Dear Nicholson Families, I am excited and honored to welcome each and every one of you to the beginning of a new school year at Nicholson Elementary School. This year will be an exciting year of setting and reaching goals, working harder and smarter than ever before, and having fun while doing it! We hope to take our school and student achievement to the next level! We are dedicated to our Nicholson stars, providing instruction that promotes academic excellence through engaging learning activities which foster critical thinking skills. This year, your child will engage in a rigorous curriculum that will ensure students become critical thinkers, active problem-solvers, inquisitive readers, and prolific writers. We do all of this to prepare them for the real world. We want our stars to shine! As a staff, we are here to support and ensure our students reach their fullest academic potential. We look forward to working with you, our parents, to provide an academic, warm, friendly, and safe school environment for your children I look forward to a great year and working with all of you! On behalf of the staff of Nicholson Elementary, I want to again welcome all of you and thank you for being a part of our school community where tomorrow’s stars shine brightly today! With Kids in Mind, Joan L. Johnson Principal

Nicholson Stars, They shine the brightest. Nicholson Stars, Each day they truly pass the test. They climb so high, With a sparkle in each eye. These stars Are the brightest and the best.

I know my one twinkling light Can make a difference. In this dark world I’ll let it shine for all to see. Oh, I'm so glad to be called A Nicholson Star. Yes, Nicholson Is where I want to be.

Nicholson Stars

Polite

Responsible

Outstanding

Unique

Determined

SHINING STAR STANDARDS

To be a Nicholson Star

NICHOLSON ELEMENTARY MISSION, VISION AND BELIEFS

Mission Statement

“Nicholson is the place where tomorrow’s stars shine brightly today.”

Vision Statement

Nicholson is a community that takes responsibility and recognizes the value of education; where each child learns without limitations and is prepared to succeed in an ever changing world.

Beliefs

1. Student learning is the primary focus of the school.

2. All students can learn and are valued individuals with unique physical, social, emotional and intellectual

needs.

3. A safe and comfortable environment promotes student learning academically, emotionally and physical-

ly.

4. Success for children is a result of the combined efforts of school, home and community.

5. The commitment to continuous improvement is imperative for our school to enable students to become

confident, self-directed lifelong learners.

6. Curriculum and instructional practices should incorporate a variety of learning activities to accommodate

differences in learning styles.

7. High expectations and active engagement help students in the learning process.

8. Appreciation for and participation in the visual and performing arts is an important part of a child’s

education.

Adhere to dress attire, discipline policies in this handbook and the code of conduct manual.

Bring necessary materials to class. Complete and turn in classwork and homework. Dedication to becoming a lifelong learner. Follow school/classroom rules. Practice safety on buses and on school grounds. Respect for self, teachers, peers and all adults. Respect school property and the property of others. Speak courteously to every adult/peer and use good

manners at all times. Stay on task and give best effort. Exhibit school pride.

Adhere to the code of conduct in the student handbook for appropriate dress attire and discipline policies.

Assume responsibilities for participation in school meetings, events, parent-teacher conferences and other activities sponsored by the school.

Contact school staff to schedule individual conferences when needed.

Encourage and reinforce grade level homework policies.

Notify the school office in writing if student is to be released to another adult in order to leave the school grounds.

Promote daily attendance and punctuality. Promote school-wide reading incentive program at

home. Listen and/or read to/with your child daily. Review, sign and return academic alerts, and report

cards. Send child ready to learn: physically, emotionally and

academically. Use Nicholson website and teacher blogs for infor-

mation updates.

Abide by the Georgia Code of Ethics. Communicate and support the mission and goals of

Nicholson Elementary. Communicate with parents on a regular basis. Foster professional growth, keep abreast of current

trends and research which will nurture continuous improvement.

Help students identify and reach their potential. Provide a safe and caring environment. Promote and support feelings of trust and team

building. Plan instructional activities which teach the Georgia

Performance Standards and help students exceed them.

Reinforce homework policy. Seek ways to maintain and develop professional

excellence. Enhance student performance by using highly effective

strategies that promote thinking and lifelong learning. Read to students daily. (Model Reading) Support school improvement goals. Support school and community functions.

