Margaret Elementary

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back to another exciting year at Margaret Elementary School! We hope your children have had an enjoyable summer vacation and are ready for another successful year at MAES. We anticipate an exciting academic year! This past year, we were encouraged by the efforts given by our students, parents, and community in creating a school culture that is positive and focused on the achievement of each student.

We are proud of our students’ academic progress but know that more can be achieved. We want to thank our parents for making your child’s education the top priority while supporting the vision of Margaret Elementary School. We believe by working together we can achieve excellence in both your child’s academic and social growth while promoting the love of learning.

We encourage you to be an active participant in all school activities, offer suggestions, and ask questions about those things that concern you. We look forward to the future as we work together as partners in learning.

Sincerely,

Stephanie McCarrell, Principal

Kristen Dunagan, Assistant Principal

• School Phone Number: 205-629-5034
• Principal: stephanie.mccarrell@sccboe.org
• Assistant Principal: kristen.dunagan@sccboe.org
• Counselor: carrie.tucker@sccboe.org
• Office Administrator: jamie.robinson@sccboe.org
• School Nurse: jessica.vaughn@sccboe.org

Morning drop-off for car riders begins at 7:15

Tardy bell rings at 7:45

Afternoon buses dismiss at 2:45

Afternoon car riders dismiss at 2:50

All car riders must be picked up by 3:05

• Note: It is the parent's responsibility to provide the school with their correct mailing address and telephone number. Any changes made during the school year will require a written request with the parent’s signature and will need to be sent to your child's teacher.

• Please notify the school in writing if your child’s transportation changes.
• IMPORTANT: Students will not be allowed to take alternate transportation without parental notification in person or in writing and received by 12:00 PM. We DO NOT accept changes over the phone or through email. If you have an emergency, you can call the office at 205-629-5034. Student safety is our top priority.

• Car Riders may arrive at school between 7:15 am and 7:45 am and are dismissed every afternoon at 2:50 pm.
• School personnel are not on duty before 7:15 am. Therefore, students should not arrive before that time. Parents are encouraged to be on time each day.
• It is also not permissible for parents to park in the side parking lot by the gym and walk over to pick up students. This presents potential hazards for the elementary school students.
• Students must be picked up by 3:05 pm.
• For dismissal, the car rider line will begin at the parking lot turn lane at the bottom of the hill.
• You must have a car tag, or you will be required to pick up from the front office with ID.
• It is requested that no cars arrive until thirty-minutes prior to school arrival/dismissal. This is necessary and required to allow parents to gain access to the visitor parking lot and for emergency vehicles to enter campus at the front of the building.
• Parents are only allowed to use the entrance from the school on County Road 12. No other entry are allowed due to safety concerns.

• Margaret Elementary will provide all afternoon car rider students with one official car rider tag. The tag should be displayed on the rear-view mirror of the parent’s car at dismissal time.
• Those without a displayed tag will be required to park in the visitors parking and walk to the office for pick-up and be required to show proof of identification.
• Replacement or additional tags should be requested through the office. There is a $5.00 charge for replacement or additional tags.

• The Breakfast in the Classroom initiative is being implemented at MAES—breakfast is served each morning from 7:15 am until 7:45 am for all students.
• Students must arrive within the designated time to receive an opportunity for a breakfast meal. If a student depends on the school cafeteria for breakfast, please ensure that the student is in the building before the designated cut-off time of 7:45 AM.

• For an absence to be “excused”, parents/guardians must present to the school principal or designee a written explanation of a student’s absence within three (3) days of the absence. Failure to present a written explanation will cause the absence to be recorded as unexcused. Absences for official school events are considered excused.
• Students are permitted 8 parent excuses per year. Any excuse after the permitted 8 parent excuses per year will require a medical or legal excuse. School attendance is required of all enrolled children in grades K-12. Students are expected to report to school on time and attend school the full day. All students are subject to the same attendance policies. Parents should make every effort to schedule doctors' and dentists' appointments after school hours. Absences are either excused or unexcused.
• "Excused Absences" are defined as the following: 1. Illness 2. Death in the immediate family 3. Inclement weather which would be dangerous to the life and health of the child as determined by the principal and/or Superintendent 4. Legal quarantine 5. Emergency conditions as determined by the principal and/or Superintendent 6. Prior permission of the principal with the consent of the parent or legal guardian Examples include but not limited to the following: • serious family illness • family emergency • legal appointments with documentation • religious holidays 7. Individual College visits are limited to two per year. Proper documentation must be provided to the principal for preapproval. All students are required to submit proper documentation after each absence within 3 days of the absence.
• Excessive absence is defined as any absence over (8) days for a student in grades K-12 per school year without proper documentation. Days of absence exceeding 8 days must be documented by a physician’s statement or by a court order to be considered excused. A parent/guardian note of explanation can be accepted for 8 total absences during the school year. Absences without physician or court documentation beyond these numbers shall be considered unexcused absences.
  
