Mission, Beliefs,
and Vision

Parent Involvement

The School Day

School Uniform

School Meals

Government Acts / Policies

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McEver's Mission, Beliefs, and Vision

 

Our Mission:

Teaching
Everyone
At
McEver

Our Beliefs:

• We believe in the importance, worth, and dignity of all individuals.
• We believe that high expectations must be established and clearly communicated.
• We believe that teamwork and open communication are keys in improving the quality of learning.
• We believe that a positive, non-threatening, and nurturing environment is conducive to learning.
• We believe that it is the right and responsibility of every individual to be a productive member of our school community and our society.
• We believe that the active learner is a lifelong learner.

Our Vision:

• We envision McEver Elementary to be a culturally rich community where world change begins.

• We envision McEver Elementary to be a solid foundation; one that prepares our students to meet the demands of a technologically driven global society by challenging them in the areas of academics, physical fitness, and good character.

• We envision McEver Elementary to be a platform for the recognition of outstanding student achievement, regardless of the arena.

Parent Involvement

Be a McEver Volunteer: Make a difference, get involved, and be part of the T.E.A.M!

We encourage all parents to get involved at McEver.  Parent involvement is key to the success of your child.  Adults in the McEver community contribute hundreds of hours of volunteer services that add immeasurably to the quality of our school.  Our PTO officers and teachers will welcome your offer to be involved.  If you have any talents or skills and time to volunteer, we are interested in hearing from you.  We especially need adults interested in listening to children read, playing games, and helping our teachers during the school day.  All volunteers are asked to sign in at the front office and must wear a volunteer badge when in the school.

Help Your Child Succeed in School

Parents play an important role in helping their child succeed in school by taking an active interest in the student’s school experiences and helping the child develop self-confidence.

• Show an interest in your child’s schoolwork and homework.
• Make only positive comments about your child’s school, program, and teacher in front of your child.
• Set aside a special time for your child to do homework. Provide a quiet place and proper tools.
• Assist with homework when necessary, but do not do it for your child.
• Avoid comparing one child with another…we are all unique individuals with different learning styles and rates.
• Build confidence and self-esteem in your child through praise and encouragement.
• Share the insights you have about your child with the teacher at parent/teacher conferences. This will help the teacher better understand your student.

Communication

Regular communication with parents includes teacher letters, parent conferences, PTO Meetings, homework information, folders, Agendas, and newsletters. Lunch menus, PTO information, and news about upcoming events will be broadcast. The school website can be accessed through www.hallco.org under elementary schools. Quick news on that site will provide you with the latest information about upcoming events. Please arrange for a Parent Conference with your child’s teacher during the first semester of the school year.  It will help the teacher to meet your child’s needs.      

Parent Conferences

Conferences are an effective way of communication between parents and the school.  Teachers and administrators are available for conferences before 7:30 a.m. and after 2:30 p.m.  Please arrange conferences by phone or note to assure that all school personnel needed for the conference can be in attendance. 

Report Cards and Progress Reports

Report cards are sent home at the end of the 45-day/ 9-week grade period.  Progress reports are issued at the middle of each nine-week grading period.  Parents are encouraged to discuss these reports with their children and to call the teacher with questions and concerns. 

The School Day For Students

• School hours are from 7:45 a.m. until 2:20 p.m. Children can enter the building at 7:15 a.m. and go to the cafeteria where they will be appropriately supervised until the school day begins at 7:30 a.m.  No child should arrive before 7:15 a.m. or left unsupervised.
• Students must be in their seats ready to start the instructional day at 7:45 a.m.  If a child is tardy to school, then a parent must come into the office to sign-in the child. Repeated tardiness will require a conference with the principal and may result in being converted to an absence.
• Car riders are dismissed at 2:20 p.m. and should be picked up promptly.  Children who are not picked up by 2:30 p.m. will be sent to the YMCA After School Program at a cost of $8.00 per day. There will be no exceptions.
• You must sign your child in and out through the office.

School Policies

In order to affect a better understanding of certain phases of the school program, a statement of school policies is published from time to time. Policies may change as the need arises. When all persons abide by the policies, there are few misunderstandings and more efficiency in the smooth operation of the school. Often little things contribute much to the harmony and well being of all concerned in school operations. Please assist in carrying out these policies.

These policies are in accordance with and in addition to the Code of Conduct and Discipline procedures of the Hall County Board of Education. Please review these policies carefully with your child.