Information for Students and Parents

A priority at Nicholson is providing a safe and respectful environ-ment for all children and adults. We take a strong stand against bullying of any kind and have taken a proactive approach in pre-venting it through a program called Steps to Respect. It begins with: An agreed upon definition: “Bullying is unfair and one-sided. It happens when someone keeps hurting, frightening, threatening, or leaving someone out on purpose.”

Followed by: Responding to bullying: Assess personal safety and if safe, refuse the bullying by being assertive. Say “Stop it. That’s bul-lying.” Walk away, and report to an adult. Reporting bullying: Al-ways report bullying to an adult. Be prepared to tell who, what, where, when, and how often the bullying has occurred. Bystander strategies let a child know what to do when wit-nessing someone else being bullied:

1. Distract the person who is teasing or bullying someone else. 2. Privately support the person who is being teased or bullied. 3. Discourage teasing or bullying behavior by not joining in. 4. Openly support the person who is being teased or bullied. 5. Report bullying behavior to an adult for help and support.

If your child tells you that s/he is being bullied, the following sug-gestions may be helpful.

1. Affirm your child’s feelings. Assure your child that s/he was right to talk with you.

2. Get information about the situation. Look at the definition to determine if it is bullying.

3. Generate solutions for the future, and create a plan. Dis-cuss how the bully can be avoided. Coach your child in as-sertiveness skills and identify others such as teachers, coun-selors, administrators, or friends who can provide support.

4. Follow up with your child to determine if the plan is work-ing, and encourage your child to continue talking and re-porting the bullying if it does not stop.

Because safety is our number one goal at Nicholson, the Safe Rider Bus Program will once again be implemented for the 2012-2013 school year. Each student that rides a bus to and/or from school will have a safety contract that must be signed by the student and parent/guardian. The safe rider program is a new approach to stu-dent management for school buses. The core of the program is pro-moting personal accountability as it relates to bus behavior.

Designed to promote instant accountability. Invites all parties to become members of the Safe Rider

Team. Reminds students that riding the School Bus is a privilege.

Students must follow all rules on the bus and if rules are not fol-lowed the following process will take place:

1st Offense - Driver Student Conference & Parent Contacted (Courtesy Notice.) Student on probation and re-assigned to the front of Bus for 1 week.

2nd Offense - Driver Student Conference & Parent Contacted.

(Courtesy Notice.) Student on probation and re-assigned to the front of Bus for 2 weeks.

3rd Offense* - Referral submitted, 3 Days Bus Suspension. Up-

on return student on probation and re-assigned to the front of Bus for 1 week.

*Safe Rider Class and New Behavior Contract Required.

4th Offense* - Referral submitted, 5 Days Bus Suspension and *Conference required to return to bus.

5th Offense - Referral submitted, Transportation Director rec-

ommends bus suspension for the remainder of the year. Steps may be skipped if a student violates a rule while on assigned seat or probation.

School begins promptly at 7:50 am. It is imperative that your child arrive at school on time and be in attendance daily. Any child who is not in his/her classroom by 7:50 am is considered tardy. (Exception: No student is tardy if riding a Cobb County School Bus that is late.) If a child comes to school after 11:10 AM or leaves before 11:10 AM s/he will be counted absent. When a child returns to school after an absence, s/he must have a written excuse signed and dated by a parent or guardian. School is dismissed at 2:20 pm. To ensure a safe and orderly dismissal there can be no checkouts or dismissal/transportation changes after 1:45 pm. Any dismissal change must be in writing or in person (before 1:45 pm). Dismissal changes may not be made over the telephone. A transportation form or letter with a signature must be brought to school in the morning or a parent must come into the office and sign a note to change transportation.

Excused Absences: Absences are excused when: 1. Personal illness endangers the student’s health or the health of others. 2. There is a serious illness in the immediate family. 3. Recognized religious holidays are observed. In order to comply with the state law, all other absences are unexcused.

Excessive Absences: The following provisions apply to absences during a school year.