• Unexcused absences are those for which no acceptable written explanation is provided by the parent/guardian, or for reasons other than those noted above in “Excused Absences” section or those after (8) days per year for which no physician or court documentation is provided. The St. Clair County School System participates in cooperation with the St. Clair County District Attorney and the St. Clair County Juvenile Court in the Early Warning Program for Attendance Intervention and the Early Warning Program for Behavior Intervention to assist families in achieving good school attendance and students in maintaining good conduct.
  

• Students arriving late to school (checking-in/this includes tardies to school) or leaving school early (checking- out) may do so only with the parent physically coming to the school or a verified written permission of the parents/guardians turned into the office upon students’ arrival.
• Students must attend 51% of the day to be counted present for the day.
• Parents must escort their child into the school building for check-ins to sign the office record sheet.
• Parents must be present for check-outs to sign the office record sheet. A picture identification is required for verification on all student check-outs. No changes can be made by the parent/guardian to the check-in or check-out list over the telephone. All changes must be made in person or in writing by 12:00 PM.
• No Check-Outs after 2:20 PM.

• In grades kindergarten through fifth grade, students must demonstrate mastery in ELA (reading/language arts) and Math Courses to grade level standards in order to be promoted to the next grade. The process of making decisions as to promotion and retention of students in grades K through Five should take into consideration a variety of factors including age, 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.
• If a student needs to be retained based on the teacher’s professional judgment of the student’s academic performance and/or other factors, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of that student should 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 based on which grade placement provides the student a better chance of Page 8 progressing in his/her educational development. In addition, the St. Clair County School System will comply with all retention mandates as set forth in the Alabama Literacy Act.

• To promote a consistent, equitable method of classroom assessment, St. Clair County teachers in grades 2-5 will implement the following categorical grading plan for computing nine-week averages: ·
• GOLD Grades = Major tests and Quizzes – 62.5% of a student’s grade ·
• SILVER Grades = Classwork and assignments – 37.5% of a student’s grade

• Parental involvement and support are extremely important; therefore, parent–teacher conferences are most important in maintaining and improving the learning atmosphere. Parents should maintain regular communication, concerning their children’s progress and conduct, with the school authorities. Parents wanting to confer with teachers or administrators are asked to call or email the school and arrange an appointment. Parents should not come to talk with a teacher during his/her class time. The recommended times for a conference are before school, after school, or during a teacher's planning period. No exceptions will be made.

• Field trips serving an instructional purpose are important to the educational process. Any time students are taken off campus, rules and regulations must apply to make the trip safe for everyone.
• 1) Students going on school-sponsored trips are required to ride the bus to and from the appointed destination with all other students.
• 2) In unusual circumstances, with the permission of the principal, a student may ride in the car with his/her parents/guardians.
• 3) Parents serving as chaperones may accompany students on the outing. Other children are not allowed.
• 4) If space is a problem, parents must provide their own transportation.
• 5) Students whose parents are serving as chaperones are subject to the same rules as the rest of the class.
• 6) Students must pay in advance for field trips. These funds are requested in advance to pay for admission, buses, etc.
• 7) Out-of-State field trips must be approved by the St. Clair County Board of Education at least 1 month prior to the event.
• 8) Previously assigned assignments will be due the next school day following the field trip.
• 9) Parents attending field trips and overnight trips must have an SCCBOE approved background check and application.
• 10) School administrators m may limit/deny field trip participation for students based on discipline and/or academic concerns.

