Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook This handbook

Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook 2016 - 2017
This handbook contains very important information for the 2016 - 2017
school year. ​Please be sure to read it carefully and sign and return the
next page to your child’s teacher.
1 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Dear Parents and Students,
It is with great pleasure that our Lugoff Elementary School family
welcomes you to the 2016 - 2017 school year. We hope that being a part of
our school is a positive experience that you will never forget!
This handbook has been prepared to answer many of the questions you
may have and to help you understand the policies, procedures, and
programs that we have in place. You are encouraged to read this handbook
carefully as many sections have changed, and keep it handy to refer to
throughout the school year. Please pay special attention to the sections that
should be read and discussed with your child. If at any time you have
questions, comments, or concerns, please contact us.
We invite each of you to become an active part of our school and of your
child’s learning experience. It is because of a strong partnership with you
that we are able to accomplish great things. Remember, Lugoff Elementary
is A, B, C – ​A​ll ​B​ecause of ​C​hildren.
Sincerely,
Dr. Melissa C. Lloyd
Principal
Mrs. Adele Dixon
Assistant Principal
______________________________________________________
I have read the Student/Parent Handbook for Lugoff Elementary School
for the 2016 - 2017 school year.
Parent Signature ___________________________
Child’s Signature ___________________________
Teacher ______________ Date _____________
2 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Table of Contents
Absences (definition)
AcCounts of Character
All Pro Day Breakfast
Attendance
Awards Assemblies
Be Great Academy
Be Informed
Bus Riders
Car Riders
Chaperone Form
Classworks
Contact Information
Courtesies
Curriculum
Discipline/Rules
KCSD Directory
Dress Code (LES)
Dress Code (District)
Early Dismissals
Field Studies
Forgotten Items
Frequent Questions
Fundraisers
Grading Policy
Guidance
Homework
Important Notices
Immunization
Insufficient Funds
IXL
KC Vision & Mission
Library
LIFE Grant
Lost and Found
Lunch/Breakfast
MAP
Math
Medical Homebound
Medication
Mission, Beliefs, & Goals
Notes & Quotes
Nurse/Health Room
Parent Portal
PBIS
Pictures
22
50
46
21
42
45
12
17, 25
16
33
43
7
8
43
39
7
34
34, 35
21, 26
32
38
14
12
37
44
38
47
21
19
52
6
46
46
35
36
44
43
31
28
5
51
27
18
44
46
3 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Placement Form
Programs/Events
PT0
Pupil Services
Reading
Reading Coach
Reading Interventionist
Refunds
Response to Intervention
School Closings
School Fees
School Schedule
Schoolwires Webpage
SEAGUL
SIC
Special Needs
Student Goals
Tardies
Telephone Messages
Transferring
Transportation
Truancy Flowchart
Visitation (Classroom)
Volunteer Form
Walkers
15
49
13
46
43
44
45
19
58
26
18
20
19
45
13
30
6
20
26
25
16
23
8
11
18
4 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook School Mission
The mission of Lugoff Elementary School is to develop competent,
confident, lifelong learners by creating a safe, child-centered environment
where the school and community collaborate to help students attain their
maximum potential.
Our Beliefs
● Elementary education and early intervention are critical to academic
success.
● All students can learn and will have the opportunity to learn through
varied learning strategies.
● The school environment will be safe and conducive to learning.
● Our school is a community of learners where learning is an active and
exciting lifelong process.
● Effective learning takes place when students, teachers, parents, and
the community work together.
● A well prepared, optimistic, and enthusiastic staff is vital to a positive
learning environment.
● Everyone will be valued and treated with respect.
Our Goals
● To give each student the opportunity to develop proficiency in
academic skills through a well-rounded curriculum.
● To allow each student to progress through his/her course of study as
he/she achieves proficiency in the subject area.
● To establish a foundation that will encourage continued academic
growth and accomplishments.
● To give each student guidance and encouragement in responsible
citizenship and self-discipline.
● To provide students with a challenging environment that will
encourage their practical application of academic and life skills.
● To broaden the horizon of each student by including activities to
enrich his/her life.
● To provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are
expected to learn through the implementation of the South Carolina
College- and Career-Ready Standards (SCCCR). ​ ​The standards are
designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the
knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in
college and careers.
● To help all students develop the world class skills and life and career
characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.
5 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Student Goals
Students will:
● Assist the staff in creating and maintaining a safe environment
● Respect themselves and all others as well as recognize and understand
cultural diversity.
● Be able to effectively use and apply technology in his/her daily life.
● Master academic skills which are necessary for future success.
● Develop a sense of responsibility for their actions and achievements.
● Be able to make appropriate decisions regarding social decisions.
● Be able to solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
● Be enthusiastic learners and workers both individually and
collectively.
● Recognize and appreciate opportunities for continuous life-long
learning.
● Develop a positive self-concept.
Kershaw County School District
Vision: ​The Kershaw County School District will empower and challenge all
students to reach their full potential.
Mission:
The mission of the Kershaw County School District is to educate all students
for success.
Beliefs​:
We Believe:
● All children can learn, and our schools must assist them in reaching
their full potential.
● A rigorous and comprehensive education prepares our students for
the challenges of the twenty-first century.
● Quality public education is essential in a free, democratic society
● Our community is strengthened by respecting, celebrating, and
utilizing its diversity.
● Successful schools have a positive impact on our community.
● All stakeholders – families, schools, and community – play a vital role
in the education process.
● Our quality schools are led by highly motivated and nurturing staff.
● Our schools are accountable for academic achievement, developing
good character, personal responsibility, and productive citizenship.
● Our children’s achievement is best measured by a variety of
assessments, skills, and experiences.
● Leveraging technology is essential for college and career readiness.
● A safe, healthy, and nurturing environment is essential for positive
growth and development.
6 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Contact Information
Address: 994 Ridgeway Rd.
Lugoff, SC 29078
Phone:
438 – 8000
Fax:
438 – 8024
E-mail:
​firstname.last​[email protected]
For Example: ​[email protected]
/[email protected]
Website: http://les.kcsdschools.net
Twitter Account: ​https://twitter.com/LugoffElem
Facebook Page: ​https://www.Facebook.com/kcsd.les
***If you contact your child’s teacher, you should receive a response within
24 hours. If you do not, please contact the front office.
District Contact Information
Kershaw County School District Office: 432-8416
Dr. Frank Morgan, Superintendent
Transportation Office (Buses): 438-8017
Mr. John Clinton, Lugoff Area Bus Supervisor
KCSD Food Services: 425-8906
Mrs. Misha Lawyer Goodwin, Nutrition and School Food
Service Coordinator
KCSD Special Services: 425-8925
Mr. Tarry McGovern, Director of Special Services
*Please make sure that we have current contact information for you at all
times. This is especially true in the case of emergencies. If you not have a
personal phone, the number of a reliable friend, neighbor or family
member would be greatly appreciated. Please contact our attendance clerk,
Robin Reeves, as soon as any of your info changes.
7 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Visitations
You are welcome and encouraged to visit our school for observations,
conferences, or as a volunteer. To avoid visiting during a
test, please arrange a time and date with your child’s teacher.
All observers/visitors must report to the main office before
entering our hallways. Anyone working directly with
students either as a volunteer or a chaperone will be required
to have a Volunteer Application completed and approved. This application
is located on the next page. Please follow these guidelines when observing
in classrooms:
1. Observations should be conducted as discreetly as possible. Please do not
interrupt instruction. If you need to speak with the teacher, please do so by
calling the teacher after school or leaving a message in the office for a
return phone call. Please do not “take just a moment” of time when
students are in the room. We guard our instruction as every minute counts!
2. Please note that your child may behave differently when you are in the
classroom. Students often complete work or have better behavior when a
personal visitor is present. Oftentimes, specific concerns will not be
observed during a parent visit.
3. Teachers may not greet you until there is an appropriate break in
instruction. Please do not think he/she is being rude as teachers have been
instructed to make every minute count and to guard instructional times. If
appropriate, teachers will speak with you as time permits.
4. Please remember that confidentiality is very important. While you may
observe behaviors in your child’s classmates, it is extremely important that
you do not discuss specific children with anyone.
5. When visiting in classrooms, please respect everyone’s privacy and refrain
from videotaping or taking pictures where children other than your own
may be captured.
8 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Classroom Courtesies
We strive to make all children feel special at Lugoff Elementary. Please
follow these rules to help avoid hurt feelings.
● Please do not send party invitations to school to pass out unless
you have included every child in the class.
● Please do not send balloons, flowers, or gifts to your child at
school. These will not be delivered to their classrooms and cannot
be taken home by bus.
● When sending Valentines, cards, treats, etc., please include one for
all children in the class.
● Due to privacy issues, we cannot give out students’ addresses and
phone numbers.
9 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook BIB System FAQ - Volunteer Application Process
Cost to Individual: $16.95
Application Type: Electronic – accessible from school and district
website
Q:Where can I access information on the procedure?
A:Visit our website: ​http://www.kcsdschools.net/volunteer
Q:Will paper applications still be accepted?
A: Only for Level 1 Volunteers
Q:What if I do not have a computer?
A:Parents may come to the district office for assistance.
Application Process:
1.Parent Applies/Pays Online
2.BIB processes application/payment and conducts background
check
3. The District Office approves or disapproves the volunteer
4.BIB sends a letter & ID Card to the volunteer. (Approval must be
renewed every two years.)
Renewal Notice​: BIB tracks, notifies the volunteer, updates the
school/district, and processes the renewals.
Q: How much does this cost? What if volunteers do not have a credit
or debit card?
A:The BIB background check will cost $16.95. Visa/MasterCard
prepaid cards can be used, even with a user fee of $4-$7 the total cost
is less than the current $26 background check fee.
The BIB completes the following checks: Address history trace,
county court search (Multi-County), National Criminal Record
Locator, Sex Offender Registry.
10 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Q: Is the change in background check ok?
