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AES Vision

Our vision at Abbeville Elementary School (AES) is to provide our children with

opportunities that will inspire them to think and learn. Our goal is to create an

environment which encourages and supports healthy development socially,

emotionally, and intellectually. An environment that is educational, fun, and

nurturing. Establishing this type of environment will translate into exceptional

benefits that will positively impact our children, their families, and our

community.

With the collective efforts of our faculty and staff in reaching our objectives, we

will increasingly witness our children entering with excitement and anticipation

about their learning experiences. The students will feel safe and secure. During

their time at Abbeville Elementary, they will grow and realize their strengths and

work to strengthen their weaknesses.

ABBEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S MOTTO

“AES, A PLACE WHERE WE WILL THINK, LEARN AND GROW”

Dear AES Families,

Welcome to Abbeville Elementary School, home of the Yellow Jackets! We are

excited to collaborate with you this year. We believe that the partnership

between home and school is crucial and can provide one of the most enriching

experiences for your family. Research has shown that children with involved

families tend to excel in school. Therefore, we encourage you to visit the school

frequently, become a part of the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), and

volunteer to help enhance our campus and playground in any way possible.

We truly want you to be an active part of our school community!

The purpose of this Parent-Student Handbook is to acquaint you with the various

programs, procedures, and services available at our school. Additionally, the

Henry County Code of Conduct is an essential resource that you can find on the

district website, and paper copies have been distributed to all students. Our

practices and protocols are designed to ensure the safety and security of our

students.

Our main goal is to cultivate well-rounded and disciplined children who will

eventually make positive contributions to our world. As the AES faculty and staff,

we hold high expectations for both student learning and behavior. We

anticipate that all students will demonstrate respect by behaving appropriately

at school and not disrupting valuable instructional time for anyone. Together,

we can make sure this positive environment is maintained! I am eager to

embark on this wonderful journey with AES this year, where we will encourage

thinking, learning, and growing.

Once you and your child have thoroughly reviewed the information in this

handbook, kindly sign the forms provided at the back of the book and return

them to the school as soon as possible. If you have any questions or need

clarification about any information presented in this handbook, please don't

hesitate to contact the school at 334-585-3679 or reach me on my work cell at

334-441-6078. Our utmost desire is for your child to have a multitude of delightful

and constructive experiences at Abbeville Elementary School.

Your Partner in Education,

Tameka Hicks

Tameka Hicks, Principal

AES Faculty & Sta

Administration

Tameka Hicks, Principal

Linda Lawrence, Assistant Principal

Guidance Counselor

Scharona Grimsley Dawkins

Bookkeeper

Loretta Turner

Secretary

Demetria Mills

Registrar

TBA

Library Media Specialist

Jennifer Teat

ARI Local Reading Specialist

Rita Brown

OMI Local Math Coach

LaMonica Buck

Nurse

Kristie Chambers

Pre-Kindergarten

Gennifer Alexander

TBA

Kindergarten

TBA

Paige Cheatwood

Annie Bryant-Spann

Grade

Skylar Kerns

Chelsea Marguriet

Haley Vaught

Grade

Dalice Adkison

Kristy Bush

Andrea Guilford

Grade

Haley Robinson

Nacole Roney

TBA

Grade

Angie Smith (ELA & Social Studies)

Theo Paige (Math & Science)

Grade

TBA

Kristen Jenkins (Math)

Nick Wilson (Science & Social Studies)

Grade

Jacob Godwin (Math)

Dr. Kati Goodrich (ELA)

Trinity Morris (Science & Social Studies)

Life (PE)

Brandon Buck

Alan Capps

Resource Teachers

Beth Milton (Gifted)

Tina Campbell (Self-Contained)

Virginia Jernigan (Collaborative Education K & 1

)

TBA (Collaborative Education 2

& 3

)

Vitito (Collaborative Education 4

-6

)

Bailee Gist (Speech)

Shannah Loper (Interventionist)

Resource Officer

Officer DeWayne Atkinson

Paraprofessionals

Devonna Carter

Tosha Davis

Sandra Hanchey

Barbara Hudson

Abra Charese Jackson

Vanessa Key

Teresa Thornton

Vacant- EL Paraprofessional

Custodians

Austin Blackshear

Jarvis Parks

Cafeteria Staff

Stacie Pitts (Manager)

Bethany Skinner

Cheryl Hudson

Kayla Sanborn

Staff Contact Via Email

*Staff can be contacted using first name initial with whole last name @henrycountyboe.org

*Exception: Mrs. Scharona Grimsley Dawkins’s email address is [email protected]

HCS Vision & Mission

Vision Statement:

“Empower, Engage, Educate”

Mission Statement:

Henry County Schools: “Where students are inspired to learn, and teachers are

empowered to teach.”

Core Values and Beliefs:

We believe:

• All students can learn.

• High expectations of all stakeholders are necessary to achieve

goals and expand opportunities for all.

• A safe and physically comfortable environment promotes student

learning.

• Equity, fairness, accountability, and fiscal responsibility are the

foundations of our decisions.

• Diversity and individual learning needs are respected, included,

and valued.

• Education is a shared responsibility that positively impacts the

quality of life.

• Facilitating open communication between school staff, learners,

parents, and community promotes a sense of involvement and

commitment to the entire educational process.

• A school community should be a safe and caring environment that

promotes respect, self-worth, creativity, and academic growth.

Title I School

Abbeville Elementary School is a Title I Schoolwide School that receives federal program

funds that are used to improve the academic achievement of all students. The Henry

County School System is committed to providing technical assistance and support for all

schoolwide programs.

Abbeville Elementary School (AES) receives an annual allocation, based on the

percentage of low-income students, to distribute to schools which are eligible

to receive Title I services. A copy of the AES Title I and Parental Involvement

Plans, as well as the school electronic Continuous Improvement Plan (ACIP) are

available for review with the principal, in the media center, and in the HCS

Central Office as well as located on the system and school websites.

AES Registration Requirements

The Henry County School System is committed to enrolling without barriers and providing fair

and equitable services to students with limited English proficiency, children with disabilities,

migratory children, neglected or delinquent youth, homeless children and youth, and

immigrant children. For further information see the LEA Title I Plan, EL Plan, and/or Homeless

Children and Youth Plan available in the school principal’s office, the superintendent’s

office, or on the Henry County website http://www.henrycountyboe.org (Departments +

Federal Programs + Documents + Federal Programs Documents).

Biological parents or legal guardians are the only people allowed to register

students. Appointment times may be made by contacting the school counselor

or registrar.

• Documentation of Age – Enrolling students will submit, for age verification

purposes only, a certified birth certificate or suitable alternative including, but

not limited to religious, hospital, or physician’s documents that show the date

of birth; a baptismal record; an entry in a family Bible; an adoption record; an

affidavit from a parent; previously verified school records, etc.

***Act #2016-297 requires local education agencies to allow a child who is six

years of age on or before December 31 to enroll in first grade. This extends the

time frame from the current date of on or before September 1 for first grade

only. It does NOT extend the time frame for enrollment in kindergarten.

• Original Immunization Record – “Blue Slip”

• Social Security Card (optional) – Disclosure of your child’s social security

number is voluntary. Your child’s identification number will be used in

conjunction with enrollment as provided in Ala. Admin. Code §290-3-1-.02(2)

(b)(2) and will be used as a means of identification in the statewide student

management system.

• Proof of Residency

Parents or guardians of all registered/enrolled Abbeville Elementary School

students must submit verification of residency at the beginning of each

school year. Enrolling students must reside within the municipal limits of the

Henry County Schools with a parent or legal guardian and must provide

proof of such residency.

Students applying for admission for the first time to the HCS must complete the

registration form. Registration information for students transferring from another

public school in Alabama will be obtained through the Power Schools student

database. Transfer students will also complete supplemental information forms.

School Day Schedule

7:00

Morning bus drop off.

7:10

Morning car drop off.

7:20

Breakfast begins. All students (walkers, bus, and car riders) should

report to the cafeteria upon arriving on campus.

7:30

Teachers on duty in classrooms.

7:40

Breakfast ends PROMPTLY at this time for all car riders. Bus

students WILL be served as they arrive.

7:40

Students begin entering homerooms.

7:45

First bell rings. Announcements are made.

7:45

Tardy bell rings. Parents must sign their child(ren) in after 7:50 a.m.

