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Welcome to Pershing Elementary School. The information printed on this page is an overview of our school's policies and procedures.
Your strong support of our school's staff, PTA, School Advisory Council, ADDitions Volunteer Program, and school related activities is vital to our mission of being one of Florida's best schools.
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Regular attendance is important and is required by state law. Students may be excused when the absence is due to personal illness, serious illness or death in the student's immediate family and to observe recognized holidays of the student's religious faith.
It is the responsibility of the parent to furnish a written excuse explaining the cause of the absence. If the school does not receive a written excuse, the child's attendance records will automatically reflect an unexcused absence.
If a student is to be confined to the hospital or home by a licensed physician for a minimum of fifteen (15) school days due to illness or injury, the student may be eligible for the Hospital/Homebound school program.This program provides instruction in the home/hospital or through a teleconference class via the telephone system. Homebound application forms may be obtained from the counselor or the Homebound Office.The application must be signed by the parent and the doctor before being returned to the Hospital/Homebound office for processing.
Students who have ten days or more of unexplained or unacceptable absences will be referred to the school social worker. if you know your child will be out for several days, please notify the teacher so arrangements can be made for make-up work.
Change of Address or Phone Number
Parents are responsible for notifying the office and their child's teacher of any change in address or telephone numbers. Emergencies can occur at any time and the school must be able to contact the parents at all times! If you fail to keep the school and your child's teacher informed of any changes, especially your telephone number, you may cause us to lose precious time in contacting you.
It is necessary to send the teacher a written note if you change your child's method of transportation. The teacher will not allow the student to alter the normal routine without this note.
A. For each prescribed medication, the student's parent or guardian must complete an authorization form, in person at the school.
B. Medication must be hand delivered by the PARENT to the school.
C. When there is a change in the medication or dosage from that on the original container, the principal or designee shall require new directions from the doctor in addition to the parent authorization.
D. All prescribed medication to be administered by school personnel shall be received and stored in the ORIGINAL container, with the original label from the pharmacy showing the student's name, name of drug, and directions for administration.
E. Prescribed medication received by the school shall be stored in a secure fashion under lock and key in a location designated by the principal.
F. Children with fever or vomiting will need to be picked up immediately.
Clinic Phone: (407) 858-3160 ext. 229
Please read our uniform policy listed below. This is a voluntary program but we strongly encourage participation.
Tops: (Choice of two styles in Navy, Red or White)
T-Shirts solid color or with Pershing logo.
Shirts with logo may be ordered through our vendor.
Short or Long Sleeve polo shirts without pockets or emblems.
Polo shirts may be purchased locally without any logo or from our vendor with an embroidered logo.
Bottoms:
Pants, Shorts or Skirts in unadorned Black, Navy, or blue denim.
No cutoffs or short shorts. No tears or holes.
We also have Class Pride and School Spirit shirts. The School Spirit shirt is available in red, royal blue, or gray and has our school logo printed on it. The Class Pride shirts are different colors for each grade level and have a school emblem screen printed on them. Colors are as follows: Pre-K - Azalea, Kg - Kelly Green, 1st - Daisy, 2nd - Turquoise, 3rd - Lime, 4th - Purple, 5th - Tangerine. Both shirts may be ordered through the school.
We feel we have a very fun and flexible uniform program your child will enjoy. We will follow the schedule below:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
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Uniform
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Uniform or Class Pride T-Shirt |
Free Choice or Class Pride T-Shirt |
Uniform or Class Pride T-Shirt |
School Spirit T-Shirt or Class Pride T-Shirt |
The following guidelines refer to all students:
1. Students need to come to school clean, neat and with hair combed, shoes tied, etc.
2. Shirts, patches, hats, etc., that portray alcoholic beverages, drugs, vulgar language, expressions and/or gestures will not be permitted.
3. Shoes must be worn at all times at all school functions. Thongs or sandals without heel straps are not allowed. Students are not to wear high heel shoes, cleats or shoes with rollers.
To ensure a good social and educational climate, it is important
that students understand that acceptable standards of behavior will be expected
at all times. Discipline consequences will be administered when any student's
actions interfere with the right of teachers to teach and students to learn.