A:The background checks used by BIB are national, rather than South
Carolina only, and include an alias search in areas in which the
individual has lived with the past 7 years. Public and private databases
are reviewed. District staff will review the report on each individual
prior to approving and the same strict standards will be maintained.
Documentation: Stored by BIB and FSPO, BIB will mail ID cards to
approved volunteers Approval/Denial Information
Q:What records will I have to keep?
A:None, the applications will be stored online and in the Federal and
Special Programs Office.
FSPO/DO approves or denies; BIB sends decision letter, handles
dispute process, and provides ID cards BIB can email parents with
status updates automatically
Level 1 Volunteer Application Form Link
Level 2 Volunteer Link
11 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook How to Be an Informed Parent!
It is important that you know what is going on at Lugoff Elementary. We
do many things to keep our school community informed about our
programs and events.
1. Read “Notes and Quotes”!​ Our school newsletter is published the last
day of every school week. In an effort to “go green”, we only send
paper copies home upon request. Otherwise, a copy is emailed to
your email address (if provided and you sign up) and posted on our
website.
2. Read the marquee!​ The school sign lists many important events and
announcements.
3. E-Mail us! ​Use our first name.last name @kscdschools.net
For example: ​[email protected]
4. Respond to surveys! ​We often ask your opinion about things in
“Notes and Quotes”. We solicit your feedback so that we can
constantly improve our programs.
5. Visit our school website and class pages!
http://les.kcsdschools.net
6. Call us! ​Your principals and teachers encourage you to share your
comments, questions, and concerns with us! You can also call one of
our School Improvement Council members or members of our PTO
Board.
7. Blackboard Connect! W
​ e will be using this phone service to share
important information. Please be sure that we have your current
phone numbers!
8. Friday Folders! ​These come home weekly and have all the latest
information and graded work the last school day of the week.
9. Parent Portal!​ Parents are able to view their own students’ grades and
attendance records as soon as they are entered into PowerSchool.
10.Twitter and Facebook! ​Don’t forget to check out these social media
sites for more up-to-date news about LES.
Fundraisers
Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) sponsors fundraisers each year
to earn money for our school. Participation in these fundraisers and
attending the fundraiser kick-off rallies is optional. If you do not want
your child to attend a kick-off rally, please notify Dr. Lloyd in writing,
via e-mail, or with a phone call as soon as possible.
12 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook How You Can Help!
We would love to have your input as part of our PTO or our SIC!
Our ​Parent Teacher Organization​ (PTO) meets six times per year. In order
to reach as many parents as possible, the times and dates will fluctuate.
Please check our school newsletter and website for dates and times. This
group organizes fundraisers for our school, plans school wide functions,
and sponsors many activities for students and their families to help create a
positive school climate. They are always looking for volunteers to help both
during and after school hours, so if you have an hour or more to help,
please let us know!
Our ​School Improvement Council (SIC) ​meets at 5:30 pm one Tuesday of
each month. This group of parents, teachers, and community members
serves as an advisory council in order to improve our school. SIC also
sponsors our “Lunch Buddy” program, which recruits volunteers to come in
to have lunch with our students. We would love to have you attend our
meetings or come to have lunch with a student!
PTO OFFICERS: 2016 - 2017
President – Tabitha Tilley
1st Vice President – Shannon Team
2nd Vice President – Allison Hemingway
Secretary – Caroline Gross
Treasurer - Ashleigh Rabon
Box Top Coordinator – Sarah Komarnicki
Volunteer Coordinator – Caroline Gross
Facebook Coordinator - Amanda Butler
Website and Newsletters - Lisa Johnson
SIC Officers for 2016 - 2017 will be announced in the Fall.
13 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Frequently Asked Questions
May I request a teacher for my child?
We are unable to take special requests for teachers. If you have an issue
with a certain teacher because of a past relationship or special circumstance,
there is a form available to use during the month of April to share your
concerns. (See next page.) Please follow the directions carefully and adhere
to the deadline. Students are not switched from one class to another except
in ​extreme​ circumstances.
What are the best sources of information about what is happening at LES?
Read “Notes and Quotes,” our school’s weekly newsletter, your teacher’s
weekly newsletter, or visit our F
​ acebook​ and ​Twitter​ sites. Also, keep your
copy of this handbook handy and refer to it throughout the year. You may
also visit our website at http://les.kcsdschools.net.
What are some opportunities for involvement for parents?
Our PTO is a very active group that coordinates special activities and
events. They also supply funds to purchase additional educational
resources, technology, and sponsor special programs. SIC is our School
Improvement Council. They give the principals advice about school
improvement issues. They also oversee the expenditure of special state
funds. Of course, we always need volunteers to work with students and in
our classrooms!
I have a concern and want to know what I should do to resolve it.
Parents are encouraged to set up a conference with the classroom teacher or
the person with whom they have a concern first in order to address
academic and/or behavioral concerns. Specific board, state and federal
guidelines are followed in order to ensure that everyone’s rights are
protected. If satisfaction is not achieved at this conference, please call the
principal or assistant principal for another conference. The principal
handles most instructional concerns while the assistant principal is in
charge of school safety and discipline.
What if I have a concern that hasn’t been addressed by the teacher or
principal to my satisfaction?
If you are not satisfied with the way a situation is handled, or if another
issue arises, we ask that you please contact school personnel f​ irst.​ If you are
still not satisfied, please contact Mr. Tim Hopkins, Executive Director for K
– 12 Instruction, at 432 -8416.
14 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Placement Consideration
2017 - 2018
(​FORMS WITH SPECIFIC TEACHER REQUESTS WILL BE
DISREGARDED.)
Student
Name_______________________________________________
Going to Grade _________________
Parent Name __________________ Phone
Number_______________
Special considerations needed for your child:
Areas of concern for your child (if any):
Characteristics​ in a teacher that your child would best respond to:
15 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Transportation
Car Riders
Safety is first in the car rider area! Please, no cell phones, texting, or
anything else that would endanger our students, other drivers, or those on
duty!!
Car riders are encouraged to arrive between 7:10 and 7:45 AM. Remember,
our school day begins at 7:40 and students are tardy unless they are i​ n​ their
classrooms before 7:50. ​NO child should ever be dropped off before 7:10
AM!!
Students are to be dropped off at school in the car rider circle. Please do
NOT allow students to exit your vehicle on the highway, the cafeteria
loading area, or the bus loop! You may use the front parking lot as a
drop-off area ​only​ if you are accompanying your child into the building to
conduct business, such as taking money to the cafeteria, meeting with a
teacher or administrator, or leaving a note with office staff. If you drop-off
your child across from the school he or she ​MUST​ cross with the crossing
guard!! It is vital that ​all​ parents follow procedures and use the car circle.
Ask yourself this question, “If everyone else did as I am doing, would our
children be safe?”
Afternoon dismissal is 2:40-3:10 PM. As parents arrive, students are called
by walkie-talkie to come and get in their cars. In order to assist with safety,
you will be required to use a school-issued tag​ with your child’s (children’s)
name. These will be issued at registration and upon request. We will issue
up to three tags at no charge. Please display this on your visor ​until all
16 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook children are loaded into your car​. Anyone not displaying this school-issued
tag will be required to come to the front office and be verified as an
authorized person on the pickup list. In either case, please be prepared to
show a picture ID in case someone on duty does not recognize you. This
procedure promotes safety and accountability. Also, if you lose your tag(s),
or require more than 3, the cost is $1 per tag. In order to maintain a safe
environment, students may not be signed out through the gym at any time.
We have two lines of cars which merge into a single lane near the pick-up
zone. Please take turns and alternate lanes when merging. If all 300 people
arrive at 2:40, we do not all fit into the circle. Please stagger your pick-up
times!
While it is important to arrive at school on time, it is also important that
children are picked up on time. You will be asked to come in to the front
office and sign out your children if they are picked up after 3:10.
The first three weeks have traditionally been very congested for car
riders!
Be patient! It gets better!
Bus Riders
Students are encouraged to ride the bus to and from school whenever
possible. Our school has over 300 car riders, and major congestion in
the mornings and afternoons often creates lines and delays. Please
remember that ​any student younger than 3​rd​ grade must have an adult
at the stop to receive him/her unless there is a sibling on the bus who is
3rd grade or higher​. In the event no one is present at the stop, the child
will be returned to school and placed in our afterschool program, Be
Great Academy, an affiliate of the Boys and Girls Club, which is housed
in our cafeteria. Your child may go to Be Great twice at no cost, but any
additional returns will result in a $20 fee per visit.
17 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Walkers
AM Walkers​: Students who cross with the crossing
guard are to proceed to the end of the 4/5 doorway (the
first door near the bus loop) and enter the building
there. ​PM Walkers​: Anyone picking up a walker will
be required to present a school-issued walker tag.
These will be available for you to pick up prior to your
child’s first day of school. Each family will receive 3 complimentary
tags. Additional or replacement tags cost $1 each. Anyone who does not
have this tag and/or is not known by the staff members on duty will be
required to come to the office and present ID before a child is released.
Also, anyone picking up a walker is not to park in the parking lot to do
so​. Walkers should proceed on foot when leaving campus and not via
car.
Parent Portal
All parents in our school have access to a student
information database system called the Parent Portal.
Parents are able to view their own child’s grades and
attendance records as soon as they are entered. This
information is protected through usernames and
passwords. If you received your username and password
last year, there is nothing else that you need to do. If you
are new to LES, did not receive your username and password last year, or
have misplaced them, please stop by the front office with a picture ID. The
process takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
School Fees
Kershaw County School District is authorized by the state through SC #859
of 1976 and Joint Resolutions to charge student fees. The district restricts
the use of fees to the purchase of consumable supplies needed in
instruction, to repair equipment, and for the replacement of equipment.
Students are charged according to their 2015 - 2016 lunch status. State law
does not allow students who have free status to be charged, and those that
have reduced status receive a pro-rated fee charge.
