Important Phone Numbers
Centennial Elementary School 615-446-0355
Dickson County Board of Education 615-446-7571
Transportation 615-740-5970
Centennial Elementary Nurse 615-446-0355 ext: 89708
Centennial Elementary Daycare 615-740-5821 (6:00-7:00 am, 3:00-6:00 pm)
Centennial Cafeteria 615-446-0355 ext: 88808
Centennial Elementary Fax Number 615-446-8186
Special Education Office 615-446-2085
Important Email addresses:
Erica Logan, Principal elogan@dcstn.org
Jennifer Puckett, Assistant Principal jpuckett@dcstn.org
Susie Garrett, Attendance Secretary sgarrett@dcstn.org
Updated July 2026
August 1, 2026
Dear Students and Families,
Welcome back to school! We hope school is a positive experience for your child and a place where social, emotional, and educational experiences and relationships grow. We want your child to flourish in every way. We have high expectations for ourselves and our students and appreciate your support as we strive to accomplish our goals for this year. Please communicate with us so that we can work together for the success of all.
We will continue to focus on reading, as every child needs to be able to read effectively and efficiently. Students need to be able to read fluently and be proficient readers by the third grade because after that, they are reading to learn. We also continue to encourage students to be here all day, every day. We value exemplary attendance and hope you will, too. Our goal is one or fewer in the first quarter, two or fewer in the second quarter, and five or fewer for the remainder of the year.
This handbook is provided to help answer any questions you may have about our school, policies, and procedures. Our policies and procedures are in place to provide a safe and orderly environment for all students. While academics are of utmost importance at Centennial, your child’s safety supersedes even academics. Please help us by following the guidelines laid out herein and encourage your child/children to follow the rules, policies, and procedures we have established. Please keep this handbook throughout the year to refer to as questions arise.
We appreciate your academic support very much. It is important to help your children at home by reading with them and encouraging them to read on their own. We also appreciate your financial support. Because our one fundraiser is usually so successful, we can keep fundraising to a minimum. We have only one planned again this year. As long as it continues to be successful, we will only have one.
Thank you for all your support. By working together, we will all achieve our goals. Have a great school year!
Sincerely,
Erica Logan
Jennifer Puckett
Erica Logan Jennifer Puckett
Updated July 2026
Purpose
This handbook was prepared to give information about the school to the students and parents of Centennial Elementary
We hope it will help new students adjust quickly and easily to their new environment and prove to be a source of useful information for all.
We always welcome parental involvement and strive to keep you informed of your child’s progress and learning.
At this time, due to space and to keep safety at the forefront, visitors will NOT be permitted in the building unless for a scheduled event or visit.
All VISITORS are REQUIRED to go by the MAIN OFFICE to obtain a VISITOR’S PASS and to CHECK OUT through the office to RETURN the PASS. A PHOTO ID will be REQUIRED.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in school, a student must have proof of immunization and evidence of a physical examination within the past year.
The immunization law specifies the following:
DTP-DTaP-DT-DTP/hib-Td 4 doses, one of which was given on or after the fourth birthday. If age seven or older, three doses are required
Polio (OPV/IPV)
MMR
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis A
4 doses of OPV or IPV If the 3rd dose was given on or after the fourth birthday, the 4th dose is not required However, if a combination of IPV/OPV (2IPV/2OPV) is used, all 4 doses are needed regardless of age.
2 doses must be given on or after the first birthday. A second dose of MMR is required and should be administered at least 30 days following the first dose
2 doses of the varicella vaccine, or a history of chickenpox, are required for entry into kindergarten
3 doses, for entrance into kindergarten
2 doses
Your health provider must sign the immunization form.
If this is your child's initial enrollment in school, some form of satisfactory proof of age must be presented. (birth certificate, etc.)
Kindergarten students must be five years old by August 15 of this year in order to enroll Before a child can enroll in first grade, they must have satisfactorily completed kindergarten.
Updated July 2026
School Day
Opening:
6:00 Daycare opens: You may drop your daycare student off in front of our building at the gym doors. You must walk your child to the door and sign them in. Any student arriving before 7:00 should enroll in the daycare program.
