2007-2008 RIVERCREST STUDENT HANDBOOK INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Rivercrest Elementary School.  This year the Rivercrest Redbirds are celebrating our tenth anniversary – 10 Years of Excellence in Education!  We are the Redbirds and our colors are red and gray.  Our mission statement reminds us that Rivercrest Redbirds – Realize Education Depends on Building Intelligent Responsible Decision-makers. Our administration, faculty, and staff are committed to providing a quality education in a safe and positive learning environment for all students. The instructional program provides students with a wide variety of learning opportunities.  We expect our students to be respectful of everyone who is a part of our Rivercrest family and community – administrators, teachers, staff, parents, themselves, others, our school, and community.  Parents and teachers work together as a team to maximize learning opportunities.  Parents support us by getting students to school on time prepared to learn.

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Communication

Effective parent communication is a top priority at our school.  The Rivercrest Elementary agenda book will aid in this communication process and assist our students in becoming better planners, organizers, and managers.  Information about classroom assignments and teacher communication will come home in the agenda book so be sure and check it daily. Each Tuesday parents receive a folder containing student work for the week and communication from your child’s teacher.  In addition, you may visit our school website through the Shelby County Schools website at www.scsk12.org

Your child’s teacher’s website is available through a link to our school website.  Lesson Line is another way to stay informed.  A monthly calendar will be sent home from the principal each month with the menu and happenings for the upcoming month. Parents will receive a Curriculum Overview of curriculum topics and state standards taught to be taught during the Nine Week Period.  A Parent Portal will also be available through PowerSchool for viewing your child’s grades on line.  Information regarding the procedure for using Lesson Line and the Parent Portal of PowerSchool will be sent home. 

Calls and Messages

School telephones are not available for student use  during school hours. Please be sure your child has

lunch  money, homework,  and knows how to get home each day.  Changes in transportation arrangements must be sent by note to the teacher.  We cannot accept transportation changes over the telephone unless it is an emergency.  These emergency changes must be approved by speaking with an administrator prior to 2:30pm.

School Hours

School Hours are 8:00am to 3:00pm.  Students are not supervised on campus until 7:40am and should not arrive until then unless participating in an early morning school sponsored event.  Students enter the building at 7:45am and should go directly to their classrooms unless visiting the bookstore or going to breakfast.  Students going to breakfast may enter the building at 7:40am. After dismissal at 3:00pm students may not re-enter the building.  All teachers’ rooms are locked as teachers are in designated areas supervising students during dismissal.

Opening

Morning Announcements are made at 8:10am.  All students and adults in the building should stop and remain silent for this opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the National Anthem, share in a moment of silence, listen to morning announcements and a thought for the day.  Movement may resume when our morning announcements are completed.

School Supplies

There is a change this year regarding our policy on rolling backpacks.  Only third, fourth, and fifth grade students may have rolling backpacks. No rolling backpacks are allowed on school buses for any students.  Backpacks must fit on the student’s lap when riding the bus.

Students in preschool, kindergarten, first and second grades may bring book bags or regular backpacks to school.  Rolling backpacks are a tripping hazard in hallways and classrooms particularly with younger students. Supply  lists  are  available at registration and on our school website. We offer a limited number of pre-packaged school supplies on Registration Day.  This year the school supply packets are $35 for kindergarten and second grades and $40 for first, third, fourth, and fith grades.  Our school bookstore is open from 

7:45am until 8:00am each morning.  Students may purchase school supplies and spirit items in the bookstore. 

Dress Code (Policy Number 6205)

Shelby County Schools students are expected to dress and appear in a manner that meets reasonable standards

of health, cleanliness, modesty and safety. Articles of clothing and accessories should not create disruptions, call undue attention, or create safety hazards.  Acceptable and unacceptable dress is listed in Shelby County Schools Policy and Procedure #6205.  A copy of the Dress Code is given to all students at registration and is also included in the Shelby County Schools Student Handbook and the Shelby County Schools Policy and Procedures Manual.  This manual is online at the Shelby County Schools website at www.scsk12.org under the School Board Heading.  This policy and procedure will be followed by all teachers at Rivercrest and should be reviewed by both students and parents.