18 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Refunds and Insufficient Funds
Occasionally, a lost textbook that has been paid for will be found. We will be
happy to refund within the present school year; however, w
​ e will not be
able to issue refunds after the present school year ends.​ In the case of a
lost library book, no refunds will be issued if the book is later found. The
reason is because the money will be used to repurchase the book that was
assumed lost.
Once a field trip had been confirmed and the amount is agreed upon, most
vendors will not refund fees for any reason; therefore, we will NOT be able
to refund the student or chaperone unless the vendor agrees to refund the
school.
Returned checks for insufficient funds create difficulties for all. Our school
will gladly accept your checks but ask that you include your FULL NAME,
STREET ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER on them. (Also, adding your
student's name, teacher & purpose on the "For" line is helpful.) We will use
the information provided on the check to recoup the face value and any
fees as a result of the insufficient funds.
​SchoolWires
Please visit our school’s webpage at
http://les.kcsdschools.net. There you will not only
find out about news and events around our school,
but you also have access to the teachers’ web pages.
These web pages contain vital information such as
homework assignments, test dates, special project/assignments information,
class rules, class trip news, and helpful online resources to assist you at
home. ​Don’t forget to sign up using the Parent Class Alert feature on our
webpage​. By registering to receive class email alerts, parents can keep up to
date on announcements, upcoming events, homework assignments, and
other class information on any schedule they prefer (e.g., daily, 2x/week,
weekly), or only when relevant new content is added​. D
​ on’t miss out on this
great opportunity!
19 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook School Schedule
7:10
7:30
7:40
7:50
7:50
2:30
2:40
Early Drop Off/Breakfast Begins
Students to Class
Day Begins/Breakfast Ends
Tardy Bell
“Lugoff Live” Begins
Pack Up, Announcements
Dismissal
Tardy Policy
Lugoff Elementary’s school day begins at 7:40 AM. Children should be in
their classrooms and ready to begin work before the tardy bell at 7:50 AM.
When children arrive after 7:50 AM, they ​must be accompanied by an
adult​ to the office and take a tardy pass to the teacher.
When students are tardy, they interrupt class and may miss important
explanations of work to be completed. Remember, just being five minutes
late for 5 school days is equal to 25 minutes of missed instruction. This adds
up quickly!
Each time your child is tardy, you will be asked to sign him/her in either
using your child’s personalized form. ​ ​We ask that you remain mindful of
missed instructional time.
Punctuality is a quality of good citizenship. Help your child arrive on time.
If your child is late due to an emergency, please write a note of explanation.
We encourage you to be here at 7:30! “Lugoff Live,” our morning news
show, begins at 7:50!
20 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Students Leaving Early
If you must sign your child out of school before the close
of the school day, please send a note to the child’s teacher
the morning of the early dismissal. We will call for your
child to come to the office ​once you arrive​. The note
should state the reason for and specify the time of the
early dismissal. Please, whenever possible, schedule
medical and dental appointments after school hours.
We ​do not​ allow students to leave the school grounds without being
accompanied by you or a designated adult listed on the Student Safety
Information form given at registration. Also, anyone not known by our
office personnel may have to present identification before a student is
released.
Parents will be asked to sign their children out using a personalized form.
Please remain mindful of the amount of time that your child is out of class
and therefore missing critical instruction time.
Students should not be signed out after 2:00 pm. Office staff will be
assisting with dismissal and you may need to wait to be helped should you
arrive after 2:25 PM. Please use the car circle for dismissal.
Attendance
All children are expected to be in attendance each day unless they are ill.
To explain an absence from school, a child must bring a written excuse
within five days of returning to school following the absence. (It is very
important that you provide a written excuse for each absence even though
you may have notified us of the absence through phone call or email.) The
note must be signed by a parent or guardian and must state the reason for
the absence.
In accordance with the SC Attendance Regulations, a student
cannot exceed 10 ​parent excused absences​ and receive credit
for the school year. Once the limit of 10 parent notes has been
reached, only medical notes will be accepted. A child becomes
a truancy risk when he/she accumulates 3 unlawful absences.
At that time, a 3 day letter is sent to the parent/guardian. If the
student accumulates 5 unlawful absences, a 5 day letter is sent to the
parent/guardian with a scheduled date and time for a Truancy Intervention
21 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Plan (TIP) conference. Once a total of 7 unlawful absences are
accumulated, the parent/guardian will receive a 7 day truancy letter. If these
unexcused absences remain unresolved, they will be forwarded to the
Student Information Coordinator. A truancy petition is filed in Family
Court and proceedings may occur.
If your child is absent, please return a written excuse within five (5) days.
Lawful absences​ shall include the following:
1. Students who are ill and whose attendance in school would
endanger their health or the health of others may be temporarily
excused from attendance.
2. Students in whose immediate family (parents, legal guardians,
siblings,
children, grandparents) there is a serious illness or death.
3. Students may be excused from attendance in school for recognized
religious holidays of their faith.
4. Students may be excused due to assignment to a school-sponsored
or school-approved activity.
5. Students may be excused due to medical, dental, mental health or
other health services that must be scheduled during school hours.
6. Students may be excused due to participation in a local, state or
national activity which is directly related to the school curriculum, i.e.
music, art, physical education, vocational, academic.
Unlawful absences​ shall include the following:
1. Students are willfully absent from school without knowledge of
their parents.
2. Students are absent from school without acceptable cause with the
knowledge of their parents.
3. All other absences not covered under lawful absences.
22 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Flowchart of Truancy Prevention Actions
Truancy Risk
A child is identified as a truancy risk when he/she accumulates three
unlawful absences. A three-day-letter is sent to the parent/guardian, AND a
school official speaks with the parent/guardian to determine reasons for
absences. This can be a phone conference or a face-to-face meeting, and
this initial contact must be documented as a Truancy Log entry in
PowerSchool with a Reason/Title of “Letter 1.” We must document the
name of the person spoken to, the reason(s) for the absences, and any
corrective actions that will be taken to resolve the cause(s) of the absences.
Parents must be notified that two additional unexcused absences will result
in the development of a Truancy Intervention Plan (TIP) that will become a
part of the student’s permanent record and any future court documents (if
necessary).
Truant
After the above step has been completed and the student accumulates two
more unlawful absences for a total of 5 (or more) unlawful absences, a
five-day-letter is sent to the parent/guardian with a scheduled date and time
to develop a TIP, ​and ​a school official speaks with the parent/guardian to
confirm initiation of the TIP process. We document this contact with a
PowerSchool Truancy Log entry with a Reason/Title of “Letter 2.” This
documentation includes the name of the person spoken to and include the
date of the scheduled TIP meeting.
Truancy Intervention Plan (TIP)
The TIP is completed as a written plan. If the parent refuses to meet with
school personnel, we may include the student in the development of the
plan. We send the parent/guardian a copy of the plan with a “Failure to
Comply” cover letter and follow up with a phone call. If a parent/guardian
cannot be contacted by phone, we may visit the home and post the letter to
the property with the following note: “Contact me as soon as possible to
avoid further action.” We then create a Discipline Log entry, using code 151
(Truant) with a Title of “TRU1” (Intervention Plan) and a consequence of
“Intervention Plan” to document the TIP creation date and the date of the
parent/guardian contact if they fail to attend the meeting.
23 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Habitual Truant
After all of the above steps have been completed, should the student
accumulate two more unlawful absences for a total of 7 (or more) unlawful
absences, a school official speaks with the parent/guardian to inquire about
the reasons for the absences. If the additional absences are determined to be
unlawful, school officials update the TIP, indicating any failures and
specifying any recommended corrective action for the court to adopt
regarding the student and/or parent/guardian. The updated TIP is faxed to
the Student Information Coordinator who reviews the TIP and files a
truancy petition for court, if necessary. The school creates a Discipline Log
entry, using code 152 (Habitual Truant) with a Title of “TRU2” (Family
Court Referral) and a consequence of “Family Court Referral” (if necessary)
to document the date the parent/guardian is contacted and the date petition
paperwork is faxed to the District Office.
Initial Court Appearance
During an initial court appearance, a judge places the student under a
school attendance order (SAO). A copy of the order is added to the TIP, the
TRU2 Discipline Log entry text is appended to document details of the
SAO, and we continue to monitor the student’s attendance.
Chronic Truant
After all of the above steps have been completed, if the student fails to
comply with SAO and intervention steps fail, the school updates the TIP
indicating corrective actions attempted by the school and the graduated
sanctions or alternatives to incarceration that are available to the court in
the community. The updated TIP is faxed to the Student Information
Coordinator who reviews the TIP and files a Contempt of Court petition
with the court, if necessary. A Discipline Log entry is created, using code
153 (Chronic Truant) with a Title of “TRU3” (Violation of Court Order) and
a consequence of “Violation of Court Order” to document the date when
paperwork is faxed to the District Office.
Second Court Appearance
Students will appear in court for Contempt of Court if they have disobeyed
a previous court order to attend school and have not complied with the TIP.
Court decisions may include the following:
● Judge sentences student to DJJ for a determinant amount of time.
● Judge places student on probation with DJJ – may include
determinant sentence and probation.
24 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook ● Case is dismissed or trial results in ‘not guilty’ verdict – student may
continue on SAO.
The court decision is documented in the TIP and the TRU3 Discipline Log
entry text is appended to reflect the court’s decision.
Returning Student
Students return to school from court while on probation or after serving
sentence in DJJ facility. School intervention and monitoring continues (in
collaboration with DJJ probation officer, when applicable) to ensure smooth
transition back to school. If a student transfers to another school in South
Carolina, a copy of the TIP is forwarded to the receiving school.
Policies and Regulations
Eligibility to Attend LES
Students must live within the Lugoff Elementary attendance area.
Please note that even if you have a Lugoff address, you may not live within
our attendance area. To register, you must have a certified birth certificate,
a SC immunization certificate, a mortgage or lease agreement, a check stub,
a Driver’s License, and a tax document, all showing the current and accurate
address.