7:00 Buses arrive at our cafeteria doors. All other students may enter through the gym doors. Parents will pull up, and a faculty member or SRO will help them out of the vehicle. Breakfast is also served in the cafeteria starting at 7:10 Students remain seated in the gym until the bell rings at 7:40
7:40 The front doors open for drop-off. Parents may drop off through the car rider drop-off line. Upon entering the building, students will walk to their classroom. Students who are in the gym will also be dismissed to walk to their classroom at this time. Staff is positioned throughout the building to ensure students arrive safely.
8:00 The bell rings to begin our school day. Students who are not in their classroom at this time will be considered tardy. If they are on their way to class, they will be directed back to the office to receive a tardy slip. If you arrive after 8:00, please walk your child into the vestibule and ring the doorbell.
Closing
2:45 Cars may begin to line up for dismissal. Please do not park at the stop signs before 2:45 Walker parents may begin to line up at the back gym door. Please have your pick-up tag visible. Students will not be dismissed without the tag.
2:55 Afternoon announcements begin, and students are dismissed. Early bus riders will be taken to the cafeteria. Car riders and walkers will be taken to the gym. Late buses and daycare will report to their locations at 3:10
3:20 All car riders or walkers must be picked up. Any student left after 3:20 will be sent to daycare, and fees will be charged.
Updated July 2026
Bus Riders:
School Opening: Our doors will open to bus riders at 7:10. Students may choose to have breakfast in the cafeteria or move to the busroom in the gym. Students will dismiss from the busroom at 7:40.
School Closing: The time at which students will leave Centennial is based on their bus route Bus dismissal begins at 3:00. Students will wait in the busroom in the cafeteria until their bus arrives. We do ask that students not talk during this time to ensure that all bus numbers are heard and students do not miss their bus
Car Riders:
School Opening: Our doors open to car riders as early as 7:00. Upon arrival, students may choose to have breakfast in the cafeteria or report to the bus room. Students will dismiss from the busroom at 7:40
The front doors open for drop-off at 7:40. Students may choose to have breakfast or report directly to their classroom.
School Closing: Any adult picking up a child from Centennial must have a car tag each time or report to the office with their ID for a red slip.
Parents may not pull up to the STOP signs before 2:45 At 2:45, the line may pull forward, and names will be collected. PLEASE HAVE YOUR CAR TAG VISIBLE. Cars will pull forward to the next available color, and students will be called out to that color. PLEASE DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE- staff will be present to help students with doors.
Walkers:
School Opening: Students may be walked up to the building in the morning. The gym doors open at 7:00 and the front doors open at 7:40. You may choose to not walk to the door, but you must walk students to the flagpole - students may NOT walk themselves up from the bottom lot.
School Closing: Walkers will be dismissed from the back gym door starting at 3:00. Any adult picking up a child from Centennial must have a car tag each time or report to the office with their ID for a red slip. If walkers are not picked up by 3:10, they will be moved to the car rider line.
Daycare:
Centennial Elementary does provide before and after care for registered children.
Morning hours 6:00 - 7:00 am.
Afternoon hours 3:00 - 6:00 pm. Students must be registered to attend. Further information can be found on the District Website.
Site Director: Suzy Rolman (srolman@dcstn.org)
Please be patient in August as we all adjust to the procedures; anticipate delays. Student safety is always our priority.
Updated July 2026
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance 6.200(T.C.A. 49-6-3001): Attendance is a key factor in student achievement and, therefore, students are expected to be present each day school is in session. The State requires all children ages 6 to 18 to attend school every day The parent/guardian or other person having charge and control of a child must monitor the student’s attendance and is held responsible for the child’s regular school attendance.
We support the District Attendance Motto: Strive for five. The goal is for all students to have fewer than 5 absences within the school year to avoid progressive truancy interventions.
*An acceptable rate of attendance is 90% (no more than 18 school days)
*A great rate of attendance is 95% (no more than 9 school days)
Excused Absences: To excuse an absence, guardians must send a signed and dated guardian or doctor note to school each time your child is absent, tardy, or checks out early.
