Opening of School
Student/Parent Handbook 24-25
630 Highway 46 South
Dickson, Tennessee 37055
Phone: (615) 446-2435
Fax: (615) 441-4138
Mrs. Hodge, Principal
Mrs. Harris, Assistant Principal
SCHOOL DAY
● 6:00 A.M. Daycare – Enter through playground gym doors.
● 7:10 A.M. Car Riders - Enter through the side loop. Cars should stay in the single lane closest to the building. Bus Riders - Enter through front doors.
● 7:55 A.M. Announcements begin. On Fridays, announcements begin at 7:40 in assembly.
● 8:00 A.M. School officially starts: Students entering class after the bell rings will be asked to present a tardy slip from the office.
Closing of School
● 2:45 P.M. Early check-outs cease.
● 2:55 P.M. Dismissal begins.
● 3:30 P.M. Office closes. Any remaining car riders will be sent to daycare.
● 6:00 P.M. Daycare closes.
Afternoon Car Rider Tips
● Vehicles must stay behind the orange cones until a staff member removes the cones.
● Official current car rider strips must be visible to staff. Please use a pants hanger to hang your car rider tag from your rearview mirror. If you do not have your strip, you will be asked to park and show ID.
● Students are not allowed to enter a vehicle until the car rider strip has been verified, and the whistle has blown. Once the round of students is safely inside their vehicles, then the lines will be released one at a time.
● Do not enter the bus zone.
ATTENDANCE
GOOD ATTENDANCE: Research studies have linked poor attendance with reduced academic outcomes. A good attendance rate would equate to only 1-2 absences per quarter. We will monitor attendance, recognize good attendance, and address poor attendance.
EXCUSED ABSENCES: ≤8 per semester: student illness accompanied by a doctor’s note, death of a close family member, religious observances, required court appearances, visiting with a military parent, or other emergency circumstances deemed excused by the principal
MAKE-UP WORK >1 DAY: Please call the office to request work. Students will be granted an appropriate amount of time for make-up work. Exceptions include pre-announced tests and assignments which will be due upon return.
PARENT NOTES: Absence Notes: Send a note to the teacher each time your child is absent. Parent notes are limited to up to 5 per semester and must be sent within 3 days of the student’s return to school. Any absence over 5 per semester must be accompanied by additional documentation. Any absence over 8 per semester must be excused by a doctor.
CHRONIC ABSENCES: Chronic attendance is defined as missing 10% or more of school days, whether excused or unexcused. Chronic absences occur when a student is absent more than 8 days a semester and/or 16 days in a school year. Families of students who fall into this category will be contacted so that a plan can be created to improve attendance. If needed, the school will help families contact public agencies who can offer assistance.
TRUANCY: Excessive, unexcused absences are known as truancy and will be addressed by the juvenile court liaison. Excessive, unexcused tardies/check-outs will be addressed by student recovery time during recess. Check-outs should occur before 2:45 P.M.
BEHAVIOR
OES offers many supports for students for all three tiers of behavior. Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3
Functional Behavior Assessment
Leader in Me Lessons Classroom
Leadership Roles
Friday Assemblies OES Behavior Expectations
School Newsletter
BEST Meetings Counseling Lessons
Morning Meetings
Bus Referrals: Level I/II Behaviors
● 1st Offense - verbal warning
School-Based
Behavior Plans
School Counselor
Small Group Sessions
Preference Assessment
Check Ins/Outs
Occasional 1:1
School Counselor Sessions
● 2nd Offense - 1 day bus suspension
● 3rd Offense - 2 days bus suspension
● 4th Offense - 3 days bus suspension
● 5th Offense - 4 days bus suspension
● 6th Offense - 1 week bus suspension
Individualized Education Plan
Behavior Intervention Plan
Mental Health
Cooperative
Social Worker
Referral Behavior Coordinator Crisis Plan
Frequent 1:1
School Counselor
Sessions
● 7th Offense - 2 weeks bus suspension
● 8th Offense - removal of bus privileges for the remainder of the school year
Minors: Minors will be given to a student when he/she has consistently disobeyed classroom rules within a school day. The consequence of a minor is lost recess time. Once a student has acquired 3 minors within a 9 weeks, the student will obtain a major. Repeatedly disobeying rules could result in an immediate minor. Each 9 weeks begins a new cycle.
Offense
Inappropriate Language: use of unsuitable words or body language or calling names
Examples Non-Examples
calling another student stupid, saying shut-up, or eye-rolling cursing others
Lying/Cheating: making a false statement or being dishonest to gain academic advantage cheating on tests, copying work, or lying to staff cooperative learning, shared projects, or think-pair-share
Minor Classroom Disruption: interfering with learning environment
Not Following Directions: passive noncompliant acts
Physical Contact: inappropriate touching with hands or feet which did not result in injury
Other Disobeying Rules
talking, tapping objects, noises, blurting out, or getting out of seat continuous interruptions or turning over furniture
not working, off-task, unprepared, or talking back
yelling at staff or leaving classroom without permission
pushing or horseplay hitting or kicking
making faces, property misuse, or inappropriate comments
Breaking objects, bullying, inappropriate gestures, touching or drawings
***Students in grades 3-5 who earn 7 classroom checks in one week will be issued a minor.***
Majors: All majors warrant an office referral. Major consequences will accumulate throughout the school year and do not start over.