Students outside our area who desire placement at Lugoff Elementary
should contact the District Hearing Officer, Mr. Duane Pate, at the Kershaw
County School District Office (432-8416). These students must have district
approval before they are allowed to register. ​This approval must be
obtained every year​. Because of space limitations in our classrooms,
approvals are scarce.
Transferring to Another School
Please notify the school office at least one week in advance if your
child is transferring from Lugoff Elementary to another school. We will
prepare a transfer form that you may pick up the last day of your child’s
attendance at LES.
You must sign a statement permitting Lugoff Elementary to forward
your child’s records to the new school if that school is outside Kershaw
County. We will forward school records to the receiving school when they
are requested provided that all books or money owed to LES have been
returned or paid.
Permission to Ride the Bus Home
If your child will be riding the bus home with a friend, you must send
a note stating such to the principal. It must include your child’s name, who
your child is riding with, date and the bus number (if you know it).
25 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Telephone Messages
Please make sure that your child has all of your important family
information before he/she comes to school each day. We ask that all
information that must be shared with your child, such as a change in
transportation, be made prior to 2:00 PM. Once we enter the dismissal
phase at 2:30 PM, we cannot guarantee that all messages can be delivered.
School Closings/Early Dismissals
Sometimes it is necessary to close school or have early dismissals. During
times of inclement weather or other emergencies, you should listen to our
hometown radio station, WPUB FM 102.7, for up-to-date information, or
visit our school’s website. WIS –TV 10 and WLTX – 19 also receive
up-to-date information should school close. We also use our Blackboard
Connect program to inform you of closings. This is another reason why it
is imperative that we have your current numbers.
If school has an early dismissal, you should arrange for someone to meet
the school bus during the announced time, or pick your child up within 30
minutes of dismissal time in the car circle. ​Please remember, only those
people that you listed on the Student Safety Information form will be
allowed to pick up your child.
Be Great (our afterschool program) will ​not​ ​remain open for emergency closings
or dismissals.
26 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Immunization News
Parents are reminded that immunization requirements for school are
mandated by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental
Control (DHEC). Please see your physician or school nurse for current
mandated immunization requirements. A completed South Carolina
Immunization Certificate, Medical Exemption Form, or Religious
Exemption Form is required for registration and enrollment. These forms
may be obtained from your child’s physician or from the Kershaw County
Health Department.
School Nurse
Our school nurse is in our school to promote a healthy school environment.
She works to identify and remedy problems that interfere with learning and
is able to confer with students and parents regarding any physical and/or
emotional problems.
The school nurse reviews health information forms
completed by parents at registration. ​ ​It is very important
that you include medications that your child takes at home
or information about a medical condition in case of a school
emergency! ​Teachers will be notified of students with
significant health problems. If changes in a student’s health
occur during the school year, a parent should notify the
school nurse. It is also very important that the staff at LES is
able to get in touch with someone if a child becomes sick or
has an accident. Please keep phone numbers updated!
27 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Medication During the School Day
Because the needs of students who require medication during school hours
should be met in a safe and prudent manner, the Department of Education
and DHEC established guidelines for assisting with medications during
school hours. These procedures are also in accordance with the Kershaw
County School District’s Policy on Medications. Whenever possible,
morning doses of medication should be given at home to minimize
disruption in the school day. Many medications can be given around the
school schedule. Consult your physician for assistance scheduling
medications around school hours. When medications are necessary during
the school day, the following procedures must be followed:
● All medications, prescription and nonprescription, require a
doctor’s order. ​A completed P
​ ermission for Medication form, available
on the district website or from the school, must be completed by a
doctor and signed by the parent or legal guardian in order for any
medication to be given at school.
● All medication should be brought to school by the parent or legal
guardian in the original container.​ Prescription medication must be
in the original pharmacy bottle and must contain a pharmacy label
including the student’s name, date, medication name, dosage,
strength, and directions for use, which includes frequency, duration,
mode of administration, prescriber name, and pharmacy name and
address. Non-prescription medication must be in the original
manufacturer’s container.
● All prescription and nonprescription medication will be inventoried
by the school nurse every three months. Expired medications will be
picked up by the parent or destroyed by the school nurse. An
inventory of destroyed medications will be maintained.
● Terminated medication, or medication remaining at the end of the
school year, must be picked up by the last day of school by a
responsible adult, or it will be disposed of by the principal or his/her
designee.
● Permission for medication forms, and medication administration
records, will be maintained in the student’s health record.
28 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook ● Students with serious medical conditions should have all needed
medications along with district permission forms and medical orders
provided to the nurse. All medical procedures, including
catheterization, suctioning, blood sugar management, and tube
feedings require medical orders before they can be carried out.
● All medication and medical procedure orders must be updated at the
beginning of every school year.
● Students with special health-care needs who require that they keep
medication with them during the school day must complete
Permission​ for Student to self –Monitor/ Self-Administer Medication form,
available on the district website or from the school nurse. This form
must be on file in order for a student to carry any medication.
● If medications are needed on the bus, during field studies, for
extracurricular activities, or for after school clubs, the parent must
contact the nurse to make necessary arrangements.
● First doses of new medications must be given at home by the parent.
● No more than a 30 day stock of controlled medications will be stored
at the school.
● All medications must be provided by the parent. The school does not
have stock medications.
● Students with food allergies who need dietary modifications will need
to provide a ​South Carolina School Food Services Diet Prescription For
Meals at Schools form that has been signed by the doctor and parent to
the school nurse. The form is available on the district website or from
the school nurse.
29 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Students with Special Health Care Needs
Many health care services can be provided for students to keep them at
school where they can learn and participate with other students. Our
goal is to provide information to parents and legal guardians about some
of the services and programs available for addressing the health care
needs of students during the school day to help students succeed in
school. It is important that the necessary health care information is
shared with the appropriate people – such as teachers on duty during
recess, bus drivers, and cafeteria employees – to make sure that the
students’ needs are met throughout the school day.
Individual Health Care Plans or Individual Health Plans (IHPs)
Individual health care plans are also called individual health plans or
IHPs. School nurses who are registered nurses write IHPs to guide how a
student’s health care needs will be met while at school. The nurse works
with the student, the student’s parents or legal guardians, the student’s
health care provider, and other school staff to write the plan. IHPs are
written for students who have special health care needs that must be met
by school staff during the school day. IHPs are also written for students
who have been approved by the school district to self-medicate or
self-monitor. To learn more about IHPs, talk with your child’s school
nurse.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)
Section 504 is a federal law that requires public schools to make
adjustments so that students with certain disabilities can learn and
participate in settings like other students who do not have disabilities. To
be eligible for services under Section 504, a student must have a
condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A
team decides if a student is eligible. The team should include the
student’s parent or legal guardian, the student (if able), and others who
know the student or know about the student’s disability, such as a
teacher, a school counselor, a school nurse, and other school staff. If the
student is eligible, the team develops an individual accommodation plan.
The individual accommodation plan explains how the student’s needs
will be met while at school and may include health services for the
student during the school day if needed. To learn more about Section
504, contact the Office of Special Services at 803-425-8925.
30 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Students, ages 3 through 21 years, may receive services under the IDEA if
the student needs special education (specially designed instruction) and
related services to benefit from his or her educational program. A team
decides if a student qualifies for services under the IDEA. The team
includes the student’s parent or legal guardian, teachers, and other school
staff. The team develops an individualized education program (IEP) if
the student meets federal and state requirements. The IEP outlines a
plan for helping the student receive a free appropriate public education
and meet goals set by the team. The IEP may include health services for
the student during the school day if needed. Contact your child’s
principal or the Office of Special Services at the 803-425-8925 to learn
more about IDEA.
Medical Homebound Instruction
Medical homebound instruction is a service that is available for students
who cannot attend school for a medical reason even with the aid of
transportation. A physician must certify that the student has such a
medical condition but may benefit from instruction, and must fill out
the medical homebound form that the school district provides. The
school district then decides whether to approve the student for medical
homebound services. The school district will consider the severity of the
student’s illness or injury, the length of time that the student will be out
of the school, the impact that a long period away from school will have
on the student’s academic success, and whether the student’s health
needs can be met at school. To learn more about medical homebound
services, contact your child’s school counselor or school principal.
31 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Field Studies
Classes are often involved in field studies, and teachers often need parents
to chaperone for these trips. To be eligible for consideration as a
chaperone, you must complete and receive approval from the Volunteer
Application (Level 2 which requires a fee), complete a chaperone form, and
submit them both to your child’s teacher.
For the safety of all of our students, we ask that parents follow our school
rules. You are there to monitor students, and their safety is foremost. For
this reason, we ask that no siblings are to be included on trips. Chaperones
must​ ride the bus with the students. We also ask that you not follow the bus
in your personal vehicles, nor attempt to join the class once they have
arrived at their destination. If you would like to spend the day with your
child and you are not a chaperone, then we ask that you sign your child out
from the teacher, separate from the group, and conduct your own trip. We
do this for the protection of all students at all times.
32 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook LUGOFF ELEMENTARY CHAPERONE FORM
Chaperones on all Lugoff Elementary field trips must agree to the following
guidelines before their name is considered for an off campus trip. Chaperones
must be willing to:
● Have a Volunteer Application (Level 2) completed and approved (which
requires a $16.95 fee).
● Supervise students in a small group during the trip. Students ​are never​ to
be left unattended.
● Follow school rules. When on a field trip, our good character and
behavior expectations are to be followed at all times.
● Put students first. Avoid personal distractions like talking with other adults
or using a cell phone.
● Limit cell phone use to emergency situations or contacting the teacher and
other chaperones.
● Ride the bus with the class. You may not travel in your personal vehicles.
● Call roll for your group, especially during transitions.
● Make other arrangements for siblings. Siblings may not accompany us on
field trips due to liability issues.