1. After three unexcused absences: The parent or guardian will be con-tacted by the teacher.

2. After five unexcused absences: A letter will be sent from the school to the parent or guardian and the parent will receive a call from the auto-mated calling system.

3. After seven unexcused absences: A referral shall be made to the school social worker who will work with the family to address the attendance problem.

4. Tardy/early checkout: A letter will be sent from the principal to the parent or guardian after ten occurrences. After fifteen occurrences, a referral will be made to the school social worker who will work with the student and family to address the problem.

Doctor or other appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours whenever possible. If a child needs to be dismissed early from school, the parent must come to the school office and sign the child out. The school can only release a child to his/her parent, legal guardian, or to a specific person identified in writing by the parent or legal guardian with permission to pick up the child. If you wish to change your child’s normal procedure to go home, please inform the school in writing on the day in which the change

will take place. Early checkouts are missed instruction time and are con-sidered the same as tardies for the end of the year awards.

For the safety of our children, it is imperative that the drop off car line is a SINGLE la ne of tra ffic. Ther e is no superv ision for children be-fore 7:15am. No drop offs are permitted before this time when automatic doors unlock. If you drop your child off after 7:50 am, you must walk your child into the building and sign him in. Please be sure to use the crosswalk when bringing your child into the building. For more specific instructions, please see Nicholson’s Carpool Contract For Safety.

Emergency numbers must be on file in the office. It is very important that we have up-to-date information. If you move, change jobs or phone numbers, we must have the new number. The school must be able to reach you or a person listed on the emergency card during the school day.

As a community service Nicholson offers an After School Program from 2:20 pm until 6:00 pm, beginning the first day of school. Cost is $35.00 per week or $7.00 per day payable in advance. (Price is subject to change.) No student will be allowed to stay without prepayment. School personnel supervise the students in a variety of activities. Snacks are provided. Registration for the program is $10.00 per child and must be completed before the child participates in the program. Parents who wish for their child to stay on a drop-in emergency basis must make payment when picking up their child. Please expect to fill out a registration form at that time.

Our school established a school council during the 2002-2003 school year. This school council is made up of parent/guardians, certified staff members, business representatives, and the principal. This group is intended to pro-vide advice and recommendations to the school principal and when appro-priate, to the local board of education. The council can study issues includ-ing but not limited to the:

Welcome to Nicholson Elementary School

for field trips and ASP. Pharmacists may provide two labeled bottles for this purpose.

Changes to medication, new medication or different doses, will not be given until a parent fills out a new medication form. The information on the prescription bottle must match the new consent form. Over-the-counter medications may be given for up to 10 consecutive days with written parental permission. A doctor’s note will be needed if this medication is to be given for a longer period of time. Over-the-counter diet pills, vitamins & dietary supplements will not be given. Over-the-counter medications will NOT be supplied by the school (i.e. Tylenol, Advil, antibiotic ointments, calamine lotion, etc.). All medications not picked up by the parents by the last day of school w ill be destroyed.

Main sources of communication are telephone call outs, the Nicholson web-site, staff blogs, the monthly “Stargazer”, email, and voicemail. Please see our school web page at www.cobbk12.org/Nicholson. Staff blogs and email are accessible from the website.

Nicholson has a guaranteed curriculum that ensures that all students are taught the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards that are appropri-ate for his grade level. For information on the performance standards, visit the CCSD website at www.cobbk12.org and follow the link for PICASSO. Copies are also available on www.gadoe.org.

Messages to a teacher can be through voice mail or email. These are checked daily. If an emergency should arise, please leave a note in the office which will be delivered to the teacher/student. Please be sure your child leaves home with all instructions and supplies for that day. Students will be allowed to use the telephone only in cases of an emergency. Use of the tel-ephone needs to be approved by the front office.

Good manners and common courtesy are expected by everyone. Proper respect will be maintained at all times.

Students must walk inside the school building.

Students must talk quietly during lunch, keep food on their own trays, and stay in their seats until dismissed by the cafeteria monitor.

Students must not chew gum in school or on school grounds.