Attendance

1. The school year includes 180 days of instruction. Students are expected to be in attendance each day that school is in session except for approved absences.
   • Legal tardiness or absences are identified in Georgia law and Hall County policy as the following:
   • The child is ill.
   • There is a death in the child’s immediate family.
   • The child is observing a religious holiday.
   • The child is a Page in the Georgia General Assembly.
   • Weather conditions prevent the child’s attendance.
   • The child has a pre-arranged medical appointment. 
     
2. Upon return to school after each absence, parents must send a note explaining the reason for the absence otherwise the absence from school is considered UNEXCUSED. 
3. Students will be provided an opportunity to make up work missed due to excused absences.
4. Parents will be contacted by phone or letter when their child misses school. Letters are sent automatically after 5 and 10 absences.  If a student misses over 10 days, the parent must make arrangements for a conference with the principal or designee to discuss ways to improve attendance.
5. Disregard for attendance warnings will be turned over to the Social Worker for possible court action.
6. Any student arriving after or departing before 11:15a.m. will be counted absent.  Being late to school or checking out early should be avoided because it interrupts the school day.

Emergency School Closings

In emergency situations such as snow or ice, lack of heat or power, etc, the school may close early. The official radio station for school closing is WDUN-AM (550). If bad weather conditions are expected, keep your radio on for information about school closings.

Transportation Information

Students must behave appropriately on the school bus so that the bus driver can safely drive the bus.  It is critically important that each adult and each child clearly understand that unsafe bus behavior can result in a loss of bus transportation.  Please refer to the pamphlet “School Bus Guide” for information concerning riding the bus. Parents are asked to carefully review the procedures with their children. If your child needs to ride a different bus or go home with another child or adult, please send a note to the school with your instructions.  Questions relating to transportation can be answered by calling the Transportation Department at (770) 287-0942.

Visitors and Deliveries

Parents are invited and encouraged to visit the school. Please make the office your first stop when you visit to sign in and receive a visitor’s badge.  All visitors in the building must be identified with a visitor’s badge.  In order to limit class interruptions and for school safety, parents are asked to make arrangements with the teacher and principal in advance when visiting the classroom.  Children who are not enrolled in McEver Elementary are not allowed to attend school as a visitor with a McEver student. Deliveries of flowers or balloons are not permitted for students.

Telephone

Messages to students during the school day should be of an emergency nature only. Please do not ask that a student be called to the telephone. Emergency messages will be delivered to the child.  We ask that children leave home in the morning knowing where to go and how to get there at the end of the day.  Parents must send a signed and dated note if a child is to go home in a way different than is usual.  If you must change dismissal plans for you child, please call the office before 1:45 p.m. If you need to contact a teacher, teachers are available to come to the phone between the hours of 7:15-7:30 and 2:15-3:15 or leave messages on the voice mail system. Students are not allowed to bring cell phones to school. 

Homework

Homework is needed to reinforce the skills taught in the classroom, to nurture responsibility, and to help develop self-confidence. Supplementary reading in language arts and practice work in mathematics are extremely valuable. All students are required to read a minimum of 20 minutes each night and to complete math drill exercises.  Upon completion of these exercises, we ask parents to sign-off each night. Learning involves work and commitment to succeed!

Parties

Two authorized parties are approved for all grades...one prior to the winter holiday break and one for Valentine’s Day. Refreshments may be provided for the class to honor a student’s birthday.   
 

School Uniforms

McEver Elementary students are required to wear uniforms as outlined in the Uniform Dress Code, approved by the Hall County Board of Education and voted on by the McEver PTO for the next two school years.  This uniform dress code will be required for all students.

The uniforms consist of the following:

TOPS- COLORS
RED, BLACK, WHITE, NAVY OR GRAY

• short sleeved collared “polo” shirt (3 button)
• long or short sleeved oxford shirt
• long or short sleeved collared ”polo” shirt (3 button)
• solid long sleeved sweatshirt
• solid long sleeved fleece pullover
• McEver spirit wear to include t-shirts and sweatshirts with McEver logo

BOTTOMS –COLORS
KHAKI, NAVY, OR BLACK
(twill fabrics; no denim)

• shorts (no more than 2 inches above the knee)
• long pants
• skorts and skirts (no more than 2 inches above the knee)
• capri length pants
• solid colored jumpers

FOOTWEAR
Students must wear safe and appropriate shoes for school activities (no flip flops, open back shoes or high heels); flat bottomed, rubber soled shoes (tennis, athletic shoes; sneakers, etc.) required for P. E.