Students are allowed 5 parent notes per semester. After 5 parent notes, another form of documentation is required (i.e: doctor’s note)
Dickson County Policy outlines the following as excused absences from school:
1. The student's personal illness or hospitalization. If the illness or the hospitalization is to exceed ten (10) consecutive days, the parent/guardian may apply for homebound instruction
2. An illness or incapacitating condition of a family member that requires the temporary help of a student. A physician's statement will be required.
3. A death in the immediate family. The family includes parents, step‐parents, guardians, grandparents, brother, sister, step‐brother/sister, aunt, and uncle. Appropriate documentation may be required.
4. Recognized religious holidays/events.
Parents or guardians are requested to inform the school principal prior to a student being absent from school for religious holidays/events regularly observed by persons of their faith.**
5. Required court appearance. Verification from appropriate authorities must be provided.
6. Other emergency extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student, which may be approved at the discretion of the principal.
7. Students shall be excused for up to ten (10) days per school year, during the deployment cycle, of a parent or guardian in active military service. Students shall be permitted to make up schoolwork missed during the excused absence
We accept five (5) parent notes per semester before additional documentation, such as a doctor’s note, will be required to excuse the absence.
Updated July 2026
Dickson County School Progressive Truancy Interventions:
- After 3 unexcused absences, parents/guardians will receive a notice letter via Skyward.
- After 5 unexcused absences, a meeting will be held with parents and the juvenile court liaison.
Make-up Work (more than one day of absence)
- Please notify the office by 8:30 to make this request.
- You may come after 9:00 but before 2:00 to pick up your child’s work.
- Students will be granted at least the time equal to the number of days missed plus one day to make up missed work or tests Exceptions include work the student had in their possession before the absence.
Tardy Procedure:
A child is counted tardy if they are not in the classroom at 8:00. If a child is in the hallway when the bell rings, they will be instructed to return to the office for a “Tardy Slip”.
If your child arrives after the front doors are closed, please walk them in and ring the bell. Your child will be asked the reason for the tardy; parents may provide a note or send in a doctor’s note
Check Out Procedure:
A child will not be called to the office until the parent is in the building. Any child leaving prior to the afternoon bell will need to be checked out. Please ring the doorbell and answer the questions of the office staff.
3rd Unexcused tardy / check-out: Letter to parent
4th Unexcused tardy / check- out: Second written letter with postscript from the administrator. 5th Unexcused tardy / check- out: Phone call from the administrator
Tardies and check-outs are reported as missed attendance of school hours per state guidelines
* 8 unexcused tardies/check out will result in 1 unexcused absence.
Custody Restrictions
Policy 6.209
The school is interested in the welfare of every student and will seek to protect that welfare in any way possible We realize there are difficult situations in some instances which result in one parent placing custody restrictions on another. If there are custody restrictions, it is the responsibility of the 2 parents to see that the school has a copy of the court order on file. The school must have the court order on file if school personnel are to abide by its restrictions. When you complete and update Skyward enrolment information, please list the people that you grant permission to pick up your child from school. It is your responsibility to notify the front office of any changes in student information and/or custody restrictions.
Updated July 2026
Care of Sick or Injured Students
We have a full-time school nurse on staff at Centennial Elementary. It is very important that information entered into Skyward, as well as the paper enrollment cards, is accurate and up to date. If you ever need to update either, please contact the office for support in that.
Our nurse will help with medical emergencies, sickness, and students with documented medical conditions.
Please understand that students will not be sent to the nurse for every ailment - teachers are prepared with necessary supplies to help with minor concerns. Ultimately, your child’s well-being is always our number one priority
When an illness or emergency does occur, the primary guardian listed in Skyward will be contacted first. If we are unable to reach them, we will continue down the list of approved contacts.
The nurse will use their professional judgment to determine if a parent needs to be contacted or if the student can return to class.
Parents may not be notified each time a student visits the nurse - the nurse will use their discretion in contacting parents All visits will be documented in Skyward If you ever have a question about a nurse visit, feel free to contact the school.