7:50-2:35

Students receive the key to success -- an education!

2:00

Early Check-outs end*

2:40

Car Riders are dismissed from their classrooms

2:50-3:00

Bus Rider Dismissal

3:10

All car riders must be picked up no later than 3:15.

*For the safety of AES children, students may not be checked out after 2:00.

If you have scheduled appointments for your children around this time, you

will need to check them out prior to 2:00.

Please be aware that car riders will NOT be released without an approved AES Dismissal

Tag. One tag per student will be issued at no cost. Additional tags will cost $5.00 each.

If you (or the person picking your child up) do not have the tag, you will be

required to park in the staff parking lot, report to the front office for ID verification

and student sign-out. Students will ONLY be released to adults listed on their

Emergency Card!

Changes of transportation plans will NOT be accepted over the telephone.

Transportation changes should be sent to the teacher in writing the morning of

the change. You may come to the school in person to hand deliver a written

note or you may fax us at 334.585.1122 BEFORE 1:30 PM. PLEASE do not rely on

e-mail messages.

School Hours

Students should not arrive before 7:10 a.m. As students arrive, they should follow

these procedures:

1. Students in grades K-6th who are eating breakfast should go directly to the

cafeteria doors and line up. Pre-K students are to report to the cafeteria upon

arrival. At 7:15 students may move to their grade level buildings. Students are

not to be in classrooms before 7:15 unless picked up by faculty member.

2. Students reporting to school after 7:50 a.m. must be signed in by the

parent/guardian/adult bringing them to school in the main office.

3. Dismissal times are as follows:

● 1st Bell-2:40 Car Rider’s Dismissal

● Kindergarten through sixth grade car riders will report to the front of the

building for pickup.

● 2nd Bell-2:50 Bus Riders…Kindergarten through sixth grade students will

report to their bus line teacher at the 2nd bell. Teacher/staff member

will walk their bus line students to their buses at approximately 2:50 and

remain with their assigned students in that bus line area until all students

have loaded buses.

Late Check-Ins/Pick-Up

Excused late check-ins should not be permitted for any cause unless authorized by the

principal/designee. A parent/legal guardian must come to the main office to sign

students in when they are late. Any student reporting to school after the homeroom bell

rings at 7:45 must be signed in to obtain a tardy slip before reporting to their classroom.

Excessive tardies will be referred to the principal.

Parents/guardians must sign students out through the main office before leaving school.

Anyone picking up a child must be on the student’s check-out form, or the school must

have permission before the child can be released by parent or guardian. The school

should be notified in writing by the parent/legal guardian of anyone else picking up their

child/children in the absence of the parent/legal guardian. The school assumes no

responsibility for a student after the student has been checked out.

In accordance with school board policy, it is necessary for each student to have a

pickup form in the office with the names of those that can check out your child in the

event that you cannot. If you must add a name, report to the main office to see an

administrator, guidance counselor, or secretary. Please be sure that both

parents’/guardians’ names are on the pick-up/check-out sheet, if you are both in the

household. The school may request identification at the time of check-out.

Arrival & Dismissal

Car Riders

Children must be dropped off and picked up in front of the school. Vehicles

will drive down Elm Street in one direction in the mornings at drop off

between 7:20-8:00 and during the afternoon pickup between 2:35 until after

busses. Students will load cars after all traffic has been stopped. Parents must

remain in their cars and must not enter the building while students are

moving to bus/car lines and exiting the building. Please do not park in

teachers’ parking lot. Parents/guardians please remain in cars when picking

up students.

Bus Riders

Students may not be approved to ride any bus other than their assigned bus.

For special circumstances, a written note must be approved prior to the

transportation change. Please include contact numbers in the event the

change cannot be approved. If proper written documentation is not

received and approved, the child will have to go home on their regular

route. PLEASE BE SURE TO KEEP US INFORMED OF ANY CHANGES IN

TRANSPORTATION. Changes should be made prior to 1:30 p.m. daily.

Transportation

On the registration form, parents should indicate the transportation plan.

Parents/guardians must provide written changes of transportation needs and

should instruct their child to give these notes to their teacher upon

immediate arrival in their classroom. Teachers will collect all notes and send

them to the office. Please only call for emergency changes.

Parents/guardians may also bring in notes to the main office.

Early Dismissal

In the event that a child needs to be checked out of school early for any

reason (i.e. sickness, dentist/doctor appointment, etc.) a parent or a person

listed on the emergency card must come to the school office and sign the

student out before 2:00 pm. The student(s) will be called to the office. If the

person trying to check-out the child is not listed on the emergency card, the

child will NOT be released to this individual. To protect instructional time,

parents will not be allowed to go to the classroom during check-out.

Checkouts will be communicated to parents on the grade report received

every nine weeks as “tardies.” ANY STUDENT CHECKING OUT EARLY WILL

NOT HAVE PERFECT ATTENDANCE.

Visitors

Parents are encouraged to visit the school. Lunch guests are always welcome!

Please stop by the office to sign in. In order to better protect our students,

visitors and staff, all visitors will be required to show a valid, government-issued

ID. If the purpose is to have a conference, please contact the teacher ahead

of time and schedule an appointment.

Teachers will notify the office of any visitors they have scheduled for the day.

If you would like to observe in your child’s class, you may contact the

teacher to set an appointment. We ask that you sit in the back of the room

and refrain from any conversations with the teacher or your child while the

children are in class. Please review the reminders below about visiting our

school:

• All visitors may only enter the building by way of the front doors. No one

will be admitted through a side entrance. Accessibility is available per

request.

• All visitors should sign-in at the office and get a visitor sticker. Visitors

should refrain from taking pictures and engaging with other students in

the classroom.

• When students are checked in late, parents will need to say their good-

byes in the office. Parents will not be able to walk students to class.

• The office will deliver any backpacks, homework folders, jackets or

glasses to the students that are dropped off during class times.

Parties

Please let your child's teacher know in advance if you plan to celebrate

your child's birthday at school. Birthday snacks may be served at a time

convenient for the class on your child's birthday. No balloons, flowers, etc.

will be delivered to the classrooms. Party invitations for parties outside of the

school day may not be handed out at school unless each child in the class

is invited.

Family Trips During the School Year

We love family trips, too! However, parents are discouraged from taking

their children on trips during regular school days, as the absences will

generally be considered unexcused. Exceptions will be made for trips of

educational/cultural significance with prior approval of the principal.

Parents should send this request to the principal, for approval, in

advance of the trip.

Recess/Snack

Students may be given a “recess break” each day. During this time students

may drink milk or juice and eat a snack. Fruits, vegetable sticks, nuts, cheese

and crackers, or peanut butter and crackers are appropriate snacks for

recess time. Candy, cookies, desserts, and other sugar-laden foods are

discouraged. Students CANNOT call home for snacks.

Lunch/Breakfast Prices

All AES students will receive free breakfast and lunch for the 2023-2024 school year.

Child Nutrition Program

I. The Henry County Board of Education shall provide nutritious and

adequate meals to all students at no cost. The school principal, in

conjunction with the Child Nutrition Program Director, is responsible

for ensuring the Child Nutrition Program is operated in compliance

with federal, state and local laws and regulations as well as policies of

the Board.

II. It is an objective of the Henry County School System that all students

can participate in the school lunch program. The Child Nutrition

Program Director shall determine, in accordance with federal

regulations, those students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.

III. The Henry County Board of Education Child Nutrition Program (CNP)

lunchrooms shall incorporate food safety practices as outlined under

Hazard and Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines, Standard

Operating Procedures (SOPs) shall be developed for handling,

storage, preparation, and serving of all foods.

IV. Food from competitive sources, such as, McDonald’s, Hardees,

Subway, etc., may not be delivered to school or brought into the

cafeteria. Carbonated drinks and energy drinks are not allowed in

the cafeteria. Food may not be delivered to school unless it is in an

emergency case where a student left their food at home. Students

who bring meals from home are encouraged to pack nutritious meals

and they must bring them in a lunchbox or plain packaging. Students

will NOT be allowed to warm food in the microwaves.

V. The Superintendent is instructed to develop all policies and

procedures in compliance with state regulations.

