevin Belton.
SCHOOL HOURS AND SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS
School begins every day at 7:30 a.m. and dismisses at 2:30 p.m. Breakfast is served from
7:00 to 7:25 a.m. If your child is not eating breakfast at school, there is no reason for him to arrive at
school prior to 7:25 a.m. We do not provide supervision prior to 7:10 a.m. for students who do
not ride the school bus and who do not eat breakfast at school, or for students who remain
at school after 2:30 p.m.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
Richland County School District One and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department
have entered into an agreement in which the Sheriff’s Department assigns a School Resource
Officer (SRO) to each of the district’s schools. Following are selected quotes from a school
district document about the SRO program.
Section 5-7-12(B) of the Code of Laws of South Carolina states:
A “School Resource Officer” is defined as a person who is a sworn law enforcement
officer pursuant to the requirements of any jurisdiction of this State, who has completed
the basic course of instruction for School Resource Officers as provided or recognized by
the National Association of School Resource Officers or the South Carolina Criminal
Justice Academy, and who is assigned to one or more school districts within this State to
have as a primary duty the responsibility to act as a law enforcement officer, advisor, and
teacher for that school district.
“The SRO program is a community policing approach practiced in a school environment.
In middle and high schools there is at least one officer per school. In elementary schools,
officers are shared with schools in close proximity. The school is the officer’s beat and
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officers are selected by law enforcement based on specific criteria.”
“The underlying role of the SRO is based on a “Triad Concept”. This approach
incorporates the SRO serving as a law enforcement officer, a teacher, and a law-related
counselor.”
“Although working in the school, the SRO is first and foremost a law enforcement
officer responsible for identifying and resolving school safety problems. The SRO
reports to both the principal and to the head of his/her law enforcement agency.
Furthermore, the SRO is neither a disciplinarian nor a hall monitor for the school;
these jobs remain with the principal and the faculty. As a resource for school
administrators, the SRO serves as a means of establishing an orderly and safe learning
environment.”
“To clarify the roles and responsibilities of the SRO, an agreement is drawn between
the law enforcement agency and the school district that state the SRO’s
responsibilities, the law enforcement agency’s expectations from the SRO and the
school district’s expectations from the SRO.”
School Resource Officer’s Responsibilities and Procedures
1.
Be a visible presence during the arrival and dismissal of students.
2.
Provide assistance in directing traffic during drop-off and pick-up when necessary.
3.
Conduct a daily drive/walk around the perimeter of school – inspect/check parking
lots.
4.
Be present when possible at lunchtime with students. Resource Officers will not
leave the campus for lunch.
5.
Be a visible presence during recess and class change.
6.
Teach safety, drug awareness, gang awareness, and law-related education classes.
7.
Officers are encouraged to participate as a Breakfast Buddy, student mentor, and/or
club sponsor/advisor.
8.
Officers serve as a security/safety advisor to the Principal and submit all safety
concerns in writing to the Principal.
SCHOOL RULES
Rosewood Students are:
 Responsible
 Respectful
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



Trustworthy
Caring
Fair
Good Citizens
Cafeteria Rules:
 Use good table manners
 Clean up after yourself
 Eat quietly
 Walk at all times
Hallway Rules:
 Walk at all times
 Walk in a straight line
 Walk on the right side of the hall
 Walk quietly
 Keep your hands to yourself
Bathroom Rules:
 Wash your hands
 Respect others’ privacy
 Keep the bathroom clean and neat
Playground Rules (Play Safely):
 Only hands on monkey bars
 Stay seated and feet first going down the slide
 Only throw balls
 Keep your hands to yourself
 Play all games by the rules
Some Don’ts:
 Students should not bring gum or candy, toys, athletic equipment, or non-essential
objects to school.
 Students should not bring money to school except for breakfast, lunch, or a special
school function such as a field trip or book fair. If students must bring money for
something specific, they should give it to their teacher upon arriving at school or
keep it safely tucked in their pocket.
SECURITY CHECKS ON PARENT VOLUNTEERS AND ADULTS WORKING WITH
STUDENTS AT SCHOOL
All parent volunteers and adults working with students at our school must undergo a
background check. We hope that you will consider volunteering at school or serving as a
chaperone on field trips. Please check with Mrs. Drake to see if you are already on the
approved volunteer roster, and, if you are not, Mrs. Drake can gladly provide you with the
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needed forms. The present cost for a background check is $33.00.
We have several programs, activities, and clubs that provide opportunities for adults to come
to our school to contribute to the education and development of our students.
Lunch Buddies…..An adult comes weekly or every other week to have lunch with a
particular student who we feel will benefit from a relationship with a positive adult role model.
Rosewood Readers…..Adults come weekly to spend 30 – 45 minutes reading with a
student.
Chess Club…..Parent volunteers coach a weekly, after-school chess club for interested
fifth graders.
Before we allow any students to participate in these activities, we will first secure
permission from students’ parents.
Additionally, the school district undertakes a background check on each adult with the
State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Department of Social Services (DSS).
SELLING ITEMS AT SCHOOL
Children may not sell items or raffle tickets at school. Although your child may be
selling for a worthwhile cause, such activity tends to disrupt the educational process at school.
SHOES
Students may not wear shoes with wheels to school.
Students should wear shoes to school that they can run in at recess and in physical
education class.
Students should not wear shoes with hard plastic heels, as such heels easily damage
and mar our school’s hardwood floors.