Students may not wear hats or caps inside the school building (with the exception of school sponsored events).

Students must resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner. Fighting is prohibited.

Students must use appropriate language.

Curriculum and instructional program School achievement profile and accountability Home-school communication process Extracurricular activities Budget priorities, including plans for capital improvement

Each parent/guardian member must have one or more children enrolled in this school. Any potential member of the council should be aware that coun-cil membership would involve quarterly meetings, a two-year term (or as long as he/she has a child enrolled), energetic participation and study, and active representation of the broad parent/family community.

We have a school nurse on staff each day from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. A child who becomes ill or injured at school is referred to the school clinic. The school nurse and/or school personnel will offer care within the limits of first aid. If a child has a fever or other indications of illness or injury requiring more than first aid, parents will be contacted and MUST make arrangements to come for their child within a reasonable time. Please keep your child home from school if s/he is too sick to be comfortable in school or may spread a contagious disease to other children. Cobb County’s policy is as follows:

a) Diarrhea: Watery stools that occur more than 2 times per school day. The child may not return to school for 24 hours from the time of the last di-arrhea stool. If a child has one episode of diarrhea and if other symptoms are present (fever, abdominal discomfort, lethargy, etc.), it will be necessary for the child to be sent home. b) Vomiting: The child may not return to school until child is free of vomit-ing episodes for 24 hours from the last episode. c) Fever: If a child has a temperature of 100 to 100.9 degrees F, the nurse must notify parents. It is the parent’s decision if the child should remain in school. If a child has a temperature of 101 degrees F or higher, the child must be sent home. The child may not return to school until free of fever for 24 hours without the aid of a fever-reducing medicine.

The child will be released only to authorized persons on the registration card, so please be sure to list the names of anyone who you might ask to pick up your child from the clinic.

All medication (prescription or non-prescription) that will be administered to students by the school nurse and/or office personnel must be in the original container. Medicine brought in baggies or unlabeled containers will not be given. Medications must be brought to school by parents and not sent in with the child. Parents must complete an “Authorization to Give Medication at School” form available at school for each medication given. Please send an extra pharmacy bottle to be used

Infractions of these rules will result in disciplinary action appropriate to the age of the student.

House Bill 605 - Improved Student Learning Environment and Discipline Act of 1999 requires the distribution of the Student Behavior Code to all parents and students. A current copy of each policy listed below will be sent home with each student the first week of school. Please review the policies with your children in detail. A signature will be required from each parent or guardian and student that these policies have been reviewed. Each policy can be viewed on Cobb County’s website at www.cobbk12.org.

The Nicholson staff and teachers will take appropriate action in providing a safe and orderly environment for our students. Please refer to Student Con-duct Code, JICDA-E, in the Student Policies and Special Information Guide containing the Cobb County School District Policies. The following are addi-tional Cobb County School District Policy Codes and can be found in the guidebook and on the Cobb County website www.cobbk12.org.

Index Title Index Title JE Student Conduct: Attendance JKG Student Conduct: Chronic JICA Student Dress Code Disciplinary Problem Student JICK Student Conduct: Sexual Harassment JLCD Student Welfare: Medication JKDA Short-Term Suspension IJNDB Use of Technology Resources JKDB Student Conduct: Disciplinary Hearing: in Instruction Long Term Suspension/Expulsion JKF Student Conduct: Removing Disruptive Students From the Classroom

Students and/or parents are encouraged to report any knowledge of violence or potential violence to the Cobb County School Violence Hotline. The telephone number is (770) 499-3911. All inform ation w ill be confidential and callers may remain anonymous if they so desire. Additionally, the Georgia Department of Education operates a toll-free hotline to enable students and citizens to anonymously report weapons, violence, or potentially threatening situations at school including bullying or drugs. The State Hotline Number is 1-877-SAY STOP (1-877-729-7867).