Visitors and Volunteers 

Parents, guardians, and other members of the  community  are  always  welcome at our school. Instructional time will not be interrupted by classroom visits unless scheduled in advance by the teacher and approved by the administration.

In compliance with federal law, all visitors must sign in at the office upon arrival, obtain a visitor’s pass, and sign out when leaving the building. All volunteers should sign in at the office and obtain   a volunteer badge before reporting to duties. Our

PTA records all volunteer hours worked and reports this to our State PTA.  When teachers have a substitute, scheduled volunteers for that day will be canceled. 

Student Check-Out

Students  will  only be released to parents, legal  guardian(s) or other persons  designated and listed on registration information.  Changes in this information should be kept up-to-date and sent to the school office.  All students must be signed out in the office.  ID is required before any child may be checked out of school.  Please avoid checking students out between 2:45 and 3:15 as we prepare and complete our dismissal procedure. 

School Closings

In case of an emergency requiring schools to close early, the superintendent will notify the news media.  All local television and radio stations will be notified of school closings due to inclement weather. Follow instructions reported by the media or go to the Shelby County Schools website www.scsk12.org for information. It is best not to call the school. If school closes early, we will follow inclement weather transportation information provided on registration day on the Transportation

Form/Inclement Weather Form.  Please update this form as needed by sending a note to the teacher.

Parent Conferences

At the beginning of the school year informational meetings are scheduled for each grade level.  At registration the day and time for these meeting will be available.  An Open House and Book Fair have also been scheduled the evening of September 25.  Parent Conferences are scheduled twice per year from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.  Information will come home to schedule a time to meet with teachers on Conference Nights.  In addition to these opportunities, if parents have concerns, they may contact the school office at 373-1373 Ext. 501 to schedule a conference with teachers and/or administrators. Please leave your name, your child’s name, teacher, a telephone number, and brief message.  Your child’s teacher will call for a telephone conference or to confirm a date and time for a conference at school.  Please talk with the teacher first about your concerns and if not resolved, our school administrators will be glad to schedule a conference.

Email communication with your child’s teacher is  also available.  The teacher’s email address is listed on our school website which is linked to the Shelby County website at www.scsk12.org

Lesson Line

Lesson Line is a telephone service provided by 

First Tennessee Bank. Students and parents may 

call Lesson Line for information concerning assignments and other school activities. Specific access numbers will be given to students early in the school year.  Lesson Line may be called at specific times as explained in the brochure sent home. 

Agendas, Take Home Folders and Interim Reports

All students will have agenda books for recording assignments and communicating with teachers and parents.  Parents should review agendas daily with students.  Each week students will bring home folders with work completed from the previous week.  Parents should review this work with children. After the fourth week of each nine week period, interims will be sent home with students to show progress.

PowerSchool Parent Portal

Children’s grades are now available to parents who wish to check their children’s progress on-line. Information, a personal password, procedures for viewing this information will be provided at the beginning of the school year.

Honor Roll and Student Recognition

Principal’s Honor Roll (Grades 2-5):

All A's and E’s in academic areas including music, art, and physical education.  E’s, G’s, and S’s required in conduct.   

Honor Roll (Grades 2-5):

A’s with no more than three B’s and E’s or G’s in music, art, and physical education.  E’s, G’s, and S’s required in conduct.

Citizenship Honor Roll (Grades K-5)

All E’s in conduct.

Redbird Award (Grades K-5)

Each teacher will select one student from each 

class who strives to go above and beyond classroom  expectations.  Award given at the end of the year. 

Perfect Attendance (Grades K-5)

Present every day of school with no tardies or 

check-outs during the school year.

Award given at the end of the school year.