Offense
Examples Non-Examples
3 Minors: When a student accumulates 3 minors within a 9 weeks period, a major office referral will be given.
Continued Horseplay repeated hands, feet, or objects on others fighting or assault
Profane Language cursing minor name-calling
Non-Compliance continued verbal or physical refusal minor passive acts
Disruptions
continued or large learning minor disruptions
Minor Vandalism
disruptions
damage to school property of value insignificant damage
Minor Theft theft of property of value insignificant value
Major Defiance/Disrespect yelling at staff, leaving without permission, or refusing to leave minor frustration
Transient Threats
General
frustrated utterances without real intent substantive threats
Progressive
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
1st Offense: 1 hour ISS
2nd Offense: 2 hours ISS
3rd Offense: 4 hours ISS
4th Offense: 1 full day ISS
Administrative Consequences for Majors
3rd – 5th Grades
1st Offense: 2 hours ISS
2nd Offense: 4 hours ISS
3rd Offense: 1 full day ISS
4th Offense: 2 full days ISS
5th Offense: 2 full days ISS & create behavior plan
6th Offense: 1 day of OSS (unexcused)
7th Offense: 2 days of OSS (unexcused)
8th Offense: 3 days OSS (In-lieu of Suspension Possible)
9th Offense: 4 days OSS (In-lieu of Suspension Possible)
10th Offense: OSS pending Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA)
Fighting: 2 actively involved participants
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
1st Offense: 1 full day ISS
2nd Offense: 2 days OSS
3rd – 5th Grades
1st Offense: 3 days OSS
2nd Offense: 5 days OSS
Continued fighting will result in out-of-school suspension and a DHA.
Assault: one-sided attack
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
1st Offense: 2 days OSS
2nd Offense: 4 days OSS
3rd – 5th Grades
1st Offense: 3 days OSS
2nd Offense: 5 days OSS
Continued fighting will result in out-of-school suspension and a DHA.
Use or Possession of Tobacco Products: All instances will be accompanied by a summons to juvenile court.
● 1st Offense - 3 days ISS
● 2nd Offense - 1 day OSS
● 3rd Offense - 5 days OSS
● Additional offenses will result in out-of-school suspension and a DHA.
Zero Tolerance Offenses
● Examples: continued conduct prejudicial to good order, substantial threats, weapons and dangerous instruments, firearms, illegal substances, or aggravated assault
● Consequence: OSS pending DHA
BRINGING ITEMS TO SCHOOL
TOYS: Toys, pets, extra money, trading cards, Pokemon cards, game cards, magazines, electronic devices, DVDs, CDs, and fidget spinners (unless included in individual student plan) should not be brought to school unless specifically requested by the teacher. This includes things that can be used as toys such as calculators. Students are responsible for any personal items brought to school.
COMMUNICATION DEVICES: If cell phones, smart watches, iPads, or any other electronic communication devices are brought to school, the devices must remain turned off and in the student’s backpack. Any visible electronic device will be confiscated and placed in the office until the student’s parent/guardian comes to school to collect it.
CANDY/GUM: Do not send gum or candy with your child to school unless the teacher has requested it. Also, students and individual staff are prohibited from selling any items for profit or fundraising activity.
WATER BOTTLES: In the interest of maintaining a clean environment, only spill-proof water bottles are allowed on campus. This policy aims to minimize accidental spills.
CAFETERIA
RULES: The first 15 minutes of each class’s lunch time will be used for the consumption of nutrients and will be accompanied by quiet. The last 15 minutes will be used for appropriate social interaction. Students are prohibited from selling candy and other merchandise to students. Parents may not bring snacks to serve to the class during lunch time. Please discuss the best time for sharing special treats with your child’s teacher.
PAYMENTS: Place lunch payments in an envelope with your child’s name, number, and amount. Please make checks payable to Oakmont Elementary Food Service
CARE OF SICK OR INJURED PUPILS
NURSE: School nurses take care of students with daily medicines, chronic illnesses, injuries, sickness, and emergency situations. If first aid is necessary, it will be administered. If serious injuries occur, an ambulance will be called to transport a student to a local emergency room.
8 Bs: Teachers send students to the school nurse following the 8Bs protocol. The 8 Bs are as follows: blood, breaks, burns, brain injuries, burning up, barfing, bowels, and other bona fide health concerns.
CLUBS
Each month, students participate in a chosen club. In the past, the following clubs have been offered: Art, Basketball, Board Games, Book, Card Games, Checkers, Coloring, Dance, Drama, Harry Potter, Legos, Meditation, Music, Origami, Pets, Puzzles, Spa, and Yoga.