It is the intent of the Henry County Board of Education to provide an opportunity for

each child to eat a nutritious breakfast and/or lunch during the school day. It is also the

policy of the Henry County Board of Education to comply with all federal program

regulations pertaining to the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. The

National School Breakfast and Lunch Program regulations do not allow for meal charges.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to deposit money into their meal accounts regularly,

whereby a draft of the account may be made on a daily basis as the meal is

purchased. Checks returned to the school CNP for insufficient funds shall be processed

according to Policy 7.42 Insufficient Funds and Worthless Checks.

Blackboard Messenger

Henry County Schools uses an automated calling system to notify parents and students

of upcoming events as well as emergency notifications. By signing this handbook, you

give the Henry County School System (and any School your student attends) permission

to notify you via text or phone call and assume responsibility of any monetary costs

associated with cellular communication. If at any time you wish to opt out, please notify

Henry County Schools immediately.

Emergencies

Safety procedures in the event of a FIRE OR EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS will be

conducted regularly. We encourage parents to listen to the television and radio stations

should weather conditions require the early closing of school. Please be advised that

information will be sent through Remind and SchoolCast. Please be sure that your

telephone numbers are kept current.

Evacuation Procedures

Tornado, fire, bus evacuation, and lockdown drills are conducted

periodically in the school. Students are taught within the first two weeks of

school the procedures to follow if the fire alarm, tornado signal, or lockdown

code is sounded. Fire drills are generally conducted monthly throughout the

year. Tornado drills are generally conducted four times a year. Lockdown

drills are practiced twice a year. Bus evacuation drills are practiced once

with all children and twice with students who ride the bus as their

transportation to and/or from school.

Parents are requested not to check students out when the school is under

emergency tornado warning conditions or during other times of inclement

weather unless instructed to do so. Standard emergency procedures will be

followed. Parents should not call the school during emergency situations or

inclement weather as the telephone lines must remain clear. In the event

school has to close early due to inclement weather parents should use the

following procedures:

1. Have a plan for your child(ren) to be picked up before the need arises.

Emergency plans cannot be developed over the telephone during the

closing of school.

2. Listen to local radio stations and check social media for information

about closing early for all Henry County Schools.

3. Buses will run and car riders will be dismissed as usual. There will be a

delay if we are under a tornado watch or warning at that specific time.

As soon as the watch or warning is over, we will dismiss.

4. Abbeville Elementary has access to a Safety Crisis Management Plan.

5. Parents will be informed of the reunification process in advance when

given the student handbook at the beginning of the school year. Parents

will be notified through school cast and remind of the unification process

as well. The teachers will have a list of students and approved check-

in/check-out adults that are allowed to check students out. Students will

remain with their teacher until proper adult authority has been verified

and approved.

If an evacuation is necessary, students and teachers will relocate to the First Baptist

Church. When students are evacuated to First Baptist Church, teachers and staff have

an emergency bag with class rosters of students and parent information. Parents will be

notified via Remind and the SchoolCast Phone System of students’ location. When

parents arrive, students will not be allowed to go with anyone that is not on the student's

contact information/emergency contact. Students will have to be signed out by parent

or authorized person. Abbeville Elementary School will not dismiss students until we are

sure they are in the right care.

Media Release

Unless the school is notified in writing stating otherwise, students may be

photographed or videoed, and pictures may be used for public relations

purposes through commercial print, television media, the Internet and/or

system media productions. Student names may also be listed in commercial

print, television media, the Internet, and/or system media productions. For

questions regarding this procedure, contact the school principal.

Withdrawals

When a student is withdrawn from school, a transfer slip is prepared for

parents’ convenience to facilitate enrolling in another school. Transfer

information may be obtained by contacting the school office. Students

should have turned in all textbooks, library books, and be up to date on any

payment due to the office, library, or cafeteria. All school records will be

forwarded to the new school when requested by the new school’s personnel.

Worthless Check Policy

Abbeville Elementary will accept checks as payment for breakfast, lunch,

and other related services (i.e. fundraisers, etc.). The Henry County Schools

system is contracted with Nexcheck, LLC for the collection of any returned

checks, to recover the funds in a private and professional manner. Henry

County Schools will automatically be reimbursed the amount of the check

from Nexcheck. Nexcheck will then collect the amount of the check plus the

maximum fee established by law.

Nexcheck requires that the check received by the school system be a

printed check with the individual’s name, address and one phone number.

For any returned checks without this information, Nexcheck will attempt to

collect, but the amount of the check is not guaranteed. If Henry County

Schools collects the funds for these type checks, they may also charge a

Non-Sufficient Funds fee according to the maximum allowable by law. If

collection of these type checks is not made within two weeks, the check will

be turned over to the school authority for processing through the District

Attorney’s office and the school authority shall become responsible for the

debt. No bad debts may be written off at the end of the school year.

Dress Code

The procedure of Abbeville Elementary School is to follow the guidelines set

forth in the Code of Student Conduct concerning student dress code. Parents

will be called if a student is in violation of this dress code. Primary students

should wear clothes considered play clothes since activities involving paint,

glue, glitter, etc. may be incorporated often in the curriculum. Care will be

taken, but children should not be under undue stress from home to not soil

their clothes in this manner. Purses, perfume, scented lotions, jewelry (except

small earrings, watches, and/or medical ID tags), fake fingernails, etc. are not

appropriate for a primary school environment. If any of the above becomes

distracting in an instructional situation, parents will be notified. Tennis shoes

are encouraged; flip-flops and high heeled shoes are not ideal for play at PE

and recess.

Medication Administration

The State Department of Education, the Alabama Department of Public

Health, and the School Health Services Advisory Task Force have

recommended guidelines for medication administration. Following those

guidelines, the Henry County School Board has written a policy that states

the members of the school staff not administer internal medication to

students except in cases where it is prescribed by a physician and is

requested in writing by the parent or guardian. Listed below is the

procedure to be followed if a child needs prescription or nonprescription

medicines administered at school.

I. Prescription Medicines

A. Routine Medicines

i. If the child is on a medication that is given daily throughout

the year, a form that authorizes the school to give the

medication MUST be signed by a physician as well as the

parent or guardian. Some doctors have these forms in their

offices. They are also available in the nurse’s station.

ii. Prescription medicines MUST be in a prescription container

with a prescription label that identifies the child, the

medicine and dosage prescribed, how often the medicine

is to be given, and the current date. The parent or

guardian should request two containers from the

pharmacist with one labeled for school use.

iii. If a child is on a controlled medication such as Ritalin or

Phenobarbital, DO NOT let your child bring it to school. The

parent or guardian MUST take a month’s supply to the

school nurse.

B. Antibiotics and Other Temporary Prescription Medicines

i. If an antibiotic or other prescription medicine has to be

given temporarily and needs to be given during school

hours, it MUST be in the container that has the prescription

label on it with the child’s name, the current date, the

name of the medicine and the dosage prescribed.

ii. Written instructions from the parent or guardian are also

needed that include the time and the dosage to be given.

Written instructions may be written on a medication

authorization form.

C. Schedule

i. If the doctor prescribes specific times medicine is to be

given, the parent or guardian should ask the doctor if times

can be adjusted to avoid as many school doses as

possible. If a medicine has to be given at school, the

parent should ask the pharmacist for a second container

labeled specifically for doses to be given at school. ii.

When possible, the parent or guardian should give the

child’s medicine at home. If a medicine is brought to

school and is forgotten at school, the child may miss a few

doses. If the medicine stays at home, this problem can be

avoided. Below is a suggested schedule for giving

prescribed medication.

2 times per day

> Before School

–

- Supper

3 times per day

> Before School

–

After School -

Bedtime

4 times per day

> Before School

Lunch

After School -

Bedtime

II. Nonprescription Medicines

A. If a child has a history of medical problems that require

nonprescription medicines such as aspirin or Tylenol to be given,

an authorization form MUST be signed by the physician with

written instructions from a physician describing the child’s needs.

B. Nonprescription medicines MUST be in the original container

with the child’s name clearly marked on the container.

C. If a child needs a Tylenol or other nonprescription medicine for

only one day, it is recommended that the parent or guardian

come to the school to give it to the child.

D. Cough drops may not be in the student’s possession at any

time.

Influenza Disease Information

The Alabama Department of Public Health Immunization Division

recommends every year for everyone ages six months and older to

receive the influenza vaccine.