● Be fair. Please resist the temptation to buy extras or offer extra privileges
for your small group. If you would like to provide something for the
entire class, please ask the teacher.
● Be on time. Please follow the day’s schedule carefully.
● Avoid the use of profanity and other language not appropriate for
children. This includes t-shirts with inappropriate messages.
● Avoid the use of tobacco products and alcohol throughout the duration of
the entire trip.
● Not​ post pictures of others’ children on Facebook, Twitter or any other
social media site without the permission of the parents. Some of our
students are not allowed to have their pictures posted for security
purposes.
If you are interested in chaperoning the field trip to
_____________________, please return this portion to school no later than
_______________________.
33 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook _____Yes, I understand the expectations of a chaperone and agree to honor
these guidelines. Please consider me for a classroom field trip chaperone.
Student’s Name________________ Teacher
_________________________
Parent/Chaperone _____________ Date
___________________________
School Dress Code
The administration is committed to providing the most productive,
distraction free, safe learning environment possible for all students. Any
fashion, extreme fad, make-up, or accessories that distract from instruction
taking place in the classroom or school building will not be allowed.
Students who violate the dress code will receive a written warning from the
classroom teacher.
On the second violation, the student will receive a written warning from the
office.
On subsequent violations, the parent will have to bring a change of clothing
and/or footwear to school.
Thank you for helping us enforce our dress code!
AR JICA-R Student Dress, Articles, and Displays
Issued 8/15
Students are expected to dress, groom, and otherwise conduct themselves in
a manner which does not distract, cause disruption, or otherwise interfere
with the operation of district schools. Student attire and conduct may not be
destructive to school property, immodest, or revealing and must comply
with all requirements for health and safety. Clothing, articles, or displays
that will cause, or are likely to cause, disruption of the learning process of
others may not be worn or exhibited.
The administration will make the final judgment as to the appropriateness
of student dress, appearance, grooming, and/or display of symbols,
messages, or statements on school grounds and other district property.
District and/or building administrators reserve the right to prohibit
34 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook students from wearing any articles of clothing or other items or displaying
any symbols, messages, or statements which lead to, or may foreseeably
result in, the disruption of or interference with the school environment or
educational processes.
The board will review this policy periodically and make changes as it deems
necessary.
Elementary Schools
Elementary-aged students are expected to dress for an educational setting,
not a recreational one. When a child's attire disrupts the educational
program or is a threat to safety or health, appropriate action will be taken
by the principal or assistant principal. If, in the opinion of the
administration, a student's attire, articles, or displays are disruptive, his/her
parent/legal guardian will be notified, and the child will be dismissed from
school until the situation is rectified.
The principal or assistant principal will make efforts to meet with
parents/legal guardians whenever an issue arises as to the expectations for
student dress, articles, and/or displays of items which are unconducive to
the school environment.
Lost and Found
Articles, other than textbooks and library books, which have been found will
be turned in to our Lost and Found area on the stage. (Library books will be
returned to the library, and textbooks to our assistant principal.) Parents are
strongly encouraged to label coats, jackets, sweaters, backpacks, lunch boxes,
etc. with your child’s name. Remember to use a permanent marker. All
items remaining one week after Christmas Break, Spring Break, and end of
the year will be donated to charity.
35 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook School Lunch and Breakfast Program
The cafeteria manager and her staff provide nourishing,
well-balanced lunches for students, visitors, and staff. While students are
encouraged to eat the lunches prepared at school, they may bring a lunch
from home. They may n
​ ot​, however, bring drinks in glass containers.
The School Food Service determines meal prices in the summer.
Meals are $1.00 (breakfast) and $1.75 (lunch) for full paying students, and
$0.30 (breakfast) and $0.40 (lunch) for reduced students. Adult prices for
lunch are $3.55 and $2.10 for breakfast. Milk is $.50 per half pint. A student
may pay in advance for school meals. That amount is placed on his/her
lunch account. We will send a note home in your child’s Friday Folder
when their account balance is $6.00 or less. Students may also pay by the
day as they go through the line.
Free and reduced meals​ are available as outlined by the National
School Lunch Program. Applications are now completed online. You may
complete an application from your home computer, at school registration,
or stop by the school office. ​You must reapply for eligibility each year!
Families will be held responsible for any charges made before receiving
eligibility for free and reduced meals. Only one application per family
needs to be made.
The cafeteria provides many opportunities to learn and practice social
skills and good manners. Students and teachers may talk with one another
in acceptable, conversational tones. We request that each student and adult
leaves the area clean and tidy for the next classes.
We invite your child to join us each morning from 7:10 – 7:40 AM to
enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast!
Parents and grandparents may join a student for lunch, but are
requested to give at least 24 hours’ notice to the cafeteria staff.
Please note that students will be allowed to charge no more than
$12.00. After this, students will receive an alternative, nutritious meal.
36 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Cookies, water, and ice cream may only be purchased if a student’s
lunch account is up to date.
Cost of Student Meals
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Full Pay
Reduced
Full Pay
Reduced
$1.00
$ .30
$1.75
$ .40
Want to check your child’s lunch balance? Go to our school website at
http://les.kcsdschools​.net.​ ​On the left, scroll down to “online meal service,”
click, and from there follow the site’s directions.
Questions? Please call our Cafeteria Manager, Mrs. Joyce Tucker @
438-8035.
Uniform Grading Policy ​90 - 100
A
80 - 89
B
70 - 79
C
60 - 69
D
Under 60
F
Kershaw County has implemented a uniform grading policy for all
elementary schools. In accordance to this policy, the​ ​following should be a
​
minimum​ number of grades per subject:
ELA - 9 grades: 3 major grades, 6 minor grades
Math -​ ​9 grades: 3 major, 6 minor
Science and Health – 6 grades: 2 major, 4 minor
Social Studies - 6 grades: 2 major, 4 minor
Major grades will count as 60% of the final grade, while minor grades will
count 40%.
Homework Grades
37 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Each child will receive a homework grade in reading, math, and spelling.
This grade does not reflect the correctness of the answers, but rather that
the work was completed and turned in. Every child will start the 9 weeks
with a homework grade of 100 in each subject area that homework is given.
This 100 changes only when the child does not turn in homework. Each
time the child does not have an assignment, the teacher will deduct points
from the grade. (E.g. if a child completes 18 out of 20 assignments for the 9
weeks, their homework grade would be 90%). At the end of the 9 weeks, the
homework grade will be averaged with the other minor grades in that
subject.
Appropriate Times for Homework
No student should take longer (FOCUSED TIME) than the following time to
complete the daily assigned homework.
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
<10 minutes
10-15 minutes
20-25 minutes
30-35 minutes
40-45 minutes
50-55 minutes
If homework takes longer than the above times, please contact your child’s
teacher.
How to Help
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●
●
●
●
●
●
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Read with your child every day!
Set aside a time and quiet place for homework.
Help pack backpacks the night before.
Read information in Friday Folders. Go over graded papers with your
child.
Keep the teacher informed of changes at home that may affect your
child at school.
Volunteer! Let us know if you are available to assist with special
activities, events, or projects!
Be a part of your child’s learning! Talk with your child and/or her
teacher about what is occurring in the classroom.
Purchase an Agenda Book (for your child in Grades 3-5). Check this
daily for homework assignments and an update on behavior.
38 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook ● Check out your child’s teacher’s website!
Forgotten Items
Parents may bring forgotten lunchboxes, school work/books, snacks, or
book bags to the front office. Every effort is made not to interrupt classes
and instruction time; therefore, a voicemail will be placed on the teacher’s
phone notifying them that the item is in the office. The only exception is
that we will call immediately for eyeglasses or a forgotten dose of
medication. Parents may not sign in to deliver the items to prevent
interruptions in the classroom.
SCHOOL RULES
A – Act Safely
B – Be Responsible
C- Care for Self, Others, and Environment
The following are not allowed at LES:
No gum chewing at any time.
No cell phones are permitted.​ If you have a specific concern, please
contact administration.
No video games, iPads, Nooks, Kindles, etc. ​If these items are found, they
will be secured in the office until a parent comes to claim.
No trading cards, no rubber trading bracelets, no toys of any kind.
39 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook No roller shoes, no cleats, no flip-flops.​ Parents will be called to bring
appropriate footwear.
Discipline Policy
Our district adopted a discipline approach called Positive Behavior
Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which emphasizes teaching behavioral
expectations and reinforcing good behavior. We will be using Class DOJO
and “Count’s Cash” as a way to reward students for exhibiting appropriate
behavior. Students will have the opportunity to spend their points or cash
each nine weeks. You may also visit​ ​www.pbis.org​ for more information.
As part of our PBIS program, Lugoff Elementary has established a
school-wide discipline plan. All faculty and staff members will be using
this school wide plan. There are three school rules:
A – Act Safely
B – Be Responsible
C – Care for Self, Others, and Environment
These rules will be posted in each classrooms and common areas in the
school.
All teachers will use Class DOJO as part of their behavior management
system to help students monitor their behavior. Class DOJO is a computer
based program that allows teachers to reward students for appropriate
behavior. It also allows teachers to communicate behaviors that are
inappropriate and need to be addressed. Parents can receive up to the
40 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook minute information on their child’s behavior throughout the day and can
communicate to teachers about the behaviors. Class DOJO individualized
opportunities for students to achieve their very best. Students receive
points for positive and negative behavior. Each students will have a goal
of 80% daily, weekly and quarterly to show they are following the
schoolwide ABC’s. As part of our PBIS policy, students will be allowed to
participate in a celebration to reward their progress of good behavior.
Students will be rewarded each nine weeks based off of the following
percentages:
*90-100% PBIS Celebration plus a special treat
*80-89% PBIS Celebration
*50-79% Extra Recess
*0-49% Extra Computer time
Every four weeks, student with exceptional behavior of 90% or higher will
receive an additional reward to continue to encourage their behavior.
Students with Level 1-3 office referrals will be given a point loss based on
the level of offense. Referral point loss will impact the nine week
percentages and could hinder a child from attending a PBIS celebration.