CUSTODY RESTRICTIONS
The school is interested in the welfare of every child 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 parent to see that the school has a copy of the court order on file. When you complete the enrollment card, please list the people that you give your permission to pick-up your child from school.
DRESS AND GROOMING
SHIRTS: Clothing selections must cover the midriff and back. Tank tops, sun dresses, or shirts with “spaghetti” straps, biking shorts, spandex pants and fishnet clothing are not acceptable attire for school. Sleeveless blouses are allowed as long as they fit under the arms and are at least two inches wide on each shoulder. No clothing or accessories will be allowed which advertise drugs, alcohol, sex, gang activity, violence, tobacco, or any clothing article that promotes disrespectful attitudes or that which may cause a distraction for others.
DRESSES/SKIRTS/SHORTS: Lengths can be no shorter than finger-length when hands are held by side. PANTS: Leggings are allowed as long as something is worn over them of the length allowed above. Clothing should fit properly, not excessively tight or loose.
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 safe-being of our students. “Heelies” are also not allowed. Flip flops are not advised as the children step on their backs in line; they trip and get pebbles under their feet on the playground. Your child is required to have tennis shoes when they are scheduled to have physical education classes.
OTHER
● Remove hats and hoods upon entering the building.
● Sweatbands, bandanas, scarves, combs, nose rings, or any body piercing other than ears are not allowed.
● Sunglasses may not be worn inside the building.
HOMEWORK
● Homework assignments should be completed independently by the student. Teachers will assign homework based on age and ability. Students should read 20 minutes daily.
● If students do not complete homework assignments, they will be asked to complete assignments during recess or activity time. Every multiple of 4 will result in an incomplete homework referral and results in recess lab.
MEDICATIONS
If a child is required to take medication during school hours, specially-trained staff members will assist in selfadministration of the medication. A medication authorization form must be completed for prescription medications. The medication must be delivered to the office or nurse by appointment by the parent of the student. The parent is responsible for informing the designated official of any change in the student’s health or change in medication. The school will not accept opened medication.
PARENT-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
The best way to contact any school staff member is e-mail. If you do not have access to e-mail, please call the school and leave a message for the staff member.
E-MAILs
● Principal mhodge@dcstn.org
● Asst. Principal aharris@dcstn.org
● Attendance Secretary mbrake@dcstn.org
FACEBOOK: Please follow our school @Oakmont Elementary School.
NEWSLETTERS: A weekly classroom newsletter should be sent home each Monday. A monthly school newsletter should be sent home the first Monday of each month.
PROGRESS REPORTS/REPORT CARDS: K-5 students will receive a progress report each mid-nine weeks and a report card each nine weeks.
TWITTER: Please follow us @oes_cougarcubs.
DCBE: Official information from the Dickson County Board of Education will be communicated through InTouch calls/texts and the official DCBE Twitter account @DCS_TN
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All students are expected to take P.E. on a regular basis. A parent note should be sent if a student cannot be active for P.E. or recess for a short time. A doctor's excuse must be provided if a student is unable to participate on a regular basis.
A Chromebook User Guide is available at https://www.dcstn.org/Downloads/chromebook_user_guide.pdf All students must have a completed Technology Protection Plan agreement, an internet usage policy agreement, and a portable device agreement submitted to Dickson County Schools. The protection plan payment is available at http://www.dcstn.org/PortableDeviceAgreement.aspx and outlines the portable technology plan for all of Dickson County Schools.
TRANSPORTATION
If a student will be taking a different route home than usual, please kindly provide a written/electronic message to the teacher. If any changes occur during the school day, please communicate the information to the teacher via direct message. Due to the large number of students and the ongoing operations of the school day, note that office messages cannot be guaranteed as reliable or efficient.
VISITORS
BELONGINGS DROP-OFF: If you would like to drop-off student items, you may use the front entrance vestibule during school hours. Please ring the bell to alert us to items.
COMMUNICATION WITH STAFF: All guests desiring to meet with staff will be required to have an appointment. You may email the staff member or call the office to schedule an appointment.
PROCEDURES: All guests will be screened, and appointments will be confirmed via intercom prior to entering the building. Guests allowed entry must provide proof of identification through the Raptor Visitor Management System. Our school reserves the right to deny entrance to guests.
VISITOR’S PASS: All guests must clearly display their visitor’s pass during the entire visit and should only be in areas where their appointments are scheduled. At the end of the visit, guests should sign-out in the main office.
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 sate qualifying and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher is teacher;
● 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
● 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.
Signature Page for Student Handbook
Review the 2024-2025 OES Student Handbook before signing this page.
My student and I have reviewed the Oakmont Elementary School Student Handbook for the 2024-2025 school year and are aware of the information and procedures it contains.
Student Name (print)
Signature of Student Date
Signature of Parent Date
Please sign and return this to your student’s homeroom teacher.