SKATEBOARDS AND SCOOTERS
Students may not bring skateboards or scooters to school.
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR
Students will not be dismissed early to attend the State Fair. Parents should arrange to
leave for the fair at 2:30 p.m., when school is regularly dismissed.
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STRANGERS PICKING UP STUDENTS
We can only dismiss students in the care of their parents. We can release students to
another adult only if we have parents’ permission in writing to do so. In such a case, the nonparent must present picture identification.
STRINGS CLASS
Fifth graders may attend a strings class that meets twice a week during the time of the
day that they also attend art, music, and physical education. Students who elect to receive
strings instruction will miss one or two of these other classes.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR
We try to maintain an orderly, calm, and courteous environment at our school.
Therefore, we have certain rules governing students' behavior as outlined in the Richland
County School District One Code of Conduct.
The following behaviors are considered serious enough to warrant suspension: fighting,
hitting or threatening others, tripping, spitting, stealing, cheating, lying, being disrespectful to
adults, forgery, leaving school without permission, destroying or abusing other's property, and
throwing rocks or sticks.
If two students are fighting, both will be suspended unless one can prove that he acted
only as a last resort in self-defense. Hitting someone back simply because someone hit first is
not self-defense. If a student is hit or pushed by another student, he should report such an
action to an adult, not hit back. Students have choices. We hold students responsible for
exercising restraint.
SUGGESTION BOX
A brass mailbox, located on the wall at the Ravenel Street entrance to our school, is our
suggestion box. We welcome your suggestions.
TARDINESS
At 7:30 a.m. students begin their day. Any child who is not in his classroom at 7:30 a.m.
will be considered tardy. Parents of tardy students should bring their children to the
attendance office to sign-in for the school day. Students who are tardy disrupt the class.
Please show consideration for others.
Excessive tardiness is sufficient cause for a student to lose his transfer to our school.
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TELEPHONE MESSAGES
Parents often call with messages for their children. These messages usually are about
change in after-school routines. Any notification regarding your child’s dismissal must be in
writing.
Please try to finalize changes in normal after-school routines before your child leaves
for school in the morning.
We cannot guarantee that messages regarding dismissal received after 1:00 p.m.
will get to your child’s teacher.
TEXTBOOKS
Students are free to take any of their textbooks home. Please encourage your children
to take care of their textbooks. If a textbook is damaged or lost, you will have to pay the
replacement cost.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
Some of our students attend Rosewood on a district approved transfer. A student’s
transfer to Rosewood is valid through fifth grade.
However, if a transfer student to Rosewood is not zoned for Hand Middle School, the
student must apply for a transfer to Hand. Obtaining a transfer to Rosewood is not necessarily
a guarantee to a subsequent transfer to Hand.
TRANSFERS AND WITHDRAWALS
If a student needs to be withdrawn from Rosewood to attend another school, please give
Mrs. Spivey, our student records secretary, two weeks notice so that there will be sufficient time
for your child's records to arrive at the new school. We must have 24 hours notice in order for
you to receive withdrawal papers to present to your child's new school.
All textbooks and library books must be accounted for before we can release your
child's records.
VISITING SCHOOL
When visiting the school, sign in at the office upon arrival so we know that you are
on campus. You must pick up a "Visitor's Badge" before you leave the office and wear it
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while conducting your business at school. You will be asked to present a valid state
issued driver’s license or picture ID for entering into the system.
WEB PAGE – http://rosewood.richlandone.org
Our Rosewood web site includes helpful information about our school. Please check out
our website.
WRITING
Providing opportunities for students to learn to write well is a very important part of our
curriculum.
At Parent Orientation your child’s English/Language Arts teacher will explain the writing
program to you. You will also receive handouts to help you support your child’s efforts to
become a good writer.
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STAFF ROSTER
Name
Room Number
Telephone Ext.
Nima Anthony-McGill
Linda Brown
Susan Burbage
Martha Burnette
Karen Bybee
Caroline Carson
Helen Drake
Barbara Franklin
Heather Gilbert
Mary Germany
Aurelia Hamilton
Ana Hernandez
Elizabeth Jenkins
Sarah Johnson
Marisa Kornblut
Lena Lee
Taylor Ligon
Meredith Long
Sally McCants
Fran McFall
Fran McGillan
Melanie McLemore
Priscilla McPheeters
Latasha Moye
Tamra Paschal
Keisha Pearson
Alex Peay
Christine Pool
Lockey Powers
Melissa Rainsford
Diane Reaves
Nancy Russell
Lesa Scurry
Llewellyn Shealy
Sheila Spivey
Johanna Sweetland
Janet Swigler
Susie Switzer
Abigail Tyson
Elizabeth Williams
Michelle Woodyard
Lori Yandle
Cafeteria
K
Guidance
21
23
Art
Secretary
RTC
7
16
9
Portable 1
Library
K
12
Library
20
K
10
6
PE
13
11
K
CRT
22
Resource
8
24
K
Nurse
RI
17
15
Attendance
19
Music
PE
K
Principal
18
Lab
204
117
225
321
323
111
221
354
307
316
309
333
229
303
312
229
320
121
310
306
104
313
311
121
226
322
205
308
324
117
224
227
317
315
223
319
116
104
303
222
318
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Direct Line
343-2934
733-3002
343-2930
733-4354
343-2932
929-3903
733-6208
733-3048
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