Every student of the Cobb County School System is required to maintain personal hygiene necessary to ensure a healthful school environment and to refrain from any mode of dress which contributes to any disruption of the educational process. Administrators and teachers will endorse the dress code policy. The principal shall be the final judge as to the appropriateness of wearing apparel or as to whether the apparel is disruptive, or in violation of the dress code. The required dress code for students will be as follows:

Appropriate shoes shall be worn; providing protection and stability. Midriffs shall be covered. Appropriate under-garments shall be worn and may not be visible. Strapless garments and tank tops shall be worn with a jacket or the straps

should be at least three fingers wide.

Appropriate shorts, extended finger-tip length, may be worn. No caps, hats, bandanas or hoods covering the head are to be worn in the

school buildings during the school day unless there is a special activity during which they are deemed appropriate by the school administration.

Clothing or ornamentation that does any of the following is prohibited: a. Displays or advertises substances illegal for minors. b. Displays suggestive phrases, designs, markings or profanities. c. Advocates, promotes or suggests illegal activity. d. Attitude shirts that promote disrespect or put-downs toward others.

Occasionally it becomes necessary to dismiss school early due to inclement weather. When this situation arises, please listen to the radio and television for dismissal information. The school bus will deliver the students to their regular stops. Each student should have an inclement weather form on file with the classroom teacher that specifies plans for early dismissal.

Should there be an emergency and parents need to pick up their child, come by the school office. There is a sign out form that must be signed. Do not go directly to the classroom. The office will call and give the teacher permission to release the child. This is for the children’s safety.

Teachers are encouraged to schedule field trips to enrich a particular unit of study or class project. To attend, the child must have written permission from his/her legal guardian. This permission slip will be sent home along with all the information regarding the trip. The cost of transportation and admission is shared voluntarily by the students participating in order for the class to attend. Trips may be cancelled if adequate funds are not collected. Chaperones should not bring other siblings.

The Nicholson faculty and staff believe that homework is an integral part of the learning process. The purpose of homework is to reinforce concepts and skills which are taught in the classroom. Homework is a valuable aid in organization, follow through, and a wise use of time. Time spent on homework should not exceed 60 minutes for intermediate level students (grades 4-5), and no more than 30 minutes for primary students (grades K-3). Students who miss school have the opportunity to make up class work within a specified period of time upon returning to school. If the absence is more than three days and you would like work to be sent home, please call the office before 9:00 AM. Work can be picked up after 2:30 PM. The teacher is under no obligation to provide lesson plans and/or work for students who have an unexcused absence.

A nutritionally balanced lunch as prescribed by state and federal standards is served each day in the school cafeteria. In addition, we make breakfast available. A copy of the daily menu is available on our website at www.cobbk12.org/~foodsvcs. Lunches may be purchased in advance or students may bring cash on a daily basis. Students are encouraged to prepay for lunches by the week, month, or for a quarter of the year. An elementary student’s breakfast cost is $1.25, a lunch cost is $2.25. Break-fast is $2.00 and lunch is $3.50 for adults and siblings. Students who bring their lunch from home may purchase milk or juice for $0.60. We request visitors having lunch with their children enjoy a school lunch. Please do not bring fast food or soft drinks into the cafeteria. Cobb County School District offers a system called Mealpay, which allows you to make prepayments to your child’s account via the telephone or inter-net. You can prepay with your VISA, MasterCard or Discover credit card online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Payments made online will be credited to your child’s account approximately 24 hours from time of credit card payment. Mealpay also provides easy access to view your child’s account balance and payment history. You can even be notified by email when the account balance is low. You do not have to make prepayments to utilize these features. You simply have to register with Mealpay online at www.mealpay.com. To prepay for meals by phone, dial 1-866-210-3679. To prepay online, go to www.mealpay.com to log on and use your credit card to fund your child’s meal account. There is a convenience charge of two dol-lars per transaction. You will need to know your child’s Cobb County Stu-dent ID Number (6 or 7 digit number). You can get this number from the Cafeteria Manager or Nicholson’s Administrative Office.

Each day students are given the opportunity to have a nutritious snack sent by the parent. We encourage you to send a snack consisting of either fruit, vegetables or other nutritious items. Please do not send any drinks for snack break.