Retention

A number of factors are considered before students are retained.  Some considerations include the following:

current skills level

student performance level

achievement level

student’s age

classroom assessment

number of absences

maturity level

benefits of retention 

previous retention

The final decision regarding retention rests with 

the principal.  Retention considerations will be discussed with the parents and the classroom teacher.  Concerns of parents will be considered and a conference with an administrator may be scheduled before making this most important decision.

Special Programs

Special classes and programs offered at Rivercrest include:

Accelerated Reader

APEX

Art Club

Beta Club

Camp Rivercrest

Career Day

Chess Club

Chorus

Community Service

DARE

Enrichment Opportunities

Environmental Club

Fifth grade activity period

Geography Bee

Hands-On-Science

Jr. Deputy Program

Project C.L.A.S.S.

Redbird Honors Club

Safety Program

School Counseling

Scrabble Club

Special Education Classes

Spelling Bee

STAR Reading

STAR Math

Student Assistance Program

Student Council

Study Island

Summer Enrichment

Summer Remediation

After School Tech Team

ThinkLink Learning

Tutoring Classes

Twenty Four Competition

Make-up Work for Absence

1.Students with excused absences have the number of days absent after returning to make up work missed.

2.Assignments made prior to the absence are due at the predetermined date unless discussed with the teacher.

3.Students who are absent are responsible for completing assignments after returning. 

4.Students with excused absences will be given make-up work after returning to school.

5.Students with excused absences for extended time may request assignments in advance from the classroom teacher.

6.Students with unexcused absences will not be able to make up work missed

Homework

Homework is assigned to reinforce skills and concepts taught during the school day.  Students should have a designated study time, an appropriate place to study, and have a parent check to see that  homework is satisfactorily completed and placed in the backpack to return to school. At the elementary school level, homework should  take  approximately thirty to sixty minutes depending upon the age of the student.

Homework that is completed and returned to school

on time will positively affect students’ grades.

Testing

Third, fourth, and fifth grade students will take the TCAP Achievement Tests, April 14-18.  The fifth grade takes the TCAP Writing Assessment, February 5.

Results of these tests are used to diagnose students’ needs and plan for instruction. Students in grades three, four, and five, take a Think,Link Learning Assessment three times during the school year.  This assessment determines mastery of TN State Performance Standards.  Assessment and evaluation is part of the instructional program and is used to differentiate instruction for students.   Enrichment and remediation are provided for students as needed.  Students in kindergarten, first, and second grades will be assessed in conjunction with the Language Arts and Math benchmark skills.

Textbooks

All student textbooks are provided by the Shelby County  School  System to enhance  the  learning  process.  They are issued to students in first through fifth grades. Textbooks must be properly maintained and returned in good condition at the end of the school year.  Books must be covered when received and remain covered throughout the school year.

A  “Book  Receipt Form” is completed by the teacher

recording details about the condition of each textbook  when it is issued. Any previous damages to the book are recorded on this form so students are not fined for past damage.   Parents should sign and return these forms to school.

At the end of the school year all textbooks are returned.  Fines will be assessed for books which are damaged.  Students must pay for books which are lost.  If fines are not paid or lost books paid for the following may occur.

a.Grades, report cards, certificates of progress, or transcripts may be held.

b.Additional textbooks may not be issued.

Counseling

Rivercrest has two school counselors. Our counselors provide classroom instruction, small group, and individual counseling for students as needed. Referrals for school counseling may be made by teachers or parents.  The school counselor may meet individually with a student once prior to obtaining written permission from the parent or guardian.  Our school counselors work with students experiencing any difficulty which interferes with learning.  They also lead parenting sessions on topics of interest.  Parents may call the school at 373-1373, Ext.225 or Ext.240 to schedule an appointment with the school counselor to discuss issues related to their child’s education.

Attendance and School Records

Information contained in student records is 

recorded in compliance with federal and state laws 

and is confidential. Parents and guardians should contact the school office at 373-1373, Ext. 230 regarding attendance or student records.