Medication Drop-off Procedure:
The medication must be delivered to the school or nurse’s office in person by the parent or guardian of the student in its original packaging.
The nurse will have a form that must be completed by the guardian. If it is a prescription medication, please be sure that the medication is in its packaging from the pharmacy with the doctor’s orders on the label.
Personnel trained by a registered nurse may administer glucagon in emergencies to a student based on that student’s Individual Health Plan (IHP).
Medication Pick-up Procedure:
At the end of the school year or when a student moves out of the school system, any unused medications left at the school will be disposed of following district policy after two weeks and after attempts to contact the parent or guardian.
Change of Clothes
Please include a seasonally appropriate change of clothing in your child's backpack (all ages). Accidents do happen, and while we do have some supplies on hand, it may be difficult to provide the correct size for all needs.
If we do not have the appropriate sizes, parents will be called to bring items to the school. If a student is provided a change of clothes by the office, please wash those items and return them to school. This helps ensure that all students can be helped if needed.
Updated July 2026
Communicable Diseases
Policy 6.403
It shall be the duty of the school authorities to exclude any child from school who is infected with or suspected of having the following diseases: measles, rubella, mumps, chicken pox, pediculosis (head lice), scabies, and/or other illnesses designated by the local health officer as requiring exclusion. It shall be the responsibility of the principal /designee to notify the parents in the event the child has pediculosis (head lice). A letter will be sent home with the child explaining the condition, requirements for readmission, and deadlines for satisfactory completion of treatment. In order to return to school, a student must be examined by a school health official and found to be free of head lice A student will be expected to have met all board requirements for treatment and be back in school no later than one day following exclusion for head lice. All days in excess of the allowable period will be marked as unexcused and referred to the attendance director at the proper time.
HEALTH SCREENINGS
Dickson County Schools offers health screenings to all students in the appropriate grade levels. Trained school personnel, school nurses, student nurses, and approved volunteers will complete all screenings with strict adherence to the confidentiality of each child and adolescent screened. The following areas may be screened: blood pressure, hearing, vision, dental, height/weight, and scoliosis. If we screen your child and find any deviations from a normal screening, we will contact you concerning this matter. Please note there will be no charge for these services. A parent or guardian may obtain copies of health screen results through the Skyward parent.
ANNUAL INFORMATION REGARDING MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE
Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by the type of bacteria known as meningococcus. These illnesses are often severe and can be deadly. They include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia). These bacteria spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like spit (e g , by living in close quarters, kissing) Doctors treat meningococcal disease with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best defense against meningococcal disease. Meningitis symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. There are often other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, or confusion. Later symptoms of bacterial meningitis can be very serious (seizures or coma). More information regarding meningococcal disease can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website
ANNUAL INFORMATION REGARDING INFLUENZA
Influenza, also known as flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu is different from a cold, and usually comes on suddenly and can last 7-10 days. It is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Symptoms include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, runny or stuffy nose. Flu can also lead to pneumonia and blood infections, and cause diarrhea and seizures in children The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year Flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu-related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. Vaccines are available at your primary care provider’s office or at the local health department. 21 More information regarding influenza can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Updated July 2026
Cell Phone Policy (Updated July 2025)
Policy 6.302
Students may possess wireless communication devices and personal electronic devices while on school property The device must be in off mode and must be kept in a backpack, pocket, or purse, and may not be used during school hours without specific permission from the principal/designee.
Personal wireless communication device and personal electronic device means: any device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two or more parties
These include, but are not limited to: ○ cell phones ○ laptops ○ tablets ○ gaming devices ○ smart watches
First Offense: The phone will be confiscated, parents will be notified, and the phone will be returned to the student with a warning.
Second Offense: The phone will be confiscated, parents will be notified, and must come to the school to pick up
Discipline
Policy 6.313, 6.315, 6.308
Our two school rules are:
1. Follow directions, including keeping your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
2 Be courteous and respectful to all people
At Centennial, we would like to create an environment of self-discipline. We would like for each child to learn to take responsibility for his/her behavior. This can only be accomplished if a child learns that there are consequences for their actions and they must accept those consequences. We put an emphasis on acknowledging the positive behaviors that students exhibit; however, if behaviors become disruptive to the learning environment, students will be asked to exit the classroom and visit the office
Students who have not had an office visit during the quarter will be able to participate in the behavior incentive.