Scoliosis Screening

The Alabama State Department of Education and Alabama Department of Public

Health requires that school districts in Alabama offer and provide scoliosis screening for

male and female students in grades 5 through 9 if the child's parent request it to be

done. Screening is performed by observing the uncovered spine, viewing the student

from the back, side, and front and also from all sides with the student bending forward. If

a spinal problem is suspected, the child will be rechecked at a second screening.

Parents of students found to have signs of a possible spinal abnormality will be asked to

see their own physicians for further evaluation. If you do not wish for your child to be

screened for scoliosis, disregard the scoliosis consent form. If you would like your child to

be screened for scoliosis, complete the scoliosis consent form and return it to the school

nurse.

Sunscreen ACT (2017-278)

Allows students in public and nonpublic schools to possess and use FDA regulated over

the-counter sunscreen at school and school-based events. Section 1. (a) Any student in

a public school under the jurisdiction of a local board of education or in a nonpublic

school may possess and apply Federal Food and Drug administration regulated over

the-counter sunscreen at school and at school-based events notwithstanding any other

provision of law, including any role of the State Board of Education or the State Board of

Nursing. Section 1. (c) Any student, parent, or guardian requesting a school board

employee to apply sunscreen to a student shall present to the nurse a Parent Prescriber

Authorization Form (PPA) containing a parent or guardian signature. A physician

signature or physician order shall not be required.

Backpacks SJR 8 ACT (2017-17)

The Backpack Act provides awareness of the dangers of heavy backpacks. Go to

www.Bacsupport.com for more information.

Student Attendance

It is the belief of the Henry County School System that there is a direct relationship

between attendance and the performance of students in the school system.

I. All students should attend school regularly and be on time for all

classes to receive the greatest benefit from the instructional program

and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline, and individual

responsibility. Students who have good attendance generally

achieve higher grades, enjoy school more, and continue to

successfully complete high school.

II. Alabama State law requires that every child between the ages of six

(6) and seventeen (17) years attend school. It shall be the policy of

the Henry County Schools to enforce this law. (See also Policy 5.10

Enrollment/Admission, and

Policy 5.41 Compulsory School Attendance Age.)

III. Regular attendance is the actual attendance of a pupil during the

school day as defined by law and regulations of the State Board of

Education. A student who is absent or tardy without the

principal’s/designee’s approval shall have his/her parent(s)/legal

guardian reports such absences or tardies to the school center in the

manner prescribed by the Henry County School System Attendance

Policy.

a. The Attendance Policy shall prescribe attendance requirements

including, but not limited to, provisions for excused and

unexcused absences, opportunities to make up work assignments,

and reporting absences.

b. Students shall be excused from any examination, study, or work

assignments for observance of a religious holiday or because the

tenets of his/her religion forbid secular activity at such time. The

school principal /designee shall implement this provision on an

individual basis pursuant to Alabama statutes and State Board of

Education rules.

c. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student who

avails himself/herself to the provisions of this rule.

d. Any absence not approved by the provision of this policy is an

unexcused absence (i.e., work, truancy, or parental neglect).

Students may not make up work if the absence is unexcused.

IV. Student attendance will be monitored on a daily basis and parents

contacted as required by law.

V. A person designated by the Superintendent or his/her designee shall

investigate truancy problems.

VI. Parents will receive an automated text, email, and phone call when

their child is absent or tardy. Tardies include check-ins and check-

outs.

Written Excuses

A written excuse will be required of all students, grade K-12) after each absence to be

presented upon the day of return of the student to school.

A. The principal of the school or his/her designee will determine the excused

or unexcused status of an absence. If an acceptable reason for

excusing an absence is not presented within five (5) days of the return of

the student to school, the absence will be coded unexcused.

B. Absences beyond seven (7) days per year will be excused only with the

documentation of a physician, except as specified by Board policy.

C. Students in K-8 are only allowed to use 10 parent notes per school year.

Each day counts individually.

Henry County Response to Instruction (RTI)

Response to Instruction is a process of core classroom tiered support for all students in

Henry County Schools. The Response to Instruction process at each school is designed

around the Henry County RTI Framework which consist of universal screening, tiered

instruction, intervention expectations, and professional development. The goal is success

for ALL students through tiered support!

Child Find

Help the Henry County System locate, identify, and evaluate individuals from birth to

age 21 who have disabilities. Children may be eligible for special education services in

one or more of the following areas of disability:

Autism Other Health Impaired Deaf-Blind Specific Learning Disabilities

Speech Language Emotional Disability Hearing Impaired Traumatic Brain Injury

Intellectual Disability Visually Impaired Multiple Disabilities Developmentally Delayed

Orthopedically Impaired

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy is available to any student who requires such services.

Typically, a child is referred to the speech pathologist by his/her parent or

classroom teacher. After a speech and hearing evaluation, if therapy is

judged to be necessary, the child is enrolled. The student is usually scheduled

to attend one or two 30-minute sessions per week. The child is seen on an

individual or small group basis. Enrollment continues until such time as his/her

speech production is within normal limits or until maximum benefit has been

reached.

Special Education Services

The Henry County Board of Education provides special education services to children

ages 3-21 residing within Henry County. The Problem-Solving Team, outside agencies, or

parents/guardians may make a referral. Anyone wishing to make a referral may contact

your child’s school or Dr. La’Keisha Newsome, Special Education Coordinator at (334)

585-2206 ext. 1230. The Henry County Board of Education prohibits discrimination against

any student on the basis of race, ethnic group, gender, economic class, or nationality.

Promotion of any student in a special education program, except for gifted students,

must be based on his/her accomplishments of goals stated in the IEP in conjunction with

all other regular program requirements. However, a special education student (except

gifted) may not be placed at any grade level unless the student has attended school for

a commensurate number of years equal to the proposed grade placement; i.e., for a

special education student to be placed at the sixth (6th) grade level, he/she must have

been enrolled in school for at least five (5) years.

Henry County Section 504 Program

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was written to protect qualified individuals

from discrimination based on their disability. Individuals with disabilities are persons with a

physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities.

This law covers persons who are perceived or have ever been perceived to have a

major physical or mental impairment. Anyone wishing to make a referral may contact

Miss Linda Lawrence ext. 2002 (building based 504 liaison) or Dr. La’Keisha Newsome at

(334) 585-2206 ext. 1230. The Henry County Board of Education prohibits discrimination

against any student on the basis of race, ethnic group, gender, economic class, or

nationality.

Henry County Gifted Program Services

Gifted students are those who perform at or who have demonstrated the potential to

perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their

age, experience, or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided

by the regular school program. Students possessing these abilities can be found in all

populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other

individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities may refer a student. Additionally, all

second-grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted

behavior checklist. For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of

Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance. The information is entered on a matrix

where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points

earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services. The gifted acceleration

process is in place in Henry County to address gifted acceleration. To make a referral for

gifted, contact the Principal, Counselor, or Gifted Specialist at your child’s school.

Notice

All discrimination complaints based on sex, handicap, race, national origin,

religion, color, creed, or age should be directed in writing to one of the

designees listed below. Complaints should follow the grievance procedures

outlined in the Henry County Board of Education Policy Handbook. Copies of

these handbooks are in each principal’s office, AES main office, each school

library, and the town libraries in Headland and Abbeville.

Title IX and 504 Coordinator

The Henry County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race,

color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and

provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The

following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-

discrimination policies.

TITLE IX COORDINATOR (Sex) and NON-DISCRIMINATION COORDINATOR

Dr. Dennis Brand, Sr.

P. O. Box 635

Abbeville, Alabama 36310

Phone (334) 585-2206 or 1-800-684-2700 ext.1232

SECTION 504 COORDINATOR (Handicap)

Dr. La’Keisha Newsome

P. O. Box 635

Abbeville, Alabama 36310

Phone (334) 585-2206 or 1-800-684-2700 ext. 1230

Homework

Abbeville Elementary School recommends in the early childhood grades that

homework should consist of the parent or guardian reading aloud to the

student. As the student becomes a more proficient reader, the student may

read aloud to the adult. Written homework (a few problems, a few

sentences, or a short story) should take 15 to 30 minutes of honest effort to

complete. Students should study sight words (AES Buzz Words) and phrases

daily.

Textbooks & Workbooks

All textbooks issued are the property of the State of Alabama and the public-

school system and shall be retained for normal use only during the period pupils

are engage in the course of study for which the textbooks are selected.