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held October 17th—21st, 2016. All students will be dismissed each day at 12:20pm and school buses will run at that time. ASP will be in session during conference week beginning at 12:30pm .

The school board policy limits social functions during school hours to one per year. Class parties take place on the last school day before the winter holidays. Individual birthday parties for students cannot be held at school. A birthday snack may be sent to school on your child’s birthday to be enjoyed during the regularly scheduled snack time or lunch time. The snack must be brought to the office where it will be sent to the classroom. PLEASE NOTE: No invitations to private parties may be

distributed at school.

The Georgia State Board of Education defines a gifted student as “...a student who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual, and/or creative ability(ies), exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities.”

Cobb County provides services for identified gifted students at all levels. The gifted program is designed to meet the very specific needs of these students and extend competencies in the area of cognitive skills, learning skills, research and reference skills, communication skills, and metacognitive skills beyond the experience of the regular classroom.

Cobb’s gifted program is part of the School Improvement Division and is funded by the state. The Georgia State Department of Education governs the procedures for identifying and placing students in the gifted program. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for gifted services, the criteria must be met in three of the following four areas or psychometrically through qualifying test scores in only areas 1 and 2; 1. Mental Ability - 96th percentile by age on a composite/full scale score

or appropriate component score of a standardized mental ability test. 2. Achievement - 90th percentile by grade on Total Battery score or Total

Reading or Total Math of a standardized achievement test. 3. Creativity - 90th percentile on a creativity characteristics rating scale or

90th percentile on the Total Battery score of a standardized creativity test.

4. Motivation - 90th percentile on a motivation characteristics rating scale

(K-12) or 90th percent on a product portfolio (K-3 only) or 90th percen-tile on a motivation inventory (4-8 only) or Two year GPA 3.5 or higher (9-12 only).

Referral Procedure 1. Reported referral: A student may be referred for consideration for gift-

ed educational services by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self and other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities. Referral forms are available at the local schools on request.

2. Automatic referral: All students are automatically considered for refer-ral at grades three, five, and eight, based on performance on a district-wide norm-referenced test.

Transfer Students A student already participating in a gifted program in Georgia will most likely be transferred into the Cobb County Program. However, the eligibility committee will review the student’s records and test data before a final placement decision is made. Students who transfer from out-of-state must meet Georgia requirements for placement in the Cobb County program. Test data from a previous school will be considered if the test results are less than two years old and if they meet the Georgia eligibility criteria. Referrals for transfer students are available from the guidance office or from the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) Teacher.

Gifted Curriculum Gifted services must meet Georgia Performance Standards objectives while providing differentiated curriculum based on the assessed needs of the students. This gifted curriculum includes a more elaborate, complex, and in-depth study of major ideas, problems, and themes than would ordinarily be available in the regular classroom. The curriculum blends instruction in math, science, social studies, and language arts into units that examine central themes, issues, problems, and topics.

Fundamental to curriculum developed for gifted students are learning experiences that develop the use of thinking skills and processes. This instruction enables students to apply these skills and make informed decisions to understand and apply concepts, to make judgments and to define, create and implement strategies for solving problems. For questions, contact the Target teacher at the local school.

Two of our primary goals are to provide a safe and secure environment for all students at Nicholson and to ensure that students have an uninterrupted instructional time. Visitors are required to sign in at the school office upon arrival and to wear a visitor badge while at the school. Please do not be offended if a member of the staff asks for your identity or purpose for being in our school facility. If there is a question, the welfare of our children takes precedence over any other consideration.

Our goal is to provide each student that is eligible to ride the bus the most

safe and sufficient means of transportation to our schools. We believe that students are citizens of Cobb County and have a right to a safe and comfortable trip to and from school. Along with these rights are also responsibilities. Safety rules and regulations have been developed to assure all students, eligible to ride the bus, of their rights. It is also their responsibility to follow these rules. When rules are broken, the privilege of riding the bus will be interrupted. We encourage our parents to help instill the rules of conduct to bring about an atmosphere of respect and safety for one another.