Students are reminded that any teacher or staff member in the school has the
right to correct mistaken behavior and may refer the student to an administrator
for further action.
Expectations - Students are expected to:
1. Show respect for all personnel.
2. Treat each other as they want to be treated themselves.
3. Conduct themselves in an orderly manner at all times and in all places connected with the school, including the school bus and on field trips.
4. Do all assigned work.
5. Treat with care all school property and the property of others.
Consequences - Depending on the severity and the frequency of the infractions,
the following are possible consequences:
Warning
Isolation
Disciplinary action initiated by the teacher
In-School conference with students
Parent visitation
Behavioral contract/responsibility training
Referral to student services
Lunchroom restriction
Detention or work details
Referral to guidance or administration
Confiscation of dangerous/inappropriate item
In-school suspension
Out-of-school suspension
**Florida law states that schools must have a Code of Student Conduct. A copy
of this code is given to each student. Please read and discuss this code with
your child. This Code of Student Conduct tells you about your right as a student
in the school and also tells you about the rules you must follow as a student.
It tells you what will happen if you do not follow the rules.
Parents are welcome to review any materials that are used in the classrooms at Pershing Elementary School. Please schedule an appointment with your child's teacher if you wish to review curriculum materials. The Orange County Public Schools Curriculum Frameworks are located on the county's web site: http://www.ocps.k12.fl.us/framework/ At this site you will be able to access grade level expectations for each subject.
Parents having sole custody of a child with any specialized court orders that restrain a natural parent from coming into contact with the child must notify the office of the circumstances. Legal documents of this type must be included in the child's records.
Please come to the school office to complete our sign-out roster if it is necessary for a student to leave early during the school day. Do not go to the classroom. The student must be signed out in the office when dismissed during the school day. Students may not leave during school hours unless they are picked up from the office by a parent or guardian. Early dismissal will not be permitted during the last 15 minutes of the school day.
Extended Day Enrichment Program
Before and after-school care is offered for
students. Hours are: 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. (2:00 - 6:00
p.m. on Wednesdays). A $10.00 yearly registration fee is required for the
program. A two week tuition deposit is required upon enrollment. All fees
are weekly fees. There is no daily rate or half-week rate. There is no "drop-in"
service . Weekly tuition is due Wednesdays by 6:00 p.m..
Sessions |
1st & 2nd Child
Each |
3rd Child Each |
Morning Only |
$15.00 |
$10.00 |
Afternoon Only |
$30.00 |
$25.00 |
Morning & Afternoon |
$40.00 |
$35.00 |
For additional information, contact Nece Moore at 858-3160 ext. 230.
Educational field trips are planned as part of the school program. Permission slips must be signed and returned to school prior to each trip. Students' behavior is to be exemplary. Students who fail to follow behavior guidelines may be denied future field trips. Any parent or guardian wishing to accompany their child on a field trip must complete an ADDitions application form (available in the office) at least 2 weeks prior to the trip.
The following health screening programs are available to certain grade levels within the school: vision, hearing, growth and development and scoliosis. This is done as part of the Student Services Program and in cooperation with the Orange County Health Department, local medical and other health agencies.
From time to time some of our students experience the problem of pediculosis (head lice and nits [eggs]). These are transmitted by:
1. Personal contact with an infested person or stray hairs that have nits.
2. Sharing personal items: combs, brushes, bedding or stuffed animals.
3. Sharing wearing apparel: hats, scarves, hair ribbons, coats or sweaters.
Early signs and symptoms are:
1. Itching and irritation of the scalp.
2. Matted hair, especially near the scalp.
If head lice or nits are found, the parent will be contacted at once. In addition, it will be necessary for the student to be isolated from the other students. Any student with lice OR nits must be effectively treated before returning to school. Effective treatment includes using an over-the-counter or prescription shampoo that is made specifically for treatment of lice and nits. All nits need to be completely combed out of the hair after shampooing.
Students who have contracted head lice will not be allowed to ride the bus. A parent must take his/her child to the clinic to be checked before being re-admitted to class.