1. Care and Responsibility of textbooks:

a. Keep the book clean outside and inside;

b. Refrain from marking the book with pen or pencil;

c. Keeping the pages free of finger prints;

d. Avoid turning down, tearing, or otherwise damaging pages;

e. Refrain from placing the book where it may become soiled

or damaged;

f. Keep the book protected with a book cover.

2. Parents and pupils must accept liability for any loss, abuse, or damage in

excess of that which would result from normal use:

a. For loss of textbook, the pupil will be assessed current cost

of replacement.

b. For damage of textbook, the pupil will be assessed a

variable of:

1. Full price if new when issued;

2. Seventy-five percent of full price for books two years old; 3. Fifty

percent for books three years old or older.

3. No textbook will be issued to any pupil until all charges for lost or

damaged textbooks have been paid.

3. All textbooks must be returned to the issuing school by the pupil when

he/she is promoted or transferred and when he/she terminates his/her

attendance for any other reason.

Promotion and Retention

No student will be recommended for retention unless their case has been presented to

the school problem solving team (PST). Promotion or retention decisions for students who

transfer after the beginning of the final quarter of the school year will be made on a

case-by-case basis.

Grades K-8

To be promoted to the next grade, a student in grades K through 8 should be proficient

in reading and mathematics at grade level standards as determined through an

academic audit. The process of making promotion/retention decisions for students in

grades K through 8 should also take into consideration a variety of factors including age,

previous retention, maturity, motor coordination, capacity for learning, and academic

progress. The determination process should involve the principal and teacher(s) with the

authority for determining promotion and retention resting entirely with the teacher(s)

and principal, except that a kindergarten student may be retained only upon

approval/agreement of the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s). If a student needs to be

retained based on the school’s determination of the student’s academic performance

and/or other factors, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of that student shall be informed as

early in the school year as possible. In all cases, the decision of whether a student should

be promoted or retained shall be made on the basis of which grade placement

provides the student a better chance of progressing in his/her educational

development.

Placement

If a student is retained twice in any grade or is more than two years older than typical for

the current grade level placement, he/she may be placed in the next higher grade

level upon principal or teacher recommendation(s) and the approval of the

Superintendent or designee.

Grading Procedures/Report Cards/Progress Reports

Report cards for kindergarten through sixth grade are sent home every 9 weeks during

the school term. Progress reports for kindergarten through sixth grade will be sent home

approximately 4 ½ weeks prior to each report card. Documentation that the reports

were received should be returned to your child’s teacher within three school days.

Parents may check up to date grades via the PowerSchools Parent Portal. Duplicate

reports will be printed for a $1.00 fee.

The following scale will be utilized for Kindergarten – sixth grades:

A – Excellent………………………..90 – 100

B – Good……………………………80 - 89

C – Fair………………………………70 - 79

D – Poor………………….………….60 - 69

F – Failure……………….…………..59 and below

Debts/Books/Report Cards

1. All school debts (pictures, textbooks, library books, lunch, etc.) are required

to be paid.

2. Students are responsible for textbooks and library books checked out by

them and will be required to pay for lost and damaged books.

3. Report cards (K-6) are issued at the end of each nine (9) weeks of the

school year.

4. A service charge of $30.00 is required on returned checks. After first

returned check only cash will be accepted.

Parent Teacher Conferences

An effective communication system between the school and home greatly enhances

the effectiveness of a child’s learning. Conferences between parents and teachers are

encouraged to discuss a child’s academic progress, social interaction, and unique

concerns. The first conference will be at the end of the first nine weeks for parents to

pick up the grade report and discuss their child’s performance. Additional conferences

will be scheduled at the teacher and parent’s discretion. Conferences may be

scheduled by calling the school’s secretary or by sending a note/emailing the teacher.

Conferences may be scheduled during their planning period or after students have

been dismissed after 3:00 p.m. most school days. We do not interrupt the instructional

day for parent/teacher conferences. Please schedule conferences at mutually

convenient times. An open-door policy is in place at AES. When available the principal

and/or assistant principal will be willing to meet with you.

Conferences will only be conducted with the legal guardian of the student. The policy

of the Henry County Board of Education is to assure the custodial parent and/or

guardian access to student education records and to restrict the release of such

records and/or directory information to third parties as set forth in the Family

Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Class Placement

Abbeville Elementary School assign students to their next year class through

collaborative efforts of their current classroom teacher, counselor, assistant principal and

principal. When applicable, special education teachers and/or instructional specialists

also provide input. Many factors are considered in the process of creating balanced

classroom groups including learning styles, gender equity, academic achievement level,

behavior, study work habits, and peer relations. Parent requests for specific classroom

teachers are not accepted. However, some parents may like to offer input as to their

children’s learning needs. If you have questions about the specific process at your child’s

school, please contact the building administrators.

Monday Info Folders

Each Monday, your child will bring home a YELLOW “information folder.” You will find the

weekly newsletter, tests and work samples/assignments from the previous week. Please

sign the papers and return all to school the following day. This is an excellent way for

parents and teachers to communicate with each other.

Daily Communication

Abbeville Elementary School recognizes that communication with parents is important

in regard to success in school. Teachers will communicate via text through the REMIND

101 texting system only and not via personal cell phone numbers.

Some teachers send folders home daily with homework, school calendars, memos,

etc. The folder should be checked and returned each day. Money should be sent in

a sealed envelope labeled with your child’s name, teacher’s name, and purpose of

the money. Anything sent to school (notes, money, etc.) needs to be placed in this

folder. Folders will be checked daily. Please note we do not check book bags. Verbal

messages brought by your child cannot be accepted by the teacher. Please send

written correspondence only. These should be placed in your child's daily folder.

School-Wide Discipline Plan

The faculty and staff at Abbeville Elementary School believe every student has the ability

to make good choices and become a successful student. With the use of positive

discipline, a child can learn to control their own behavior while motivating themselves to

learn. Teachers recognize that children who don’t have self-control need to be taught

directly these expected behaviors. Students who are taught to

internally control their own behavior will possess this skill throughout life. In the first weeks

of school the classroom teacher will discuss, model and teach expected behaviors.

We, the faculty and staff of Abbeville Elementary School, work toward self-discipline.

Self-discipline is a learning process whereby the student learns self-control and

recognizes his/her own responsibilities to society.

Teachers and the students will work together to build a community where students can

take ownership in the successfulness of the classroom. Teachers will present discipline in

positive terms and students will have the opportunity to solve problems in a caring

environment. Teachers will use rewards and consequences to help shape student

behavior, but these will not be the primary focus. The emphasis will be on helping

children understand what choices they have and how these choices affect their lives.

We will be respectful, responsible, and resourceful always.

1. Students must respect their teachers, responsible adults, and classmates.

Students will keep their hands and feet to themselves and will use kind

words at all times. All harassment allegations will be thoroughly

investigated by the principal.

2. The throwing of objects (ex. Rocks, sticks, pinecones, dirt, etc.) is strictly

forbidden.

3. Students that fight will be immediately sent to the principal’s office for

disciplinary action.

4. Students are expected to follow all classroom procedures.

5. Students are expected to work to the best of their abilities at all times.

6. Students are expected to complete all assigned work.

7. Students are expected to treat the school campus with respect and will

be expected to take care of it.

8. Students are expected to use appropriate language at all times.

9. Students are expected to be prepared by having their own supplies and

materials.

10. Every student will receive a copy of the Henry County Code of Conduct.

It contains a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable behavior

and punishment for each. It also explains Due Process that will follow the

guidelines in this booklet in making decision concerning, expulsion, time-

out room, or alternative school.

11. Students who chronically exhibit poor behavior are subject to be denied

the privilege of participating in field trips and/or extra-curricular activities.

12. Failure to comply with school rules will result in disciplinary action

according to the AES Progressive Discipline Plan. Students will be

expected to adhere to the Henry County Learner Code of Conduct.

Students will be given the rules and reminded that a violation of these

and other rules will result in punishment. No student will be punished

unless counseled as to why he/she received the punishment.

13. Abbeville Elementary School will use the Positive Behavior Support

program to encourage appropriate behavior in the classroom. Students

will be rewarded periodically for adhering to the discipline policies.