Negative points will be used on a daily basis to enforce consequences.
Below is a list of point loss and consequences that will be used this year.
-4 points - The student needs to refocus on the expected behaviors
following reminders. Student will walk one lap at recess.
-5 points - The student needs to relearn the expected behaviors and
make a significant change in his/her behavior. Student will walk 2 laps
at recess.
- 6 points - The students needs additional support after desired
behaviors have been retaught. A parent contact will be made via
phone, text, email, agenda or note home.
- 7 points - (A Parent Communication Form is sent home by the
teacher when a child’s has lost 7 points in a day.)– The student needs
additional support after desired behaviors have been retaught.
-8 points - (Office Discipline Referral) – The student has not
responded to Tier 1 behavior interventions and may receive an office
discipline referral.
41 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Any student with a Level II or Level III offense will be sent to the office
immediately as stated in the Kershaw County School District Discipline
Code.
Students with a processed Office Discipline Referral will be given a written
copy of their referral which contains appropriate consequences for their
infractions. Possible consequences may include loss of activity/event,
lunch detention, recess detention, after school detention, suspension, or
parent visit to the classroom. The referral form will be sent home with the
student; this should be signed by the parent and returned.
As we establish our school wide policy, we depend on your support in
reinforcing this at home. Please discuss this with your child, read the
parent letter about DOJO and return the bottom of this letter to your
child’s teacher.
Awards Assemblies
Academic Assemblies will be held for Grades 1 through 5 for each of the
first 3 Nine Weeks. An Academic Assembly for the 4​th​ Nine Weeks is held
for Grade 5, and is optional for all other grades. Awards for the assembly
will contain:
● Honor Roll
All As Honor Roll
A/B Honor Roll –
● Pupils Achieving Winning Success (PAWS) – students improve at
least one letter grade in at least two subjects with no Ds or Fs or drops
in existing grades
● Perfect Attendance
● Terrific Kids
● Most Improved
● Accelerated Reader
● Related Arts Awards
Additional awards may be added at the discretion of individual teams.
42 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Curriculum and Instruction
Lugoff Elementary School’s curriculum is aligned with the SC College and
Career Ready Standards. To view the standards for each grade level, please
visit ​http://ed.sc.gov​. There is a tab on the lower right-hand side of this page
that will lead you to the English Language Arts and Math Standards.
Reading: ​Our reading series is Harcourt Brace ​Journeys
(​https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com​). This series provides a comprehensive
literacy program including reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar,
and vocabulary instruction to increase reading fluency and comprehension.
As part of this series, each classroom is equipped with leveled reading texts
that allow teachers to differentiate instruction for individual students and
small groups of students with similar needs. We do not depend entirely on
our basal text to teach reading. Our teachers rely on a variety of materials
and strategies to make sure our students receive strong instruction in
reading. ​Your child also has access to this site at home which includes a
copy of the reading book and other supplementary resources to help your
child. Please contact your child’s teacher for his/her login information.
Math:​ ​McGraw-Hill's ​My Math (​www.mhmymath.com​)​ is
our mathematics series written to address the South Carolina College and
Career Ready Standards. It is completely consumable; students are issued
one book that contains everything they need for classwork and homework.
The research-based strategies include personalized vocabulary, 3-D graphic
43 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook organizers (foldables), online games and downloadable apps, along with
student-based examples that apply mathematics​ to real-world situations.
The emphasis is not only on problem-solving, but also on communicating
mathematically. Students learn to think, talk and write mathematically by
following a basic sequence in which they learn, practice, apply and review.
Classworks: ​Today's teachers are faced with the challenge of offering
customized instruction for every student. Classworks is a sophisticated
software system that provides individualized instruction by analyzing
student performance and then prescribing lessons that meet the student’s
specific needs and learning styles. C
​ lassworks provides individualized
instruction in math and reading to bring at-risk students to grade level
proficiency, accelerate learning for mainstream students, and help English
learners build fluency. It offers educators more than 17,000 activities to
customize instruction and increase performance. Your child also has access
to this program at home at
https://manager.classworks.com/kershaw.k12.sc.us/​. Please contact your
child’s teacher for username and password information.
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP): ​These computerized tests are given
to students to determine the skills they have mastered and those they are
ready to learn, as well as to measure academic growth, both throughout the
school year and from year to year. Students in grades 2-5 will take Reading,
Language, and Math tests while kindergarteners and first graders will take
the Reading and Math tests. ​MAP tests are unique because they adapt to suit
your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same
opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing.
With MAP tests, we can administer shorter tests and use less class time while
still receiving detailed, accurate information about your child’s growth​.
Placement of the Students: ​The principal is responsible for the placement
of students in a classroom. After much input from teachers, students are
placed heterogeneously into groups. Children are placed with regard to
each individual student’s needs, a balanced distribution of boys and girls; a
balanced distribution of race, a balanced distribution of varying
socioeconomic backgrounds, and a balance of reading achievement levels.
Concerns about placement for the next school year should be made on
the form on page 15 and submitted to the principal by April 30​th​.
Concerns about current placement should be shared with the principal in a
conference. To set a conference, please call our school’s office.
Enrichment/Related Arts/Special Areas: ​Students in Kindergarten through
Fifth Grade have weekly visits to PE, Art, Music, and Computer Lab. They
also visit the library and have classroom guidance sessions.
44 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook PBIS Refresher Course: ​Because our school uses the Positive Behavior
Interventions and Support (PBIS) model to develop self-discipline while
maintaining an orderly school environment for learning, we teach and
reteach our behavior expectations regularly. Students whose behavior
warrants additional behavior instruction beyond what is provided by
classroom teachers and staff may be required to attend a PBIS Refresher
Course. Dates and times for these courses will be announced.
Guidance: ​Lugoff Elementary School has an excellent guidance program.
Our School Counselor conducts special classroom guidance lessons,
individual counseling sessions, small group sessions, and are available to
meet with families as well. Class sessions include topics on substance abuse,
career education, decision making, school skills, bullying, and self-image
development.
Reading Coach: ​Our reading coach will work closely with teachers and
administrators to ensure student achievement by providing resources,
professional development, mentoring, and one on one assistance to
teachers. She will also model effective instructional strategies by working
weekly with students in whole groups, small groups, or individually.
Reading Interventionist: ​Our Reading interventionist will work
extensively with struggling readers primarily in grades K - 2 in order to
help them improve specific reading skills such as letter-naming, initial
sounds, phoneme segmentation, and comprehension strategies. She will
address the specific needs children by providing intensive instruction either
within or outside the students’ classrooms, as well as work with the teacher
to design methods of learning that are most appropriate for each child. SEAGUL: ​Special Educational Activities Geared for Unique Learning
(SEAGUL) is Kershaw County School District’s gifted and talented program.
The program serves third through eighth grades and provides experiences
which are based on the different developmental needs of the gifted and
talented student. Beginning this year, SEAGUL students will spend a
portion of one day per week of instruction in their special class which will
be located at Lugoff Elementary School. Mr. Edward Rickwood will serve as
their teacher. Gifted and talented students are identified according to state
mandated criteria. Identification is a multi-step process which consists of
referral, screening, and assessment of eligibility. Questions about SEAGUL
should be directed to Dr. Alisa Taylor at 432-8416.
Be Great: ​ We are excited about helping your child grow socially,
educationally, and physically while participating in recreational activities
and educational opportunities offered in a Club atmosphere. The BE
GREAT ACADEMY is the after school program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of
the Midlands and is replacing the PEP program at LES. We have a lineup of
45 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook tested and proven nationally recognized programs that address today's most
pressing youth issues, teaching young people the skills they need to succeed
in life. We offer programs with a purpose in an affordable, safe, fun
environment. Our programs revolve around 5 core areas of focus: •
Character & Leadership - Programs in Character & Leadership
Development empower youth to support and influence their Club and
community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a
positive self-image, participate in the democratic process and respect their
own and others' cultural identities. • Health & Life Skills - Programs in
Health & Life Skills develop young people's capacity to engage in positive
behaviors that nurture their own wellbeing, set personal goals and live
successfully as self-sufficient adults. • Sports, Fitness, & Recreation Programs in Sports, Fitness & Recreation develop fitness, positive use of
leisure time, skills for stress management, appreciation for the environment
and social skills. • Education & Career Development - Programs in
Education & Career Development enable youth to become proficient in
basic educational disciplines, apply learning to everyday situations and
embrace technology to achieve success in a career. • The Arts - Programs in
The Arts enable youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness
through knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts, crafts, performing
arts and creative writing.
LIFE Grant​: A collaboration between the Kershaw County School
District and Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands, the Learning is for
Everyone (LIFE) Project delivers over 500 hours of engaging afterschool
and summer school support to promote the personal and academic success
of identified and invited students in grades 1 - 5. LIFE employs a
customized research based learning model featuring intensive academic
support, innovative enrichment activities, and essential social and
emotional development opportunities woven into a comprehensive
program that addresses the needs of students and families.
Library: ​The library at LES is the best! Our librarian, Mrs. Brewer, is
committed to providing services utilizing the latest technology. Students
enjoy locating resources in the library using our computerized card catalog.
Library skills are taught by our librarian with help from her assistant. Our
library is open from 7:30-3:10 each day, except Mondays due to faculty and
committee meetings. ​Students remaining in the library after 3:10 will be
sent to the late car rider area.
Pupil Personnel Services: ​LES provides the services of a school nurse,
psychologist, ESOL teacher, occupational and physical therapists, and
speech therapist. Through partnerships with outside agencies, we also
provide access to social workers, drug/alcohol counselors, and the services
of law enforcement. Parents and/or teachers may request these services
through the school counselor or administrators.
46 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook School Pictures: ​A photographer will take individual pictures for purchase
each fall and again in the spring. Dates for pictures will be listed in advance
in “Notes and Quotes,” our weekly newsletter. Class group pictures are
taken in the spring. The purchase of picture packages is voluntary;
however, students must return unwanted packages or payment.