Celebrations

Class parties are planned for Thursday, December 20, last day before Winter Break, and Friday, March 14, last day before Spring Break for all classes with the help of the room mother and other volunteers.  Parties are scheduled from 1:30 to 2:30.  Kindergarten, first, second, and third grade students may have other celebrations as determined by the grade level and principal.   End of the year promotional celebrations are planned for kindergarten and fifth grade students. If parents want to celebrate birthdays with cookies or cupcakes at school, these should be served by the parent during the class lunch time in the cafeteria. Pizza or other food items should never be brought to replace the regular lunch served in the cafeteria.  All food items brought to school must be commercially prepared in the original containers.

PTA

The goal of our Rivercrest PTA is to encourage a strong and positive relationship between parents and teachers in order to support our school’s instructional program.  The Rivercrest PTA purchases classroom resources and school equipment, technology, library books, classroom equipment, and workshops for teachers. Recently they have been instrumental in  purchasing playground equipment, expanding our Outdoor Classroom, and updating technology throughout the building.  Our PTA also provides support through volunteers and expressing appreciation of teachers in special ways throughout the  school year. 

All parents, grandparents and friends of our school are encouraged to join PTA and become actively involved.   Our PTA meetings during the 2007-2008 school year will be at 6:30pm on September 11, November 13, February 12, and April 8.  Our PTA Fundraiser will begin August 17 with proceeds supporting our educational program, our Outdoor Classroom, technology purchases, and our playground equipment.  Now that our new wing has been built, we will begin installation of our playground equipment this year.

Field Trips

Field trips are carefully coordinated with the  instructional  program and must have exceptional  educational  value.  Each class will take one field trip

each year.  Parents may volunteer to chaperone and may

ride the bus with students if space is available.  Parents

who volunteer as chaperones will be supervising students so siblings will not be able to attend.  Field Trips are considered part of the instructional program at Rivercrest.

Lost and Found

Items  found in the school building or on the  

grounds should be taken to the cafeteria Lost and Found Box.  Items remaining unclaimed will 

be given to Goodwill at the end of each nine weeks. 

Breakfast and Lunch Program

The Rivercrest Elementary School food service 

staff prepares nutritious, well-balanced meals each  school day.  Students may purchase a complete meal and/or a la carte items not included in the meal.  Money may be sent for deposit to lunch accounts at any time.  Menus are published weekly in the Commercial Appeal and monthly on the back of the  Principals Newsletter.

Food items are currently priced as follows:* 

Student  lunch         $1.75

Student Breakfast  $1.00

Milk                $ .40

Adult lunch        $3.00 (includes tea) 

Adult breakfast   a’ la carte prices

*prices subject to change

Lunch Charges

Money may be sent to school to be applied to your child’s cafeteria account.  Monday is the best day to send money but may be sent anytime. Parents should be sure that students have money in their accounts for breakfast and lunch.  Students will bring home a ticket from the cafeteria when money needs to be sent for their cafeteria account.  Money is not available in cafeteria funds to charge lunches.  Parents will be called to bring lunch money to school for students who do not have lunch money in their accounts.

Physical Education and Recess

It is necessary for your child to participate in 

physical  education and other physical activity in order to maintain health and develop  skills, coordination, and an appreciation for sports and physical activity.  To assure safety, students must wear tennis shoes during physical education classes.  All students will have recess daily.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Illness and Accidents

At registration please complete a medical information form if your child has any chronic health issues.  When students are injured or become ill at school,  parents are notified immediately.  Once  notified,  

parents should arrange for the student to be picked up 

as soon as possible.  The school maintains a clinic 

which is staffed by parent volunteers.   It 

is imperative that the school be provided with  information  regarding emergency  contacts and  procedures.  Any changes in information during the 

year should be reported to the school office.

Child Safety

If there are restrictions concerning who may 

contact or pick up a student, the school should be  notified in writing. Where applicable, copies of 

court orders or other legal documents should be  provided for the school’s files.