14. Adhere to the Abbeville Progressive Discipline Plan as indicated below.

15. All students are expected to follow our AES “STING Expectations.”

• S- Safety First

• T- Take Ownership

• I- Inspire Others

• N- Noble Behaviors Matter

• G- Growth Mindset

Cell Phones

Henry County Board of Education may permit any student to carry cellular telephones

when such use of expressly and specifically permitted by the school administrator,

teacher or employee who is acting in a supervisory capacity at the time of use. Any

student in violation of the policy may be subject to suspension or disciplinary action by

the school administrator and/or the Henry County Board of Education. Students are

strongly encouraged to refrain from posting or sharing inappropriate videos or images on

social media platforms, or in group chats of any kind, especially during school hours.

When students do not follow the school-wide discipline plan they will receive consequences based on the philosophy

of progressive discipline. Progressive discipline uses a consistent approach that starts with a minor consequence for

first offenses to a more severe consequence for repeat offenses. Minor behavioral issues will be handled by the

teacher (classroom, media, computer lab, or PE). They will use their discretion when they believe the classroom

behavior requires a referral. The following is a sampling of the consequences teachers may use:

Student Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy (HCCC pg. 23)

Understanding that the use of technology, including cell phone/electronic device usage has become an integral part of today’s

society, possession of these devices shall be permitted at school. However, students shall be held accountable for and taught

appropriate cell phone use. Please note the consequences below:

Offense: 1 Day of After

School Detention

Offense: 3 Days

ISS

Offense: 5 Days

Alternative School

Offense: Student

referral to discipline

committee.

Offense: Student referred

to the Superintendent and

Board of Education.

• Students whose actions violate the state and/or federal laws (threats, harassment, sexting, pornography, etc.) shall be turned

over to law enforcement agencies and shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in addition to school punishment.

• Students who are caught using a device to cheat will also receive a zero on the test and shall not be given an opportunity to make it up.

• Absolutely no cell phones/electronic devices (student or teacher) will be allowed in testing rooms where state assessments are being

administered. Violations will enter consequences at the 4

offense level.

Step #1

Verbal Warning

Step #2

Student will move to next step according to behavior chart. (ex. move clip, change color, etc.)

Step #3

Parent Contact & Time Out in Class (Teacher must document time and date of contact.)

Step #4

15 Minute Break Detention & Reflection Sheet (Teacher Assigned and Covered)

Parent must be notified. Copy of reflection sheet with date and time break detention occurred must accompany the referral sent

home.

Step #5

Required Parent Conference (Via Google Meet, Zoom, or In Person)

** In the event the parent refuses to show, the child will be placed in TOR.

Step #6

Office Referral (TOR or Corporal Punishment by Administration) Admin will call parents.

Offense: 1 Day TOR

Offense: 3 Days TOR

Offense: 5 Days TOR

Step #7

Office Referral #2 Alternative School (Repeated Class II Offenses/Class III)

Step #8

Office Referral #3 Hearing Before Local School Disciplinary Committee) 10+ Days

Step #9

Immediate Suspension from School Pending Hearing

Additional

Information

Fight (minor) 3 Days TOR

Fight (minor) 5 Days TOR

The undersigned hereby acknowledge by our signatures that we have read or had read to us the Abbeville Elementary School

Progressive Discipline Plan. We understand that these steps apply to all learners at AES.

Student Signature ____________________________________________________ Date ___________________

Parent Signature _____________________________________________________ Date ___________________

Principal Signature __________________________________________________ Date __________________

AES Progressive

School Discipline Plan

2023-2024

Student Name:

Homeroom:

Guidance

The Guidance Program exists to meet the needs of the students. Whole group guidance

sessions for each class consist of activities that will benefit students in the areas specified

by a state and local curriculum guide. Small group sessions are also organized and

conducted as needed. Parents and teachers may request that students be counseled

individually, or students may request individual counseling sessions for themselves. The

counselor and classroom teacher (based upon the specific needs of the student)

decide the frequency of the individual sessions.

Field Trips

A parent must accompany any student with behavior concerns i.e. -- students who have

been assigned to TOR for a full day or more within the same semester of the trip, based

on teacher requests on a field trip. If the parent does not go on the trip, the student will

stay at school in another teacher’s classroom with work assigned. A student with severe

behavior concerns i.e.-- being out of school suspended within the same semester of the

trip, will not be allowed to go on a field trip. The student will stay at school in another

teacher’s classroom with work assigned. All field trips are based on principal’s approval.

Parents must have prior approval from the principal to allow their child out to travel in a

private vehicle after the field trip.

If the parent keeps the child at home, the absence is unexcused. All teachers, students,

and parents taking part in field trips must wear school identification and/or armbands

issued by the teacher. Students who participate in field trips are expected to travel to

the field trip activity as a group and to participate in and remain with the field trip group

for the duration of the activity. Students will travel to and from all field trip activities in the

transportation vehicle provided by the school system.

Chaperone Guidelines

Purpose: The sole purpose for chaperone services will be to aid the teacher in preserving

the well-being of each student by maintaining and enforcing policies, instructions and

guidelines. The chaperone will function in an official capacity as a representative of

HCS and should conduct himself/herself accordingly.

Qualifications: Preferably, a chaperone will be one who has a child participating in the

activity for which services are needed. All chaperones are expected to model

appropriate behavior and refrain from the use of alcohol and tobacco products. All

chaperones MUST be approved by the principal. **Anyone not willing to abide by the

guidelines will be escorted from the school campus and/or event by the school resource

officer.

Chaperones Will:

• Wear arm bands/nametags as designated by school.

• Submit a medical release form to the sponsor.

• Stay with the students at all times and be ready to assist when called

upon.

• Encourage all students to visit restrooms prior to leaving.

• Know the students for whom they are responsible at all times.

• Check all tables, restrooms, and areas where the students might

have been for any articles left behind, and to ensure that venues

are left as neat and clean as they were found.

• Model appropriate behavior for students at all times.

• Refrain from the use of vapes, inappropriate language, alcohol and

tobacco products.

• Keep a positive attitude

• Chaperones may not bring along children of any age who are not

enrolled in the class taking the field trip.

• Regular field trip costs will apply to the parent/chaperone.

• Parents are expected to represent his/her child in a respectable

manner. **No bonnets, pajamas, or revealing clothing while in

attendance of a school event or chaperoning.

Physical Education

Each student is required to have at least 30 minutes of physical education daily. Safe

athletic shoes should be worn at PE. Students are expected to participate in all activities

unless a parent note is sent to the teacher. The physical education teacher should be

notified of any medical problems preventing participation. If a student suffers a broken

bone, muscle sprain, or any other serious injury that prevents participation, a doctor’s

release MUST be received by the school nurse before the student will be allowed to

participate in PE.

Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)

Our Parent Teacher Organization is a tremendous asset to Abbeville Elementary

School. They will provide materials for classrooms; organize volunteers to help with any

and all activities at school, and conduct fundraisers throughout the year. Any person is

eligible to be a member of PTO. Dues and monies raised will be spent to achieve PTO

goals set at the first general meeting. These goals will benefit all children and their

education. There will be at least three general meetings during the school year. These

include an Open House at the beginning of the year, a winter program in December,

and election of officers meeting in the spring.

Media Center

The Media Center’s hours of operation are from 7:45 – 2:30, Monday – Friday. We hope

you will visit our library and check out all the resources we have available! We are

constantly improving our circulation and want books in the hands of children.

The media center always needs volunteers. Please contact Mrs. Teat to sign up to help

shelve and process books or assist students in choosing books!

Check-out Policy:

1. Students in all grade levels may check out books.

2. Parents may check out four books at a time.

3. We encourage students to choose books at their appropriate reading

level and interest area.

4. Parents and teachers may check out big books and books on tape.

5. Reference books may only be checked out to teachers for use in

classrooms.

Library Fines: Fines are not charged for overdue books. However, students are required

to pay for lost or damaged books. There will be a charge for any lost library item. When

a book is checked out, the patron assumes full responsibility for it. Any book which has

been lost, defaced, torn, left in the rain, or otherwise misused to the extent it can no

longer be read, will have to be paid for by the responsible patron.

