E. P. Ward
Elementary
Handbook
WELCOME TO WARD ELEMENTARY!
Dear Parents and Students,
Learning is an exciting lifelong endeavor, and at E. P. Ward
Elementary we are proud to continually strive to create positive education
experiences. On behalf of the faculty and staff at E. P. Ward Elementary,
it is our pleasure to welcome you. This school handbook is intended as an
introduction to our programs, policies, and procedures. Each student also receives
a district handbook, which provides a detailed explanation of policies set by
our school board. Thank you for being part of our Ward Elementary family:
we look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Terra Greer, Principal
MISSION STATEMENT
Fleming County School District
The mission of Fleming County Schools is to unite with family and
community to provide an equitable, high quality education that meets the needs
of each student in a caring and safe learning environment, which will ensure
that students become successful throughout life.
E. P. Ward Elementary
It is the mission of Ersil P. Ward Elementary School to provide leadership and
guidance, promote research-based instruction in all content areas, and to
prepare all students to become productive members of society.
FLEMING COUNTY SCHOOLS...WHERE KIDS ARE
FIRST AND LEARNING NEVER ENDS!
SCHOOL HOURS
During normal operation, the school day begins at 7:40 a.m. and ends at 3:30
p.m. Students who arrive at school prior to 7:40 a.m. should go directly
to the new gymnasium. Students who arrive early that attend middle
school or high school should go directly to the cafeteria. Students who
arrive to school late should check-in at the office. Students who are
pick-ups should go directly to the new gymnasium when called to do so at the end
of the day. Parents dropping off or picking up students should do so at
the rear of the building following the correct flow of traffic entering school
grounds.
VISITORS
For the safety and security of our students, visitors are required to present
themselves at the office upon arrival to our school. In the office,
visitors must sign in and will receive a visitor's badge. Upon departure,
visitors are asked to return to the office to sign out. Parents are
welcome, and encouraged to visit Ward Elementary.
KINDERGARTEN
Ward Elementary offers a full-day kindergarten. the school entrance age
policy set by the Fleming County Board of Education requires that children
entering kindergarten must be five years of age on or before October 1.
All students entering Ward Elementary for the first time must present a
certified birth certificate and an up-to-date immunization record.
ORIENTATION
Each summer an orientation is scheduled for children who will be entering Ward
Elementary for the first time. This provides an introduction for children
and parents to the school and school staff. It also provides enrollment
information, which is helpful for planning the following school year.
ATTENDANCE
Regular and punctual attendance is essential for optimum growth and development
of students. (See the District Handbook for a detailed description of our
attendance policy.) Please note: students are allowed eight absences or
tardies with parent notes prior to being considered truant.
ATTENDANCE AWARDS
At the end of each grading period, Ward Elementary recognizes students who have
made the effort to attend school each day. Yearly recognition is given to
those who have not missed a day all year.
NURSE
The school nurse is at Ward one-half day each week. During this time, she
is available to provide assistance to students who may be sick or injured.
We do have staff that are trained in CPR and procedures for handling medical
situations or emergencies available at all times.
HOMEWORK
Homework is a teacher-planned learning activity, which takes place largely
outside of the student's regular school hours. It should reinforce
classroom learning and expand on a student's school experience. Homework
is considered an important part of the instructional program. Parents are
encouraged to set aside a regular time each evening to discuss any papers their
child may have brought home from school and to talk with their child about the
day's events. Although homework may not be assigned each night, time
should be spent reading, writing, studying math facts, reviewing for tests,
etc. Teachers may offer specific suggestions for evening activities.
Whenever students are absent, parents may request that homework be sent with a
sibling, relative, or neighbor. Requests for homework assignments should
be made in the morning. Parents are asked to make requests early in the
school day as time may not allow for materials to be organized to send
home. (Visit our HOMEWORK POLICY page for more details.)
GRADING
Report cards are issued every nine weeks to show student progress. Grade
indicate skill in a subject. The following letter grade system is
used: A - 100-90, B - 89-80, C - 79-70, D - 69-60, F - 59-and below.
Reports will contain narrative information as well. Parents will also
receive mid-term reports. Parents should monitor student progress by
examining work brought home and frequent discussions with your child.
HONOR ROLL
Outstanding academic work is recognized through an honor roll system.