Family Life Curriculum

The Family Life Curriculum is taught during the spring.  This curriculum has been approved by the  Shelby County Board of Education and conforms to  guidelines of the Tennessee  Department of  Education.  Parents who would like to review the curriculum may see copies at the Public Library or the Rivercrest School Library.  Contact the school office and a time will be scheduled for your review of the curriculum.  Parents who want their students  excluded  from the Family Life Curriculum should  submit a written request to the principal. 

Medication

If it is necessary for a student to take prescription  medication during school hours, parents must bring the medication to school in its original container and complete an authorization form. Over the counter drugs will not be administered by school personnel.  School personnel are not permitted to administer any kind  of medication without having an authorization form on file. Students are not permitted to bring any medication to  school. 

ATTENDANCE

Academic achievement and success is greatly    dependent upon  regular  school  attendance.   

Tennessee law  requires  that  children of school age attend school.  Each student’s attendance record contains absences and  tardies.  After three unexcused tardies or absences a letter will be  sent  home requesting a conference with the principal to discuss attendance concerns.  If unexcused tardies and absences continue, a report will be sent to the Shelby County Student Services Department for review.  Continued excessive absence and truancy may then be reported to Juvenile Court..  Students returning to school after an absence  must bring a note  from a  parent or guardian  stating the reason for the absence and any other  pertinent information.

Shelby County Schools Policy 6108

Only the following reasons will be considered for  excused absences:

1.Illness of student

2.Death or serious illness within the student’s immediate family.

3.Official representative of school in school-sponsored activity.

4.Special recognized religious holiday regularly celebrated by members of that faith.

5.Legal court attendance not as a result of student misconduct     

6.    Extenuating circumstances created by                   emergencies  over which the student has no         control as approved by the principal.

Note: Verification may be required from a doctor, official or other  source to excuse absences.

Truancy (Policy 6110)

Unauthorized absence from school is considered 

truancy and will be treated as such.  This includes  absence  from  any  class, or activity during the school day for which the student is  scheduled. Continued violations may lead to referral to Juvenile Court for  possible prosecution of violation of the compulsory  attendance law.

Tardiness

The school day begins at 8:00 A.M.  Any student 

who enters school after that time must report to 

the office with a parent or legal guardian to sign 

in and receive an Admit Slip from the office.  Students are considered tardy after 8:05am.

TRANSPORTATION

For the safety of our students all persons driving vehicles on our campus should:

1.refrain from using cell phones while in arrival and dismissal areas on our school campus.  Attention to picking up and dropping off students requires 100% of the driver’s attention.

2.remain in vehicle with engine off while waiting for students to load and unload vehicles.

3.never leave any vehicle with the engine running at any time on our campus.

Plans for transportation of children should be noted on the Transportation Form when registering.  Any changes in these arrangements should be sent to the teacher in writing. Include instructions on this form for Inclement Weather circumstances in which school is dismissed early. Notification of early closure will be on local T.V. and radio stations, and the Shelby County Schools website at  www.scsk12.org Phone lines will be busy with outgoing calls so please do not call the school office for school closing information.

Dismissal Procedure

All students are dismissed from school at 3:00pm.

Teachers are out of their classrooms supervising students leaving campus at this time and classroom doors are locked.    For safety reasons no students should return to classrooms after being dismissed for the day.

Parents may meet students walking off campus. Any parent or guardian walking up to the doorway of the school to meet students must enter the building to sign students out.  Parking is prohibited on the street in front of the school and along the curb in the front parking lot. 

Students should enter and  exit the building at the following locations:

• Daycare/Front Door Walkers-front doors of building

• Special Education buses, vans, cars with front door   passes – front door of building

• Front Door Bike Riders–end door of kindergarten hall

• Back Door Walkers and Bike Riders-back door by gym

• Car Riders-enter through back doors by gym and exit   from gym doors as numbers are called

• Bus Riders – enter at back doors by cafeteria and exit   from cafeteria out hallway doors as bus numbers are    called for loading

Bus Riders

Students who live at least one and one-half miles from the  school are provided bus transportation.  At some 

time during the school year every student  will 

travel on a school bus, if only during a field trip.  