Parental Involvement Policy & Plan

Abbeville Elementary School (AES) will use its parental involvement funds to purchase

supplies, equipment, and materials that will enable us to provide parents with materials

to help meet the needs of their children. We will provide workshops and activities to

build and foster stronger parent and community involvement. Workshops offered will

address issues such as family literacy and parenting skills through work sessions and

technology classes. Our efforts to increase student achievement, improve student

behavior, and develop better study skills are goals that we plan to reach through

services and the purchase of equipment, materials, and supplies.

The parent advisory council will continue to meet each grading period to discuss

pertinent aspects of the parent involvement plan. The council will discuss aspects of the

plan and offer suggestions and ideas that will be included. Information gained from

parent surveys will also be used. AES will continue to inform and encourage input from

parents.

During our annual parent meeting, we will discuss needs and list recommendations for

spending allocated funds. Parents will collaborate with the faculty and staff to decide

the most effective way to use these Title I funds.

Abbeville Elementary School shall hold its annual meeting for the parents/guardians of

AES students during the middle of August. Parents will be notified of the meeting by the

School Cast program, newspaper announcements, and a posting on the school

marquee. The topics covered in the annual meeting will be presented in a morning

session and an evening session to provide the opportunity for all parents/guardians to

attend. Some of the topics to be discussed include areas in which the parents indicated

on the May survey were of interest. Topics to be discussed are:

1. Title I participation, its services, and parents’ rights

2. An explanation of the school’s curriculum and the state’s content

standards

3. The Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP)

4. Parents’ Right-to-Know

5. The school Parental Involvement Plan

6. School-Parent-Student Compacts

7. The Parent Center

8. Parent Survey

9. Tips on helping with homework

10. Improving reading and math skills

In addition to the annual meeting, Abbeville Elementary School shall hold its Open

House prior to the start of school. The parents/guardians and students will locate their

child’s classrooms and meet with the teachers. Parents are notified of the meeting by

the SchoolCast, AES web-site, newspaper announcements and social media posting.

AES leadership and faculty understand the importance of parental involvement and

offer parent meetings to accommodate the various parents’/guardians’ work schedules.

Our annual meeting shall be offered during the school day and in the evening. Our

Parent Center shall conduct workshops to further address at home needs as seen by the

parents/guardians. The Parent Center shall be open every school day from 8:00 a.m.

until 9:00 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. to allow parents to pick up materials and

information. The Parent Center will also be open thirty minutes before each PTO

meeting. Various pamphlets and flyers are available in the guidance office for

parents/guardians. The parent facilitator, an administrator, or designee shall make every

effort to meet with parent/guardian at any time.

Abbeville Elementary School believes that parents/guardians are to be involved in all

aspects of its Title I programs. We shall have three parent representatives on our

Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) advisory council who are involved in AES activities.

Parents will be given surveys at the end of the year. The information gathered from the

returned surveys will provide input on activities, training, and materials that the school

should offer to the parents/guardians for the upcoming school year. The results from the

surveys help determine what is needed in the parental involvement plan as well as in the

CIP.

At the annual meeting, Abbeville Elementary School will hold a general meeting where

information about the schools Title I programs, the curriculum, and forms of assessments

will be discussed. Parents shall learn about the CIP, various programs and the Course of

Study objectives in reading, math, language, science, social studies, and physical

education. They shall also learn about scheduling parent-teacher conferences. Student

handbooks will be available for parents/guardians who need them. Parents/guardians

shall be given the opportunity to visit appropriate areas of the school. The faculty will

provide additional information about expectations, on the subjects taught and

assessments given to their child.

Abbeville Elementary School shall gather its Advisory Council to review, evaluate, and

revise the CIP plan in April. Two parent representatives shall be present. All

parents/guardians are notified of the review process through School Cast and letters

sent home making parents/guardians aware that the plan is under review and that a

copy is available in the principal’s office, library, guidance office, and Parent Center.

The communications will inform parents/guardians of their right to have input in revising

the plan and of their right to submit any concerns in writing to the school even after final

approval of the plan.

Abbeville Elementary School will develop and/or revise its school-parent-student

compacts in July of the upcoming school year. Various components will be included in

the compact in order to meet the state requirements. The new compacts will be

modified to better identify roles of each stakeholder. The compacts shall be referred to

at different times throughout the school year such as during conferences with student

and/or parents/guardians. Explanation of the compact will be discussed with each of

the stakeholders and the signing of the compact shall indicate that there is a

commitment in working together to ensure learner success in the school.

AES Parent Partnership

Abbeville Elementary School shall work to ensure that a partnership between

parents/guardian is established to improve overall student success in the social aspects

as well as academic achievement. AES shall:

1. Provide training at the annual meeting for parents/guardians about the

State’s academic content standards and State student academic

achievement standards, state and local assessments, the requirements

of Title I, how to monitor their child’s progress, and working with teachers

to improve their child’s achievement level. Parents/guardians will

schedule meetings with teachers to discuss pertinent information

individually.

2. Provide materials and training to help parents improve children’s

achievement. AES shall promote activities and programs for families to

become involved in the educational process in order to provide

academic assistance at home and at school by using compacts,

volunteer programs, parenting classes, open house, statewide parenting

day, and parent/teacher conferences. The Parent Center will be

equipped with materials that parents can check out to assist them in

helping their child gain success in school. Audio-visual resources such as

videotapes and CD ROMs will be available to further enhance the

learning environment at home. There will also be discipline material

available for home use. AES shall also provide community resource

guide information for DHR, Henry County Extension Program, 4-H, Child

Advocacy Center, and Truancy prevention.

3. Educate the faculty and staff in the importance of parental contributions

and develop open communication with parents/guardians as valuable

partners in the goal of their child’s academic achievement. AES shall

work to build relationships with parents and the school. Abbeville

Elementary School shall work with the teachers and other staff members

through in-service trainings, faculty meetings, and grade level meetings

to emphasize the importance of parental involvement and fostering a

partnership with parents/guardians.

4. To the extent appropriate, coordinate parent involvement programs and

activities such as the parent resource center that encourages and

supports parents/guardians in participating in their child’s education.

Spanish speaking parents/guardians will be provided with pamphlets,

and meeting notices, translated into Spanish using TransAct. Bilingual

parents, community members, or older children assist in translation when

needed and appropriate.

5. Ensure that information regarding school programs, parent meetings,

and activities is sent in a format, to the extent practicable, in a language

the parents understand. Information on all meetings and parent notices

is sent to parents/guardians of the ELL students in Spanish.

6. Provide other reasonable support for parental involvement activities

under this section. Abbeville Elementary School makes every attempt to

work with parents in meeting their request to enhance their child’s

education. The survey conducted in May will show how parents feel

about having meetings on Saturday. AES may hold at least one meeting

on a Saturday.

7. Upon request, parents will be provided with the professional

qualifications of their child’s teachers and/or paraprofessionals including

their certification status and degree(s) in accordance with the Parents’-

Right-To-Know.

8. Parents will be given a copy of state assessment reports with or before

the first report card. Letters will be sent to the parents of children enrolled

in the classroom of any teacher who is not highly qualified.

Abbeville Elementary School to the extent practicable provides opportunities for parents

with limited English proficiency and parents with disabilities to participate in school

functions. Based on need, the notices of parent meetings may be sent to Spanish

speaking parents. Abbeville Elementary School doesn’t have any migratory students at

this time. AES makes every effort to accommodate parents/guardians with disabilities

and the buildings are handicapped-accessible.

Abbeville Elementary School (AES) understands that engaging parents in the education

process is essential to improved academic success for students. It further recognizes that

a child’s education is a responsibility shared by the school and family during the entire

time a child attends school.

Therefore, Abbeville Elementary School shall foster and support active parent

involvement so that our school and our parents work together as knowledgeable

partners in educating children.

Although parents may be diverse in culture, language, and needs, they share the

school’s commitment to the educational success of their children. Abbeville Elementary

School recognizes its responsibility to eliminate barriers that impede family involvement,

and to create an environment supportive of comprehensive family involvement

programs that have been developed in collaboration with parents. Therefore, this policy

shall establish programs and practices that reflect the specific needs of Abbeville

Elementary School students and their families.

Abbeville Elementary School supports the development, implementation, and regular

evaluation of a parent involvement program at Abbeville Elementary School that

includes parents at all grade levels in a variety of roles. Parental involvement programs

will be comprehensive and coordinated in nature. They will include, but not be limited

to, the following components of successful parent/family involvement programs based

on National PTA’s National Standards for

Family Engagement (Parents/Family Involvement Programs):

• Communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful.