Students will be provided breakfast and lunch at no cost. Parent, students will need to have money on their lunch accounts to purchase any extras.

Link: LINQ Connect - Making Schools Stronger

• The St. Clair County Board of Education Child Nutrition Program participates in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program that operates under federal nutrition guidelines, as mandated by the National School Act of 1946, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, and the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. These nutrition guidelines for schools are based on Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), student’s caloric needs, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It is the policy of the St Clair County Board of Education to provide access to Child Nutrition Programs to all students, and to provide nutritious and adequate meals at a minimal cost to students, faculty, and parents. Breakfast and lunch are provided at all sites, and some schools offer breakfast and after-school meal programs at no cost to students.
• Electronic applications for USDA’s free and reduced meal program are available online at family.titank12.com. You may complete a paper application in your child’s school office, classroom, or lunchroom year-round. Families eligible for the program are encouraged, but not required, to apply. Only one application per family or household is required, and a new application is required each school year starting any day after July 1. The previous year’s form expires thirty days after school begins. We encourage all households to complete a Free and Reduced Priced Meal Application each year.
• The Child Nutrition Program provides an online system, family.titank12.com, which allows parents/guardians, at no charge, to review meal accounts and receive low-balance alerts. The online system also provides parents the ability to securely pay for meals using a credit or debit card, with a convenience fee applied to any online transaction. Cashiers are also available in the lunchroom to accept payment on accounts between breakfast and lunch. To prevent delayed meal service to all students, cash brought to school for meal accounts or cafeteria purchases will be deposited in full to meal accounts. No change will be given. This practice will help the cashier lines move faster and give students more time to enjoy meals.
• A la carte and extra items are available for purchase if funds are available in your child’s account. No extra/a la carte items may be charged by students or adults. No adult meals may be charged. Students who do not have money to pay for meals will be treated fairly and with compassion, and each student’s situation will be handled discreetly and confidentially.
• Any parent/guardian with student(s) with a negative balance(s) experiencing financial problems may contact the principal or CNP Manager to implement a payment plan.

Lunch visitors are not allowed due to the limited amount of spacing in the lunchroom. Opportunities will be allowed once per semester for parents to eat with their child. Information about these opportunities will be sent home for parents to sign up to participate.

• The State of Alabama School Law, 16-30-4, requires ALL students to have ONE of the following three
• 1. An up-to-date Alabama Certificate of Immunization (COI) (May be obtained from your child’s physician or local health department)
• 2. An Alabama Certificate of Religious Exemption (Must be obtained from your local health department)
• 3. An Alabama Certificate of Medical Exemption (for specific vaccine-preventable diseases) (Must be obtained from student’s physician) St. Clair County Board Policy 5.14 states students may be withdrawn from school for immunization records expired for more than 30 days.

• In many cases it is not necessary to take medication during school hours. Check with your child’s physician to determine whether an at-school dose of a medication is required. If, under exceptional circumstances, a child is required to take oral medication during school hours, and the parents/guardians cannot be at school to administer the medication, only the school nurse or medication assistant shall administer the medication in compliance with the following regulations.
• 1) All medication (prescription or non-prescription) to be given at school requires written authorization of the parent/guardian and physician. Medication consent forms are available from the school or may Page 24 be found on the www.sccboe.org website. Each medication given and each change in medication requires a new form.
• 2) School personnel are not allowed to keep bulk medications or take phone requests from parents/guardians. Only medication brought to school by the parents/guardians can be given.
• 3) All medication must be brought to school in original containers with a complete pharmacy label and/or manufacturer’s label and an additional label with the child’s name and dosage instructions. The medication form for over-the-counter medicine must be specific as to what the medicine is for— headache, menstrual cramps, arm pain, etc.
• 4) Each medication (prescription or over the counter) must have a form signed by the physician and must be brought to school by a parent/guardian and given to the school nurse or medication assistant. The physician signed form must accompany all medications. Any medicine brought to school without the form signed by the physician will not be given until the form is received.
• 5) If a child has a medical condition that requires medication to be administered under emergency conditions, such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc., the parents/guardians must provide the medication (Benadryl, Epi-Pen, Glucagon, etc.,) along with a Medication Consent Form signed by the physician. The above regulations cover all prescription and non-prescription drugs, including but not limited to, Tylenol, Motrin, etc. A copy of this regulation is provided to the parents/guardians upon the request for administration of the medication in school.