Since the school bus is an extension of the school,  students are to conduct themselves in a manner  consistent  with  rules  concerning safety and  appropriate school behavior. Failure to abide by

the following rules may result in loss of bus riding  privileges.  Bus Rules will be sent home the first day of school for parents to review with students and sign.

Shelby County Schools Bus Riding Rules

DON’T LOSE YOUR RIDING PRIVILEGE!

1.Observe the same conduct as in the classroom.

2.Be courteous, use no profane language.

3.Do not eat or drink on the bus.

4.Keep the bus clean.

5.Cooperate with the driver.

6.Smoking and the use of any tobacco product on  a school bus is prohibited.

7.Do not be destructive of property.

8.Radios, tape players, headphones, etc.  are not  allowed on the school bus.

9.Live animals are not allowed on the school bus.

10.Large band instruments are not allowed on the  school bus.

11.No wheeled backpacks, suitcases, or luggage 

carts are allowed on the bus for safety reasons.                  (Students must be able to hold backpacks on laps.)

12.Stay in your seat.

13.Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus.

14.Bus driver is authorized to assign seats.

Car Riders

Use of cell phones is prohibited by drivers when entering parking lots on campus.

1.Cars form the car lane in the back parking lot.

2.No cars should enter the front parking lot during arrival or dismissal without a handicap tag or front access pass.

3.Unloading begins at 7:45am.

4.Students enter the building by the gym only.

5.Car lane ends at 8:00 and students are considered tardy at 8:05.  After that time students must enter with  a parent through the front door to be admitted to class.

6.Pick up begins at 3:00 pm.

7.  Students will be in the gym until car numbers are               called.  Display your car number on the passenger             side windshield for easy visibility.

Parents in car lane should remain in cars and not call to students to enter the parking lot unsupervised.

Students should be picked up in car lane by 3:15pm  After car lane ends at 3:15 parents should enter through the school’s front door to sign their child  out in the office.   Please make every effort to pick your child up on time or call 373-1373 if an emergency prevents your normal arrival. 

Walkers and Bike Riders

Students who walk are expected to follow rules of safety both on and off the school campus. Crossing guards on Rivercrest, Old Brownsville, and  Guffin assist  students crossing the street in the mornings and afternoons.  Students and parents should practice safety by following directions from the crossing guards and cross only at crosswalks.  Parents should never call to students to cross anywhere other than at crosswalks.  Also, students walking with parents should remain with them and not run ahead where traffic is moving.

Students who ride bicycles to and from school must wear helmets and follow all safety rules or risk suspension of riding privileges.  Bike riders should cross the street with the crossing guard.  Students on bikes should watch closely students and parents walking on sidewalks to and from school.  At no time should bicycles be ridden on the school grounds.  Students  should  walk their  bicycles from the street to the bike rack at the  front or back of the school building.  Skateboards, scooters, motorized vehicles, rollerblades and shoes with wheels are prohibited.

SCHOOL-WIDE DISCIPLINE PLAN

Rivercrest supports a safe and orderly learning environment. Students are expected to follow school rules, be polite, well-behaved, cooperative, and  respectful of themselves and others.   Students are taught responsibility at Rivercrest and the importance of making good decisions regarding learning and behavior.  School rules are reviewed and displayed in classrooms throughout the school.  All disciplinary actions are based on policies adopted by the Shelby County Board of Education.  Disciplinary actions are administered fairly and in a manner that preserves a student’s dignity and self-esteem. 

Noise Levels

Students are taught to use appropriate noise levels throughout the school according to the location and expectations for the activity involved.  Noise Levels are listed below.