All Pro Dad: ​All Pro Dad is on a mission to help men love and lead their
families well, as well as be a hero to their kids. They are a group of people
passionately committed to bringing intentional focus to fathers around the
world. Their message will inspire you to embrace who you are, give you
tenderness of heart, and boldness of character as a dad and husband. They
are consistently here for you to provide guidance and practical tips in
raising your kids in a life giving way. This group of men meets for
breakfast with their children one day per month for a special 30 – 45
minute program. Please check our school calendar for dates. For additional
information, please visit their website at www.allprodad.com.
Important Notices:
Video Cameras
Video cameras can serve a useful purpose when placed in classrooms and
hallways for instructional and safety purposes. Accordingly, video
cameras may be used in any of the classrooms or hallways in the district
at any time. Any individual who enters a classroom or hallway may be
subject to being videotaped.
Release of Directory Information
A federal law, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA),
allows a school district to release “directory information” about students
to individuals who request it. Directory information includes the
student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth,
participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and
height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, diploma or
certificate and awards received, photograph (as related to school/district
sponsored events, activities and special recognitions), grade level, the
most recent and previous schools attended by the student. District
regulations forbid the release of this information to anyone for
commercial purposes.
If for some reason you object to the release of any or all of the
above-referenced information, you must notify your student’s principal
in writing within 15 days of receiving the FERPA form from school. If
you do not submit a written objection, you understand the district will be
47 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook free to release or use directory information on your student as
appropriate, without prior parental consent. Any questions concerning
students’ directory information should be addressed with the principal
of your student’s school.
Asbestos Management Plans Under AHERA
Notice is given to all parent, teacher, and employment organizations of
the School District of Kershaw County that each school in the district has
been inspected for the presence of asbestos containing building materials
and a management plan, as required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency
Response Act (AHERA), has been developed and submitted to the Office
of School Planning and Building at the South Carolina Department of
Education.
The plan for each school will be on file in the school June 9, 1989, and
thereafter, also in the district office. You may inspect the plan at the
school within five working days after submission of a request for
inspection. The school may charge a reasonable amount to cover the
cost of any needed copies.
Notice of Disability
Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special
arrangements to participate in any program sponsored by Lugoff
Elementary School are asked to contact the school at least 24 hours
before an event so that proper arrangements may be made. We value
our community’s support and attendance at our school.
Equal Opportunity
The School District of Kershaw County offers equal opportunities for
admission of students and the employment of personnel. The programs
and activities of the School District are offered equally to all students
without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or
sex. Any inquiries should be directed to Dr. Connie Graham, Assistant
Superintendent of Human Resources.
48 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Programs and Events for 2016 - 2017
Terrific Kids
Our school is filled with terrific kids! Terrific Kids is a character education
program sponsored by the Kiwanis Club organization. Terrific Kids are
students who are:
T​ - Thoughtful
E​ - Enthusiastic
R​- Respectful
R​ - Responsible
I ​- Inclusive
F​ - Friendly
I​ - Inquisitive
C​ – Capable
For the 2016-2017 school year, students will be recognized as a Terrific Kid
by meeting the criteria developed for their grade-level. Teachers will
inform parents and students of the criteria by including it in their
newsletters and posting it on their websites. Students will be recognized at
the awards ceremonies every 9 weeks.
● 1​st ​ time reward- students get a bumper sticker, a pencil, and a
certificate.
● 2​nd​ time reward- students receive a certificate
49 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook ● 3​rd​ time reward- students receive a certificate
● 4​rd​ time reward- students will get a “Perfect Repeater” award to signify
that they have been a “Terrific Kid” all year
Teachers will complete a Google Doc form each 9 weeks to report their
Terrific Kids. This form should be filled out at least ​3 days​ before the
awards ceremony for that grade level. This is to ensure that there is enough
time to complete the certificates and hand out supplies.
LES acCOUNTS of Character
Purpose: To increase positive behaviors in students by recognizing
instances of good character.
Procedure:
1. Character words will be introduced on Lugoff Live each month by a skit
featuring the Count of Character.
Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly,
Inquisitive, Capable
2. Students will be reminded daily of the character word of the month on
LL. Teachers are encouraged to refer to the monthly character word often.
3. Teachers can fill out positive referral forms for students who exhibit a
positive character trait. Forms should be sent weekly, on Thursdays, to
Katey Hancock. Two students per grade level will be recognized and
receive a reward weekly on Lugoff Live. All other referrals will be given
back to students.
50 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Accelerated Reader (AR)
Reading is an integral part of the curriculum at Lugoff Elementary. It is our
desire for students to love to read and to have the skills and strategies
necessary to be successful readers. Accelerated Reader is an online tool
used to engage and motivate students through personalized practice.
The media center is open before and after school in order to allow students
additional time to complete tests. This year, our librarian will host evening
hours so that families may come in to read and complete Accelerated
Reader tests.
Individual Point Goals for AR for the Nine Weeks
Students are given a point goal each nine weeks, based on their individual
reading levels. Each student who meets his/her individual goal and has an
average of 80% or above will receive an award during the grade level awards
celebration.
Grade Level Goals for AR for the Year
Each grade level has a point goal for the entire school year: 1st grade - 50
points; 2nd grade - 55 points; 3rd grade - 60 points, 4th grade - 65 points;
5th grade - 70 points. This represents the number of points a typical
student in that particular grade level should be able to attain. This may
mean that some students must exceed their individual point goal in order to
51 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook reach this grade level goal. Students who meet their yearly goal will be
recognized by the reading committee on Lugoff Live will receive a prize.
Top 100 Celebration
The reading committee hosts a Top 100 Celebration for the 100 students in
grades 1 - 5 who have the most points. A student must maintain an ​80%
average​ on AR tests, as well, in order to be eligible for the party.
Notes and Quotes
Our school newsletter is “Notes and Quotes.” Important dates, special
school events and programs, picture dates, community information,
student work, messages from our principal, safety information, and other
school news is sent home weekly in Friday Folders. Read “Notes & Quotes”
carefully each and every week so that you will remain informed. As a way to
care for our environment, we will send the newsletter home electronically
unless​ you inform us that you prefer paper copies. “Notes and Quotes” is
also posted on our school website.
School and Teacher Websites
The Kershaw County School District has adopted Schoolwires as our means
of communicating with parents via the internet. If you visit our school’s
website at ​http://les.kcsdschools.net​, you will find a link to your teacher’s
webpage also. Please visit this site in order to find information concerning
homework, a monthly school calendar of events, lunch menus,
family-friendly links to helpful websites, and other very important
information. It is our goal to keep you informed.
Friday Folders
Students take “Friday Folders” home at the end of each week. These special
folders contain important information for parents and friends. Friday
Folders contain “Notes and Quotes,” (for those requesting paper copies),
weekly parent updates from teachers, special flyers, graded work, and other
important papers. Parents sign the Friday Folder and return it to school on
Mondays.
Weekly Parent Updates
Our parents are informed of special classroom events and assignments in
each teacher’s Weekly Parent Update. Communication between the
classroom and home is very important, and teachers enjoy keeping our
parents informed of the latest happenings. Weekly Parent Updates are sent
home in Friday Folders. They are also posted at your child’s teacher’s
website – ​http://les.kcsdschools.net​.
Lunch Buddies
Our Lunch Buddies program, which recruits volunteers to come in to have
lunch with our students, is sponsored by our SIC. We match community
52 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook volunteers and parents with students who will benefit from the support of
another caring adult.
Lugoff Live
“Lugoff Live,” our morning television show hosted by 5​th​ graders, showcases
news, lunch menus, and other important school and community
information. Student reporters, class spotlights, and our administrators
keep us entertained and informed. “Lugoff Live” airs at 7:50 each morning.
Accelerated Math
Accelerated Math’s advanced technology helps provide the essential math
practice component to our math curriculum. The classroom proven
software:
● Creates math assignments tailored to each student’s current level
● Automatically scores all math practice, including assignments and
tests
● Provides ongoing feedback on students’ daily practice
● Helps teachers differentiate math instruction, addressing each
student’s individual math needs
● The homework from this program is used for diagnostic purposes so
it is very important that your child completes this homework on
his/her own, regardless if the answers are correct or not. The
computer provides tutorial lessons based on the skills your child
needs assistance with.
Ixl.com:​ ​We will continue using IXL to help reinforce our classroom
curriculum this year. IXL is an online math program with thousands of
interactive practice skills, and each child has a login information for usage
at home as well. On IXL, you will find unlimited, unique questions,
adaptable skill levels, fun awards and detailed parent reports. Please contact
your child’s teacher for his/her username and password.
Volunteers
Lugoff Elementary is proud of the many volunteers who contribute time,
energy, talents, and love to our boys and girls. Volunteers are constantly
assisting our students, teachers, staff, and community in providing the
instruction, support and environment for learning to be at its finest. Please
contact your child’s teacher or our school if you’d like to volunteer.
Remember, all volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application Form
prior to working with students.
Grade Level Productions
Each year, many students are involved in grade level productions. You
won’t want to miss your child’s big production! We will have three grade
level productions again this year (Kindergarten, 2​nd​ and 3​rd​).
53 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Technology
Technology is an integral part of the curriculum here at Lugoff Elementary.
Each classroom is equipped with a Smartboard, laptop, and projector from
the implementation of the District’s K-8 Technology Initiative. We also
have 10 laptop carts each containing 16 laptops and nine Classroom
Performance Systems (CPS) for teachers to use in their classrooms. In
addition, our school has 70 iPads which are used by teachers and students to
enhance and extend learning. This year, each third, fourth, and fifth grade
student will each have a Chromebook or laptop to use daily in class as the
district moves to a 1 to 1 initiative.