School Breakfast and Lunch Program

The school serves breakfast and a hot lunch each day for all students. If a child qualifies for free or reduced price lunches, they also qualify for free or reduced price for breakfast as well.  Students who bring their lunches may purchase milk. Please do not send soft drinks to school. Commercial lunches may not be consumed in the lunchroom area.   A child must eat a lunch before having the extra fruit drinks, chips, and ice cream that can also be purchased on a daily basis.   The following are the prices for meals:

Student Rates
Breakfast - $ . 85
Reduced breakfast   $  .30                   
Lunch -  $1.40
Reduced lunch - $  .40
Milk - $  .40

Visitor/Teacher Rates
Breakfast - $1.30
Lunch - $2.50

We encourage students to pay for lunches on Monday of each week.

Parents, grandparents, family, and friends are invited to eat with us anytime. Please notify us by 8:30 a.m. on the day you will be coming.

Student Rules

The student will be expected to abide by the following rules:

• ALWAYS RESPECT YOURSELF, OTHERS, and SCHOOL PROPERTY
• ALWAYS KEEP HANDS, FEET, AND OTHER OBJECTS TO SELF
• ALWAYS BE HONEST AND TRUSTWORTHY
• ALWAYS USE YOUR MANNERS AND APPROPORIATE LANGUAGE
• ALWAYS WALK INSIDE THE SCHOOL
• ALWAYS COME TO SCHOOL READY TO LEARN
• ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct and Discipline Procedures adopted by the Hall County Board of Education is strictly enforced at McEver Elementary School.  All students receive a copy of the code at the beginning of the school year.  Parents should carefully review the Code of Conduct with their children.  The Code of Conduct provides and supports a nurturing learning environment, which will enable learners to meet high expectations.  Parents are required to sign a statement verifying they have reviewed the Code of Conduct with their children.

Schoolwide Discipline Plan

McEver will be implementing a schoolwide discipline plan for the 2007-08 school year.  This plan sets expectations of appropriate student behavior in the classroom, lunchroom, playground, bus, specials, and everywhere on the McEver campus.  Appropriate behavior in school makes for a safe learning environment. We expect students to follow the school rules from the time they get to the bus stop or dropped off at school until they are back in their parent’s care at the end of the day. 

The teachers will set up a classroom behavior management plan that provides visual reminders (rules/consequences posted) and rewards for our expectations for student behavior.  This plan will consist  of the rules for creating a safe, productive, and caring learning environment in the classroom.  When children disrupt in the classroom or violate school rules, the teacher will address the situation with the child, and depending upon the frequency or degree of infraction, the teacher might contact parent and/or may involve the administration to handle the situation.  The discipline plan will be progressive depending on the age of the child and the violation to include loss of recess or special activities, detention, silent lunch, in-school suspension, or out of school suspensions.    Working together will make a difference for our children.  

Students are expected to know and be able to do:

• Act respectfully in the classroom, hallways, lunchroom, playground, on the bus, and at specials. 
• Use quiet voices and walk in the hallways and lunchroom.
• Use appropriate language.  NO profane or vulgar language allowed. The student who uses offensive language will be required to call their parents to repeat what has been said.
• Wear appropriate school uniform daily.
• Treat others the way you want to be treated.  NO fighting, pushing, shoving, hitting, pinching, etc. Bullying or making threats of any kind will not be tolerated. Students will be subject to suspension and/or referral to a hearing tribunal by the principal for continuous violation of this rule.
• Take responsibility for your actions.  NO throwing of objects, food, rocks, sticks, etc.
• Bring only what you need for learning to school.  NO personal toys, radios, cameras, record players, and electronic equipment of any kind at school or on the bus. The school will not be responsible for any loss or damage of personal items brought to the school. Special assignments may be made by the teacher concerning these items.
• Treat property with respect.  NO vandalism, lost or damage to school property.  Such damages must be paid for by the student causing the damage.
• Know the actions that are against the law and  will not be tolerated.  NO smoking or other use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages and/or any other illegal or restricted substances.  NO knives, guns, fireworks, or any other weapons of any description are allowed on campus in accordance with state law.  Students will be subject to suspension, referral to law enforcement, and/or possible referral to hearing tribunal by the principal for violation of these laws.

Health and Safety

Medication Control

All medication brought to school for administration at school must be in the original pharmaceutical container, clearly labeled with the student’s name, name of medication, appropriate dosage, and the time for each dose. Parents are required to complete a Medication Permission Form for any medication administered at school.  If the above procedures are not followed, the medication will not be administered.