0Silence

1Whispering

2Conversational Talking

3Presenting information to a large group

4Outside Play

School Rules

1.Follow directions.  

2.Respect self, others, school, and community.

3.Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.  

4.Follow noise level expectations.

5.   Refrain from chewing gum on campus.

6.   Follow Shelby County Schools Dress Code.

Rewards

1.Conduct grades

2.Special privileges

3.Verbal praise

4.Positive notes or phone calls home

5.Citizenship Recognition

6.Teacher’s Helper/Messenger

7.Office Helper

8.Reading to other classes

9.Recognition for “Doing the Right Thing”

10.Other rewards as determined by teacher/administrators/school counselors

Consequences

Classroom discipline plan followed.

Privileges taken away.

Time Out in classroom.

Time Out in another classroom.

Teacher phone call or conference with parent.

Referral to school counselor.

Disciplinary Referral to Office

Administrator/Teacher/Parent Conference

Development of Behavior Plan

In School or Out of School Suspension

S Team or SAP Referral

Corporal Punishment (Policy 6208)

As part of a progressive discipline plan, corporal punishment is permissible in Shelby County Schools.

Corporal punishment is not used at Rivercrest Elementary.  Parents will be contacted for a school conference when your child’s behavior interferes with the learning or safety of your child or of other children.

Out-of-School Suspension [OSS] (Policy 6209) Students may be suspended, or expelled from the  Shelby County Schools in accordance  with the  regulations prescribed by the Shelby County Board  of Education and the laws of the state of Tennessee  (TCA  49-6-3401).  The principal and assistant principal have the authority to suspend or expel students from school in accordance with Shelby County School Policy.

The infractions of school discipline in the Shelby 

County Schools are listed in categories according to the seriousness of the offense.  These categories are listed in the Shelby County Student Handbook and the Shelby County Policy and Procedures Manual.  This manual is available online under the School Board listing at www.scsk12.org  

The SCS Student Handbook is provided to all students at the beginning of school.  This document should be reviewed carefully by students and parents.

Safe and Drug-free Environment (Policy 6207)

In compliance with federal and state laws, students 

are  prohibited from possessing, using, buying, 

and/or selling drugs, tobacco, and alcohol on school  property or at any school-sponsored activity. Weapons of any sort are prohibited on school property.  Violations will be reported  to the proper law enforcement  authority according to the policies and procedures of Shelby County Schools.  The Shelby County Student Handbook has detailed information regarding disciplinary consequences of student behavior at school.  Please review this information with your child.

Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying (Policy 6408)

All Shelby County Schools strive for a learning environment for students that is free from sexual, racial, ethnic, and religious harassment, intimidation or bullying.  It is a violation of SCS policy for any employee or any student to harass a student through disparaging conduct or communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious in nature.  Guidelines related to this policy are available in the Shelby County Schools Policy and Procedures Manual online at www.scsk12.org

If a student feels that this has occurred, he/she should report the incident to a teacher, assistant, or administrator.  The incident will be investigated by the administration.  After completion of the investigation, if the allegations are substantiated, immediate and appropriate corrective or disciplinary action will be initiated.  A school representative will advise the student making the complaint and his/her parents the findings of the investigation and whether corrective and/or disciplinary action  has occurred. 

Gangs (Policy 6214.1)

Gang activity has not been a problem at our school but SCS is proactive in keeping this issue away from our school campuses.  This SCS policy is very clear in stating the following.  Students are prohibited from engaging in gang-like activities while on school property or at any school sponsored event occurring off school property. A violation of this policy is grounds for suspension up to 180 days and/or expulsion from school.

Personal Possessions

The school assumes no responsibility for personal items brought to school by students. This includes jewelry, money, and other items that are not a  necessary part of the educational process.  Due to the possibility of theft and disruption to  the learning process, beepers, cell phones, radios, CD and tape players, electronic toys, baseball cards, collectable cards, game cards, games, balls, toys, etc. are not to be brought to school.  Teachers may take these items from students and notify parents to pick them up from school.