• School nurses try to help children stay in school so they can learn. We do, however, follow Public Health Department guidelines to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases and conditions. Any student with fever, vomiting, diarrhea, head lice or an undiagnosed rash, will be sent home. This is for the protection of your child and other students. Visit the STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES section on our website, www.sccboe.org, for health guidelines.
• ALL MEDICATION MUST BE DELIVERED TO THE OFFICE/NURSE BY A PARENT/ADULT.
  

• Due to the possible distractions to the bus driver, the use of cell phones, beepers, or other personal electronic communication devices, will not be allowed on the school bus. Under emergency situations (i.e., mechanical break-down of the school bus, accidents, or other possible safety issues) the use of these items may be allowed.
• In the morning, students should wait safely off the roadway until the bus has stopped, traffic has stopped, the door is open, and the driver signals them to load.
• If it is necessary for students to cross the road to load or unload, they should cross at point 12 feet in front of the bus, never behind the bus.
• Unloading Procedures (for students crossing roads) Students should utilize the following procedure for crossing the highway after disembarking the bus: • Walk to a location at least 10-12 feet in front of the right corner of the bumper, but remaining away from the front of the school bus • Student should cross when clear and driver signals Unloading Procedures (for students NOT crossing roads) Students should exit the bus and walk to a safe location away from the bus stop area but still be visible to the bus driver.
• A student may only ride the bus they are assigned unless they follow the protocols set forth by the transportation director.
  

• To avoid disruptions to the academic setting and issues with transportation, MAES does not allow students to receive deliveries (balloons, candy, flowers, etc.) at school.

All money sent to school must be in a labeled envelope with the student name, teacher name, amount, and purpose. We can not split money or make change. Any money not labeled will be added to the child's lunch account.

• The St. Clair County Board of Education (SCCBOE) recognizes the potential benefits of volunteers that assist with extracurricular activities, field trips, and school events offered at the schools within our school system. All volunteers and chaperones must follow district guidelines and complete the following steps for approval - complete Volunteer Agreement, submit Background check, and Administration interview.
• Click on the following link to access the steps for the Volunteer Agreement:
• Click here: Volunteer Information / School Volunteer Process (sccboe.org)

Please refer to the St. Clair County Code of Conduct.

Please refer to the St. Clair County Code of Conduct.