Classroom Rules: Each classroom teacher will have classroom rules and procedures that will be sent home.
In the event a student is sent to the office, Administrators will follow the Elementary Division Discipline Matrix that is included in the back of this handbook
** Administrators have the discretion to assign discipline as warranted.
If a child is sent to the office, a note will be sent home detailing the event and requiring a parent signature Administrators will also try to call parents as well, but please understand that a phone call is not always made. At any time, if you have questions, feel free to call the school.
Recess and Playground Safety
Recess is an important part of the school day for the social and physical growth and well-being of the students. We want all children to have free play each day, and a 40-minute recess period is included in each child’s daily schedule.
If a student’s behavior is disruptive during the school day, they may continue to have their free play, but in a segregated area free from peer interaction.
Students will be expected to follow playground safety rules, which will be reviewed by the teacher. Updated July 2026
DRESS AND GROOMING
Policy 6.310
Safety is a primary concern for all students in Dickson County. We believe that our dress should reflect one ’ s self-dignity and should not be a disturbing influence on either the wearer or observer. Students’ dress should be appropriate, clean, and neat. Proper dress and personal hygiene are essential elements for appropriate personal interaction in everyday life
Accessories:
● All students must remove hats upon entering the building*.
● Sweatbands, bandanas, visors, scarves, combs, nose rings, or any body piercing other than ears are not allowed
● Students should not wear animal ears or tails
● Smartwatches will be treated as an electronic device. If used inappropriately (anything other than simply telling time), the device will be confiscated, and parents will be notified. Students will be asked to remove smartwatches during any state assessment, per state guidelines.
*We do offer a “Hat Day” as a reward occasionally
Clothing:
● Clothing selections must cover the midriff and back as well as be appropriate in length.
● The length of any shorts, dress, or skirt can be no shorter than finger when hands are held by the side.
● Shirt and dress sleeves must be a minimum of 2 inches wide.
● Biking shorts, spandex pants, and fishnet clothing are not acceptable attire for school
● No pajama pants will be allowed *
● Leggings are allowed as long as something is worn over them It must be no shorter than the finger length when hands are held by the side.
● Droopy or sagging pants are UNACCEPTABLE. At no time is it appropriate for any underwear to be shown on either male or female students.
● There are to be no holes in pants above the knee Holes in jeans should not be excessive in size
● No clothing or accessories will be allowed that advertise drugs, alcohol, sex, gang activity, violence (all professional wrestling), tobacco, or any clothing article that promotes disrespectful attitudes or that may cause a distraction for others (such as words/slogans on the back of pants).
We may ask a child to turn the shirt inside out or provide a shirt from the clothes closet if an inappropriate shirt is worn
* We do offer pajama days throughout the school year, but they will be announced and communicated to families ahead of time.
Hair Color
● No hair color that is unnatural, i.e., blue, green, pink, true red, etc., that causes a distraction.*
*Distraction is determined by the teacher
Shoes
● Shoes are required to be worn from the time a student leaves home until they return home.
● Baseball, soccer, and football cleats are not to be worn for the safety of your child.
● “Heelies” are also not allowed.
● Flip-flops are discouraged as the children step on their backs in line, they trip on the stairs, and get mulch under their feet on the playground
● House shoes are not to be worn.
● Your child is required to have appropriate shoes when they are scheduled to have physical education classes.
If inappropriate clothing is worn during the day, parents will be notified Repeat offenses will result in a parent meeting
Updated July 2026
Bringing Items to School
Toys, including balls, pets, extra money, trading cards, magazines, electronic devices, DVDs, and CDs, should not be brought to school unless specifically requested by the teacher
We will not be responsible for lost or stolen electronics or toys. Students are responsible for any personal items brought to school.
CHEWING GUM AND CANDY
Students are not to chew gum or have hard candy during the school day. Please do not send hard candy or gum to your child’s class.
Students are prohibited from selling any items to other students as a fundraising activity.