Immunization / Communicable Diseases

All new students to the Hall County School System must present an immunization certificate and a copy of student’s birth certificate before entry. Parents are responsible for maintaining adequate immunization. Parents should immediately report the health status of their child to the school if a physician diagnoses a communicable disease.

Accidents and Sudden Illness

• Children who become ill or injured during school hours will be sent to the school nurse.
• Parents will be notified, whenever possible, if their child is seriously injured or becomes ill at school. Such instances must be reported to the office. All telephone calls will be made by the teacher, secretary, principal, or school nurse. Emergency numbers are required for each child’s records and it is the responsibility of the parent to update all numbers throughout the school year by contacting the school nurse.
• Children who have a fever should not be sent to school.
• Any student who is allergic to bee stings or has any known allergies should have the allergy noted on his/her school records. Parents must notify Teachers of this information.

All medications will be administered in the nurse’s office according to medical control regulations.

Pediculosis  

Head lice are an unpleasant reality of elementary schools.  We will do all we possibly can to curtail the spread from child to child.  The school nurse will check the scalp of a child who requests that we do so or of a child who is constantly scratching.  If head lice are found in your child’s hair, you will be called.  If head lice are found on the head of a classmate, you will be sent written notification.  Children sent home with pediculosis must have proof of treatment and be “nit free” in order to return to school.  

Emergency Procedures

The Hall County School System publishes a “Safe Schools” handbook outlining procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.  All schools are required to have and emergency management plan.  Staff members are trained and procedures are reviewed frequently.  The handbook and the emergency management plan are available for review in the principal’s office.  Monthly fire drills and periodic tornado drills are held.  In the event of a real emergency, all precautions will be taken to give your child the best protection possible.  Children will be closely supervised in a safe area. 

At the beginning of the school year, you will be asked to complete an emergency school closing form.  This will outline for the teacher how your child should get home if school were to close early due to bad weather, etc.  Please review these procedures frequently with your child and update the form if changes occur.  Keep in mind the After School Program would not be open if school closes due to an emergency. 

Asbestos Management Plan

The Hall County School System AHERA Management Plan is available for public inspection upon request at the Hall County School System Board of Education Office, 711 Green Street, Gainesville, Georgia.  This notification is provided to fulfill the requirement of section 763.93(4) of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, 40 CFR Part 763, October 30, 1987.  This plan will be available for public inspection at the schools and at the Superintendent’s office.  It contains the following information:

• Location, amounts and type of asbestos-contained materials in all schools and support buildings.
• Response actions to the asbestos-contained materials, selected by the Hall County Schools.
• Plans for re-inspection, periodic surveillance and operation and maintenance programs.
• Public notification procedures.

Anyone interested in reviewing this plan should contact the Hall County School System at 770-534-1080.

 

School Services and Programs

Insurance

As a service to the students, the Hall County Board of Education offers a student insurance package through an independent company. Payment and claims are made directly to the company.

Lost and Found

Please make sure your child’s name is on each item of clothing that could be lost at school. Unclaimed articles found at school are brought to the office and centrally located pending claim by the proper owner. Students who have lost articles are encouraged to check lost and found.  At the end of the year, all unclaimed items are donated to charity.

School Media Center

The media center is open to all students during the entire school day. Students are encouraged to use the media center each day for learning centers, reading programs, computer programs, research, study, or leisure reading. Students entering the media center must have a pass/library card or permission from the classroom teacher. No fines will be charged for overdue books, but students are encouraged to return books on time. Lost or damaged books are assessed by the media specialist, and the replacement or repair cost must be paid before other books may be checked out. Visit the media center manual for more information.

YMCA After School Program

We build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

The YMCA provides the after school program for students at McEver from 2:20-6:00 PM. This program is designed to help your child develop physically, socially, and emotionally in a safe and secure environment.  Activities included: snacks, supervised homework time, skill classes, arts & humanities, science & discovery, games, and arts & crafts.  The staff consists of experienced and qualified individuals.  Parents pay on a sliding scale depending on their income. Payment is required in advance.   To enroll your child in the After School Program, stop by the office and fill out a registration form or call Hall County YMCA at 770-287-YMCA. Afterschool is really cool!

  

Programs by SONIC

This year SONIC is sponsoring the student recognition program. McEver students are recognized each nine weeks for perfect attendance (no tardies) and all A’s on the report card.  At the end of each school year, students in grades 3-5 who have maintained perfect attendance and all A’s will be recognized at our Achievement Celebration.  Students displaying outstanding citizenship are recognized as STAR citizens at McEver. 