• The St. Clair County Board of Education promotes an environment where students can dress comfortably. Proper standards of dress and grooming are always expected of all students. As a general guideline, any manner of dress deemed inappropriate or disruptive during the scholastic day and/or during the practice for, or performance in, extra-curricular activities will not be allowed.
• The school administration has the authority to determine whether a student is following dress code regulations.
• SCHOOL DRESS CODE-GRADES K-12 Measurement Definitions for ALL students (use these definitions for items below):
• Skirts/Dresses/Shorts – must touch the length of the longest finger with hands to the side of body when standing in natural posture position.
• Pants/Jeans etc. - Pants/jeans must fit properly and be worn at the natural waistline. The length of the pants/jeans must not be longer than mid-shoe level.
• Shirts/Tops – must not show the midriff with hands at 180 degrees above head.
• The parents/guardians should supervise the manner of a student’s dress.
• 1) Headgear including, but not limited to hats, caps, headbands, sweatbands, bandanas, visors, do rags, hoods, and sunglasses, must be removed upon entering the school building and shall be properly stored.
• 2) Hair must be clean, combed, and well-groomed. Hair must not be in the eyes of the student or impair his/her vision. Appropriate safety precautions must be observed in all classes. If long hair is a safety hazard, students will receive directions from the teacher/instructor. Eye protection may be required in some classes. Whenever a student’s hairstyle becomes a disruptive issue, the principal will address the problem on an individual basis. Etchings in the hair are unacceptable.
• 3) Facial hair must be well-groomed.
• 4) Insignias, buttons, and clothing that are suggestive (alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vulgarity, nudity, drug related, etc.) are not permitted.
• 5) Clothing or other items that may inflame racial tension, incite a significant group of students in the student body, and/or depict any form of hatred/disrespect of others shall not be worn.
• 6) Any hairstyle, clothing, or pattern of dress or other items that identify a student as being a member of a gang or could be perceived as a threat or represent a hate or subversive organization are prohibited.
• 7) Jewelry or belts with spikes or studs are not allowed. Chains not exceeding 6” in length will be allowed to connect wallets to clothing.
• 8) No facial piercings other than to the ear or nose are acceptable. Piercing to the nose may only consist of a nose stud. Any other jewelry that might be a safety concern is not acceptable. Visible body piercing is not allowed.
• 9) Pants/jeans and other articles of clothing must be clean with no open holes showing skin above the length of the longest finger with hands to the side of body when standing in natural posture position. Sweatpants and joggers are allowed if they are properly fitted.
• 10) Revealing garments may not be worn at any time. This type of garment shall include, but not be limited to, short-shorts or cut-off shorts (see # 14), halters, racer back tops, midriffs (tops that show the midriff), tank tops (tops with less than 1 ½” straps), spaghetti straps, string straps, one shoulder strap, outfits with no back, see-through clothing, tops with low necklines, cut-up/sleeveless shirts, or any clothing apparel that exposes the mid-section and/or body below the armpits. (See measurement definitions)
• 11) Students must wear clothing in the manner for which it is designed.
• 12) Over-sized, baggy clothing is prohibited (including shirts).
• 13) Students must wear proper undergarments.
• 14) Skirts, dresses, and shorts (for all students) No slits or leg openings may be above the length of the longest finger with hands to the side of body when standing in natural posture position. Leggings, yoga pants or other similar garment (i.e., jeggings), must be worn with the appropriate outer garment (i.e., t-shirts, shorts, dress, or skirt). Outer garments must touch the length of the longest finger with hands to the side of body when standing in natural posture position. Excessively tight leggings or jeggings will not be allowed.
• 15) Shoes must always be worn, and shoes designed to be laced must be laced and tied.
• 16) Baggy coats may not be worn inside any school building.
• 17) Shoes may not contain any type of wheel or roller blades.
• 18) Sleepwear/pajamas, house shoes, blankets or pillows are not allowed.

• We welcome and encourage volunteer help. Volunteers work with individual students and small groups in the classroom.
• The PTO works diligently to raise supplemental funds for our School. It is also a constant support for the students and teachers at Margaret Elementary.
• PTO Email: MargaretElementaryPTO@gmail.com

• Parties will be under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Food, beverages, or balloons (cupcakes/cakes, etc.) for individual student birthday parties will not be permitted during the instructional day as it interferes with the school learning environment and causes hurt feelings when all students do not have the opportunity to celebrate at school.
• For classroom parties, home baked items are not permitted according to Alabama Department of Education Nutrition Program policies.
• Distributing party invitations at school for a home party is permitted as long as every student in your child's class receives an invitation.

• Coats, hats, sweaters, water bottles, lunchboxes, backpacks and other personal belongings should be clearly marked with a name label to facilitate return the rightful owner. Lost and found items will be placed in a designated location by the gym.
• Every nine weeks these items are donated to local shelters. If your child is missing an item, please visit the school to check the lost and found before these items are donated.

• All students are expected to participate in physical education. If a child is unable to participate, a note should be sent by a parent or doctor.
• If a student is excused by a physician for an injury, the physician must provide a note to resume activity before the student will be allowed to participate in class.
• Students should come to school dressed in a manner that they can fully participate in P.E. activities. Your child’s grade in physical education class could be affected by not wearing appropriate shoes for activity.

• As mandated by state law, Margaret Elementary will conduct monthly safety drills. Students should proceed to the designated safe zone in an orderly manner with their teacher.
• Teachers will prepare their students for the required drills by discussing safety procedures and conduct expectations throughout the school year.

• Students may be given an opportunity to have a small, reasonable snack during the day at the teacher’s discretion. Students may bring their own snack, or students may have the opportunity to receive a snack provided by the school.
• Only water drinks will be allowed, and the school’s preference would be that each student provide their own reusable water bottle to refill at the water fountain. Please make sure your child's first and last name is displayed on the water bottle.

• The MAES school store will be open on Thursdays for students to purchase school supplies and school spirit items. Prices range from $.50 to $10.00.

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