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY
Policy: 6.311,6.313,6.710
Damaging property (in our building, on school grounds, or the school bus) in any way will be met with suitable punishment, and the student will be expected to reimburse the school for whatever damage was done.
Students may be instructed to clean up damage, i.e., erase marks on walls or wash walls or desks. *Refer to the Elementary Division Discipline Plan.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Policy: 6.411
All students are expected to take the P.E. class twice within 6 days. This participation is in congruence with the TN physical activity law. Any student who cannot participate due to medical reasons should provide a doctor’s excuse to the P.E. teachers.
BREAKFAST/LUNCH PERIOD
Each class will be scheduled for a thirty-minute lunch period.
The first 15 minutes of lunch will be devoted to eating and will be done so quietly. In the last 15 minutes, students will be allowed to talk with those students beside and across from them CAFETERIA RULES:
1. If you are standing, you are SILENT.
2 If you are seated, you may whisper with your immediate tablemates
3. If you need something, you should raise your hand; do not get up after being seated.
4. Food purchased in the cafeteria can not be taken out of the cafeteria. If the cafeteria noise level becomes too loud, monitors may choose to dim the lights, signaling a quiet time.
Due to space and safety, we no longer allow visitors for lunch.
Payments:
You may pay using the online platform (https://www.k12paymentcenter.com). You will need the student ID number.
You may also write a check Make it payable to CENT Food Services - place in envelope with student name
Updated July 2026
Parent School Communication
Conference Dates:
Fall: November 2, 2026 (11:00-7:00)
Spring: March 18, 2027 (4:00-7:00)
Class DOJO: All classroom teachers will utilize Class Dojo as a means of communication with parents.
The school will also utilize ClassDojo to post important announcements, the Sunday Memo, and key community events.
Thrill Share District service: Parents may also receive communication via text message or email from Thrill Share. This will send information to the primary contact number/email listed in Skyward.
Going Home Changes:
If you are changing the way that your child is going home, you must call the office. Teachers will not make changes based on Dojo messages, text messages, or emails.
These calls must be made before 2:30. After 2:30, information is already shared with staff, and the change will become more difficult.
Speaking with the Classroom Teacher:
If you need to schedule a time to speak with the classroom teacher, the best way to do this is via email or Class Dojo. Teachers have availability during their planning periods. Teachers are not required to respond to messages after the conclusion of their workday 3:20. Any messages sent after this time may be responded to the following day. Please be respectful of their family time.
Progress Reports will be sent home each nine weeks as indicated on the District calendar. Report Cards will be sent home each nine weeks as indicated on the District calendar. Grading Scale (grades 3-5)
Updated July 2026
PROVISION OF TEXTBOOKS AND CHROMEBOOKS
Policy 4.401
The Textbook Agreement slip, as well as the Chromebook permission slips, are all completed through our online student portal, Skyward
There is a ONE-TIME $40 fee to enroll in the technology protection plan, which covers any damage to the device while checked out to your student. This fee can be paid online or by check to the school
Students will be financially responsible for any damage occurring to their assigned textbook, Chromebook, or selected library materials. Chromebooks will be taken home nightly by students in grades 2-5 Please strongly consider the Technology Protection Plan that is available
USE OF SCHOOL PHONE
Students who need to use the phone may do so with their teacher’s permission. Students who wish to see if a friend may come home with them will not be allowed to use the phone. These arrangements should be made before coming to school
TITLE I and SPECIAL EDUCATION
Title I is a federally funded education program designed to provide additional resources for students who may have trouble meeting high academic standards in reading and/or math. Each year a committee made up of Centennial teachers, administrators, and parents meets to decide how best to use the Title 1 resources available to the school Title I funds are used at Centennial to provide trained teachers and assistants for one-on-one and small-group assistance, enabling all students to achieve success The Title I staff members do not give grades
Special education provides remedial and enrichment help for children who have been referred, tested, and certified as disabled in an area that qualifies them for the program. Children may receive assistance in many areas: reading, math, spelling, visual and auditory perception, etc. The special education teacher designs and implements an Individual Educational Plan for each identified child Both special programs include short-term and long-term goals and stress individualized instruction The goal of both programs is the same: to help children function more independently and successfully in a regular classroom setting. Cooperation and communication are essential between the classroom teacher and the special education teacher or interventionist. Children in these programs shall not be penalized because they do not have as much time in the classroom as other students They are not required to finish assignments before they leave for their special class or to accomplish any more than their time and ability will allow in the regular classroom Children shall not be disciplined by withholding their remedial or resource time. Special education teachers, along with the regular education teacher, will determine grades for students with an IEP.