It is also necessary to thoroughly clean any objects - combs, brushes, clothing, bedding and other household items - that may have been exposed.
IT IS IMPORTANT that you notify the school at once if you find that your child has contracted head lice. When we know, we are then able to check the entire class. This is the best measure we know to prevent lice from spreading.
Homework will be a purposeful extension of the school day. It should provide the students with opportunities for development of good work habits, educational skills, individual responsibilities, self direction and creative expression. The implementation of this policy will not require an excessive amount of time beyond the normal school day.
Homework should be based on the individual needs of the student or class. Homework should be assigned each day in math for the upper grades. Homework may be in the form of:
Reference Work Individual drill
Reporting Extra library reading, etc.
Family-centered learning activities
HOMEWORK SHOULD NOT BE ASSIGNED ON NIGHTS
OF SCHOOL FUNCTIONS. ( SOCK HOP, CULTURAL ARTS NIGHT, ETC.)
All assigned homework will be collected, graded, recorded and returned to
the student within one week.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY
Pleasure reading should always be encouraged
Students should understand the assignments and their purposes.
Homework should never be assigned as a form of punishment.
PRINCIPAL'S HONOR ROLL
"A"s with no more than one "B"; No "N"s allowed
anywhere.
HONOR ROLL
"A"s & "B"s with no more than one "N" in
social development; No "N"s allowed in work habits.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE
No absences or tardies per grading period.
Please note that an "N" in any academic area, including Specials, disqualifies students from Principal's Honor Roll and Honor Roll.
Insurance may be purchased through a school-sponsored insurance program. Please read the insurance form carefully. It may be of great benefit to you to participate in one of the plans offered. Please notice that payment is mailed directly to the insurance company. In case of an accident, you must initiate your own action for a claim to the company. The school will provide you with a claim form in case of injury.
Parents/guardians who need interpretive services pertaining to the school may request such services. Bilingual staff are available for this purpose. Psychological interpretation can be requested through Student Services, Orange County Public Schools.
A lunch menu is sent home at the beginning
of each month.
BREAKFAST
The school serves breakfast from 8:15-8:35 a.m. each morning. Students on
free or reduced lunch can eat breakfast free or at a reduced price.
LUNCH:
All pupils will eat lunch on campus. The school provides nutritionally prepared,
hot, reasonably priced meals.The price includes whole or low fat milk. Students
are provided with a substitute for milk (juice) when a written statement from
a doctor is received by the school. Pupils may bring
prepared lunches from home. Children who bring their lunch will be able to
purchase milk. Children may bring a thermos of milk, juice or water. Glass
containers are not acceptable. Absolutely no soft drinks, carbonated beverages
or candies are allowed. Refrain from sending junk food in bag lunches. Look
for items low in fat, added sugar, salt and excess chemicals. This will help
support the nutrition habits taught as a part of our curriculum.
We encourage you to pay for your child's lunch on a weekly basis. A check payable to Pershing Elementary School or cash (please include the correct amount) placed in an envelope bearing the child's name, teacher's name and the amount, will be collected each Monday morning during the pre instruction period and forwarded to the lunchroom manager. Your child will be credited for the week. If you have two or more children, one check may be written; however, each name must appear on the envelope.
CAFETERIA VISITATION:
Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their
child at any time. Please check in at the office and receive a visitor's badge.
Parents may eat on the patio tables with their child. However, due to safety
and liability concerns, parents will not be allowed to take students other
than their own outside the cafeteria.
POLICY FOR LUNCH CHARGES:
Our bookkeeping system does not have provisions
for charges. A child is allowed 3 charges. Until the charge is paid, the child
will receive a peanut butter sandwich and a carton of milk for lunch.
Applications for free and reduced meals are sent home during the first few
days of school. If you believe you qualify, please complete and return the
form for approval.
Our Media Center strives to maintain a current collection of print and non-print materials that enhance the school curriculum. Kindergarten and first grade students are allowed to check out one book, second through fifth grade students are allowed two books.The check-out period for materials is 14 days. Encyclopedias are available for reference only.