1. Students must show proper respect to the driver at all times and obey all driver instructions.

2. Large toys, balloons, insects, glass bottles, animals, plastic bags, straight or safety pins, skateboards, objectionable or dangerous items are not permitted.

3. Tobacco, illegal drugs, alcohol, and weapons or lookalikes are prohibited.

4. Students will keep their arms and head inside the bus at all times. 5. Nothing is to be thrown in, out or from the bus. 6. The use of obscene language or gestures is forbidden. 7. Destruction or defacing school property is prohibited. 8. Fighting or physical play is prohibited. 9. Unnecessary noise is prohibited. 10. Food, gum or drinks cannot be consumed on the bus. 11. Drivers are required to assign seats to elementary and middle school

students. 12. Students must be seated at all times unless otherwise directed by the

driver. 13. Students must be quiet at railroad crossings. 14. When crossing a street is necessary, students will wait for the driver to

signal to cross the street and then cross in front of the bus in full view of the driver.

15. Students may transport band instruments only if space is available. 16. The emergency door, windows, and hatches are to be used only at the

direction of the driver. 17. Students are to be at the bus stop five minutes prior to the scheduled

time and are to wait in an orderly manner. The bus is not considered late until five minutes past the schedule time.

18. Any other disruptive behavior will be referred to the assistant principal as deemed necessary to insure safe transportation of students.

As stated previously, the bus driver wants to make sure your child is picked up for school and taken home in the afternoon in the most safe, appropriate and orderly way possible. For this reason, parents are to send a written note in advance to the classroom teacher any time the routine transportation procedures are changed: w a lking or r iding in a car instead of riding the bus, or getting off his/her bus at a different stop. The note is critical and is for your child’s protection. The bus driver is under direct orders, and if the written permission has not been sent by the parent and signed by the front office personnel, the child will have to ride the regular bus home and get off at the regular stop. No student will be permitted to ride home on another student’s bus at the end of the school day. Due to bus overcrowding it has become necessary to cease this activity for the safety of all our students. If you have a permanent child-care situation that requires your student to ride another bus EVERY DAY for the purpose of an adult caring for the child after school, please write a letter to us, stating who is the responsible adult, the address and phone number and bus number which the child will ride daily. We thank the parents and guardians in advance for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our children safe.

Bus drivers have a tremendous responsibility in transporting our students safely each day. If there are times when a driver is absent from work due to illness, inclement weather, mechanical breakdowns or personal matters, routes may be run as a second load causing the route to be late. Should this happen, students should not leave their assigned stop. A bus will be by to pick them up as quickly as possible. Pa rents lea v ing their children at a stop before going to work are encouraged to have a contingency plan such as: a neighbor or family member they can go to, a way to get back in their house, a phone number for your work or another family member, a neighborhood carpool. We cannot emphasize enough the need for supervision at the bus stop.

CHART OF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR RESPONSES TO CIVIL RIGHTS CONCERNS

Policies/Rules of the Cobb County Board of Education require full compliance with all federal and state non-discrimination laws, including:

Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, along with Title IX of the Educa-tional Amendments of 1972

Age Discrimination and Employment Act (ADEA)

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA, Title II)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Public Law 101-476, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

These laws prohibit, and the Cobb County School District (District) forbids discrimi-nation on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), religion, national origin, age, military status, disability, or any other legally protected status in all District programs and activities. This includes District academic, extra-curricular, athletic, Homeless Education Programs pursuant to the McKinney-Vento Act, and other District programs, as well on District buses, during field trips, and in District classes or training programs that take place off school grounds. Sexual har-assment of students is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. The Dis-trict is committed to upholding these laws and takes discriminatory behaviors seri-ously.

Below is a list of individuals designated to handle inquires or concerns regarding the District’s nondiscrimination policies/rules. Alternatively, a parent or student may contact his/her principal or Area Assistant Superintendent to share concerns. Con-tact emails for these individuals are available at www.cobbk12.org or by calling (770) 426-3300.