RTI – Response to Intervention is a program mandated by the state where all students are to get extra help when needed We address this mandate through a Power Learning Block (PLB) For 45 minutes daily, students are grouped according to need for instruction At this time, students may have a regular education teacher, Title I teacher, a special education teacher, or a teacher assistant. We utilize all available help in order to form smaller groups for intensive, specific instruction.
Updated July 2026
Procedures for Inclement Weather SCHOOLS CLOSED
The Director of Schools (DOS) determines whether or not roads are hazardous before school buses begin routes.
The DOS makes an InTouch phone call, tweets, and notifies the local radio station and TV stations of the decision.
We will do our best to re-share the information via our Class DOJO.
SCHOOLS CLOSING EARLY
The Director of Schools, in consultation with people in all parts of the county, determines that roads are or will be hazardous before regular closing time
The DOS will alert schools and will make an InTouch phone call.
Radio and TV stations also will be notified of the time school will close.
During your Skyward enrollment process yearly, you will outline how your student should go home in the event of an early school closure.
Visitor Pass
For the safety of our staff and students, all exterior doors of our school building will remain closed and locked from 8:00-3:00.
If you need access to the building, please use the front door to access the buzzer located in the vestibule.
Throughout the school year, there will be events that welcome families into the building. Please look for the Google Form to pre-register for that event. This allows us time to run your information through our RAPTOR system before arrival Anytime you are entering the building, please bring your state-issued photo identification.
Withdrawing from School
1. Notify the attendance secretary.
2 Pay all school debts
3. Fill out the withdrawal form.
4. Return Chromebook, charger, and all school textbooks.
Updated July 2026
Updated July 2026
Remote Learning Schedule
If Dickson County Schools transition to a Remote Learning Day throughout the school year, Centennial teachers have come up with the remote schedule below. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher.
FOR YOUR CHILD TO BE COUNTED AS PRESENT FOR SCHOOL, THEY MUST COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENTS AND RETURN THEM TO THEIR TEACHER WHEN WE RETURN TO SCHOOL.
*Please make sure when we return to school, your child brings back all of the supplies that are being sent home with them. (Laptops, chargers, login cards, pencil boxes, crayons, etc.) Thank you!
Kindergarten
9:00-9:30: ELA Google Meet 9:30-10:00 Math Google Meet 12:00-2:00 Office Hours
Third Grade
9:00-11:00 Office Hours
11:00-11:30 Math/Science Google Meet
11:30:12:00 ELA Google Meet
First Grade
8:30-9:00 ELA Google Meet
9:15-9:45 Math Google Meet 10:00-12:00 Office Hours
Fourth Grade
9:00-9:30 Math Google Meet
9:45-10:15 ELA Google Meet 10:30-11:00 Science Google Meet
1:00-3:00 Office Hours
Second Grade
10:00-10:30 ELA Google Meet 10:30-11:00 Math Google Meet 11:00-1:00 Office Hours
Fifth Grade
8:00-8:30 ELA Google Meet 8:30-9:00 Math/Science Google Meet 9:00-11:00 Office Hours
Updated July 2026
Parents' Right to Know
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (you may also hear it referred to as the Every Student Succeeds Act or ESSA) requires that school districts notify parents of all children in all Title I schools of their right to request and receive timely information on the professional qualifications of your child(ren)’s classroom teachers. This notice must be sent at the start of each school year. The notice does not itself contain the teacher information; it simply lets parents know the types of information they may request At a minimum, if parents request it, your child’s school or our district (depending upon the type of information requested) must provide:
● Whether the teacher has met state qualifying and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher is teaching;
● Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;
● The teacher’s college degree major and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, including the field of discipline of the certification or degree; and 27
● Whether the child is provided services by a teacher assistant and, if so, the assistant’s qualifications. In addition, if a child is assigned, or taught by, a teacher who is not “highly qualified” for four or more consecutive weeks, the parent must receive timely notice
These and other communications with parents must be in an understandable and uniform format and to the extent practical, in a language the parents can understand. According to US Department of Education guidance, if there is no other way to provide information, it should be provided verbally.