Computer Lab
A full-time teaching assistant staffs our computer lab. Lessons are
developed with input from classroom teachers and student National
Educational Technology Standards (NETS). The lab also houses a
black-and-white laser printer and color printer, interactive whiteboard,
projector, and teaching station that is equipped with the software ​LAN
School. This program allows the lab assistant to monitor what each student
is doing or viewing at their individual stations. Programs such as Google
Drive and Microsoft Office Suite and keyboard software are used in the lab.
Digital cameras, the Internet, and computer coding will also be
incorporated into lab activities.
Welcome Back Night/Parent Orientations
Welcome Back Night offers parents and students an opportunity to meet
with their teacher and find their classrooms before the first day of school.
Each grade level also hosts a Parent Orientation Night in order to speak
with parents about homework, ways to help your child have a successful
year, rules and procedures. We encourage you to attend these very
important events.
Special Week Celebrations
Lugoff Elementary celebrates many special weeks. Red Ribbon Week is a
celebration of being drug free. We invite our families and friends for lunch
throughout the school year. American Education Week helps us celebrate
the importance of education. We also enjoy special activities during Fire
Prevention Week with the Lugoff and Camden Fire Departments, Read
Across America, and Staff Appreciation Week. There is always something
special happening in our school!
Special Grade Level Activities
54 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook Our students participate in special activities within grade levels. Lots of
hard work goes into enriching our academic programs. These are just a few
of the great activities that go on in our school!
Kindergarten​: Thanksgiving Feast, Reindeer Day,Egg Hunts, Grinch Day, K
Celebration
First Grade​: Johnny Appleseed Day, Pow Wow Day, Mother’s Day Drop In,
Dr. Seuss Day
Second Grade​: ​ ​Christmas Around the World, 101st Day Celebration, Grade
Level Production, Math Facts Celebration
Third Grade​: Palmetto Pride Day, Grade Level Production, History Day, M
& M Day, 3​rd​ Grade Day, State House Trip
Fourth Grade​: Veterans’ Day, 4​th​ Grade Day, Charleston Trip, SMART
Night, Colonial Day
Fifth Grade​: Veterans’ Day, 5​th​ Grade Celebration, Barrier Island Trip,
Immigration Day, Moving West Day
Crisis Response/School Safety
Lugoff Elementary is dedicated to the safety of our children and staff, and
we have worked diligently to keep our special school safe. We recently
revised our Crisis Response Notebook which is used as a ready reference
manual in the event of a crisis. Safety is a serious subject at Lugoff
Elementary School. We conduct drills throughout the year to help us
prepare for potential crisis situations.
School Improvement Council (SIC)
The Lugoff Elementary School Improvement Council is elected yearly.
Although our council acts in an advisory capacity only, our administrators
work closely with this important group to work toward the betterment of
Lugoff Elementary. SIC meets one Tuesday evening at 5:30 PM eight times
a year. Please check the school calendar for specific meeting dates.
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
The Lugoff Elementary PTO is an active group of parents, teachers, and
community friends who work hard to provide support for our school and
its programs. Our PTO enjoys great support from our school community
and is able to adopt projects that make our school unique. This committee
meets once a month. Please read our newsletter for dates and times.
High School Mentors/Teacher Cadets/ATEC Interns
Students from LEHS and ATEC come to Lugoff Elementary several days a
week and work as mentors for our students. In addition to being good
55 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook listeners and positive role models, they also help with class work and special
projects.
Beta Club
The National Junior Beta Club promotes the ideals of character, service, and
leadership and rewards academic achievements. Fifth Grade students who
scored Exemplary on both the ELA and Math portions of the PASS test in
fourth grade, maintained a B average or better, and have no processed
office referrals are invited to join.
Student Council
The purpose of the Lugoff Elementary School Student Council is to
promote leadership and citizenship, build and encourage friendship across
grade levels, be role models to encourage all students to strive for their
personal best, help promote school spirit and pride, respect all citizens and
groups in our community, and raise money to fund future service activities
within the school and community. Student Council is open to grades 4 and
5.
Project Outreach
Lugoff Elementary is teaching community citizenship by involving students
in community outreach projects. Our children, faculty, and staff raised
over $3500.00 this past year as a part of our Relay for Life Campaign. In
addition to this, our chorus visited several nursing home facilities,
providing them with Christmas and Spring Concerts. We also collected
food in our food drive for community families, made a donation to
Pennies for Patients, and collected much needed items for the Walter M.
Crowe Animal Shelter. It is one of our goals to help students learn the
importance of assisting others.
August – October
October / November
December
April
March – May
United Way Student Campaign
USC / Clemson Food Drive
Chorus Trip to Nursing Homes
Chorus Trip to our Nursing Home Friends
Relay for Life Student Campaign
Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) - What is
School-wide PBIS? One of the foremost advances in school-wide discipline is the emphasis on
school-wide systems of support that include proactive strategies for
defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create
positive school environments. Instead of using a piecemeal approach of
individual behavioral management plans, a continuum of positive behavior
support for all students within a school is implemented in areas including
56 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook the classroom and non-classroom settings (such as hallways, buses, and
restrooms). Positive behavior support is an application of a
behaviorally-based systems approach to enhance the capacity of schools,
families, and communities to design effective environments that improve
the link between research-validated practices and the environments in
which teaching and learning occurs. Attention is focused on creating and
sustaining primary (school-wide), secondary (classroom), and tertiary
(individual) systems of support that improve lifestyle results (personal,
health, social, family, work, recreation) for all children and youth by
making targeted behaviors less effective, efficient, and relevant, and desired
behavior more functional​. Core Principles of PBIS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
We can effectively teach appropriate behavior to all children.​ All
PBIS practices are founded on the assumption and belief that all
children can exhibit appropriate behavior. As a result, it is our
responsibility to identify the contextual setting events and
environmental conditions that enable exhibition of appropriate
behavior. We then must determine the means and systems to provide
those resources.
Intervene early.​ It is best practices to intervene before targeted
behaviors occur. If we intervene before problematic behaviors
escalate, the interventions are much more manageable. Highly
effective universal interventions in the early stages of implementation
which are informed by time sensitive continuous progress
monitoring, enjoy strong empirical support for their effectiveness
with at-risk students.
Use of a multi-tier model of service delivery.​ PBIS uses an efficient,
needs-driven resource deployment system to match behavioral
resources with student need. To achieve high rates of student success
for all students, instruction in the schools must be differentiated in
both nature and intensity. To efficiently differentiate behavioral
instruction for all students. PBIS uses tiered models of service
delivery.
Use research-based, scientifically validated interventions to the
extent available.​ No Child Left Behind requires the use of
scientifically based curricula and interventions. The purpose of this
requirement is to ensure that students are exposed to curriculum and
teaching that has demonstrated effectiveness for the type of student
and the setting. Research-based, scientifically validated interventions
provide our best opportunity at implementing strategies that will be
effective for a large majority of students.
Monitor student progress to inform interventions. ​The only method
to determine if a student is improving is to monitor the student's
progress. The use of assessments that can be collected frequently and
that are sensitive to small changes in student behavior is
57 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook recommended. Determining the effectiveness (or lack of) an
intervention early is important to maximize the impact of that
intervention for the student.
6. Use data to make decisions.​ A data-based decision regarding student
response to the interventions is central to PBIS practices. Decisions in
PBIS practices are based on professional judgment informed directly
by student office discipline referral data and performance data. This
principle requires that ongoing data collection systems are in place
and that resulting data are used to make informed behavioral
intervention planning decisions.
7. Use assessment for three different purposes.​ In PBIS, three types of
assessments are used: 1) screening of data comparison per day per
month for total office discipline referrals, 2) diagnostic determination
of data by time of day, problem behavior, and location and 3)
progress monitoring to determine if the behavioral interventions are
producing the desired effects.
*This and additional information may be found at http://www.pbis.org. Students with 90% of positive behavior or higher may spend their DOJO
points or counts cash every four weeks for prizes on the prize cart or
rewards in classrooms. Students will 80% or higher of positive behavior each
nine weeks will be allowed to attend the PBIS celebrations. A Level 3
processed discipline referral will result in no participation in the next
celebration.
Response to Intervention: What is RTI?
In 2013-2014, the Kershaw County School District adopted a Response to
Intervention model for addressing academic concerns. Like PBIS, RTI uses a
multi-tiered approach that relies on data analysis, research-based interventions,
and progress monitoring. The following information is excerpted from ​Response
to Intervention (RTI): A Primer for Parents, by​ Mary Beth Klotz, PhD​, ​NCSP, and
Andrea Canter, PhD, NCSP. The full article is available on the National
Association of School Psychologists website at
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/factsheets/rtiprimer.aspx​.
Simply, “Response to Intervention” refers to a process that emphasizes how well
students respond to changes in instruction. The essential elements of an RTI
approach are: the provision of scientific, research-based instruction and
interventions in general education; monitoring and measurement of student
progress in response to the instruction and interventions; and use of these
measures of student progress to shape instruction and make educational
decisions. A number of leading national organizations and coalition groups,
including the National Research Center on Learning Disabilities and the 14
58 Lugoff Elementary School: Parent/Student Handbook organizations forming the 2004 Learning Disabilities (LD) Roundtable coalition,
have outlined the core features of an RTI process as follows:
●
High quality, research-based instruction and behavioral support in general
education.
●
Universal (school-wide or district-wide) screening of academics and
behavior in order to determine which students need closer monitoring or
additional interventions.
●
Multiple tiers of increasingly intense scientific, research-based
interventions that are matched to student need.
●
Use of a collaborative approach by school staff for development,
implementation, and monitoring of the intervention process.
●
Continuous monitoring of student progress during the interventions,
using objective information to determine if students are meeting goals.
●
Follow-up measures providing information that the intervention was
implemented as intended and with appropriate consistency.
●
Documentation of parent involvement throughout the process.
●
Documentation that the special education evaluation timelines specified in
IDEA 2004 and in the state regulations are followed unless both the
parents and the school team agree to an extension.
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