Facilities Accessibility Director of Construction (770) 590-4518 514 Glover St, Marietta, GA 30060 Student Issued Executive Director or Supervisor, Student Support (Including Title IX, VI, and ADEA) 514 Glover St, Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 426-3340 Student Program Accessibility Assistant Superintendent, Spec. Student Services (Including Title II, ADA, IDEA & Sec. 504) 514 Glover St, Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 426-3320 Employee Issues Chief Human Resource Officer (770) 426-3398 514 Glover St, Marietta, GA 30060 Discrimination complaints may also be filed directly with:

Any further concerns of policy and procedures with transportation

should be directed to the Transportation Department

(678) 594-8000.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center 100 Alabama Street, SW Suite 4R30 Atlanta, Georgia 30303

(800) -669-4000 Employees or applicants with complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or religion

The U.S. Department of Education Atlanta Office For Civil Rights 61 Forsyth St. S.W., Suite 19T70 Atlanta, GA 30303-3104

(404) 562-6350 Individuals with complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age

Nicholson Elementary School’s Carpool Contract For Safety

Nicholson Elementary School has an established area for dropping off and picking up children (please see map). This area is separate from the school bus area in order to avoid problems associated with cars pass-ing buses, or cars parking in the fire lanes and “Bus Only Zone”. It also establishes a pedestrian traffic pattern to keep everyone safe.

Please observe the following rules when dropping off or picking up children:

Do not leave children unattended before the doors unlock at 7:15am;

Pull forward as far as possible into the designated drop-off zone before dropping off or picking up your children;

Drop off and pick up your children in the desig-nated drop-off zone only - No child should be dropped off in any other area of the park-ing lot;

Drop off and pick up from the passenger side of the car;

Remain in the driver’s seat (a Nicholson staff member will open the car door);

Do not pass other cars that are dropping off or picking up;

Do not park in the fire lane and leave your car unattended;

Exit promptly after dropping off or picking up your children;

Display your Nicholson car tag on your rearview mirror or front window when picking up your children during afternoon dismissal;

Children may not be picked up in the lobby-curb side only.

The carnival is held each year in October. This committee oversees the running of the carnival and works closely with the entertainment company that provides games.

This is a very rewarding committee which coordinates food and clothing drives and responds to local community needs.

The arts enrichment committee selects several programs to be presented to students throughout the year. All programs and performances are held at Nicholson during school hours.

The PTA will offer several options this year for the ease of contributions from our students and their families. Plans for this year are: Fall Carnival, Campbell’s Soup Labels and Box Tops for Education collections and adding more….

This committee coordinates refreshments for various functions and meetings throughout the year.

Reach 100% PTA Mem bership.

Expand parent and com m unity participation throughout all school and PTA functions. Prom ote reading and m ath by providing additional resources for reading and math materials and related programs. Provide the additional support for staff, technology, and associated resources necessary to meet the instructional goals set for our Nicholson students. Assist in providing im provem ents to the school.

Volunteers are always needed to help students in finding, checking out and returning books to the shelves. Media Center volunteers come in any time during the day to assist students as they come through on the school day.

PTA Membership is critical to the success of all programs at Nicholson. All parents and teachers should be proud to pay this $5.00 per person membership fee to join one of the most important organizations in our Nicholson students’ lives.

The “Stargazer” is a combined school, PTA, and Foundation newsletter. It is sent home every month. We encourage students to submit their own articles, comics and artwork. Please submit all articles for the newsletter to the school office by the middle of each month (see Calendar for exact dates), for publication in the following month’s issue.

This committee provides volunteers to staff the reception desk at the front office throughout the school day or for spe-cial events.

Parents from each classroom present a different work of art to the class each month. The lessons and art work are already planned and prepared, you just present them to the class and learn with the students.

Room parents work very closely with the individual teachers and assist however they are needed. Being a room parent is a great way to get to know your child’s teacher as well as his/her friends.

Spirit Days are each Friday of the month. Each child is encouraged to show her/his school spirit by wearing a Nicholson T-shirt and participating in spirit day activities.

Yearbooks will be available to purchase at the school. This committee will ensure that many special moments throughout the year are captured along with all our students’ faces for their special memories.