Kindergarten students attend a special orientation class on how to care for books before their check-out privileges begin. Kindergarten parents will receive a permission letter to be signed before students check out books.
Teachers will receive monthly printouts/notices of students with overdue materials. Students are expected to pay for lost or damaged materials.
The school office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The school patrols are fifth graders who have been trained to help direct student movement safely on school grounds. Patrols help direct the flow of car traffic. They assist children at the bicycle racks and on the bus loading ramp. Children need to walk, not run, in the halls. Patrols help us spread that important message throughout the school. Please encourage your child to listen to and obey the directions of the school patrols.
Pershing Elementary: 407-858-3160
Education Leadership Center: 407-317-3200
South Learning Community: 407-317-3740
Transportation: 407-317-3800
Please let your child know IN ADVANCE what to do at dismissal in case of rain. Notify the teacher in writing if you plan to pick up your child when it rains. Telephone calls at the last minute can cause delays.
Age Requirements
Florida law states that a child must be six years old on or before September 1 in order to enter first grade and the child must have successfully completed a kindergarten program. The age requirement is five years old by September 1 for kindergarten entry. A birth certificate is required of all pupils new to Orange County.
Health Records
All students entering Florida schools for the first time need an immunization certificate (HR680 or 3040) and a physical examination within the last year.
Proof of Residence
Proof of residence may be provided in the form of a current homestead exemption certificate, a lease agreement, notarized manifestation of domicile or a notarized statement of residence.
Evaluation of student progress is an important form of communication between home and school. It provides parents with information to understand the needs of the child. It provides teachers with a base of knowledge to provide individual and group instruction.
Report Cards
Student progress is reported to parents in a
mid-term report (five weeks into term) and a report card is sent home each
nine week period.
We use the following grading scale:
"A" - 90- 100
"B" - 80 - 89
"C" - 70- 79
"D" - 60- 69
"F" - 59 and below
The report card is used by the teacher to show the degree each pupil is progressing
at his/her own level.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parents and teachers are encouraged to have conferences concerning a child's progress and behavior. Parents who wish to talk with the teachers need to arrange for a conference ahead of time. This serves two purposes: it ensures that the teacher will be able to meet with you when you come and it gives the teacher time to get all the materials and information ready to discuss with you. Please do not attempt to talk to a teacher while the students are in the classroom.
Conference Night
Parents are encouraged to attend and discuss their child's progress at the school wide conference night scheduled on October 9, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Call the school office to reserve your appointment.
8:45 - 3:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
8:45 - 2:00 on Wednesday (EARLY DISMISSAL)
Students are to arrive at school no earlier than 8:15 a.m.
Orange County School Board Policy states: "Anyone wishing to contact teachers or pupils during the school day must receive permission from the principal or his/her representative." All visitors must check in at the office to sign in for a pass before entering a classroom or other school areas.
The school day starts at 8:45 a.m. It is important for your child to be on time. While we realize that there may be occasions when your child may be late, continuing tardiness is a serious problem. Students who are tardy must obtain a tardy pass. Excessive tardies will be reported to the Orange County Social Service Department for investigation. Please let the school know the reason for the tardies. Parents will be contacted by school officials if a student is consistently receiving unexcused tardies. Please note that begining this year, all tardies are unexcused as per Orange County Policy.
Bicycles
WE REQUEST THAT STUDENTS IN KINDERGARTEN, FIRST AND SECOND GRADE NOT RIDE THEIR BICYLES TO SCHOOL.
Students may park their bikes at the bike racks.
However, the school does not assume any responsibility for bikes.
Students who ride bikes must follow these rules:
1. Students must wear a safety helmet.
2. Students must have a bike lock.
3. Only one lock and chain per bike. No double locking with younger siblings or friends. This causes confusion at dismissal time.