Informing parents of pertinent information regarding their child is essential.

• Responsible parenting is promoted and supported. AES recognize that parents

are their child’s first and most important teacher.

• Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning. AES encourages parents

to involve themselves in their child’s learning experiences at school as well as at

home.

• Parents are welcome in the school, and their support and assistance are sought.

The parents are encouraged to exercise their right to visit their child’s classroom,

eat lunch with their child, view their child’s records, and meet with faculty and

staff about anything that concerns their child.

• Parents are full partners in the decisions that affect children and families. Parents

are encouraged to fully participate in decisions that affect their child’s education

and well-being. Provide opportunities for parents to share in decisions about

policies through surveys and parent meetings.

• Community resources are made available to strengthen school programs, family

practices, and student learning. Abbeville Elementary School is committed to

working with community agencies such as DHR, Child Advocacy, SpectraCare

and Henry County Extension, 4-H, as well as any other agencies that provide

services to children and families.

Abbeville Elementary School is committed to professional development opportunities for

staff and leadership to enhance understanding of effective parental involvement

strategies.

Abbeville Elementary School also recognizes the importance of administrative leadership

in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parent participation. AES

recognizes the value of staff development and provides opportunities that will enhance

the faculty’s ability to further develop and expand parental involvement.

Abbeville Elementary School supports the implementation of this policy. A copy of this

policy will be distributed to every parent, guardian, and teacher by including this

document in the student handbook. Support will be provided to parents and teachers

as they plan and implement effective parental involvement programs. Parental

involvement is the key in establishing an effective program. We understand the value of

parental input and work to implement suggestions and ideas; therefore, we commit to

devoting time and resources in implementing the contents of this policy.

Abbeville Elementary School ensures that parents will participate in an evaluation of

content and effect of this policy on student success. The evaluation will be used to

improve and/or create practices to enhance parental involvement. At a minimum, this

policy will be reviewed and revised yearly.

If parents have concerns about the Parental Involvement policy, their concerns may be

expressed to:

Federal Program Director

Alabama State Department of Education

200 N. Ripley Street

Montgomery, Alabama

Home Language Survey

Each student who enrolls in Henry County School must complete a Home Language

Survey. The parent or student may fill out this survey. It if is determined that the student’s

language is not English; the English Language Learners (ELL) Coordinator, Jill Barber, is

contacted. The student will be given a Language Assessment to determine his/her

understanding/ability to perform in a regular classroom situation. A team made up of

regular classroom teacher(s), principal or designee and the ELL Coordinator will discuss

assessment results and decide the best plan for the student. All students will be in regular

Physical Education classes. At other times students could be given instruction in a

resource room or be helped in the regular classroom by another person. All students are

monitored and mainstreamed as progress is made. Student(s) will be evaluated on their

class work. A Language Assessment will be administered to determine the student(s)

ability to work in the regular classroom. All students will have the same services and

opportunities to participate in activities in the school.

Equal Opportunity

A student shall not be admitted to, or excluded from, any federally assisted education

program on the basis of a surname of language-minority status. {No Child Left Behind

Act of 2001. Title III-Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant

Students, Part C, Section 3302 (f)}

Google Classroom

Please see and return Internet Acceptable Use form to give permission for Henry County

BOE to create/maintain a Gmail/GSuite for Education account for your student to

participate in Google Classroom activities (including homework).

Privacy Act

The parents or guardians of students under the age of 18 have the right to request to see

their child’s records. Students 18 years old or older may request to see their school

records.

The school must have a signed statement from the student or his/her parent before a

transcript will be sent to an employer, a college admission office, etc.

Statement of Equal Opportunities

It is the policy of Abbeville Elementary School that no student will be denied access to

programs of service, or treated differently on the basis of race, sex, religion, belief,

national origin, ethnic group, limited English-speaking ability, handicapping condition, or

economic condition.

POLICY FOR PROVIDING A QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL STUDENTS IN THE HENRY COUNTY

SCHOOL SYSTEM

The Henry County School System is committed to providing high quality education for all

students. Because of this commitment, this policy is developed for students who use

English as a second language, who are immigrants, who are migrants, and/or who are

homeless.

Each student who enrolls in HCS must complete a Home Language Survey. The parent

or student may fill out this survey. If it is determined that the student’s language is not

English, the English Language Learners (ELL) Coordinator is contacted. The student will

be given a Language Assessment to determine his/her understanding/ability to perform

in a regular classroom situation. A team made up of regular classroom teacher(s),

principal or designee and the ELL Coordinator will discuss assessment results and decide

the best plan for the student. All students will be in regular Physical Education classes. At

other times students could be given instruction in a resource room or be helped in the

regular classroom by another person. All students are monitored and mainstreamed as

progress is made. Student(s) will be evaluated on their classwork. A Language

Assessment will be administered to determine the student(s’) ability to work in the regular

classroom. All students will have the same services and opportunities to participate in

activities in the school.

Student Rights

EL, immigrant, migrant and homeless students have the same responsibilities and rights

as all students in the school.

Communication to School

Principals/designee will be provided information and materials about ELL, immigrant,

migrant, and homeless students, and they will sign-off when receiving such materials.

The principal and/or his designee will have the primary responsibility of explaining all

information and materials to these students and their parents in a manner and form

which they can understand.

Migrant and Homeless

Migrant and homeless students who come into the system will be provided the same

quality educational opportunities as all other students.

A student shall not be admitted to, or excluded from, and federally assisted education

program on the basis of a surname of language-minority status. [No Child Left Behind

Act of 2001. Title III- Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant

Students, Part C, Section 3302 (f)]

Parents Right-to-Know

The Henry County School System implements the NCLB Parents Right-to-Know provision

by providing parents with copies of all required notifications/forms. These include both

English and Spanish (and other languages as needed) versions of the required

documents. TransACT is used as a resource for documents.

Student Enrollment

The Henry County School System is committed to enrolling without barriers and providing

fair and equitable services to students with limited English proficiency, children with

disabilities, migratory children, neglected or delinquent youth, homeless children and

youth, and immigrant children. For further information see the LEA Title I Plan, EL Plan,

and/or Homeless Children and Youth Plan available in the school principal’s office, the

superintendent’s office, or on the Henry County website

http://www.henrycountyboe.org (Departments + Federal Programs + Documents +

Federal Programs Documents).

Notifications of Rights Under FERPA

The Family Educational Right and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and students over

18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s

education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45

days of the day the district receives a request for access.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records

that the parents or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information

contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that

FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. (One exception which

permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with

legitimate educational interests.)

4. The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education

concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the

requirements of FERPA. The office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy

Compliance Office, U. S. Department of Education, 600 Independence

Avenue S. W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Sexual Harassment

Employees and student shall not engage in conduct constituting in sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is illegal and will not be tolerated. The Henry County School Board

shall investigate all allegations of sexual harassment and take appropriate action

against employees or students who engage in sexual harassment. (See Board Policy File:

GAEA and Code of Conduct)

Asbestos Notification

The Henry County Board of Education has removed all friable asbestos from its facilities;

however, there are areas within the school system that contain suspected non-friable

asbestos materials. Such areas may include floor tile, attic/roofing material, and thermal

insulation beneath crawl spaces and in attics. For more information contact the school

office for the school’s Asbestos Management Plan.

Handbook Acknowledgement Form

(Please complete the Handbook Acknowledgement Form in your child’s beginning of the year packet. Any additional

changes and/or information will be communicated via social media, written notification, or emails.)

Abbeville Elementary School STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK

I have read and understand the AES Handbook.

I have read and understand the Federal Law pertaining to:

 Parents Right-to-Know Teacher Qualifications

 Parents Right-to-Know Limited English Proficient

 Parent Involvement Plan for AES

I have read and understand my responsibility as a library patron.

I would like for my child to bring his/her library book home each week.

Student’s Name: _________________________________________

Parent’s Signature: _______________________________________

Parent’s Email address: __________________________________

The Henry County Schools Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national

origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts

and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries

regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Lori Beasley, Superintendent

Henry County Schools

100 Trawick Street

Abbeville, AL 36310 334.585.2206

[email protected]

Abbeville Elementary School’s website is www.abbevilleelementary.org.

The Henry County Board of Education’s website is www.henrycountyboe.org.