Students are selected for honor roll each grading period. To be placed on
the honor roll, students in grades 1-6 must receive A's and B's.
Kindergarten students are recognized for having S and S+.
SPEECH THERAPY
Ward Elementary has a speech therapist that works with students who are enrolled
in speech or language therapy. The speech therapist is here two days per
week. Referrals can be made by teachers or parents at any time during the
school year. Parents who would like their childe referred for a speech
evaluation may contact the speech therapist, their child's teacher, or the
office. Students enrolled in speech have an individual plan, which is
created by the speech therapist and parents. all decisions about placement
or programming are made with parent's consent.
SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES
In striving to meet the educational needs of all students, Ward Elementary
recognizes that some students are in need of extra assistance to help them reach
their fullest educational potential. Teacher who believe that a child
could benefit from special education services may contact parents to gain their
input about pursuing an education evaluation for special services. Parents
also may request that their child be evaluated for special services.
Parents are involved
CAFETERIA
Ward Elementary offers students breakfast and lunch. Parents will receive
a lunch form on the first day of school. Parents may apply for free or
reduced lunch prices. A computer-coded card for each child is used for the
accounting of lunches and breakfasts eaten. Money to be used for meals is
placed in the card account. As money runs out, students and parents are
given notice to replenish the account.
CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher conferences are encouraged. If the teacher feels a
conference is necessary, the school will contact the parent. If for any
reason a parent wishes a conference with the teacher, the parent should contact
the school to make an appointment.
DRILLS
Emergency drills are conducted periodically according to state
regulations. Teacher will review designated safety routes with their
students. Emergency evacuation routes and procedures are posted in each
room.
CLOSING OF SCHOOL
During the school year, the school may have to cancel classes before the
scheduled dismissal time because of weather conditions or other unforeseen
reasons. If weather conditions or other factors force the closing of
school you may check with local radio and television stations for
announcements. (See the school calendar for a detailed list of
stations.) Students need to know where they should go in case of early
dismissal. A form will be sent home for you to indicate where your child
should go. Please discuss this with your child prior to the beginning of
school.
FUNDRAISING
The PTA will sponsor several fundraisers throughout the year. School-wide
participation is encouraged. The money raised will pay for supplies,
supplemental education opportunities, and additional school programs.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Education is a cooperative effort in which teachers and students are brought
together for learning to take place. An environment which permits order
and efficiency must be provided. One of our goals is to instill a sense of
self-discipline in students so that individuals do not allow themselves to
infringe upon the rights of others as they seek an expression of their
own. The responsibility for development and maintenance of this
self-discipline falls to the combined effort of students, parents, teachers,
administrators, and the community that has established the value system we
accept. The Fleming County School Board has established policies (see
district handbook or website for further details).
Students are required to behave properly, respecting others and property.
This includes traveling to and from school. Respect for all school
employees and fellow students is expected. Consequences for failure to
follow school rules may include loss of school privileges, in or out-of-school
suspension, and notification of parents. Each classroom teacher has
established rules and procedures. Students realize that failure to follow
classroom rules will result in consequences.
CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Ward Elementary is working to incorporate character education traits into the
daily routines in classrooms and the school. These traits are posted
throughout the building, are incorporated into daily lessons, and supported by
the Ameri-Corp worker once a month with lessons on the identified trait for that
month. Individual students from each class are recognized on a monthly
basis, based on teacher recommendation for the trait of the month. Ward
Elementary believes that by encouraging students to embrace the characteristics
they will develop into prosperous individuals. The traits are as follows:
respect, responsibility, fairness, kindness, self-discipline, good judgment,
citizenship, honesty, and perseverance.
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
Ward Elementary's Family Resource Center provided assistance to students and
families who are in need of a variety of services. The FRC schedules
several activities throughout the school year to provide assistance to parents
and encourage family involvement. Each year a Back to School Gala is held
to help parents with school supplies, clothing, and general information
regarding their services.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION
Parents are invited to join Ward Elementary in supporting students through
active membership in the Ward Elementary Parent Teacher Association.
Education is a team effort, and we are proud to work with parents through the
PTA.
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
Ward Elementary is home to the only outdoor classroom in Fleming County.
It covers several acres and is located directly behind our school.
Classrooms at Ward and various schools around the area utilize this area to
enhance their instruction. It provides an excellent opportunity for hands
on learning in all areas of the curriculum.