4. Do not leave the bike overnight at school.
5. Do not ride the bike on school campus.
6. Walk the bike at all times while on campus following designated routes.
7. Use a backpack or basket to carry belongings.
Bus Riders
School bus transportation is a privilege provided to eligible students. Students are responsible to the school at all times while on the bus. Any misconduct on the part of a student will be reported to the principal. Continued misbehavior on the bus will be cause for suspension of the student's bus riding privilege. In this case, it is the responsibility of the parent to see that the student is transported to school. A suspension from the bus may also result in a suspension from school. Students who are bus riders must follow these rules:
1. Stand off the roadway while awaiting the bus.
2. Remain seated while the bus is moving.
3. Keep head and arms inside the windows.
4. Maintain classroom conduct, outside of ordinary conversation. Absolutely no talking at railroad crossings or when the lights are on.
5. Obey the bus driver. The driver is in full charge of the bus and pupils.
6. Students may be assigned seats on the bus.
7. Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus.
8. Be on time; the bus cannot wait for those who are tardy.
9. Children are required to ride the assigned bus.
10. Children who are not bus riders are not eligible to ride the school bus.
The bus driver is required to drop students off only at assigned stops. If, for some reason, you want your child to get off at a different stop, write a note to the school, include the reason for the request, the exact bus stop and a telephone number where you can be reached to verify the request.The principal must approve all exceptions each time they occur.
Car Riders
MORNING ARRIVAL/AFTERNOON DEPARTURE
All children transported by car must be dropped off and picked up at the SOUTH
driveway (back loading area) of the school. They should exit and enter from
the curbside. To ensure the safety of all children, double parking and passing
are not permitted in the SOUTH driveway. The NORTH parking lot is designated
for school buses and day care vans only. Do NOT pick up or drop off children
in the NORTH parking lot.
Click on map for enlarged view
Walkers
Please allow children to walk to school if possible.
Children must walk on the path and stay off the grass at the edge of the road.
They must obey all safety rules and obey the safety patrols.
The gate to Big Oaks at the south end of the school property is open to walkers
only. No bicycles allowed!
The following crossings will be manned by Orange County Crossing Guards in
the a.m. and p.m.
PERSHING AVENUE IN FRONT OF SCHOOL: A guard will be here for walkers and bike
riders.
BUMBY-PERSHING CROSSING: Walk along path on Pershing. A guard will man this
crossing.
Messages may be left for all staff members in their voice mail box during the school day. You may leave messages by calling the school at 407-858-3160 and then dialing the extension for the person you wish to reach.
Voice Mail Listings
Instructional Staff
Classified Staff
If a student leaves Pershing during the school year, the parent/guardian must notify the school office so that records can be transferred to the new school. Please see that your child turns in all textbooks and library books and has paid any lunch charges.
The Orange County Public Schools maintain educational records in accordance with state and federal laws. Copies of Orange County Public Schools Student Records Policy 5127 are available for public use during school hours at each school or at the Educational Leadership Center, 445 W. Amelia Street, Orlando, Florida, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Parents, legal guardians or eligible students have the right to review records on their child, the right to a copy of the record (at a cost of 15 cents per page), the right to challenge information contained in the record, the right to a hearing if the school disagrees to change or destroy information when challenged and the right to waive access to letters or statements of recommendations or evaluations. A parent who wishes to review, to challenge or to get a copy of the record should make an appointment with the principal or school counselor. All such requests will be honored by school officials as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days after the request is made.
Natural parents have access to student records regardless of whether or not they have legal custody of the child. The school will release record information to natural parents upon written request, signed by the natural parent, unless the school has a copy of a court order to the contrary on file.
The Orange County Public Schools reserve the right to release the following "directory information" without prior permission of the parent unless the parent has notified the principal in writing within ten (10) calendar days of the beginning of school that directory information is not to be released. Lists of students will not be released without School Board action.
Directory Information: Student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in school sponsored activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, graduation date and awards received.
Personally identifiable information can be disclosed, transferred or released without prior consent of the parent of a student or the eligible student in connection with enrollment in another school, application for financial aid, research, a state statute, and an accrediting organization. Personally identifiable information will be released without parent consent to appropriate officials in emergency situations, to comply with a lawfully issued subpoena and in cases involving compulsory school attendance and child abuse.
*Copies of this notice are available in languages other than English upon request to the Guidance Department
Last updated 4/30/08
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