Updated July 2026
DicksonCountyTestingSchedule
Updated July 2026
2026-2027DATESTOKNOW
Fall Semester Spring Semester
Date
Aug. 3
Aug 13
Aug. 10-18
Sept 7
Sept 8
Sept. 9
Sept 10
Oct 1
Oct 5-16
Oct 23
Oct 26
First day of School (1-5) Jan. 4
Staff Professional Development - No Students
First full day for all of Kindergarten and PEERS Jan 11 Report Cards
Fall Fastbridge and AIMSWEB testing window Jan. 18
Labor Day - No School Feb 8
Staff Professional Development - No Students Feb 15
Progress Reports Mar. 5
Fall Picture Day (everyone has a picture made) Mar 15
Behavior Incentive 1st nine weeks Mar 18
Fall Break Mar 19
DC Homecoming (½ day) Mar 22-26
Staff Professional Development - No Students Apr 1
Oct 27 Report Cards Apr 16
Oct 29
Nov 2
MLK Day - No School
Progress Reports
Presidents Day - No School
Spring Picture Day
Report Cards
Spring PTC (4:00-7:00)
Walk-a-Thon Kick off
Spring Break
Walk A Thon
Walk A Thon Turn in Day
STEM NIGHT Apr 19 Progress Reports
No School: Fall PTC Conferences 11:00-7:00 May 13
CW Graduation
Nov.6 Fall Picture Re-take day May 14 DC Graduation
Nov 16 Progress Reports May 17 Field Day
Nov 25-27 No School: Thanksgiving Break May 18
Field Day
Dec 18 ½ day May 21 5th Grade Awards
Dec. 21- Jan. 1 Winter Break May 24
Updated July 2026
K-4 Awards
Updated July 2026
Updated July 2026
Elementary Student Use of Digital Devices (Grades K–5)
Dickson County Schools believes that face-to-face, teacher-led instruction is the most effective way for elementary students to learn. Technology is used to support instruction when it provides a clear educational benefit and enhances student learning.
Students in grades (1-5) are issued a Chromebook for instructional use. Kindergarten students have access to classroom devices as needed to support learning and instructional activities Instructional technology use includes:
● Personalized learning through i-Ready MyPath as part of the district's mathematics program.
● Supplemental reading support through programs such as Reading Eggs Suite and Achieve3000.
● Reading motivation and independent reading engagement through BookTaco, which encourages students to build positive reading habits and celebrate reading accomplishments.
● Participation in computer lab with activities that support Tennessee Computer Science Standards and the development of digital literacy and technology skills.
● Targeted intervention and support services provided through the district's Response to Intervention (RTI²) framework.
● Completion of skills-based and standards-based classroom assessments.
● Participation in district benchmark assessments, universal screeners, and state-required assessments, including state testing in applicable grade levels.
● Access to teacher-approved digital resources that support Tennessee academic standards and classroom learning goals.
In addition, teachers may utilize district-vetted and approved instructional technology tools to enhance learning, provide practice opportunities, support student engagement, and address individual student needs
Dickson County Schools Elementary Division is committed to using technology purposefully while maintaining direct teacher instruction as the primary mode of learning for elementary students.
¹ Tennessee Public Chapter 808 (Senate Bill 2310), Digital Device Use for Students in Grades K–5
² Dickson County Schools Board Policy 4.215 – Instructional Use of Digital Devices.
³ Dickson County Schools Strategic 5-Year Plan, p 7, Academic Excellence, Items 4–8
Updated July 2026
Updated July 2026
Updated July 2026