Shelby  County  Discipline  Code  (Policy 6207) states that possession of beepers, portable phones, and other  electronic communication devices without written  permission of the principal is prohibited.

SCHOOL PRIDE

Each student at Rivercrest should do his or her part to keep  Rivercrest Elementary School looking as clean and  attractive as possible.  Our school grounds, hallways, classrooms, restrooms, and cafeteria  should be clean and neat at all times.   Students should not litter and should keep hands and feet off the walls. Remember we have a gum-free campus so no gum should be anywhere.  Please dispose of litter or gum in trash cans not on sidewalks or school grounds.

Hallways and Restrooms

Students should always remain at Level 0 when in hallways and restrooms so classroom instruction is not disrupted.  Pencils, crayons and other writing materials should not be taken into hallways or restrooms.  Please keeps hands and feet off the walls and do not touch items displayed on walls or tables.  Teachers will supervise students at all times in the hallways and restrooms.

Cafeteria Behavior

The following rules were made to ensure that every  student has the opportunity to enjoy  lunch in a  pleasant, safe environment.  Students will use  both the line and  table to  which they are assigned.

Rivercrest students will follow these rules for making lunch time a pleasant experience.

1.  Enter the cafeteria quietly, without running, at a      Level 0 or 1 Noise Level.

2.  Maintain 0 Noise Level in the Cafeteria Serving      Area and when lining up to leave the cafeteria.

3.  Remain at Noise Levels of 0 or 1 while eating at      lunch tables.

4.  Maintain a quiet level of talk with students sitting      close by, never talking to students further down      the table, at other tables, or  in line.

5.  Remain in seats at all times unless given permission      to get up.

6.  Keep food and eating utensils on plates and never      share food items.

7.  Walk in line when returning trays and trash to the      cafeteria window and while lining up.

8.  Respect our school by keeping tables clean and      picking up items dropped.

9.  Use good  manners in saying please and thank you to      cafeteria workers, adults monitoring the                   cafeteria and to fellow students.

10.  Never use inappropriate language, or make        inappropriate comments to students.

Assemblies and Special Activities

Assemblies and other activities are designed to be  informative and/or entertaining. Attendance at any  Shelby  County  School  function is a privilege,  Students should be on their best  behavior during any  such  event.  The following rules are to be observed:

1. Sit in your assigned area.

2. Refrain from talking during assemblies.

3.Be attentive and courteous to the participants      in the activity.

4.Be hospitable to all guests in our school.

5.Respond to the participants in an appropriate      manner (no booing, stomping, or disrespectful  noises at any time).

6.Leave the activity in a quiet, and orderly  manner.

Thank You !

The administration, faculty, and staff of Rivercrest Elementary appreciate the support of our community, parents, and PTA.  We are going to have a wonderful 2007-2008 school year as our Rivercrest family celebrates 10 Years of Excellence in Education!

Rivercrest Elementary Phone Numbers

Please call the school if you have any questions or concerns.

School Phone Number 373-1373

School Fax Number 373-1380

Extension Numbers Available

The following information or individuals may be reached at these extensions or you may dial zero to reach the front desk.

School Information500

Schedule Conferences501

Marty Redding, Principal222

Portia Tate, Asst. Principal229

Rika Gaylord, Asst. Principal226

Sally Massey, Financial Secty.224

Deborah Poole, Attendance230

Cathi Shankle, Attendance221

Sandra McDurmon, Spec. Ed.228

Bettie Maute, Medical Asst.223

Lauren Pierotti, Sch. Counselor 225

Leslee Graves, Sch Counselor240

Joseph Smith, Plant Manager234

Mitzi Mixon, Cafeteria Mgr.238

Karla Norman, Library235

Gym239

Clinic227

Conference Room231

Teacher’s Lounge237

Assistants232

Y-Care774-9888

371-9902

382-3540