Student Recognition Programs

McEver students are recognized each nine weeks for perfect attendance (no tardies) and all A’s on the report card.  At the end of each school year, students in grades 3-5 who have maintained perfect attendance and all A’s will be recognized at our Achievement Celebration.  Students displaying outstanding citizenship are recognized on our OUTSTANDING CHARACTER board.  Each year we have a STUDENT CELEBRATION honoring the accomplishments of our students! 

Student Leadership Opportunities

The following activities and organizations are opportunities for students to develop leadership skills:  Student Council for students in grades 3-5, television program broadcasted daily (5th grade), School Store (3rd), Uniform Consignment Shop, Playground Project, Junior Achievement (1st grade), and Student Safety Patrol (5th grade) students.  Students in the 5th grade also participate in 4-H and the A.D.V.A.N.C.E. Program sponsored by the Hall County Sheriff’s Department.   

Guidance and Counseling Program

McEver Elementary provides counseling services for all students. The counselor serves students through a variety of activities including classroom guidance and social /conflict resolution skills. Small groups are conducted throughout the year on specific topics such as study or friendship skills, changing family situations, or stress management. Short-term individual counseling is also available to address a child’s specific needs. Feel free to contact the office if we can be of service to you.

Gifted Program

The Hall County School System is committed to the belief that every student (K-12) has a right to receive an education based on individual needs. The student identified as gifted receives instruction based on a differentiated curriculum consisting of courses of study in which the content, the teaching strategies, and expectations of student mastery are appropriately modified.

Referrals of students for consideration for the gifted  program may be made by the classroom teacher, special area teacher, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, student peers, or by the student himself/herself. A student will automatically be referred for consideration if he/she scores at, or above, the 90th percentile in Total Reading or Total Math on a nationally normed achievement test if the score is within two calendar years. The identification process includes evaluation in ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation.  For more information about the gifted program, please call the school office.

Partners in Education

McEver Elementary School has many businesses in our community that have established a partnership with our school.  These businesses provide volunteer time, services, and all kinds of support to our faculty and students.  They include:  Year One, Sportsworx,  Emanuel Landscaping,  The Oaks Mini-Golf, Gainesville Bowling Center, Sonic, Chick-Fil-A, El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, Longstreet Café, Food Lion, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, J & J Foods, Green Willow Pediatrics, Watkins Chiropractic, Hayes Chrysler, Mason/Ward  Funeral Home, The Soccer Post, and SKF.  Please show your appreciation by supporting these businesses.  

If you are interested in becoming a partner with McEver, please contact the school office.

Government Acts

No Child Left Behind Act

In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statute the Hall County School District informs parents that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your child’s teacher(s). 
This includes information concerning the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher is certified, the major fields and degrees held by the teacher, and the qualifications of any paraprofessional who provides services to your child. 
The following information may be requested:

• whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
• whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived;
• the college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher;
• whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.

If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher, please contact the principal.

We are committed to continually seeking to improve instruction for our students.  We encourage you to get to know your child’s teacher and the class routines and expectations.  We are proud of the professional credentials of our teaching staff and will furnish to you, upon request, the professional qualifications of your child’s teacher. 

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Notice to Parent/Guardians and Eligible Students of Rights Under F.E.R.P.A.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's educational records. They are:
1.  The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the Hall County School System receives a request for access.
Schools are not required to provide copies of materials in education records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to inspect the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
Parents or eligible students may ask the Hall County School System to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy or other rights.

If the School System decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the System will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record commenting on the contested information in the record.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student before releasing information from a student's record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose records, without consent, to the following parties:

• School employees who have a need to know;
• Other schools which a student is transferring;
• Certain government officials in order to carry out lawful functions;
• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
• Organizations conducting certain studies for the school;
• Accrediting organizations;
• Individuals who have obtained court orders or subpoenas;
• Persons who need to know in case of health and safety emergencies; and State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuit to Georgia law.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed of the Hall County School System as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or other support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement until personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the System has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, or such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the System discloses, and forwards if necessary, education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4. The right to disclose, without consent, "directory" type information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance.

Parents or eligible students may request, in writing, that the Hall County School System not disclose directory information about them. They should make this request annually by September 30th.

5.  The right to file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint under 20 C.F.R. 99.64 concerning alleged failures by the Hall County School System to comply with  requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act  or the regulations promulgated there under.

The Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605